For half a century, Old World Wisconsin’s 600 acres near Eagle have offered a throwback to 19th-century life via 60 historic structures.
On May 2, the site kicks off a new season, with new reasons to visit centered around its recent expansion. And, of no surprise, given that this is an attraction rooted in Wisconsin, each of these reasons mostly involve beer – the restored 1930s historic Wittnebel’s Tavern, an outdoor biergarten overlooking the Kettle Moraine Forest, and a brewhouse with brewing tutorials. Pair that with Clausing Barn’s revamped food and beverage offerings.
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It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
On July 4 – coinciding with America’s 250th birthday – Old World Wisconsin will open its brand-new 10,000-square-foot visitor center. Built to the tune of $6 million, the center is essentially two buildings connected by an open-air plaza. They contain restrooms, a new museum store, ticketing areas, site information and spots to refill water bottles. Another new perk is a tram center that makes it even easier for those with limited mobility to explore the grounds, which feature 12 historic sites and museums.
A summer visit is also an excuse to check out a special exhibit in the Lueskow House that documents this living history museum’s 1978 opening. Food and beverage offerings will be served at the octagonal-shaped Clausing Barn, thanks to an upgraded kitchen.
All in all, this facelift was a $12 million investment funded by a variety of sources, including the state of Wisconsin, private donations and a $2.75 million federal economic development grant.
It’s fitting that these major improvements coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. Old World Wisconsin first opened during America’s Bicentennial, in 1976, and quickly became a special memory for many Wisconsinites who visited as schoolchildren. It was the dream of preservationist Hans Kuether and architect Richard Perrin, whose book, Historic Wisconsin Architecture, listed the 76 historic structures in Wisconsin he deemed well worth saving. During the 1960s, the duo first began to dream about what is today known as Old World Wisconsin, and embarked on a thoughtful process to relocated 60 authentic buildings from around the state to this pastoral, peaceful property in Eagle.
According to Old World Wisconsin, about 60,000 people visit the site each year. While the attraction is not open year-round, it starts its season on spring weekends (Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). From June 10-Aug. 30, it’s open Wed-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In September, the hours revert back to Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In the off-season, Old World Wisconsin opens only for special holiday-themed events and activities.
