Explore
May all your days be Circus Days!
About Us
Step into the color, excitement and thrills of life under the Big Top at Circus World. Located at the original home of the Ringling Bros. Circus in Baraboo, this National Historic Landmark site examines the innovations, excitement and wonder of the American circus.
Through your self-guided tour of the grounds, you’ll explore seven massive buildings that bring to life the fascinating heritage of the more than 100 circuses that made their home in Wisconsin. You’ll experience the legendary lives and profound pageantry that fueled America’s most popular form of entertainment through engaging exhibits for all ages.
Be mesmerized by the largest collection of authentic wood-carved parade wagons, remarkable rail equipment, captivating costuming and astonishing artistry.
Things to Do
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 and property in Baraboo, to artifacts ranging from the smallest flea circus prop to magnificent, gilded parade wagons; Our Treasures will astonish and inspire!
Big Top Performance
Blast Off! at Circus World
Come away on a trip, on our rocket ship as we “Blast Off” under the big top for 2024!
Watch camels & acrobats as they galivant through the galaxy with horses, aerialists, acrobats, dogs, llamas & clowns. Get your boarding pass from Mission Control to join us on a campy, cosmic cavalcade.
Celebrate our 65th Anniversary as we explore to infinity and beyond!
Milky Way Musical Revue
We shake and we rattle, we crank and we honk, with musical skills galore; our talents you’re praising, with songs quite amazing, we’ll leave you begging for more!
Kids World Circus
In Kids World Circus, kids play the parts of performers and animals in a fun big top production that is always unique and full of surprises.
Animal Partners
Meet the animals of Circus World and learn how these treasured and respected members of our family help tell the story of the American circus during our summer performance season.
Plan Your Visit
to make your day a Circus Days!
Circus World Gallery
EDUCATION
Field Trips
The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it firsthand. Field Trips at Circus World Museum, and all of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums, allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades k-12.
“It was wonderful!”
“A really fascinating place! One of the only places in the world where you can see the facilities where the animals were kept, the range of circus organs and wagons is so big, and the posters are comprehensive and riveting.”
Katherine L.
Wisconsin Historical Society Sites
Circus World is one of 12 historic sites and museums owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Explore all of these sites below.
Black Point Estate & Gardens
Circus World
First Capitol
H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum
Madeline Island Museum
Old World Wisconsin
Pendarvis
Reed School
Stonefield
Villa Louis
Wade House
Wisconsin History Center