The Old World Wisconsin historical site is now fully open for families to visit throughout the summer. Visitors will experience firsthand the daily life of Wisconsin’s earliest settlers. It includes 60 restores historic structures on over 600 acres of picturesque landscapes.
There are two ways to visit: Guided Journeys and Self Explore.
The Guided Journeys are held on Wednesdays and consist of a 90-minute small group, deep dive tour with a costumed guide. There are three journeys to choose from – Beasts and Barns, Makers and Moo-vers, and Building a Home – and they are designed for all ages. Each tour is available three times a day between 9:30 AM and 2:45 PM. Advanced tickets are required and space is limited.
The Self Explore option is available Thursdays-Sundays, where families will find costumed facilitators throughout the 600 acres of historic farms, homes, and gardens. Be sure to get Time Travel Tokens to use for even more fun. There’s a Grill Station for lunch. You can get your tickets in advanced online, or buy them onsite.
General Admission Information:
June 17 – Aug 29 | Thusday through Sunday | 10 am – 4 pm
Sep 4 – Oct 10 | Saturday through Sunday | 10 am – 4 pm
Website: http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/
The 1870s Crossroads Village and 10 ethnic farmsteads showcase different stories, ranging from the 1840s to the 1910s. The visits are designed to be engaging and authentic, with sensory-rich spaces, stories, ad hands-on activities.
Guests will encounter historic spaces to explore, gardens and trails to wander through, and costumed staff ready to enlist your help.
Families can shop in the general store, watch the blacksmith work his craft, tour homes rom Irish and Yankee immigrants, learn about an early African-American community, take a lesson in the Raspberry School, explore immigrant homes, hop on a high-wheel bicycle, meet pigs, cows, horses, sheep, and chicken, and so much more.
For more information, head to their website.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
