Independence Day Celebration

media release: Celebrate Independence Day at Old World Wisconsin, a 600-acre living history attraction that comes alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday. Enjoy live brass band performances, join a stroller-friendly participant parade, cheer on (or compete in!) the always-popular pie-eating contest, and listen to a stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence.

And that’s just the beginning of a weekend filled with fun for everyone!

Special activities take place throughout the grounds. Guests can pitch and catch in a historic baseball game, enter a tug-of-war contest, play hoop and stick at Raspberry School, or visit the recently opened Wittnebel’s Tavern—a historic tribute to the post-Prohibition era.

The historical attraction also offers several new food and beverage offerings. Stop by Caldwell Hall, where a tent-covered outdoor dining area serves hot dogs, veggie dogs and beer-infused brats fresh off the grill along with pulled-pork sandwiches. At the Creamery, guests can enjoy a red, white, and blue strawberry shortcake—made with fresh strawberries, topped with blueberries and a dollop of cream—as well as a variety of ice cream specialties.

Wittnebel’s Tavern will serve its exclusive Kettle Brau brew, a refreshing blonde lager inspired by 20th-century recipes, along with a special Duesterbeck’s Two Red Barns American ale.

The new Biergarten, decked out in red, white and blue for the holiday, overlooks the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, and offers a relaxing setting to enjoy the view, a beverage or sample a special charcuterie cup—a historic nod to Wisconsin classics like cheese curds, sausage sticks, pickles, cranberries, and even a pickled egg for those interested in a taste of the past. The nearby Ramsey Barn, with enticing gifts for the whole family, will feature a special Independence Day Hawaiian shirt.

The Independence Day event is sponsored by the Old World Foundation and this special program is included in the cost of general admission. Tickets are $20 for adults and teens, $18 for senior citizens, $13 for children, and admission is free for children under 5. Old World Wisconsin will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5, 2025.

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive FREE general admission to Old World Wisconsin and a 10% discount on ticketed events.