Hours & Tours
Closing October 11, 2026 at the conclusion of Harvest Fest
Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Last guided tour at 3:15 pm
We welcome busses and large groups by appointment. We provide a tour guide for every 15 persons. For a full tour, plan on 1.5 hours. Groups of 10 + receive a $2 per person discount. Regular adult price $12, Group price $10. One payment per group at time of tour. Credit, Debit or Cash.
A dedicated group planner is available to assist you in scheduling your visit. (Kelly Ruschman 414.491.0160) Please fill out the form below to begin the process.
We have a main entrance ramp and accessible access to all but two of our 14 buildings. You will find convenient on-site motorcoach parking.
Our 2027 season will run from Memorial Day through our Harvest Fest event on October 10th.
Tour Request Form
2027 Admission:
Adults and children 14 years and older $12
Children 6-13 $4
Children 5 and under – Free
Members of the Historical Society – Free
Tour the Swiss Historical Village & Museum and the Chalet of the Golden Fleece for a single price. You can purchase an adult ticket for admission to both museums for $15. This joint admission ticket can be purchased at the Swiss Historical Village, or the Chalet of the Golden Fleece.
Immerse Yourself in Swiss Immigrant History
The Swiss Historical Village Museum re-creates the life of the immigrants from Canton Glarus, Switzerland, who founded New Glarus, Wisconsin, in 1845. Learn how New Glarus became known as America’s Little Switzerland. See how the community evolved in the 19th Century by exploring the 14 buildings on our beautiful grounds, including some original structures from the community. View a preview of your visit below.
Accessible and Inclusive
Smoke Free – Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits
Please note that pets are not allowed on the grounds of the museum, unless the animal is a trained/registered service support animal for a person with disabilities.
TOURS
Self-guided tours are always available and docent led tours are available on some days of the week. Docent led tours take approximately 75 minutes. The docent tours are continuous, and you can join them at any point.
Collection Highlights
- Hall of History detailing the immigration of the Swiss from Canton Glarus and how we preserve our Swiss Heritage today
- One room original settler’s cabin
- Swiss style bee house
- Cheese factory with a giant copper cheesemaking kettle
- One room country school
- Collection of bridal gowns and fabrics from the Swiss Miss Lace Factory
- Firetrucks and equipment including the original 1902 ladder rig and hose cart
- Printing press and equipment used to produce the New Glarus news 1880s to 1980s
GIFT SHOP
Stop in the charming Gift Shop to find that special souvenir or gift to remind you of your visit to the Swiss Historical Village. Swiss-inspired crafts, Swiss confections and chocolates, books, and locally sourced products capture the essence of your visit.
Map & Driving Instructions
New Glarus is about 25 minutes southwest of Madison, WI, on Highway 69.
The Swiss Historical Village is on the west side of New Glarus, along Highway 39. If entering New Glarus from Highway 69, go eight blocks west (on 6th Ave) and the museum will be on your left. Go around the block — the entrance is on the south side at 612 7th Ave. A parking lot is adjacent to the museum.
If traveling from the Chicago area, the easiest route is to exit I-90 at Beloit, take Highway 81 west to Monroe and then Highway 69 north to New Glarus.