Plan

Plan Your Visit

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FALL & SPRING SEASON

HOURS

WINTER

Sep 28, 2024 – Mar 16, 2025
CLOSED

During Spring & Fall,
there are NO performances at Circus World.

SPRING 2025

Mar 17 – May 15

Monday-Friday
10 AM – 4 PM

SUMMER 2025

May 16 – Aug 31

Wednesday-Monday
9 AM – 4 PM

FALL 2025

Sep 2 – Sep 26

Weekdays
10 AM – 4 PM

Circus World Museum is closed on the following holidays: Labor Day

ADMISSION

PRICING 2025

Mar 17 – May 15
May 16 – Aug 31
Sep 2 – Sep 26

Adults (13-64): $23
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $15
Children under 5: FREE

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission
and 10% off events.

directions

WHAT YOU’LL SEE

Our Treasures

Your admission includes seven massive buildings filled with fascinating exhibits about America’s most popular form of entertainment for over 50 years.


SUMMER
PERFORMANCE SEASON

HOURS

PERFORMANCE SEASON

May 17 – Sep 1, 2024

Daily
9 AM – 4 PM

Blast Off!

at Circus World

Rocket to a campy cosmic adventure as we “Blast Off!” under the big top for 2024!

ADMISSION

SUMMER PRICING
performance season

May 17 – Sep 1, 2024

Adults (18-64): $23
Teens (13-17): $23
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $15
Children under 5: FREE

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission
and 10% off events.

directions

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

Directions

Circus World is located on the original Ringling Bros. Circus Winter Quarters — a National Historic Landmark in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Take I-94 west to Madison. Continue on I-94 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west toward Baraboo. As you enter Baraboo, Turn left onto Lincoln Ave., then right onto 3rd. Street. Turn left onto Washington Ave. which will dead-end at Water St. Turn right on Water Street and Circus World will be on your left.

Milwaukee via 94 map

Via HWY 12: Take US-12 West toward Baraboo, Exit 92. Take the first right in the roundabout onto Bus 12 – South BLVD. Continue approximately 1 mile to roundabout, take 2nd exit to continue onto Broadway, then to a second roundabout, taking the 2nd exit again to remain on Broadway. Water St. will be at the stop light (Napa on the corner) where you will turn right onto Water Street. Proceed to four way stop and continue straight. Circus World will be ¼ mile on your right.

Via I-90: Take I-90/94 West toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west toward Baraboo. As you enter Baraboo, turn left onto Lincoln Ave., then right onto 3rd. Street. Turn left onto Washington Ave. which will dead-end at Water St. Turn right on Water Street and Circus World will be on your left.

madison via 90

Madison via 12 map copy

Take I-90 west toward Rockford. Crossing into Wisconsin, continue north on I-90 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west toward Baraboo. Turn left onto Washington Ave. and then right onto Water St. (WI-113).

Take I-94 East toward Chicago. Crossing into Wisconsin, continue east on I-94 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take US-12 East toward Baraboo, to the second Baraboo Exit for Broadway Exit 92. Take the third right in the roundabout and then the 1st right in the next roundabout onto Bus 12 – South BLVD. Continue approximately 1 mile to roundabout, take 2nd exit to continue onto Broadway, then to a second roundabout, taking the 2nd exit again to remain on Broadway. Water St. will be at the stop light (Napa on the corner) where you will turn right onto Water Street. Proceed to four way stop and proceed straight. Circus World will be ½ mile on your right.

Minneapolis via 12 map Minneapolis via 12 map

Take US-12 East toward Baraboo, to the second Baraboo Exit for Broadway - Exit 92. Take the third right in the roundabout and then the 1st right in the next roundabout onto Bus 12 – South BLVD. Continue approximately 1 mile to roundabout, take 2nd exit to continue onto Broadway, then to a second roundabout, taking the 2nd exit again to remain on Broadway. Water St. will be at the stop light (Napa on the corner) where you will turn right onto Water Street. Proceed to four way stop and proceed straight. Circus World will be ½ mile on your right.

Dells via 12 map copy

Parking

Parking is FREE and we have parking in our own lots both across the street and down the street from the main entrance.

Local Resources

Baraboo and the nearby Wisconsin Dells offer a complete selection of family attractions that include boat rides, shopping, zoos and America’s largest water parks. Contact the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce or the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau for more information.

For more information on restaurants, hotels and other attractions near Circus World, visit our sister site Travel Wisconsin.

Bed & Breakfasts

For information on bed & breakfast options in the area, visit the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.

Hotels, Motels, & Camping

Many private motels, inns, and campgrounds are located within an easy drive from Circus World. For a complete list of accommodations, see the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce website. In addition, the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton area has more than 4,000 motels, hotels and campground sites. For more information, contact the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The world-famous Devil’s Lake State Park is just two miles from Circus World. Camping at the park offers plenty of sandy beaches, swimming areas and recreational trails. For more information on camping, entrance fees, and hours, contact the Devil’s Lake State Park website.


FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS

a girl is smiling at the camera while sitting at a picnic table. other people are at the table with more tables and people in the background

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.  

Group Tours

Explore America’s rich circus heritage with your group of 20 or more. Tour the National Historic Landmark site where the Ringling Bros. Circus built their winter home showcasing exhibits, authentic circus parade wagons, and more! During the summer, your admission also includes a circus performance by world-class talent under a real circus tent.


FOOD & GIFTS

Cookhouse Grill

HippodromeOpen Summer Season

Death-defying feats and exhilarating exploits make a person hungry. So enjoy deluxe dining al fresco at the Cookhouse Grill!

There’s something for everyone with tasty sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, fabulous fried food, salads and other healthy options, plus pizza! For good food the whole family will enjoy, visit the Cookhouse Grill, located next to the Hippodrome and open throughout the summer season.

Additionally, Circus World offers a full range of circus treats located at stands throughout the grounds – cotton candy, hot dogs, brats, popcorn, sno-cones and ice cream!

Circus World September 17, 2021

Big Top Gift Shop

Irvin Feld Exhibit HallOpen Spring thru Fall

Stop by the Big Top Gift Shop where you’ll find the perfect memento of your day at the circus. We’ve got something special for everyone in the gift shop located in the lobby of the Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall.

The store features reproduction circus posters, a full range of circus collectibles and figurines, DVDs, CDs, fun novelty items, limited-edition books on circus history, plush, photographic prints, candy, film, plus t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps for children of all ages!

Enjoy 10 percent off store items as a Wisconsin Historical Society member.


FAQS

Yes. Please wear comfortable shoes and complimentary golf carts will assist guests needing accommodation move around our site during our summer performance season. It will be approximately half a mile of walking and includes an incline to view the wagon collection.

No, we do not allow in-out privileges however we encourage you to enjoy your walking tour at Circus World. We will allow a member of your party to get forgotten items from your car if required.

There are two buildings on the grounds that are temperature-controlled, the Feld Visitor Center and the Fox Wagon Restoration Building. The rest are not. All exhibits and performances are in a building or tent, or under a rooftop, but you do have to walk from place-to-place outdoors.

Yes, the shows will go on rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, alternate showtimes might be suggested for the safety of our guests.

Yes, we have a limited amount of complimentary wheelchairs that are available on a first come, first served basis. 

No, we do not currently offer adult and child strollers. We do not rent strollers, however we have a limited amount of complimentary wheelchairs that are available on a first come, first served basis. We also offer during our summer performance season, complimentary golf cart chauffeuring around our grounds for those requiring assistance. 

Yes. Some shows may be limited on space and you’ll be asked to leave it outside if possible, but you may certainly use it most anywhere on the grounds.

Yes. Circus World has an ATM for our guests convenience located inside the Irvin Feld Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center.

Parking is FREE and we have parking in our own lots both across the street and down the street from the main entrance.

Yes, we have a large lot that will also accommodate several buses at a time. No overnight parking is allowed.

Circus World will feature live animals during summer performance season.

No pets are allowed on the grounds with the exception of licensed service animals.

Full food services will be available for our 2023 summer season inside the Big Top and at our Cookhouse Grill.

No. We have food service on the grounds; therefore we do not allow outside food to be carried in unless you are a group of 20 or more and have advance reservations with us.

There is more information on how to contact our archival team and visit our archival library on the Parkinson Library & Research Center Page or contact us!


ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY

We care about your safety! Please make sure to stay home if you’re sick and follow these CDC guidelines when you visit us.

Because Circus World is located along the banks of the Baraboo River, all pathways have been paved or leveled. All but one historic building (baggage horse barn) is wheel chair accessible. Accessible parking spaces are located on Water Street and in Water Street parking lots. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals requiring wheelchairs for mobility. For more information regarding access to site buildings, grounds and programs review our FAQs or please contact Circus World at (608) 356 8341.
While no pets are allowed on the museum grounds, service animals are permitted for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Can’t wait to come back!”

“Who would have guessed that Baraboo played such a significant role in the history of the circus in the US? The history shared here was fascinating – this is the place where the Ringling Brothers started their circus in 1884, and they wintered here until 1918.”

Marissa C.