The site was established in 1976 as a Bicentennial project to celebrate the diverse ethnic groups that settled in Wisconsin.
Many of the historic buildings were threatened by modern development and were saved by being dismantled, transported, and meticulously reconstructed on-site.
The museum maintains heritage breeds of livestock, such as Milking Shorthorn cattle, which reflect the farming practices of the 1870s.
The landscape architecture was designed to replicate the geographical regions from which the immigrants originally migrated.
Staff interpreters undergo training to maintain the dialect, clothing, and social customs of the specific time period they represent.
The site includes an authentic 1870s schoolhouse where visitors can observe the educational methods and curriculum of the era.
The museum grounds utilize sustainable preservation techniques to manage the diverse historical structures against Wisconsin's harsh climate cycles.
Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre outdoor living history museum located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The site features over 60 historic structures relocated from across the state, representing immigrant life in Wisconsin from the 1870s. Visitors interact with costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional agricultural, culinary, and craft practices in authentic farmsteads. The museum is organized into distinct ethnic farmsteads, including German, Norwegian, Danish, and Yankee settlements. It focuses on the era of rapid state expansion and the establishment of diverse immigrant communities. Historical buildings include homes, schools, blacksmith shops, and barns that were moved piece-by-piece to preserve their architectural integrity. The site provides a landscape representative of the driftless area's rugged topography. Visitors explore the grounds via a combination of walking trails and an internal tram system. The facility operates under the Wisconsin Historical Society, emphasizing educational narratives of the 19th-century rural experience.
The elevated view from the Gjerde Norwegian Farmhouse looking out over the rolling Kettle Moraine landscape.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the site covers significant acreage with varied, unpaved terrain.
Check the museum's daily schedule upon arrival to catch specific demonstrations, as these occur at rotating times across different farmsteads.
Bring a refillable water bottle, as the outdoor nature of the site makes hydration essential during summer months.
Trying to see every building in a single visit, which leads to exhaustion; focus on specific farmsteads instead.
Closed during the winter months; operates primarily from late spring through early autumn; often closed on certain weekdays during the shoulder seasons.
Respect the historic structures by not touching the fragile artifacts; observe boundaries set by interpreters.
