Old World Wisconsin has a new way to see its historic grounds, and it doesn’t involve walking them. The living history site in Eagle is adding a narrated tram tour this fall, along with a harvest beer dinner and a few hiking days for anyone who’d rather explore on foot.
The tram ride, called A Drive Through History, starts at the newly built Welcome Center and rolls through the Crossroads Village. Narration continues past the Scandinavian Homesteads and Life on the Farms regions. The site built the program for guests with varying accessibility needs, and Doug Raney, attractions director, said it also works for guests who “simply want to experience Old World from a new perspective.”
Take the Tram on Nov. 7
Old World Wisconsin runs the tram Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tours leaving every 30 minutes. Raney said the new programs join larger seasonal events like Halloween Legends & Lore and Home for the Holidays.
Harvest Beer Dinner With New Glarus Founders
On Saturday, Nov. 14, New Glarus Brewing Company founders Deb and Dan Carey will join a multi-course dinner built on historic recipes. A visit to Old World Wisconsin inspired the Careys to create Spotted Cow farmhouse ale, and they’ll share insight into the beers you taste. The Old World Wisconsin team will explain the history behind the harvest-inspired dishes.
Highlights include Zwiebel Kuchen Tartlets and Beef Rouladen, with Plum Kuchen and Friesian Torte for dessert. Here’s how the night works:
- Hors d’oeuvres and beer samples begin at 5 p.m. in the Brewhouse.
- Dinner runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Upper Clausing Barn.
- You must be 21 to attend, and the dinner comes with five New Glarus samples.
- The event wraps up at 8 p.m.
Hiking Kettle Moraine State Forest
Hiking at Old World Wisconsin takes you along the Kettle Moraine State Forest trails as the seasons change from fall to winter, though the buildings stay closed. Raney said hiking “opens up our beautiful Kettle Moraine to nature lovers everywhere.” Hiking runs on these dates:
- Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pick Your Visit
Choose the tram to see the grounds from a seat, or hit the trails if you’d rather be on foot. The Nov. 14 dinner is the one to book when you want history served alongside beer. Before you leave, stop by the Welcome Center gift shop to look for Wisconsin-inspired holiday gifts.