This article was written with and originally sponsored by Old World Wisconsin.

Updated in May 2026!

Lake Country Family Fun loves everything about Old World Wisconsin! We personally go there every year and in different seasons, and always experience something new. Our readers love to share their experience of OWW, too.

Situated just outside of Eagle, in Waukesha County, Old World Wisconsin gives your family the opportunity to travel through time and experience the world of Wisconsin’s early immigrants. Step into the daily lives of the people who called this world home as you help with chores and cooking, try your hand at crafts and trades, and play – yes, even the grown-ups! Help stoke the fire in the blacksmith shop, pick veggies in the gardens, dye and spin wool, roll pie crusts, collect chicken eggs, try on wooden clogs, race high-wheel bicycles and more. This is where history comes alive!

Read on for more information on Old World Wisconsin including planning your visit, group tour, or field trip. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek of the site’s new Brewhouse and explore five things you may not have known.

2026 UPDATE:

Discover the Historic Predecessor to Memorial Day
Before Memorial Day, there was Decoration Day, a historic precursor in which participants honored soldiers who died in the Civil War by visiting cemeteries and bringing flowers to the fallen. Visit Old World Wisconsin and learn the story behind this unique predecessor to our modern day of observance at Pleasant Ridge, a replica of one of the earliest refuges for formerly enslaved people and an early example of integrated communities in America.

Sat–Sun, May 30–31, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM

What You’ll Experience
– A unique opportunity to learn about the origins of Memorial Day
– An educational experience in a replica of Pleasant Ridge, an early integrated community with history dating back to 1850
– Your ticket includes Decoration Day experience and Old World Wisconsin general admission access

Cost
Adult (18-64): $24
Teen (13-17): $24
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $16
Children under 5: Free
Society members receive free admission

About the Location
Old World Wisconsin includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores and workshops—and a fully operational 1930s tavern. Each region features a distinct set of stories that invite you to experience the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. From the 1840s to the 1940s, you’ll find a true panorama of early Wisconsin history, covering more than 70 years and many cultures, including African American, Danish, Finnish, Hessian, Irish, Norwegian, Polish, Pomeranian and Yankee.

Old World Wisconsin first opened in 1976. Researchers traveled throughout Wisconsin in search of historic buildings crafted by the first generation of Wisconsin immigrants and migrants. From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, and from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, historians documented countless historic farmhouses, outbuildings and small-town structures. Once research was complete, the meticulous construction of Old World Wisconsin began. Piece by piece, workers carefully dismantled historic structures from around the state and reconstructed them in their new home.

Buy adult tickets online in advance.

Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119.

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Homeschool Days at Old World

A Unique Opportunity to Explore Old World

Take your homeschool learner or non-traditional student to everything Old World Wisconsin has to offer during this exciting day of exploring trails, gardens and historic buildings. Gain a unique and personal understanding of Wisconsin history while learning about early Wisconsin immigrant culture and life. As you explore, facilitators in period clothing will be stationed throughout the site, sharing special education activities exclusive to this unique program. Activities are geared toward students of all ages to experience.

Regular site accommodations will be available, including the tram service, Museum Store, food and beverages.

May 29, Sep 11, Sep 18, Sep 25, 2026

What You’ll Experience

Opportunities to explore the Old World Wisconsin grounds, including historic buildings, trails and gardens
Conversations with facilitators to learn more about Wisconsin immigrant life and culture
Engaging and exciting activities for learners of all ages

Cost

Student (Infant/Toddler 0-2 y/o): Free
Student (Preschool 3-5 y/o): $5
Student (Grades K-2): $14
Student (Grades 3-5): $14
Student (Grades 6-8): $14
Student (Grades 9-12): $14
Adult (18-64): $16
Senior (65+): $16

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Advanced registration is required.

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Old World Wisconsin: Kids Get in Free

Every Wednesday from June 10 until August 26, 2026

Ready to treat your little explorers to a day spent traveling through the past? Take your children to Old World Wisconsin during Kids Get in Free days and show them the wonders of 1800s and early 1900s life at no cost! Each Wednesday from June 10 to August 26, get lost exploring 1800s homes, farms, storefronts and workshops, play early yard and tabletop games, meet heritage breed animals, watch—or ride—historic high-wheel tricycles, try your hand at tasks like egg collecting and butter making, explore the nature trails of the Kettle Moraine Forest, see the village blacksmith work sparks at the forge and more.

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A First Look at Hidden Old World Locations

Locked doors, upper floors, secret basements and hidden buildings… have you ever wondered what’s just around the corner at Old World Wisconsin? For the first time ever, visit the nooks, crannies and hidden spaces of our historic site during this exciting 50th anniversary experience. From select indoor spaces to entire buildings, step into the least visited parts of our historic site and learn interesting new stories about their purpose and past. After your tour, round out your visit with a lunch at the Clausing Barn Cafe.

Friday, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, Aug 7, Aug 21, 2026

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For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience
Discover the Story of the 23rd Wisconsin Regiment
In partnership with military history interpreters Badger Light Infantry, Old World Wisconsin presents For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience. Explore the impact of Wisconsin’s communities in the American Civil War in the theater of battle and at home. For 2026, Old World will focus on the 23rd Wisconsin regiment, a group made up of multiple immigrant groups , from across southern Wisconsin.

Please note that out of respect to service members who have experienced active combat, OWW’s living history interpreters will not re-enact live battles. Demonstrations featuring blank ammunition may be included in the program.

This Living History Experience is performed in partnership with the Badger Light Infantry.

Sat–Sun, July 18–19, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM

Buy tickets online in advance.

This Old World Wisconsin Spotlight article is split up in the following categories:

OLD WORLD WISCONSIN: OPEN AIR HISTORIC MUSEUM IN WAUKESHA COUNTY – FUN AND LEARNING FOR ALL AGES

Old World Wisconsin is the perfect place for your next family adventure. Here’s why:

It’s close to home – right here in Waukesha county!
There’s a lot to explore – Step into the lives of early Wisconsinites by exploring the homes, farms, stores, and workshops they walked through every day, all located on 600 acres of picturesque woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.
The kids won’t get bored – Meeting furry friends on the farms, enjoying an old-fashioned soda water in the general store, seeing sparks fly in the blacksmith shop, and much more!
From the fragrant flowers and herbs in the gardens to miles of scenic trails, there’s lots of places for mom to relax.
We’ll get your kids to do chores – No, we’re not kidding. After helping wash clothes on a wash board and sweeping out the barns, suddenly cleaning becomes fun!
Awesome holiday events – Whether you want to get spooky at Legends & Lore or meet Santa in his workshop at Home for the Holidays, Old World Wisconsin is the place to be.

Plan your visit at oldworldwisconsin.org.

5 things you didn't know about Old World Wisconsin

Are you still on the fence? That’s ok, they’ve got lots of them! Here are five more things you might not know about Old World Wisconsin.

Every animal you meet during your visit is a Heritage Breed. These traditional livestock are unique breeds, and you can meet these sheep, cows, horses, and pigs up close! These animals help tell the ever-evolving history of farming in America.
The site was painstakingly and precisely put together. Piece by piece, workers carefully dismantled homes, barns, stores, and workshops from around the state and reconstructed them at Old World Wisconsin. New buildings and features are always being added.
There are miles of beautiful hiking trails connecting the site. Old World Wisconsin sits on over 600 acres in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest. You’ll hike under beautifully forested canopies, rolling hills, pristine prairies, and lovely waterways, teaming with local wildlife. Guests looking for faster travel can hop on the motorized trams and take in the same scenery while riding between spaces.
Buildings date from the 1840s to the 1910s. Old World Wisconsin offers a true panorama of Wisconsin history, covering more than 70 years and many cultures, including African American, Danish, Finnish, Hessian, Irish, Norwegian, Polish, Pomeranian, and Yankee.
They just opened a new Brewhouse! If you need a beverage break during a long day, this new experience taps into the state’s brewing past by creating immersive environments where you can see, smell, feel, and — of course — taste this history. There’s even root beer for the kids! More on this later!

New Brewhouse

From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage. Old World Wisconsin’s new Brewhouse taps into the state’s brewing past by creating immersive environments where you can see, smell, feel, and — of course — taste this history. You’ll get hands-on with brewing process, see how beer is made, engage with beermakers and bartenders, and relax with a few cold ones on your own.

Taking ingredients grown just outside, historic brewers will take you through every step of the brewing process in our modern Brewhouse designed with historic inspirations. Feel the heat from the kettle, smell the beer as it brews, and engage with beermakers producing authentic historic recipes right in front of you. Say cheers and enjoy samples of the beer produced in the Brewhouse, along with other brews.

Plan your Visit

Check out our current hours.
Tickets can now be purchased online!
The main entrance is accessed on Hwy 67, just south of the town of Eagle.
Parking is free.
Make sure to check out the new Brewhouse.
Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Visit the museum store to take a little of the experience home with you.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Seasonal events

Explore the history behind our modern holidays at Old World Wisconsin, including Independence Day Weekend, Halloween Legends & Lore, and Home for the Holidays. Browse upcoming events.