Circus World
Baraboo, WI
A museum on the winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers circus, with over 200 circus wagons and live big-top shows in summer. Check winter opening hours before you go.
Circus World is a circus museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, at 550 Water St. It stands on the former winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. circus and is a National Historic Landmark. It is run by the Wisconsin Historical Society.
The Ringling brothers founded their circus in Baraboo, where it gave its first show in 1884. When television pushed out the circus in the 1950s, the idea arose of a museum for the circus's "golden age"; it opened in 1959 at the original winter quarters. Today seven large buildings hold exhibits on the people and inventions of the American circus; exhibits include posters, diaries, oil paintings, handbills, photographs and circus wagons. There are performances in summer.
Outside the summer season, according to the Historical Society, sometimes only the exhibits are open; opening times vary, so check circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org in advance.
- Nearest town
- Baraboo, WI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.4697, -89.7380
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cedar Hills CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Circus WorldTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- Camp BrandenburgCampsite20 mi from Circus World
All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Circus World?
Circus World is in Baraboo, WI, at GPS 43.4697, -89.7380. It is about 11 mi from Wisconsin Dells.
Can you camp near Circus World?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cedar Hills Campground, about 18 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Circus World?
Circus World is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Baraboo Hills and Wisconsin Dells.
What is there to see near Circus World?
Places worth a stop nearby: Devil’s Lake State Park (3 mi), Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area (6 mi), Mirror Lake State Park (7 mi) and Taliesin (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Circus World?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)