Explore Circus World
What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”
Step Right Up! Limited Time Engagement!
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see four extraordinary historic circus wagons, including the legendary Ringling Bros. Bell Wagon – believed to be the last remaining circus bell wagon in existence.
Our Treasures
As other entertainment forms gained popularity, Circus World began documenting and collecting important treasures of the American Circus. From original Ringling Circus buildings to the smallest flea circus prop
Our Treasures will astonish!
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𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: The John Robinson Bandwagon No. 1, often referred to as the Lion and Gladiator Wagon, is believed to have been built by Sullivan and Eagle Wagon Co. of Peru, Indiana, for Howe’s Great London Circus. It was in continuous service from 1911 to 1925, and it became part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey collection when John Ringling acquired the American Circus Corporation. This wagon was also featured in the 1945 War Bond Parade in New York and in the spectacle Alice in Circus Wonderland.
This wagon was one of four historic circus wagons that made their grand return to @ Circus World earlier this month.
See this wagon and so many more when you visit us this spring! We open on Monday, April 21.
📸: John Robinson bandwagon takes its position as the lead wagon during a street parade of the John Robinson Circus in 1921 | CWi 4980
📸: Band on top of John Robinson Bandwagon No. 1 serenades the crowd in Milwaukee during the Great Circus Parade in 2008 | CWi 4981
📸: Circus World volunteers and staff carefully remove layers of paint during the wagon’s restoration in 1997 | CWi 4982
📸: John Robinson bandwagon returns to Circus World | March 10, 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
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We never get enough of these wagons.
How long is this wagon and the other 3 going to be on loan to CWM?
It is beautiful! I didn't appreciate it as I should have in the Milw parade. But I will this season at CW.
Does Feld Entertainment want to sell these wagons to CW? Price?
𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀: Happy spring! In the world of the circus, spring historically meant heading out for a new season. For audiences in New York City, the arrival of the circus at Madison Square Garden has been a rite of spring since the 1880s. The tradition began with Barnum & Bailey Circus and continued with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus into the 2000s. Take a look at some of our favorites featuring Madison Square Garden throughout the years!
📸: Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros. Circus played Madison Square Garden when Barnum & Bailey Circus was touring Europe for five years at the turn of the century | Image ID CWi 14143
📸: Advertising for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus targeted diverse audiences throughout New York City, including a Yiddish poster heralding the show’s opening on April 11, 1935 | Image ID CWi 18681
📸: In 1942, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus program included an elephant ballet featuring choreography by George Balanchine and music by Igor Stravinsky. This photo shows the massive herd of elephants performing in Madison Square Garden in their tutus | Image ID CWi 2301 ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: The Hagenbeck-Wallace Lion’s Bride Tableau Wagon, built in 1905 by the Cincinnati-based Bode Wagon Co. for the Carl Hagenbeck Trained Animal Show. It remained with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus as a lead bandwagon until 1925 and was later acquired by John Ringling as part of the American Circus Corporation in 1929. It made a notable appearance in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’ 1945 War Bond Parade in New York.
This wagon was one of four historic circus wagons that made their triumphant return to Circus World last week.
See this wagon and many others from our colossal collection of vintage circus wagons – the world’s largest collection – with a visit this spring. We open on April 21.
📸: Lion’s Bride wagon on the showgrounds of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1920. | CWi 4986
📸: Lion’s Bride wagon undergoing restoration at Circus World | CWi 4987
📸: Lion’s Bride wagon rolling down Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee during the Great Circus Parade in 2003 | CWi 4988
📸: The Lion's Bridge wagon's return to Circus World | March 10, 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
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Its been a couple years since i visited, but memories stick around! Tons of history!
She is SO lovely. The infant riding the ostrich carving is 100% circus whimsy! Was exciting to see it arrive on the semi!
I always worried about them when they were stored in a warehouse in the hurricane belt and flood zone. Good they are back up north. Aside from the above, the humid southern climate alone takes its toll on horse drawn vehicles.
That's a beauty!
👍👍👍
sould be used for lgbtqabcdefg people
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