Circus City Festival Museum, Peru

Ever since Buffalo Bill and the Ringling Brothers roamed the streets during their winter off-season, Peru, Indiana has been filled with the circus spirit. More than a century later, it's still putting on a dynamic show. Located in downtown Peru, the Circus City Festival Museum tells the story of this local cultural tradition, from the city's first performances to the present day. Its halls are filled with collections of vintage photographs and educational displays alongside circus miniatures, costume pieces, and props. These artifacts tell the story of the show's evolution and that one time the roman rings performer totally stole the trapeze artist's boyfriend. Meanwhile, the Peru Circus' own colorful wagons are on display outside the museum throughout the day, and before and after each performance. While these exhibits preserve the circus' past, an on-site gift shop guards its future; proceeds go to support the Circus City Festival and Peru Amateur Youth Circus program.