1. Circus World Museum
City: Baraboo, WI
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (608) 356-8341
Address: 550 Water St.
Description: The Ringling Brothers Circus was born just north of Madison in Baraboo and this collection of historic buildings and museum exhibits commemorates the glory days. Besides the obvious interest kids have for the animals on-site and some of the colorful displays, they also have access to KidsWorld Circus. Twice a day this children’s program lets kids star in their own circus acts. Inside the original circus elephant house, a ringmaster takes volunteers from the audience to don costumes and face paint and be part of the show. From the magic tricks to tiger kids jumping through hoops, each show is recorded and burned on DVDs, which are available for purchase soon afterward. Baraboo is about a 45-minute drive north on US 12 from Madison. Open daily from mid-May through most of Oct and then on weekdays for the rest of the year. Admission is about $7 for adults, half that for kids under 12 and free for those under 5.
2. Circus World Museum
City: Baraboo, WI
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (608) 356-8341
Address: 550 Water St.
Description: The Ringling Brothers circus was created in 1884 by five brothers from Wisconsin. Their first show was held in Mazomanie but they made their home in Baraboo. Their success was great, and in 1907 they even bought their competition, the Barnum and Bailey Show. Many of the old buildings remain on the circus’ wintering site there. Visitors can see more than 200 restored circus wagons, a massive collection of posters (including one of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West), a documentary about the circus and its founders, and some circus animals as well. KidsWorld Circus takes children from the audience and creates some circus acts with them involving magic and costumed kid-tigers jumping through hoops. This National Historic Landmark is operated by the Wisconsin State Historical Society. Open year-round—daily in the summer and shoulder seasons, but with limited hours and days from about late Oct into Apr.