Because Baraboo Wisconsin was home to the Ringling Brothers, it only makes sense that the Circus World Museum would be found here. The Baraboo Circus Museum is a Wisconsin attraction that the whole family can enjoy, as it's ideal for all ages, and there's plenty to see and enjoy once you get here. In addition to the array of circus-related exhibits and artifacts, the Circus World Museum Baraboo also offers daily summertime performances, not to mention many fun summertime parades.

For those who are looking to enjoy some good food at a summertime Wisconsin event, the Circus of the Chefs gala at Circus World is worth including on the itinerary. Held on the last Sunday in July, this event features talented chefs, knowledgeable brewmasters, and even some representatives from a number of up-and-coming Wisconsin wineries. Even if you can't make it to the Baraboo Circus Museum for a special event, you should still plan a visit when in the area. There are a number of different buildings at Circus World in Wisconsin, and they all house different exhibits that are mostly tied to circus history. The Irvin Field Exhibit Hall is the largest Baraboo Circus Museum building, and its exhibits are based widely on the history of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Fascinating sideshow banners, a miniature circus layout, and an exhibit that is dedicated to famous clowns such as Emmett Kelley and Frostie Little are among the things that you can see when visiting the main Circus Museum at the Irvin Field Exhibit Hall.

After you learn about circus history, you might head over to see some of the animals at the Circus Animals exhibit. You can ride on an elephant or a camel at this exhibit, or pet a few horses, so it's truly a great attraction for those with kids. Also popular with kids is the KidsWorld Circus, which allows children to star in staged circus performances that are held twice daily. Once you've taken in Circus World Museum Baraboo attractions like Circus Animals, you might head over to the building that houses the Circus Wagon Collection. This collection of restored circus wagons is the largest of its kind in the world, and you're bound to be amazed at the intricacy that was employed in creating these rolling masterpieces. During the peak summertime season, you can also include interesting guided tours on your Baraboo Circus Museum itinerary. These tours focus on historic Ringlingville, which is the name for the riverside complex of buildings that served as the winter quarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus. A National Historic Landmark site, Ringlingville is a delightful place to explore.

Wisconsin Map

You can enjoy a Circus World Museum Baraboo experience any time of the year, though the best time to visit is during the Performance Season, which runs from mid-May until the end of August. Circus World in Wisconsin is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Performance Season, while off season hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prearranged group tours and special events often enjoy extended hours of operation. While there is less to enjoy during the off season, the tickets are half-priced, though ticket prices are fair even during the busier Performance Season. You're just 10 miles from Wisconsin Dells when visiting Circus World, so there's plenty in the way of area attractions to enjoy, and you might also be glad to know that the House on the Rock is not far off either.

When you get hungry while visiting Circus World in Wisconsin, the complex boasts an onsite grill, though it is only open during the Performance Season. The friendly staff at Circus World will be happy to recommend local restaurants when their eatery is closed. In addition to grabbing a bite to eat during your visit, you can also peruse the goods at the Ringlingville General Store. This store features souvenirs of all kinds, not to mention candy, books, and DVDs, so it's a fun place to check out if you have the time. As a side note, the Baraboo Circus Museum is one of the historic Wisconsin attractions that you can visit at no extra cost once you've purchased a Wisconsin's Historic Sites Passport. Other attractions featured on this card include the Wade House in Greenbush and the Madeline Island Museum, which is just outside the boundaries of the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.