Forge your skill and prove your merit as an 1800s metalworker when you step into the heat of the Blacksmith Workshop at Old World Wisconsin! Learn the basics of blacksmithing as you work in small groups shoulder to shoulder with a trained and talented smith. At the warmth of the forge, learn how to heat and work steel by crafting and molding a variety of different objects—which you’ll be able to take home and present to friends, family and loved ones as handmade gifts. No prior experience is needed. This is an introductory level class. Projects to make and take with you include different hook styles and other small items. Workshop attendance also includes FREE admission to Old World Wisconsin on the day of the class, as well as free lunch. Each participant will make at least one item to take home; items may vary on skill level and instructor.

Locked doors, upper floors, secret basements and hidden buildings... have you ever wondered what’s just around the corner at Old World Wisconsin? For the first time ever, visit the nooks, crannies and hidden spaces of our historic site during this exciting 50th anniversary experience. From select indoor spaces to entire buildings, step into the least visited parts of our historic site and learn interesting new stories about their purpose and past. After your tour, round out your visit with a lunch at the Clausing Barn Cafe.

During this kickoff celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as the distant past roars through the Museum's halls.

In partnership with military history interpreters Badger Light Infantry, Old World Wisconsin presents For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience. Explore the impact of Wisconsin's communities in the American Civil War in the theater of battle and at home. For 2026, Old World will focus on the 26th Wisconsin regiment, a group comprised of German immigrants, from across Wisconsin. The event will take place in the Crossroads Village and the Life on the Farms areas. Please note that out of respect to service members who have experienced active combat, OWW's living history interpreters will not re-enact live battles. Demonstrations featuring blank ammunition may be included in the program. This Living History Experience is performed in partnership with the Badger Light Infantry.

Ready to race on down to Circus World this summer for an unbeatable show of human horsepower? Come see vintage hot rods, muscle cars, heavy-duty trucks, rare rides and more while enjoying the magic of classic circus performances across acres of exhibits. This is your chance—maybe your only chance—to explore two timeless American summer traditions at once: classic car shows and the circus! Your astounding automotive adventure includes general admission to the one and only Circus World, where you’ll explore the rich and deep history of Wisconsin circus heritage through countless acts and artifacts in the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus. Be the driving force that plans your visit to Circus World today!

During this closeout celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as the distant past roars through the Museum's halls. Admission to the Museum is FREE for Kohl's Thank You Thursday!