Travel Back to a Simpler Time

This exciting, interactive museum take visitors back in time to the late 19th century when Wisconsin was growing at a breakneck pace. Immigrants came to the land from all over and settle the land, while surviving off of it. The location recreates the working farmsteads that were settle by the European immigrants. You will witness teams of oxen and horses working the fields, and experience what it was like to live on a farm with wood burning stoves, heirloom plants, and a community village that supplied the basics you needed to survive.

The Crossroads Village gives visitors a chance to understand the original economic, political, religious, and social structure operated. It was these principles that bound the community together, and you will see the roots of how society performs today, and maybe get a reminder of the original intention of the settlers for the country. Costumed interpreters roam through the village, shopping, interacting with visitors, and working. You will see an Irish laundress, a Norwegian wagon maker, and a Welsh shopkeeper. This truly is a reminder of the melting pot the country was and still is.

Wool processing was a major part of the lives of those living in this area during the 19th century. You will be able to witness the shearing process that was a major part of the culture of early settlers. Visitors can also see the food preparation process re-enacted and get a feel for how much work it was to prepare each meal, everyday. There were no microwaves or fast food back in these times and folks had to work hard for every bite of food they ate.

After witnessing the preparation of a meal, head to the one room Raspberry School. Students will be stunned by the tiny little room that was where the learning occurred during these times. Kids not only did not have cell phones or iPods, they did not have a cafeteria, buses, or indoor plumbing!

Best of all, visitors to this destination can try their hands at many of the tasks they see in action. Kids can wash clothes on a washboard, try some old fashioned handicrafts, and participate in a variety of outdoor games. If you love gardening, you will enjoy a walk through the historic gardens, featuring a dozen heirloom plants grown today just as they were two centuries ago.

A popular destination for field trips, teachers and students are invited to visit Old World Wisconsin during the spring and fall, and on the limited basis during the holidays. Programs are run in one hour blocks of time, and you are able to personalize your tour by combining two or three of the activities available on the site. There are also two hour immersion tours available in Norwegian upon request. Summer camps are run annually, and kids love the chance to spend a week exploring, and engaging in handicrafts and old world living. Old World Wisconsin is a fun destination for families and school classes. The next time you are searching for something unique, consider traveling back in time.