A century of the Greatest Show On Earth! Does it get any better? The Ringling Bros. Circus was founded on this site in Baraboo, Wisconsin during 1884. The original buildings are all still standing and preserved, most of which date back to 1897-1918. This National Historic Landmark is the LARGEST surviving group of circus structures in North America. Circus World Museum covers 64 acres of land with over 30 historic buildings and the original Ringling Bros. Circus Train complex. Inside, there are over 200 beautifully restored circus wagons. The size and detail of these wagons is breathtaking! There are over 10,000 prints of old circus posters, as well as playbills, business records, performer journals and rare photographs. More things you can see: - There is an entire building dedicated to clowns, the formation of clown college, and detailed training on what makes a good clown. - Another building houses antique carriages, not restored, and left untouched for 100 years. - Exhibit of the first sideshow performers. - A building containing an elaborate miniature circus. - Mannequins displaying different types of circus costumes from across the world - History of the five Ringling Bros. and their merge with Barnum & Bailey in 1918. - A live, midday circus performance - A window into the restoration facility to watch the craftsmen work. - The gift shop also has many rare books about the history of the circus at an affordable price (under $20.) Admission to the Circus World Museum is $15. It is open May - September 9:00am-6:00pm. Viewing Time: 3 hours read more

My now wife and I went to Circus World not knowing what to really expect. We had a very wonderful time. I enjoyed every aspect of it from beginning to end. I learned a lot about the history of the circus via performances and the museum. The Big Top performance was great. These performers work really hard to make things work throughout the entire day. They really earn their money making people happy. It is worth the price of admission if you are really into circuses. read more

I give it 3.5 stars to be fair. This was the 1st stop in an over 4,000 mile road trip for my kids and I back in 2010. It was on the route so I thought why not. This is the place where The Ringling Bros. Circus was founded and that alone makes for a great American story. The exhibits were really cool, and informative and gave a lot of history on circuses. They have a small "Big Top" where they put on a show for you. The acrobats were amazing, the little dog show was really cute and the elephant show was pretty neat. They also have a tiger show but that left me feeling slightly nauseated as the trainer was quite abusive. I'm not a PETA kind of guy and I realize these are big cats, but the guy seemed like a drunken ass who just wanted to poke the tigers with a sharp metal stick. I mean if they don't want to jump through a firey hoop, who cares. Other than that I did enjoy the place and it's rather an inexpensive experience. read more

A really fascinating place! One of the only places in the world where you can see the facilities where the animals were kept, the range of circus organs and wagons is so big, and the posters are comprehensive and riveting. I wish there had been a more frank discussion of animal (& circus staff!) treatment, and some sense of what this nomadic life was like for the employees and animals. But so interesting! read more

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We'd driven by the signs for Circus World 100's of times over the years on 94. Stopped in for once and were pleasantly surprised to see a wonderful representation of Circus beginnings. read more

Very unique place. We were at the Dells and decided to check this place out. It's only about 15 minutes south of the Dells. The unfortunate thing is that it snowed the day before we went and none of the out buildings were open as they had not shoveled the walks. So all we could visit were the 3 rooms and theatre attached to the entrance. The poster room was very interesting as was the whole circus history. Its hard to believe they would set up and take down the circus in a day, move to a different town, and repeat the process. 6 days a week. Unbelievable. Great place to spend a few hours. read more

Our 95 year old Grandma asked to go to the circus for her BIRTHDAY!! To be honest I didn't really want to go, but you only then 95 once so all 10 of us loaded up and drove 45 minutes to Circus World. I was so glad we did. It was all wonderful!! When I told the Ring Master, Dave, we were there for a birthday he caught up with her and personally wished her a happy birthday!! We all had the best time!! Thank you!! read more

Circus World - Dave the Ring Master wishing grandma a happy birthday. Very special! - Museums Near Me - Baraboo, Wisconsin

In a world of higher tech entertainment and lower intimacy venues, Circus World seems so out of place, but that's the charm of it. Spontaneous or planned, this bit of Americana is a worthwhile stop off the expressway. Historians, small children and circus-buffs alike will surely love this place. It's big enough to allow for enormous scattered train cars outdoors as well as large relic exhibits throughout multiple buildings. Outside, it feels like a rural fairground. Once indoors, the museuem really comes out in spades and 2-3 hours goes by quickly if you want to explore on your own. The show timing is done really well and you can easily arrive almost any time of day, then jump right into their schedule of events. We didn't intend on coming here since we only planned 3 days in the Dells, and I didn't know it even existed till I saw some sign about it. Turns out my wife was brought here as a child and remembered geting to go on stage. It was really cool that our daughter got to have the same experience many years later. Forgive my 3 star review since it may be a little harsh. If I didn't have a kid, I would have blown right past it. When she starts writing her own reviews, she can give it as many stars as she wants. All I know is that we went...I was glad we did...and you get a lot for your money if you stay awhile. read more

Almost complete waste of time. There are only 2 real shows: big tent event and magician with mirrors. Everything else you is a complete waste of time. Extremely boring - I am writing this from the park- this is how boring it is. Spend your $20 per person somewhere else. This place sucks. All the shows are peppered with advertising of concessions or toys. The awful music is everywhere. This should have been an 1.5 hour show for about $5. As it is now its a waste of time. read more

Sort of disappointed this time. I called ahead the day before we went to ask if they had any coupons or specials out there and they told me no. I paid the $20 adult/$10 child admission... and I even spent the $$$ on the games and rides (which are just about unavoidable because they line the road to big top) and did so with a smile on my face. I then arrived at the Dells 20 minutes after my visit and what do I find within 10 minutes of arriving? A coupon for buy one get one free right in the coupon book. I feel like I was lied to. I had asked a question and the flat out answer was yes, there was a coupon which would have saved me money. read more

If you are into circus history or if you are in the Baraboo / Dells area, probably worth stopping by Circus World. The challenge with this place is that they don't just try to do historical preservation but they also try to replicate the circus experience. The historical stuff is really interesting and worth checking out, but it doesn't have a strong appeal to children (and is tough to justify on its on for the admission price). I would say that the circus wagon collection is incredible to witness. The circus experience stuff (live shows) is mediocre, but appeals to kids (and I also suspect pushes up the admission price). If I ran the place, I would eliminate the circus experience stuff (the Dells has enough of that to go around), and reduce the admission price for the historical stuff. read more

Interesting place. I went in winter, when they only have three buildings open: The poster hall, the wagon house, and the theatre/workshop. The posters just reinforced the image of the suffering circus animals in my mind. The wagons were neat, and very ornate. The workshop was nice too, and the guy turned on the music on one of the wagons that amazed my toddler for an unbroken five minutes. It blew his mind. Though that was one of the few things that kept his attention. The admission is lower in winter, but I wish I had waited to visit until summer to get the full experience. read more

We opened the place up, as we had to travel to Chicago soon after. Taking a road trip back in May of this year, my sister and I were trying to find fun and quirky places along the way. We decided to stop! The grounds are amazing and rich with history! I would totally set up camp right there next to the river. We came a few weeks before they officially opened up so we missed most of the exhibits. The videos are silly but I know it's more for the true circus fan! The gift shop is a little more simplistic than I expected. I'm disappointed in not having more of a museum open. I was hoping to get more info on the sideshow community and lifestyle but.. I understand why it doesn't. It was fun to view the amazing costumes and old artwork. read more

What an awesome place. Something that is very unique. The museum participates in a program with other WI hostoric sites to allow m Active military people and their spouces in for free. Even though my husband (the soldier) wasnt with us, they still allowed my dependant ID and let us in. Thank you! I brought my 3 kids (15, 10 & 9). The younger 2 were excited, but not the oldest. However, I did find him enjoying himself a few times. We spent about 2-1/2 hours there, but we could have spent more time there easily (he ha dot move on to get to Grandma's!). We walked quickly through the exhibits of costumes and wagons. They were more interested in the shows. We first watched a magic show. That lasted about 40 minutes. That was pretty good. Unfortunately there wasn't a whole lot of energy from the crowd, but it was a small crowd. We then walked to see the circus show. That was pretty good. It did not feel like an hour show. They had monkey, dogs, a horse and an elephant. They also had jugglers and other acts. Fun to watch. Quite a unique thing to see...fun for all ages! It was nice to hear that some of the performers came from other circus' and are several generations of families in the business. Keep it up! read more

Circus World was an absolute blast. For 2 adults and 1 child it was $50 for admission. Considering the time we spent there I have to say it was worth every penny. The museum was very interesting and kept my 9 year old's attention. My favorite was the restored circus wagons. The circus under the big top was well worth the wait. We had so much fun and can't wait to come back again! read more

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Fantastic place for all ages. We only had time for the main exhibit. The paleontology exhibits were a new level of awesomeness. $29 adult Each exhibit is extra cost We'll have to go back next time! read more

Tigers, elephants, and clowns helped to make my visit great. This is by far one of the most interesting attractions in Baraboo.

While on our way home from Wisconsin Dells we stopped at Circus World with my family and my brothers family with kids ages 10, 7, and 4. I wasn't impressed by the brochure at all and it's $20 per adult and $10 for kids under 5; and their website doesn't give it the credit it deserves either. However I was very surprised to find that this place is really great, the Circus show in the main tent is at 11:00 am and I believe 3:00pm. I found in the museum part that this a National historic location were the Ringling brothers first started. I am not a huge fan of museums but to visit this place and discover how these huge operations toured the USA in early 1900s via rail at and horse was amazing to me; well worth the visit. read more

I went here last summer for first time since I was a little kid. My kids loved it.. It's a great place for every age kid. It's a great place with a great show! read more

In regards to the Macaw on display, it was extremely distressing and barbaric to see such a beautiful bird in a cage smaller than its wingspan. What kind of message does this teach the public on how you care for your wild/domestic animals?! Moreover when our outrage was brought to the attention of an employee, her reaction was so nonchalant it was almost patronizing. Absolutely no human would stand to endure the conditions we witnessed! read more

I visited Circus World in May with my wife, kids (2 and 5 years old), and 78-year-old mother. We spent about 6 hours on-site. I was thoroughly impressed with all the park had to offer. We focused on the performances, and not so much on the museum. The performances were excellent...they have some kids with an elephant, acrobats from Belarus who were amazing, a singing ringmaster, trained dogs, a trained miniature horse, a full-size horse performance, a trapeze artist, an illusionist (magician)...and let's not forget about Roger, the clown! A month afterward, my 5-year-old still remembers his name (I had forgotten), and my 2-year-old knows who "Roger" is. I overheard someone comment that the illusionist show was worth $15 by itself. Adult admission is $15...kids $8, little kids free, seniors get a discount. Admission includes the performances and museum. Elephant/pony rides are extra. My mom can't stand or walk for long periods, and they were very accommodating as we wheeled her around in a wheel chair. There is also a mock interactive circus for little kids, too. Concessions were very reasonably priced, and parking is free. The only negative I can think of is the popcorn...way too salty! We were there on a drizzly Memorial Day weekend, and the park was moderately attended...but not crowded. The atmosphere was very intimate...good seats for the shows...and opportunities to meet their amazing performers in person. I have trouble imagining a more wholesome, fun, family-oriented venue...which my family will remember for years. I remember going there as a kid...but only remember being scared of a mechanical gorilla. I recommend Circus World to everyone (even co-workers that I don't really like that much). It's fun for ages 2 - 80+, and a great value for the $$$. read more

If you love history, art or love taking photos this is a great spot. The historical displays are amazing as well as the historical grounds (the former winter home of the circus). Essentially for your ticket price you get to see a circus show (about 90 minutes) under the big top or there are other smaller shows throughout the day (my girls loved being in the kids circus as the children are called up to participate). Other rides such as pony or carousel are extra. Food & drink prices not too overpriced. The restrooms on the grounds need updating. Now, the circus animal situation...I'm a huge animal lover, so I am not generally a fan of circuses at all. I do worry about their well being, but it was mentioned numerous times at each show that they are "lovingly cared for" by their trainers. Whether true or not, hard to tell. I know the tigers were all born in captivity & seemed content (not pacing around or anxious in any way). The elephants seemed older...I noticed one seemed to be "practicing" or dancing on his own in his pen...which was a little charming. Overall, I was taken away by the historical perspective of the circus. The vintage circus cars are not to be missed...I doubt you will ever see those in such condition or quantity up so close at any other venue. read more

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Astonishing place. The collection includes original advertising posters, and over 200 circus wagons, many renovated to show their original paint jobs. Wonderful! read more

Our kids just love this place. It's like a step back in time and has such great history. They really do a wonderful job at conveying the circus. Be sure to visit in the summer when they actually have the live circus performance twice daily. Also, it's totally free for active duty military and their immediate families!!! read more

Huge selection of circus memorabilia. Part of the collection requires you to walk outside to the other buildings so bundle up if you're going there in the winter! read more

Tons of fun...didn't feel like the animals were abused in anyway. The people seem to really enjoy there jobs and it showed in there performances can't wait to take the kids there! read more

This is a great place to visit. I plan on returning. My kids are 6 & 5 and they enjoyed their visit. The price is reasonable for a family on a budget. 200 plus miles from Chicago (3hr drive) on a full tank plus more than enough to go sight seeing and do some more in Wisconsin Dells. read more

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Growing up, I always enjoyed the circus. As a 38 year old I enjoyed the history more than I did the circus. The kids seemed to enjoy the circus performance but if you have seen the Cirque shows, than you probably won't be impressed with this. Beyond the show, the history of the museum is where I really enjoyed the day. It's amazing to see so much circus history started in Baraboo. I'd recommend everyone visiting at least once! read more

We took are 3 yr old grand daughter. It was off season but it was still nice. The Lady working the front desk was great to are grand daughter. They have some great sites and things to see anything and everything you did not know about the circus. read more

Visited Circus World on June 20th with our 9 year old grandson. Had brought his mother and her sister some 30 years ago and wondered what it was going to be like now. Well WOW!!! They've really improved the place. So much more to see and do. Beautiful new buildings to house the wagons ( true historical treasures) and other exhibits. Big Top show was great and the Nonsense Show was first rate. Our grandson laughed and laughed as did we. This is a don't miss attraction if your in the area. read more

I took my 4 1/2 year old grandson here in May, right after the summer schedule started, so there was a full line-up of shows. His favorites were the Circus and the Clown shows. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have employees driving golf carts around the grounds to take you from place to place if you don't always want to walk. This was great because it covers a generous area and a 4 year old can get tired of walking pretty easily. A lot of older people were taking advantage of the rides too. I had read a review suggesting that buying a Wisconsin Historical Society membership was a good idea. I looked into it and agree. We got into Circus World and Old World Wisconsin with the membership and there are about 10 other places that it gets you into as well. We will be going back to both places to see some things that we missed and experience favorite parts again. read more

As a season ticket holder, I stop into the Museum often. Each time I learn something new. Each time I am entertained. The 50's Big Top themed show this year is so much fun! The tent looks amazing! The wagons are a big draw for me. Learning their stories. The tour guide is knowledgeable and the tour changes each time depending on the questions and the audience. Some times when I visit, there isn't time to look at the museum proper because I am going from show to show! I guess that is what the winter season is for :) I enjoy learning about conservation from Show Me Tigers. And there isn't much better than eating a hot dog while standing on the bridge watching the Baraboo River flow by. A wonderful magical place. read more

Glad to see this place has 5 stars, it is a sleeper hit. $1 carousel rides!? Of course the old man operating the carousel may not-so-tactfully tell you that you are too "big" to ride on a horse, but still. Also, kids can engage in an interactive circus. It's great fun and the place feels stuck in a time when circus entertainment was an art. read more

Brought the grandkids on the day that started their fall season. Unfortunately the main page of the web site says they open at 9am, and it's actually 10am. Had to wait a while for the doors to open. The museum is wonderful and mostly didn't disappoint, but with the fall schedule, there were no concessions available. Had promised the kids ice cream and treats, and couldn't deliver. The whole park had a feeling of the season being over. Some of the displays that are usually lit up to be viewed by children, weren't lit. The carousel wasn't running, etc. If you want the full experience, would not recommend coming with children during the "off season." There are no clowns for the kids to chat with or any museum staff to ask questions of other than the person at the front taking admission fees. To be fair, the price is much lower during the off season. read more

Our family loved it! Our 11, 5, and 3 year old all had a great time! Reasonably priced food, very educational, fun magic show, and much more! read more

28 Sep 2013 Though I am not to keen on visiting places with large crowds, it dosen't hurt to see some moderate activity at a venue. I can only comment on Circus World just at the beginning of it's fall season. If a family practically wants the place all to themselves that is the time to go. However there is very little or no activities for children. The magic show was decent and the young proficient magician had a very charming young lady as an assistant for both on and off stage help. There is a theater to view various circus movies, but the seats were hard on this old tush. Have camera to take pictures, especially in the Circus World wagon barn. Lots of color and variety. The Circus World website is easy to follow for venue information. Overall, the venue was worth the modest entrance fee. read more

Fantastic shows and great price. The volunteers were the best with their stories and love of the circus and Baraboo. History buffs and kids of all ages will love it. Best vacation! read more

We had some time this fall to stop in. Our group of 5 spent most of the day there, it was 10,000 times better than expected. While it was off season, with the animals gone, the circus acts gone, we still were astounded by this park. It was clean, well kept and the staff friendly and courteous. A must see - the circus wagons. I was never interested in circus history or anecdotes, but this is a must see for anyone that may be passing through the area. I even created an account just for this post!! read more

An excellent way to spend time with your kids in the summer. We spent pretty much the whole day there. The big top circus was our favorite because we are so close to the action and was the perfect length at about a hour. The magic show is also really good and lasts about an hour. There are other things to look at, including many restored wagons. We are members of the historical society so admission was free for us. read more

I went here with my aunt, cousin and sister. We all had a great time watching the tigers and waiting for the main show to start. The tigers were treated very well and everyone was friendly. But once the show began we immediately regretted it. A man came out with many dogs and two large pigs. The dogs were so scared to be near the man that they weren't listening or doing what they were supposed to do. Alright so we're thinking maybe it's just an off day and this man is just doing his job. No. He came to the center with a large pig and the pig was not following his orders. Now the pig was just standing it was not trying to bite the man. Which is his excuse for what happened next. This man punched this pig very aggressively in the face in front if an audience. If he treats the animals this way in front of a crowd just imagine what he does behind the scenes. We had to leave immediately after the show because it was so disgusting. But while during the show all the animals looked so sad and scared. We confronted the man and he seemed to think his actions were perfectly normal. We gave the front desk lady and earful, filled out complaint cards and are going to report the man. These actions are not forgivable and I hope he never returns to the circus or to ever working with animals. Do not go here. Do not support these horrible things. read more