Immigrants and pioneers came from vastly different cultures to settle in Wisconsin and pursue the American dream. Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, WI recreates their stories.
Immigrants and pioneers came from vastly different cultures to settle in Wisconsin and pursue the American dream. Old World Wisconsin, in southeastern Wisconsin, is a living history museum that recreates the story of the farmers, tradesmen and shopkeepers who settled in Wisconsin.
Old World Wisconsin is a peaceful living history museum in the scenic Kettle Moraine area of southeastern Wisconsin. Nestled among the tall pine trees, in the pastoral setting, the outdoor museum is the largest of its kind in the world. The museum takes a look back at rural life in Wisconsin and the settlers who immigrated to Wisconsin from other areas of the world.
Researchers dedicated many hours to traveling the entire State of Wisconsin in search of authentic historic buildings Historic buildings that had been dwellings and business of the settlers who had immigrated to Wisconsin were found and documented. Lives of the families that had lived in the dwellings. were studied.
Historic structures from around the State of Wisconsin were taken down and reconstructed board by board with painstaking attention to detail. Original dwellings and farm outbuildings were brought from all over the state to Eagle, Wisconsin.
Spend a day in Old World Wisconsin for an enjoyable and educational experience. Old World Wisconsin is a great way to entertain the family while learning about the settlers and pioneer families of Wisconsin.
The parking lot is located in a area surrounded by pines trees. Costumed interpreters greet visitors and sell the admission tickets in the Ramsey Barn. Orientation is held in the Ramsey Barn's orientation center. A museum shop is filled with unique gift items from Wisconsin.
Authentic farms and buildings are open for visitors to walk into. Historic buildings are furnished with antique furniture representing the era. Costumed interpreters are found in nearly every building. Interpreters are dressed in authentic clothing and shoes. Interpreters share information about the history of the buildings and about daily life of the settlers on the farms or in the towns. If the information is available, interpreters tell the stories of the original occupants of the homes.
Visitors can either ride a tram and use the walking trail to the different areas of the outdoor museum. The areas include:
Caldwell Farmers' Club Hall: Formerly the headquarters for a group of progressive farmers in Racine County. The building was built in1874 and enlarged in 1880. In Racine County, the building hosted community dances, and events. Today it serves as an educational center.
Crossroads Village: 19th century village set in the mid 1970's. The village reflects the ethnic diversity of Wisconsin's frontier communities. There is an Irish laundress, Norwegian wagon maker, Bohemian shoemaker, German blacksmith, English innkeeper and Welsh storekeeper. Visit the Harmony Town Hall, St. Peter's Church and the Yankee Sanford Farm.
Finn & Danish areas. The Finnish and Danish settlers tended to immigrate later than other Western European nations. They tended to settle in the northernmost counties of Wisconsin. There are two Finnish farmsteads and one Danish farm in this area. Farms include the Pedersen Farm, Rankinen Farm and Ketola Farm.
German and Polish Areas. There are three German farmsteads and one Polish farmhouse in this area. Farms are the Koepsell Farm, Kruze House, Schottler Farm and Schulz Farm.
Norwegian Area. There are two Norwegian farmsteads and a one room schoolhouse in the Norwegian area. Includes the Fossebrekke Farm, Kvaale Farm and Raspberry School.
Pleasant Ridge African American Pioneer Area: Area includes a church and cemetery.
The Clausing Barn, near the entrance of the museum The Clausing Barm offers cafeteria style meals in rustic surroundings
Old World Wisconsin is located on Highway 67, 1-1/2 miles south of Eagle, Wisconsin. The museum is located about 35 miles from Milwaukee, 55 miles from Madison and 75 miles from Chicago. 262-594-6300.
Summer hours are 10 am to 4 pm weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and from noon to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $14 adults, $8.50 Children (5-17), and $12.80 for Senior citizens (65+). During the regular season, Old World Wisconsin is open daily May 1 through October 31. There are special events throughout the summer, illustrating life on the farm.
Lake Geneva is a great place to stay when planning a visit to Old World Wisconsin.
Information subject to change. Contact the museum to confirm dates, times and house.
