New Arrivals Campaign

Full New Arrivals site looking towards parking

New Arrivals Campaign

A reimagined Welcome Experience will turn this beloved
history attraction into an unforgettable destination.

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The five fermentation vats (one for each day of brewing during the summer season) and kegs shown as equipment is moved into the new Brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin in preparation for the June 2022 grand opening events. Taken 2.24.22 by Dan Freas

The Brewhouse

Open Now!

From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage. The new Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family taps into into the state’s brewing past by creating immersive environments where you can see, smell, feel, and — of course — taste this history. You’ll get hands-on, see how beer is made, engage with beermakers and bartenders, and relax with a few cold ones on your own.

Circular Graphic illustrating the 4 quadrants this will assist. Exceptional Guest Services & Amenities, Audience Growth, Interactive & Enhanced Experience, Revenue Opportunities

A HISTORIC TRANSFORMATION

Since its opening in 1976, Old World Wisconsin has become one of the more beloved and popular history attractions in the Midwest. The Wisconsin Historical Society is thrilled to launch an ambitious project that reimagines the history attraction’s guest entry area, which has remained mostly unchanged over five decades.

An improved welcome area has long been identified as a critical need for the 600-acre site, which attracts more than 50,000 people each year, including thousands of students on much-anticipated annual field trips.

A 2010 tornado that leveled acres of trees on the site led to the planning for this Welcome Experience and the New Arrivals Campaign to make it happen.

A Guest Entrance Complex, The Brewhouse, 1930s tavern, outdoor Biergarten, Pavilion, Tram Stop and other improvements will make a visit to Old World Wisconsin an unforgettable experience unlike any other, while also helping sustain the site far into the future. 

The visualized plan for the New Arrivals Entrance
A beautiful new Guest Entrance Complex that will serve visitors in numerous ways is one of many dramatic improvements planned in a multi-year, multi-phase Welcome Experience that will transform Old World Wisconsin into a one-of-a-kind historic attraction and a unique venue for public and private events.

WELCOME EXPERIENCE

ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT

A reimagined Welcome Experience to better serve our guests at Old World Wisconsin, attract new visitors, and help this treasured 600-acre history attraction become more financially self-sustaining has been a decade in the making. This ambitious project features new elements and rehabilitated or restored existing elements as outlined below.

a digital rendering of the new layout of old world

PHASE 1

BREWING EXPERIENCE BUILDING

The Master Plan is broken into phases that will move forward as funds are raised. Phase 1 is near completion! The Brewhouse opened to the public in June 2022 and work is starting on restoring the historic Wittnebel’s Tavern to its 1930s appearance. While The Brewhouse is now open, funds are still needed. You can help complete this exciting project!

PHASE 1 OF TRANSFORMATIVE
PROJECT IS MOVING FORWARD!

The Wisconsin Historical Society is thrilled to proceed with the opening of the new Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family at Old World Wisconsin. 

Made possible in large part by the generosity of private donors through the New Arrivals Campaign, this long-envisioned experience will build on what has become one of the site’s more popular features: the historic brewing program created in partnership with the Museum of Beer and Brewing.

Wittenbel Tavern in the wintertime after siding applied
The new brewhouse next to Wittnebel’s Tavern, which was relocated to Old World Wisconsin in 2021 and will be renovated during Phase II of the New Arrivals Project.
a night view of the new brew house
Image of the new brewhouse at night at Old World Wisconsin.

When the two phases of this project are completed, guests will make lasting memories as they explore Wisconsin’s brewing heritage through demonstrations, workshops, tastings and other activities in The Brewhouse, immerse themselves in a 1930s rural Wisconsin tavern, and enjoy a festive, outdoor Biergarten.

The Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family marks the first step in a multi-phase overall redevelopment that reimagines a Welcome Experience, with new structures and amenities that will help guests plan and enjoy an unforgettable journey into the past. The project provides locations for public programs while also offering earned revenue opportunities as a venue for private events that will help sustain Old World Wisconsin far into the future.

Dan Freas smiling

“This Brewing Experience, and the larger plan to reimagine our entire entry area, will transform how we’re able to serve guests for decades to come. We’re excited to see this dream become a reality, and grateful to all who donate to make it happen!”

– Dan Freas, Old World Wisconsin Site Director

Volunteers from the Museum of Beer and Brewing (from left) Bob McGill, Bob Heger, and Gary Luther begin to move historic brewing equipment into the new Brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin on Feb. 18, 2022. The work is being done in preparation for the planned June 2022 opening of the new attraction, which will be the first part of a larger brewing experience at the site.
Old World Wisconsin’s Historic Brewing Program, led by volunteer brewers through a partnership with the Museum of Beer and Brewing, will be significantly improved with a new building for brewing, including indoor and outdoor areas for guests to sample beer brewed on site, as well as those of our brewing partners.

BREWING EXPERIENCE BUILDING IMMERSES GUESTS IN WISCONSIN’S BREWING TRADITIONS

The Brewhouse is the first new structure completed at Old World Wisconsin as part of the larger, reimagined guest entry experience. It highlights our state’s proud brewing tradition in numerous ways. The building features two large masonry fireplaces that our team of brewers use to brew small batches of historically inspired beer, some including heirloom ingredients grown on site. The building also features a bar area and a large multi-purpose gathering space with seating for guests to relax and enjoy brewing demonstrations, workshops, tastings, and other activities. In addition, The Brewhouse will be available to rent for weddings, reunions, and other private events, providing an important source of revenue to sustain overall operations at the 600-acre site. 

Brewing Experience team member Rob Novak checking ingredients at the new Brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin.

PHASE 2

TAVERN RESTORATION & BEER GARDEN

The multi-year master plan is broken into multiple phases that will move forward only as funds are raised. The first two phases will complete The Brewhouse, historic tavern relocation and renovation, and Biergarten. While the Brewhouse is set to open, funds are still needed.

Wittnebel's Tavern (above), founded in 1906, will be moved to Old World Wisconsin and restored. The experience will be further enhanced by an outdoor Beer Garden inspired by Wisconsin beer garden traditions introduced by German immigrants.
Wittnebel’s Tavern (above on its original site), founded in 1906, has been moved to Old World Wisconsin and will be restored. The experience will be further enhanced by an outdoor Biergarten inspired by Wisconsin beer garden traditions introduced by German immigrants.
Wittnebel's Tavern interior
Wittnebel’s Tavern interior

YOUR GENEROUS GIFT WILL RESTORE A RELOCATED TAVERN & CREATE A FESTIVE OUTDOOR SPACE.

While early fundraising has paved the way for initial design, site planning, and construction of The Brewhouse, additional funds are needed to complete Phase 2 and make this immersive experience a reality.

Wittnebel’s Tavern, originally located 30 miles north of Old World Wisconsin in Old Ashippun (north of  Oconomowoc), was founded in 1906 and operated by two generations of the Wittnebel family until 1987. It is the first historic structure relocated to Old World in 25 years. 

Once restored, the two-story building will become a prominent, popular attraction and add authenticity to the historic beer and brewing experience. The first floor will serve as a functioning immersive 1930s tavern that will transport guests back in time and tell the story of rural Wisconsin tavern life immediately following Prohibition. A restored 1929 Ford  beer delivery truck, recently donated by the Old World Foundation, will be parked in front of the tavern and offer guests a glimpse at how kegs were delivered and serve as a popular spot for selfies and other photos.

The outdoor Beer Garden, meanwhile, will tie the Brewing Experience building and Wittnebel’s Tavern together, and be a comfortable space for guests to relax, enjoy drinks and food, and discuss their memorable experience.

Traditional German Beer Garden example
Traditional German Beer Garden example

OTHER MASTER PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

Additional elements of the Master Plan will follow completion of the first two phases only when funds are raised for each. Your financial support will make it happen!

CONSTRUCTION OF GUEST ENTRANCE COMPLEX. The entry and exit point for all visitors, the new complex

CONSTRUCTION OF GUEST ENTRANCE COMPLEX. The entry and exit point for all visitors, the new complex features two buildings connected by an open-air plaza that can accommodate pop-up stands. One building includes a retail store, ticket windows with day planning services, and staff offices. The other will be a large restroom facility.

CLAUSING BARN REHABILITATION. The 1890s octagonal barn has long been a signature building, with rentable event space on the upper level and a restaurant and kitchen on the lower level. It will continue to serve those purposes, with renovations creating more space for larger groups. The lower level kitchen will be re-designed to support expanded food and beverage operations as part of the daily guest experience and for private events.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRAM STOP. Guests will come to
this shaded, open-air new structure to board a tram that will take them deeper into the 600-acre site to continue their journey back in history.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PAVILION. This much-needed permanent covered open-air shelter will provide student groups and others a shaded place to relax and enjoy lunch. It also offers earned revenue opportunities  through rentals.

RAMSEY BARN RESTORATION. The circa 1890 dairy barn that currently houses ticketing, a small retail shop and storage will be repurposed into a unique space for educational programs, special events, and private functions with support facilities for these activities located in the lower level.

LUESKOW HOUSE REHABILITATION. The first historic structure that guests see upon entry will be repurposed as support space for special events.