Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin is an open-air museum spanning 480 acres of wooded hills with more than 60 historic buildings from the 1800s. The structures include farmhouses, barns, a village crossroads, and domestic buildings that show how rural settlers lived in this area.

The Wisconsin Historical Society founded this museum in 1976 after planning began in 1966 and land was acquired from Kettle Moraine State Forest. The collected buildings represent how immigrant groups established rural communities and farming settlements during the 1800s in this region.

The site features separate areas showing African American, Danish, Finnish, German, Norwegian, and Polish settlements, each displaying how immigrant communities farmed and lived alongside each other. Visitors can see traditional crafts and building styles that each group brought with them to this rural region.

The museum has a gift shop and ample parking, and visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for outdoor weather since the site is large and open. Plan to spend several hours here to see all the different settlement areas and buildings at a relaxed pace.

A newer Brewhouse building demonstrates historical brewing techniques and connects visitors with Wisconsin's traditional beer-making practices through hands-on demonstrations. This facility highlights the region's long-standing brewing heritage that was central to immigrant communities.

Location: Waukesha County

GPS coordinates: 42.87193,-88.49082

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40