Campers experience 19^th-century ways of life and learn old-world skills in authentic surroundings

EAGLE, Wis. – Registration is now open for day camp experiences taking place at Old World Wisconsin this summer. Campers will enter into a 19^th-century world where farm animals dot the landscape alongside historic buildings, just like stepping into the pages of the “Little House” series. 

History Explorers Summer Camp

June 19-22, July 10-13 and Aug. 14-17, 2024 |10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $250 per camper

In this immersive four-day experience designed just for teens, campers will peek into the life of a 19th-century trades apprentice as they join in activities throughout the grounds. Campers will receive behind-the-scenes tours of spaces usually off-limits for the public including the Old World Wisconsin animal barn, period clothing collections and more while assisting with activities like blacksmithing, cooking, textiles processing, cobbling and more—all while dressed in historic period clothing. For ages 13-18. Advance registration required. Click here to register now!

Little House Adventure Summer Camp

June 27, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $65 per camper

Why settle for reading the “Little House” books to your children when you can show them what 1800s life in the American Midwest really looked like? Treat them to an authentic, unforgettable experience at Old World Wisconsin as they explore a meadow-side log cabin, browse sweet treats and souvenirs at the Crossroads Village General Store and participate in hands-on lessons in a one-room schoolhouse. Throughout the day children will play interactive games with staff dressed in period clothing, meet livestock and other farm animals, help tend plants and flowers in the garden and more—just like Laura and Almanzo did. For ages 6-9. Advance registration required. Click here to register now!

Little House Family Adventure Summer Camp

July 21 and Aug. 4, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $30 per camper

Everyone who reads the famous “Little House” books wants to share a quaint adventure inside the Ingalls home—now, your entire family can experience the scenic beauty and history of 19th-century life in person. Explore a log cabin, general store and one-room schoolhouse on Old World Wisconsin grounds. Activities include participating in gardening, crafts and historic games while taking in the sights and sounds of early American life. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration required. Click here to register today!

Maker’s Summer Camp

June 28, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $65 per camper

This one-of-a-kind camp allows kids to enter a 19th-century makerspace and create take-home souvenirs they're sure to treasure. Campers will have fun developing their inner craftsman at Old World Wisconsin as they learn from expert tradespersons about working with metal, leather, wool and other materials. During this unique, one-day trip to historical workshops and farms, campers will learn how 1800s laborers, artists and merchants constructed valuable tools and textiles while using the same processes to forge mementos of their own. For ages 9-12. Advance registration required. Click here to register today!

Society members receive a 10% discount on summer camp registration.

Click here to access the Old World Wisconsin photo gallery.

About Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Rated as one of the top attractions to take kids in the Milwaukee area, Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre regional history attraction that features interactive environments and immersive stories of 19th-and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. The museum offers guests family-friendly, hands-on activities as they visit a crossroads village and eight working farmsteads, explore heirloom gardens, experience beer brewing traditions, meet heritage animal breeds and try historic crafts and skills. Old World Wisconsin is located on Highway 67 just south of Eagle, Wisconsin, within daytrip distance of Milwaukee, Chicago and Madison. For more information and a list of upcoming events visit oldworldwisconsin.org or call (262) 594-6301. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission to this site during regular operating hours.