Old World Wisconsin
Nestled in the rolling countryside of southeastern Wisconsin, just a short drive from Milwaukee, lies a remarkable living history museum: Old World Wisconsin. This immersive destination offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the daily lives of the diverse immigrant groups who shaped the state’s cultural landscape during the 19th and early 20th centuries. More than just a collection of artifacts, Old World Wisconsin is a meticulously recreated rural landscape populated by costumed interpreters who bring history to life.
The genesis of Old World Wisconsin dates back to the 1970s, a period of growing interest in preserving and celebrating the heritage of Wisconsin’s pioneering settlers. Recognizing the rapid disappearance of historic buildings that represented the state’s rich past, a team of researchers embarked on an ambitious project: to locate, carefully dismantle, and reconstruct authentic structures from across Wisconsin, creating a comprehensive outdoor museum dedicated to rural life.
The process was a labor of love and painstaking attention to detail. Over 60 historic buildings were identified, ranging from modest farmhouses to bustling village shops. Each structure was meticulously documented, with every board, brick, and log numbered to ensure accurate reassembly. The pieces were then carefully transported to the museum site, a sprawling 600-acre landscape near Eagle, Wisconsin.
Opened to the public in 1976, Old World Wisconsin quickly became a national treasure, the largest outdoor museum of rural life in the United States. The museum is organized into distinct ethnic settlements and agricultural areas, each representing a different cultural group and period of Wisconsin’s history. As visitors stroll through these meticulously recreated environments, they are transported to a bygone era.
One of the most compelling aspects of Old World Wisconsin is the opportunity to interact with costumed interpreters who inhabit each village and farm. These knowledgeable individuals embody the roles of farmers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, shopkeepers, and other members of the community, sharing stories, demonstrating traditional skills, and answering questions about daily life in their respective eras.
Visitors to Old World Wisconsin can explore a variety of ethnic settlements, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Wisconsin’s immigrant communities. At the Finnish farms, Rankinen and Ketola, one can experience the challenges and triumphs of Finnish immigrants in the early 1900s. The Norwegian area features the Raspberry Schoolhouse, a testament to the importance of education in even the most remote settlements. This particular building holds a special significance, as it was moved from the far reaches of northern Wisconsin, near Lake Michigan, showcasing the museum’s dedication to preserving the state’s diverse heritage. Within the schoolhouse, a dedicated teacher might regale visitors with tales of the challenges of maintaining order in a wilderness school, hinting at the reasons why teachers often had short tenures in such isolated outposts.
The museum also showcases the contributions of other ethnic groups, including German, Danish, African American, and Polish communities. Each settlement features authentic buildings, furnishings, and artifacts that reflect the unique traditions and customs of its inhabitants. The sights, sounds, and smells of each village transport visitors to another time and place.
The 1870s Crossroads Village is a particularly engaging area of Old World Wisconsin. Here, visitors can encounter a diverse cast of characters, including an Irish laundress, a Welsh shopkeeper, and a Bohemian shoemaker. Each interpreter shares stories about their lives and work, providing insights into the economic and social dynamics of a typical 19th-century Wisconsin village. The Crossroads Village also features a general store stocked with authentic merchandise from the period, a blacksmith shop where skilled artisans demonstrate their craft, and a wagon shop where wagons were built and repaired.
Throughout the 600-acre site, visitors will encounter costumed interpreters who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Wisconsin history. These dedicated individuals bring the past to life, creating a truly immersive and educational experience. In addition to the relocated historic structures, Old World Wisconsin even includes meticulously recreated cemeteries, complete with accurate replicas of the original grave markers and inscriptions.
The Wisconsin Historical Society, which operates Old World Wisconsin, ensures that each visit offers a unique and engaging experience. Throughout the open season, the museum hosts a variety of special events and programs that highlight different aspects of Wisconsin history and culture. During a visit in August 2014, for example, the museum featured a Civil War theme, with a Union camp, demonstrations, and reenactments at Crossroads Village. The museum also offers children’s camps and other educational programs throughout the season.
Whether you choose to explore Old World Wisconsin on foot or by taking advantage of the trams provided, a full day is recommended to fully appreciate the scope and depth of this remarkable museum. From the meticulously recreated buildings to the engaging costumed interpreters, Old World Wisconsin offers a truly unforgettable journey into the past.
Old World Wisconsin is open from early May through October, with special events scheduled in November and December. It is a true gem and a vivid recreation of the working farmsteads and settlements of European immigrants in the Badger State.
For more information, including admission costs, directions, and a schedule of events, please visit the official Old World Wisconsin website: oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org.
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Hwy 67
PO Box 69
Eagle, WI 53119
(262) 594-6301