Events
Circus World General Admission
HOURS & ADMISSION PRICING
SPRING (Monday, March 18 - Thursday, May 16, 2024*)
Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adult (18-64): $11
Teen (13-17): $11
Senior (65+): $9
Child (5-12): $7
Child Under 5: Free
Members: Free
*Closed April 8, 2024 for the solar eclipse.
SUMMER (Friday, May 17 - Sunday, Sept 1, 2024**)
Daily | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adult (18-64): $23
Teen (13-17): $23
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $15
Child Under 5: Free
Members: Free
FALL (Tuesday, Sept 3 - Friday, Sept 27, 2024)
Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adult (18-64): $11
Teen (13-17): $11
Senior (65+): $9
Child (5-12): $7
Child Under 5: Free
Members: Free
Tickets may also be purchased onsite.
Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Admission Overview
Enter a world of spectacles, sawdust, spangles and dreams! Welcome to the original home of the Ringling Bros. Circus: the very location where five brothers conceived, built and then exported endless thrills, ingenious innovations and over-the-top pageantry for communities excited to experience this innovative form of entertainment. Explore an unparalleled collection of authentic wood-carved parade wagons while marveling at remarkable rail equipment, creative costuming, astonishing artistry and captivating circus history. Massive buildings house the time-honored heritage of more than 100 Wisconsin-based circuses and other shows from throughout the world. Exhibits illuminate legendary lives, engaging ephemera, and the unforgettable uniqueness of the circus—don’t forget to catch a live performance during the summer season!
Summer Season (May 17 - Sept 1)
Get your boarding pass and let’s “Blast OFF” to a glorious galaxy in search of astounding acts and fascinating feats as we boldly go where no other performers have gone before. For its 65th anniversary, Circus World brings traditional acts—then flips them—with the gravity-defying artistry of an upside-down show including a merry menagerie of camels, llamas, horses and poodles, acrobats flying high in the dome of the big top, joyous juggling, kooky comedy, memorable music... and yes, a legendary lady shot out of a cannon. In short: “Blast OFF” is Star Wars meets the Jetsons with a generous sprinkling of Star Trek, E.T., and Lost in Space.
Special Days & Discounts
Military Service Day – Saturday, May 25 – Military Service Members get in Free
Baraboo’s Circus Parade – Saturday, June 8 – Special Performance Hours
**Circus World Anniversary Days – Friday, June 28 through Monday, July 1 - Special pricing of $6
About the Location
Circus World is a historic site located in the place the Ringling Bros. Circus called home from 1884-1918. The property features seven National Historic Landmark structures featuring dynamic displays documenting the sensational, distinctive, and acclaimed achievements of the American circus. The winter quarters alone are the largest, oldest group of 19th and 20th century circus structures in the nation. While Circus World opened in 1959 with a handful of artifacts, two buildings, six wagons, and less than an acre of land, the site today showcases a mammoth collection curated in the world’s largest circus library and research center, with over 260 circus wagons and vehicles, 30 buildings, and 64 of acres of explorable land.
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
- The museum store is open during operating hours.
- Guests may exit and return throughout the day.
- No outside food/beverage is allowed on site except for medical reasons.
- Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
- Food/beverage is available for purchase during the summer season.
- The site will remain open rain or shine. Some outdoor activities could be impacted by weather.
- The site spans 40 acres and includes inclines, ramps, and some stairs.
- Benches are widely available for guests to rest.
- Strollers are not permitted in the performance areas by order of local and state fire marshal.
- Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
- No pets are allowed. Licensed service animals are permitted.
- Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
- A limited number of wheelchairs are available at no additional cost.
- Golf carts are available for mobility assistance during the summer season.
- ADA parking and seating in the performance venue are available.
- Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-356-8341 or ringmaster@wisconsinhistory.org.
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.