Adult (13-64): $20
Teen (13-17): $20
Senior (65+): $18
Child (5-12): $13
Children Under 5: Free
Members: Free
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Your Old World Adventure Awaits
Experience the stories of those who left old worlds behind for a new life in Wisconsin. Voted A Top Place to Take Your Kids in the Milwaukee area, Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre interactive history and nature park dedicated toshowcasing the lives of American immigrants and migrants in authentic, detailed beauty. Step into the shoes of a late 1800s blacksmith, homesteader, general store owner,gardener or villager as you try your hand at Old World cooking, crafts, trades,chores and games made for children and grown-ups alike.
Lend a hand in the Crossroads Village forge, meet heritage breed livestock, pull roots in the farm garden, clean, comb and dye wool, knead bread and prepare pie crusts for baking, try on a pair of 1800s wooden shoes, ride vintage high-wheel tricycles and sample historic beer from the brewhouse as you immerse yourself in cultures both old and new. Learn about heritage breed animals and ongoing conservation efforts to protect and preserve them, take a stroll through three unique areas of Old World Wisconsin, purchase Time Travel Tokens and redeem them for gifts and treats—the choice is yours!
Set against a backdrop of woodlands, prairies and wetlands in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Old World Wisconsin offers a trove of historical and educational experiences for those interested in rediscovering their ancestral history. As you journey from the pioneering 1840s to the challenges of the 1910s, costumed staff will invite you to participate in hands-on history activities that illuminate the fascinating lives of those who came before. This is where the past comes alive!
Old World Wisconsin includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores and workshops. Each region features a distinct set of stories that invite you to experience the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. From the 1840s to the 1940s, you’ll find a true panorama of early Wisconsin history, covering more than 70 years and many cultures, including African American, Danish, Finnish, Hessian, Irish, Norwegian, Polish, Pomeranian and Yankee.
Old World Wisconsin first opened in 1976. Researchers traveled throughout Wisconsin in search of historic buildings crafted by the first generation of Wisconsin immigrants and migrants. From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, and from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, historians documented countless historic farmhouses, outbuildings and small-town structures. Once research was complete, the meticulous construction of Old World Wisconsin began. Piece by piece, workers carefully dismantled historic structures from around the state and reconstructed them in their new home.
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Old World Wisconsin grounds remain open rain or shine. Programs are subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.
Old World Wisconsin is located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The site features gravel roads, rough and hilly terrain, and encompasses over 400 acres of publicly accessible woodlands. Our staff recommends dressing in layers and choosing sturdy footwear. Motorized trams make scheduled stops around the site throughout the day and rides are included with admission.
Onsite vehicle parking is available for FREE at Old World Wisconsin. The parking lot can accommodate large vehicles, RVs, and buses.
Admission is valid for a single day, and guests may exit and re-enter during the day of their visit.
Modern restrooms, changing rooms, and water fountains are available on site.
No pets are allowed.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. Guests usingwheelchairs and electric scooters are eligible for complimentary admission. Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 262-594-6301 or[email protected].
