There’s Something Fishy Going On at Old World Wisconsin

Celebrating its 50th year, the living history attraction invites guests to check out its NEW Fish Fry at the recently renovated Clausing Café

EAGLE, Wis. -- Looking for a new destination to enjoy a Wisconsin Fish Fry? Head to Old World Wisconsin’s “Friday Night Fish Fry and Biergarten Nights” this year to indulge in this Friday night tradition amid the scenic beauty of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

With the recent renovation of the Clausing Café – located in the lower level of the historic 1897 octagonal barn – now complete, guests once again have a designated dining area to enjoy a meal at the 600-acre living history attraction. What’s even better is additional dining choices – both inside and outside – including the covered Biergarten and the historic Wittnebel’s Tavern. These three venues, including the Brewhouse experience, create a vibrant entertainment section at Old World Wisconsin.

Old World Wisconsin fish fry will be available for purchase from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday nights only during May and September. From June through August, fish fry will be available on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-piece cod meal is available baked or fried served with coleslaw, roasted Yukon gold or baked potato with sour cream, rye bread, tartar sauce and a lemon wedge.

On other days, the menu -- created by Food and Beverage Director Ingrid Rockwell--will feature a rotating selection of homemade specialties inspired by classic Wisconsin fare and historic recipes. Dishes will change regularly and may include mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, fried cheese curds, brats and burgers, alongside traditional immigrant specialties like Zwiebelkuchen – a savory German, quiche-like pie with a caraway crust, caramelized onions and bacon.

Wittnebel’s Tavern, with its authentic 1930s décor, features Kettle Brau, its signature brew created exclusively by Mequon’s Fox Town Brewing for Old World Wisconsin. Other beverages on tap include Two Red Barns from Duesterbeck’s Brewery in Elkhorn. Classic Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioneds and Old World Wisconsin root beer is also served.

“Friday Night Fish Fry and Biergarten Nights” will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, and Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. The general admission experience will not be open for this event in May and September. During June, July and August, the Clausing Café will serve the fish fry (priced at $14.95 per person) on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No admission fee is required for guests arriving after 3 p.m. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Construction note: Highway 67 around Old World Wisconsin will be undergoing roadwork in spring and summer 2026. We will remain open during our regular operating hours. To visit, you will need to drive through the construction zones – don’t take the detour! Please plan ahead and give yourself extra time to arrive.

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 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.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.