Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
608-261-9596
kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org
Eagle, Wis. – Old World Wisconsin will be offering a new experience called, “Weekday Walks & Rides” this season, Monday through Thursday, beginning June 10 through August 29. This new experience lets the guest roam at their own pace on the 600-acre site through self-guided walking tours or for additional cost guests can take a guided scenic tram ride.
“The weekday experience is a whole new way to explore our historic landscapes and natural settings,” said Dan Freas, director of Old World Wisconsin. “The weekday experience is perfect for guests who like to walk, take photos, bird watch or just be outside in nature.”
Guests can choose from three self-guided walking tours that highlight architecture, gardens and nature. There will also be a new kid’s activity walk. All of these walks can be done at the guests’ own pace.
The architecture self-guided walk highlights the largest collection of historic building styles in the state. Guests can see over 60 structures built by Wisconsin immigrants, see and touch examples of German Fachwerk, learn about different styles of Scandinavian corner notching, and see a Cutover cordwood house, among many others.
The garden self-guided walk allows guests to discover heirloom flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs. Guests are encouraged to take this self-guided tour a few times throughout the year to watch the gardens change throughout the seasons.
The nature self-guided walk showcases the natural features and creatures of the Old World Wisconsin grounds. Guests will enjoy the unique landscape and wildlife of the Kettle Moraine forest on low-intensity paths that are safe for all ages, and stroller friendly.
The Kids Walk is perfect for the youngest visitors or families with small children. During this self-guided tour, guests will take the short walk out to the Crossroads Village and explore Old World Wisconsin with a seek-and-find tour that uses all five senses. From counting sheep to finding hidden letters in the architecture, it’s a great way for parents and children to enjoy the day together.
Guests can also choose to take one of four scheduled guided tram rides offered each Monday through Thursday. These interactive rides in a motorized tram are facilitated by a costumed member of the Old World Wisconsin staff. Once guests reach the Life on the Farms area they will receive exclusive access to select buildings, meet heritage animals, taste historic foods, and more. Each tram ride lasts approximately 75 minutes and can accommodate up to 40 guests per ride.
The self-guided walks cost $5 for adults, seniors (over 65) $3 and children under four years of age are free. The walk/tram combo will cost $10 for adults, seniors (over 65) $8, children under four years of age are free.
The full Old World Wisconsin experience, featuring immersive historical settings and costumed staff facilitating hands-on activities will continue to be offered Friday through Sunday during the summer season.
Old World Wisconsin is open Saturdays and Sundays in May, early June, September and early October. For more information or to purchase tickets visit oldworldwisconsin.org.
About Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre regional history attraction that features interactive environments and immersive stories of 19th-and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. It is one of twelve Wisconsin Historical Society sites and museums around the state. The museum offers guests hands-on activities, led by period-clad staff members, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, meet heritage animal breeds and try historic crafts and skills. Old World Wisconsin is located on Highway 67 just south of Eagle, Wisconsin in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison triangle. Check our website for seasonal hours. For more information visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org or call 262-594-6301.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
