If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live during the 1800s and early 1900s, there’s a village in Eagle, Wisconsin that immerses you in that lifestyle. A visit to Old World Wisconsin, the state’s largest living history attraction, is not only educational but also fun! With over 600 acres to explore with over 60 historic homes, farms, stores, and workshops spread across picturesque woodlands, prairies, and wetland, there’s plenty to see and do. Read on to learn more about our visit to Old World Wisconsin.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Old World Wisconsin for the purpose of this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. Post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Getting Started at Old World Wisconsin
The drive into Old World Wisconsin was breathtaking is as we drove through the majestic pine forest. Plenty of free grass parking is available. Then we headed to the small building to grab our tickets. Make sure to grab a map. Or better yet, have a game plan in mind! When you’re ready, head towards the entrance by the Museum Store.
Crossroads Village
Our first stop was a short walk away at Crossroads Village, the heart of Old World Wisconsin. This is the hub of the village, complete with a blacksmith, general store, 19th-century chapel, historic homes, and more.
Tip: Take a selfie at one of the selfie stations. Other selfie locations are at Big Kettle Pond and the Danish Immigrant Farm.
See and Pet Animals
Indulge in Ice Cream
If you’re craving ice cream, The Crossroads Creamery at Old World Wisconsin is the place to go. Located in Crossroads Village, with a couple tram stops close by, it’s convenient stop anytime. They also serve snacks, candy, beverages and more. IF you’re looking for more food, stop by Caldwell Hall.
Try out a unique experience
One of the best things you can do is get Time Travel tokens for special experiences throughout Crossroads Village. They are $6 each. Some of the experiences include:
- Sipping an old-fashioned soda water from 4 Mile Taproom. Choose from a few different flavors. It was really refreshing! Afterwards, go ahead and play chess.
- Shopping in the Blacksmith Shop. Watching the blacksmith in action is amazing. There were a few items to pick from including a horseshoe.
- Making a leather keychain at the Shoe Shop. Probably one of our favorite experiences because the kids can help make the keychain. Plus, it makes for a great souvenir with the Old World Wisconsin logo on it!
- Shopping in the General Store. On our visit there were several options for things to buy including wooden dice, a fife (flute), hair clip, soap, and candy. My son, the musical genius, absolutely loved the fife!
Ride a High Wheel Bicycle
Ever wanted to ride a high-wheel bicycle? This is your chance! The kids were able to take turns riding around the circular dirt path. Younger kids may need an adults help by pushing them around.
Do Chores
I know, I know. Who wants to do chores? But the kids were fascinated by doing chores back then including washing clothes and mowing the lawn.
Grab a Beer
As one of the newer buildings on campus, The Brewhouse is 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. Learn about the brewing process where you can smell, taste, and touch the ingredients. Adults can then sample their beer. If you need more than the 3 oz. portion, you can get find other local craft beer on tap. After a long, sweltering day walking around, there was nothing like an ice-cold beer! While we were enjoying our Old World Wisconsin-brewed beer, the kids enjoyed sipping the OWW-branded Root Beer. Next time, we’ll definitely try a flight of four different beers.
Tip: Gender neutral washrooms are available at the Brewhouse.
Final Thoughts of Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a wonderful spot to immerse the family in history as well as participate in hands-on, family-friendly activities. This is where the past comes alive. What an amazing place for all to experience history!
Nitty Gritty
Website: https://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/
Address: W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI
Admission: Adults (18-64): $20, Teens (13-17): $20, Seniors (65+): $18, Children (5-12): $13, Children Under 5: FREE
Tips to Enjoy Old World Wisconsin
- Take the tram to the “Scandinavian Homesteads” and/or “Life on the Farms.” These two areas are a longer walk from Crossroads Village, but the hills are steep uphill and downhill. We definitely recommend taking the complimentary tram, especially for the youngins. You’ll find plenty of stops throughout the grounds, and the tram runs frequently, unless there’s a special event and you may have a longer wait.
- Pack a picnic lunch. Tons of places to enjoy your lunch!
- Plan to spend the whole day here. We started right about when they opened and stayed almost the whole day. There’s so much to do!
- Go on a free day for kids. There are a few dates when kids admission is free. This year it is: July 31 – August 4, August 7 – August 11
- Plan ahead with a map
- Save money with a Wisconsin Historical Society Membership. Get the membership which includes admission to 10 other Wisconsin historical sites for free! They also offer a discount for the wonderful Black Point Estate Tour in Lake Geneva. Read all about our experience here.
- Looking for a fun spot to eat afterwards? We love, LOVED our experience at Pizza on the Farms at Grassway Organics.
- Check out their special events. We were lucky enough to visit during Independence Day Weekend and it was jam packed with so much fun! We listened to a brass band, played tug of war, heard the Declaration of Independence by the Mayor. Although it is only open spring to fall, they do have a special event Home for the Holidays.
