Wisconsin State Historical Marker 243 on Center Avenue in Sheboygan honors the Seils-Sterling Circus, a homegrown traveling show that put this Lake Michigan city on the American circus map. Circus enthusiasts and history travelers come here to find a free roadside reminder of Sheboygan’s big-top past.
The Seils-Sterling Circus grew out of a family-run show organized by Sheboygan’s Lindemann brothers in the years after World War I. It expanded through the 1920s and 1930s and toured the Midwest and beyond, part of Wisconsin’s long run as a home base for traveling circuses. The marker sits on its post beside the street and carries a cast-metal plaque in the familiar style of the Wisconsin Historical Society program. Its text summarizes the circus’s local roots and its place in regional entertainment history. Expect a quick, contemplative stop rather than a staged attraction. There are no exhibits, staff, or facilities at the site.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The marker is outdoors and free to visit, and it is accessible year-round. Late spring through early fall brings the most comfortable weather for reading the plaque and walking nearby. Park legally on the street, and watch for traffic when you stop to take photos. Plan for 10 to 15 minutes at the site. To see more of the state’s circus history, consider driving about two hours west to Circus World in Baraboo. In Sheboygan itself, you can pair your stop with the Sheboygan County Historical Museum or the lakefront along Riverfront Drive.
