Independence Day Weekend

Event Details

Sat–Sun, July 4–5, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM 

About the Event

Celebrate Old World Wisconsin’s 50th anniversary and our nation’s 250th birthday during a monumental weekend jam-packed with food, games, music, performances and other patriotic festivities! Suit up in your best red, white and blue gear and head to the Crossroads Village to celebrate our biggest Independence Day yet: enjoy fan-favorite activities like pie-eating contests, wagon rides, historic baseball, brass bands and a patriotic parade as well as NEW experiences—explore our brand-new Welcome Center, try 50th anniversary food, brews and cocktails, pick up special merchandise and souvenirs at the new Welcome Center and much more.

What You’ll Experience

• A special Independence Day Weekend with more activities, experiences and fun in honor of Old World Wisconsin’s 50th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary!
• Pie-eating contests, wagon rides, historic baseball, spelling bees and ice cream making
• A selection of rousing tunes performed by the Madison Brass Band
• A new Old World Wisconsin 50th Anniversary Exhibit showcasing the history of the site from 1976 to now
• A chance to explore the all-new Old World Wisconsin Welcome Center
• A patriotic reading of the Declaration of Independence
• A 50th and 250th anniversary parade—join in with flags, wagons and more!
• Unique holiday merchandise at the Welcome Center Gift Shop
• Holiday-inspired food at the reopened Clausing Cafe
• Raise a celebratory pint at Wittnebel’s Tavern with an Old World Wisconsin 50th anniversary brew plus specialty tastings and cocktails
• Time Travel Tokens that can be redeemed for souvenirs, gifts, treats and more

Cost

Adult (18-64): $24
Teen (13-17): $24
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $16
Children under 5: Free 

Members: Free

About the Location

Old World Wisconsin includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores and workshops. Each region features a distinct set of stories that invite you to experience the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. From the 1840s to the 1940s, you’ll find a true panorama of early Wisconsin history, covering more than 70 years and many cultures, including African American, Danish, Finnish, Hessian, Irish, Norwegian, Polish, Pomeranian and Yankee.

Old World Wisconsin first opened in 1976. Researchers traveled throughout Wisconsin in search of historic buildings crafted by the first generation of Wisconsin immigrants and migrants. From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, and from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, historians documented countless historic farmhouses, outbuildings and small-town structures. Once research was complete, the meticulous construction of Old World Wisconsin began. Piece by piece, workers carefully dismantled historic structures from around the state and reconstructed them in their new home.

Old World Wisconsin 

W372 S9727 Hwy 67

Eagle, WI 53119

Know Before You Go & Accessibility

• Old World Wisconsin grounds remain open rain or shine. Programs are subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.
• Old World Wisconsin is located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The site features gravel roads, rough and hilly terrain, and encompasses over 400 acres of publicly accessible woodlands. Our staff recommends dressing in layers and choosing sturdy footwear. Motorized trams make scheduled stops around the site throughout the day and rides are included with admission.
• Onsite vehicle parking is available for FREE at Old World Wisconsin. The parking lot can accommodate large vehicles, RVs, and buses.
• Admission is valid for a single day, and guests may exit and re-enter during the day of their visit.
• Modern restrooms, changing rooms, and water fountains are available on site.
• No pets are allowed.
• Time Travel Tokens will be available for purchase during Independence Day Weekend. Time Travel Tokens cost $6 each and can be redeemed for one experience—shopping in the Crossroads General Store or Blacksmith Shop, making a leather keychain at the Shoe Shop, or enjoying a historic soda water from the 4 Mile Taproom. You do not have to select your experience at the time of purchase.
• Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. Guests using wheelchairs and electric scooters are eligible for complimentary admission. Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 262-594-6301 or [email protected].             

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].