Old World Wisconsin Field Trips
Travel Through Time and the Stories of America’s Heartland
Experience the world of Wisconsin’s early immigrants at Old World Wisconsin. Step into the daily lives of the people who called this world home as you help with chores and cooking, try your hand at crafts and trades, and play – yes, even the grown-ups! Lend a hand in the blacksmith shop, say hi to the farm animals, look at veggies in the gardens, dye and spin wool, knead bread, collect chicken eggs, try on wooden shoes, and ride high-wheel tricycles. This is where history comes alive!
Programs are designed for students in grades K-5. All programs must include a 1:10 adult to student ratio.
- Field trips available April–June & September–November
- 10am to 3pm
Know before you go!
Old World Wisconsin field trips take place in indoor and outdoor settings. Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle. Please let Old World Wisconsin staff know at least one week before your visit of any requested accommodations. Contact owwschooltours@wisconsinhistory.org with any questions.
Classic Field Trips
Customize your field trip by choosing from a menu of 1-hour program options at Old World Wisconsin! Schools may sign up for as many programs as fit in their day. Lunch and shopping breaks may be scheduled as needed.
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm
Registration fees:
- $7 per program per student
- $5 per program per student economically disadvantaged schools
- $0 per teacher or school staff
- $16 per chaperone over 1:10 adult to student ratio
Available programs (1 hour each):
- Pioneer Power
- Simple machines made farm life easier. Discover what 19th century “STEM” was like by exploring simple machine models, farm machinery, and everyday household objects.
- Historic Pastimes
- Not every moment was dedicated to work – there was lots of fun too! Learn about leisure by joining a club, going for a bike ride, and putting on a play.
- Global Kitchen
- From the busy General Store to a bustling kitchen, students will explore world connections, economics and kitchen science.
- Apprenticeship
- Step back in time to learn about the role of apprentices in historic trades. We’ll learn about the science and economics of the trades and discover which apprenticeship is right for them: wheelwright, blacksmith, or cobbler.
- School Days
- Learn firsthand how a one-room school education taught children not only their English ABCs, but also how to be an American as you participate in a class and outdoor recess. Then walk home to a one-room cabin to see how school affected home. Please note: This program takes place at the Norwegian area of OWW. Schools must take their own transportation to a different gate in order to participate in this program.
- Settling In
- Why did people pack a single trunk and travel months to make Wisconsin a new home? Students learn the answer to this question as they pack an immigrant trunk, try traditional activities such as carding wool, and learn about adapting to farming in Wisconsin at an animal encounter. Please note: This program takes place at the Norwegian area of OWW. Schools must take their own transportation to a different gate in order to participate in this program.
Make Your Adventure!
Explore the grounds and buildings of Old World Wisconsin! Visit Crossroads Village, the Scandinavian Homesteads, and Life on the Farm with your school group.
Add-on programming may be available during your visit.
Registration fees:
- $10 per program per student
- $7 per program per student economically disadvantaged schools
- $0 per teacher per 10 students
- $16 per chaperone over 1:10 adult to student ratio
Homeschool Days at Old World Wisconsin
Homeschools and students in non-traditional settings have the full site to themselves to explore the trails, gardens, and select historic buildings. Facilitators in period clothing will be available to lead educational activities and make connections to our lives today. Activities are geared towards students age 5 to 18, though guests of all ages are invited to come along.
Friday, September 26 & Friday, October 3 | 10am to 3pm
Homeschool consortiums should book their experience using the Make Your Adventure program in the spring.
Registration fees:
- $10 per student
- $16 per adult
- $0 children under 5
Making the Journey – Program in your Classroom
Explore an immigration story through the objects of a family's immigrant trunk. Reflecting the stories of our site and beyond, staff from Old World Wisconsin lead hands-on exploration while we step into the shoes of one family who came to call Wisconsin home.
Program is available to groups in Waukesha, Jefferson, and Walworth counties. Groups in Dodge, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, and Dane counties may be accommodated as well depending on staff availability.
January 2 – April 15 | Mondays – Friday.
Registration fees:
- $115 per class/presentation
- $100 per class/presentation for economically disadvantaged schools
Teen Volunteer Apprentice Program
Step into history this summer through our Teen Volunteer Apprentice program! This is a summer long, college-prep program that through which teens learn traditional skills, explore history, and gain experience working with the public. This program is application-only and open to 14 to 17 year olds.
For more information and to apply, please email Chelsea.TegelsMeyris@wisconsinhistory.org.
Accessibility at Old World Wisconsin FAQ
- Is Old World Wisconsin wheelchair accessible?
- Because Old World Wisconsin simulates the rural environment of the 1800s and early 1900s, some historic spaces have limited accessibility. With advance notice, we are able to make more buildings accessible with ramps and staff assistance. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or could use mobility assistance of any kind, please let us know before your program so that we can set up accommodations in advance.
- Do you have quiet/calm down spaces?
- Our programs take place throughout OWW’s 600 acres of nature and historic buildings, giving us ample space for you or your students to take a break. Staff throughout the site are able to offer the best place, indoor or outdoor, for you, depending on the location.
- Do you have a private space for me or a student to use?
- We have private spaces throughout the site, depending on when and where you or a student need one. Most of our buildings are locked when not in use, so if you know the schedule of when someone in your group needs a private space, and what they need in that space (outlet, microwave, bathroom, etc) please let us know in advance so we can find the best space based off your group’s schedule.