Baraboo, Wisconsin: Where the Fun Never Stops! Check Out the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

Baraboo, Wisconsin: Where the Fun Never Stops! Check Out the Best Thin, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Ringling Brothers started their whole circus right here in Baraboo back in the year of 1884. Circus World runs seven whole buildings of the exhibits right out there on it now. Devil’s Lake State Park runs over 29 whole miles of the hiking trail right out there on it. The Al Ringling Theatre out there was built right back in the year 1915. Be nine again.

Planning a trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin and wondering what to do, this is the town that lets adults be nine again. Baraboo sits in the heart of Wisconsin, surrounded by good country, unusual attractions and a history running back to the 19th century. On your own, with somebody or with children, Baraboo has a version of the week.

Outdoor people do well in Baraboo. Hiking and biking trails through to kayaking and fishing, there is plenty to fill the days. Devil’s Lake State Park is the largest state park in Wisconsin, and the scenery and wildlife in it are the reason to go. For something you will not find elsewhere, Circus World covers the history of the American circus with live performances and exhibits.

Whatever the interest, Baraboo carries it. The food and drink scene runs restaurants, breweries and wineries. Downtown Baraboo handles the shopping and the souvenirs. And for theater, the historic Al Ringling Theatre has been putting on shows since 1915.

Key Takeaways

Baraboo, Wisconsin is a charming town with something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs.
Visitors can explore the great outdoors at Devil’s Lake State Park or experience the unique attractions at Circus World.
Baraboo also offers a variety of food and drink options, shopping, and theater, making it the perfect destination for a fun and memorable trip.

A Glimpse of Baraboo’s History

Baraboo carries a history running back to the 19th century. The town was named after a Native American chief, Chief Baraboo, known for his wisdom and bravery. European immigrants first settled the area in the mid-1800s. It became a center for agriculture, logging and mining.

The best-known part of Baraboo’s history is its connection to the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling Brothers grew up here and started their circus in Baraboo in 1884. Baraboo was also the winter headquarters for the circus until 1918. The Circus World Museum in Baraboo holds artifacts from it and covers the Ringling Brothers properly.

Aldo Leopold was another Baraboo resident, a conservationist and writer widely regarded as the father of wildlife management. Leopold lived and worked here for years and wrote A Sand County Almanac while living in Baraboo. The Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo covers his life and work.

For more of Baraboo’s history, take the Sauk County Historical Museum. The museum sits inside the historic Van Orden Mansion and has been open since 1939. It holds artifacts from Baraboo’s past and sets out the town’s story.

And for the geology, take the Baraboo Range. The range is a series of hills and bluffs formed over 1.6 billion years ago. It is now where the hikers and the nature people go to work through that landscape.

Baraboo runs a lot of cultural attractions worth the time. History, nature or the arts, this Wisconsin town has a version of each.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

You are in Baraboo, Wisconsin and you want to get outside. You are well placed, because this area runs plenty of outdoor days.

Start with hiking. Baraboo holds some of the better hiking trails in Wisconsin. Devil’s Lake State Park is the one to get to. The park runs over 29 miles of trail winding through canyons and geologic formations, with long views out over Devil’s Lake and the Wisconsin River. Climb up to Balanced Rock, Devil’s Doorway or Elephant Rock and take the view from the top.

If hiking is not your thing, Baraboo has other options. Biking trails run all over the area and several local businesses rent bikes. For something harder, try rock climbing. Devil’s Lake State Park is the popular spot for climbers and there are guided tours available.

For a slower outdoor day, take Parfrey’s Glen or Mirror Lake State Park. Both run good hiking trails and quiet lake views. For the natural history of the area, take Man Mound or the State Natural Area.

Whichever outdoor activity you take, bring the right kit. Sunscreen, bug spray and comfortable shoes are the basics. Carry water and snacks too.

So get out and take the outdoor half of Baraboo.

Wildlife and Nature Experiences

For wildlife in Baraboo, this town runs plenty. Lions through to cranes, ecosystems through to flyways, the nature experience here is a real one.

Start at the Ochsner Park Zoo, where you get close to some genuinely interesting animals. Lions, tigers and bears among them. The zoo also runs a petting zoo, a playground and a picnic area, which makes it the family stop.

For something that goes deeper, take the International Crane Foundation. This place works on the conservation of cranes and their ecosystems, with exhibits, guided tours and a crane-themed gift shop.

There is more. Baraboo also holds the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Education Center, which covers the big cats and their habitats. And for shopping, the Outlets at the Dells sit in good country with plenty to work through.

Nature person or somebody after a good day, Baraboo has a version of it. Do not skip the wildlife and nature experience here.

Circus World: A Unique Attraction

For something in Baraboo, Wisconsin that exists nowhere else, take Circus World. It is the stop for anybody who likes the circus or simply wants a good afternoon.

At Circus World you work through seven buildings of exhibits on America’s most popular form of entertainment for over 50 years. The history of the Ringling Bros. Circus through to the smallest flea circus prop, it is all in there. The largest collection of circus wagons on earth is here too.

There is more than exhibits. Circus World runs live circus performances, outdoor thrill acts, a recreated sideshow and animal exhibits. The acrobatics and the feats of strength are the part that gets the reaction.

After the exhibits and the performances, take the gift shop. There are souvenirs and gifts in there worth taking home from Circus World.

The Ringling Circus Wagons are the highlight of Circus World. These horse-drawn wagons carried equipment and performers from town to town for the Ringling Bros. Circus. The designs and the craftsmanship on them are considerable.

Circus people should not miss Circus City. This historic district in Baraboo was once the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus. The Circus World Museum there holds a collection of historic circus artifacts and memorabilia.

Circus World is the attraction to make time for in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Circus person or somebody after a good afternoon, it will not let you down.

Baraboo’s Food and Drink Scene

You have done the outdoors and the museums, and now it is time to eat. A cozy diner or a serious restaurant, Baraboo runs both.

For classic American diner food, take Broadway Diner. This small room runs all-day breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Take a milkshake with it.

For an unusual meal, sign up for a cooking class at one of Baraboo’s cooking schools. Learn to make your own balsamic vinegar or cook a meal with a professional chef.

For cocktails, take the downtown Baraboo scene. Whiskey through to vodka, there are bars here running creative drinks. Take a tasting flight and work out which one is yours.

For wine, take Driftless Glen Winery. This family-owned winery runs a range of wines and a tasting room where you work through the selection.

For whiskey, Driftless Glen Distillery. Take the tour and pick up the whiskey-making process. Take a bottle home with you.

And for shopping you will not find elsewhere, take the local farmers markets. Fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and homemade jams.

A casual meal or a serious evening, Baraboo’s food and drink scene covers both.

A Toast to Baraboo’s Breweries and Wineries

Baraboo runs some good breweries and wineries. Whatever you drink, this town pours it.

Beer people should take the Al Ringling Brewery. This historic brewery runs a range of beers, their signature Ringling Red Ale among them. Take the tour for the history of beer in Baraboo. Live music turns up there often enough.

For something stronger, take Driftless Glen Distillery. They run vodka, gin, whiskey and brandy. Take the tour for the distilling process. And take one of their cocktails, because the Aldo Leopold, made with their own gin, honey and lemon, is the one to order.

Wine people have options in Baraboo. Bella Vista Rosa is a family-owned winery running a range of wines, their raspberry wine among them. The property sits with the countryside out in front of it. For a longer list, take Baraboo Bluff Winery, which runs over 20 different wines including some unusual blends. Their tasting room is a good place to sit with friends.

Whatever you drink, Baraboo’s breweries and wineries have it. Take a glass and sit down.

Family Fun in Baraboo

For a family trip, Baraboo, Wisconsin is well set up. Outdoor days through to unusual events, this town runs plenty.

First, the Wisconsin Dells. This nearby area is known for its water parks and it is the family stop. Take the children to Noah’s Ark Waterpark for a day in the water. With over 80 acres of water attractions there is more than a day of it. For something quieter, the Kalahari Resort Indoor Waterpark runs everything from a lazy river to serious water slides.

There is more to Baraboo than water parks. For natural water, take Devil’s Lake State Park. The park runs a lake surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas. Spend the day swimming, fishing or lying on the beach.

For a different family day, take the farms around here. The Baraboo area runs dairy farms, apple orchards and alpaca farms. Take a tour, pick some produce and see how the work actually goes.

And do not forget the events. Baraboo runs festivals and events through the year. The Big Top Parade is the circus-themed one, running every July. Or take the Circus World Museum for a full day of it.

Whatever your family is into, Baraboo has it. Most of it is cheap too, so the trip does not need much money.

Start at Circus World, because the seven buildings out there will take the whole of a day. The International Clown Hall of Fame is where you put the whole of the makeup on yourself. Devil’s Lake State Park is the outdoor half and it runs over 29 miles of the trail. Nobody here is being serious.

Couples’ Getaway in Baraboo

For a long weekend away with somebody, Baraboo, Wisconsin works. There is enough here to build a proper trip around.

Start with a scenic tour of the area. Take a slow drive through the countryside, or a guided tour for the history and the culture of Baraboo. For something more active, rent a tandem bike and take the area on two wheels.

After the tour, take an evening on an outdoor patio. Several of the local Baraboo restaurants run outdoor seating, which suits a meal under the stars. Take a glass of wine or a craft beer with it.

For something with no equivalent, drive the Baraboo Range Scenic Byway. This 50-mile stretch runs long views over the countryside, with plenty of places to stop along the way.

When it is time to turn in, there are plenty of beds. A cozy bed and breakfast or a luxurious hotel, Baraboo runs both.

So plan the trip to Baraboo and take the days slowly.

Shopping and More in Downtown Baraboo

Shoppers should head to Downtown Baraboo. This area runs shops, boutiques and galleries that will take care of an afternoon.

First, the Downtown Square. This is the heart of Baraboo, ringed by small shops and places to eat. Walk it for the architecture and the historic buildings. A live performance or an event turns up here often enough.

Now the shopping. Art people are well served, because Downtown Baraboo runs several galleries showing local artists. Look at what is on the walls and take something home.

Readers should not miss the Village Booksmith. This cozy bookstore runs shelves of new and used books, which is where the next one comes from. The staff know the stock, so ask them.

There is more. Downtown Baraboo also runs gift shops, antique stores and plenty else. You do not know what is on the next shelf. And when you need a break, the restaurants around here handle it.

So take the wallet down to Downtown Baraboo for the afternoon.

Theatrical Delights at the Al Ringling Theatre

For theater, take the Al Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This historic theater was built in 1915 by Al Ringling, the man who started the Ringling Brothers Circus. It is a serious piece of European architecture and a genuinely rare building.

Step inside the Al Ringling Theatre and the decade changes. The theater is designed in the style of the grand French opera houses and it runs a Mighty Barton Organ. Theater person, history person or somebody after something different, this building will hold you.

The theater runs tours, live performances, children’s theater, Broadway productions and locally-produced plays and musicals. Vaudeville through to drama, opera through to rock and roll, the programme runs wide.

Check the theater’s events calendar for what is coming up. There is usually something worth the ticket.

So take the Al Ringling Theatre and see live theater in a building that exists nowhere else. It stays with you.

Gambling Fun at Ho-Chunk Gaming

For a night out in Baraboo, Wisconsin, take Ho-Chunk Gaming. This gambling center runs more than 1,700 slot machines, 48 blackjack tables and high-stakes bingo. With that many games, one of them will fit you.

Feeling lucky, take one of the slot machines, from classic three-reel games through to the latest video slots. Feeling more strategic, take the blackjack tables and see if you can beat the dealer. And for the harder version, the high-stakes bingo games.

There is more than the games. Ho-Chunk Gaming runs promotions and events through the year. Car giveaways through to cash drawings, something is usually on at this casino.

And when you need a break, the dining options on site handle it. Casual snacks through to fine dining, there is a table for you at Ho-Chunk Gaming.

So take the evening at Ho-Chunk Gaming in Baraboo, Wisconsin. You may come out ahead.

Walking Tours and More

For an unusual way into Baraboo, take a walking tour. There are several guided tours running through the historic downtown, pointing out the landmarks and telling the town’s stories.

The Baraboo Historic Walking Tour is the popular one, a slow walk through the downtown area. You see the historic buildings, pick up the town’s past and stop in a few local shops and restaurants on the way.

For the natural country instead, take a guided hike through Devil’s Lake State Park. This park runs rock formations, clear lakes and miles of trail. A guide gets you around it and points out the geology as you go.

To work it alone, there are plenty of self-guided walking tours. Pick up a map at the local visitor’s center and set your own pace through Baraboo.

However you take Baraboo, there is more here than a day will use. Put the walking shoes on.

International Clown Hall of Fame

For a laugh, take the International Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo. This museum covers the art of clowning and it is the stop for anybody who wants to enjoy themselves.

Inside there is a collection of clown memorabilia, costumes and props and photographs. You also pick up the history of clowning and the different types of clown, from the whiteface clown to the auguste clown.

The Hall of Fame is the highlight, honoring some of the best-known clowns in history. Emmett Kelly and Red Skelton both have exhibits in there.

The museum is not only exhibits. There are interactive ones too, where you try on clown costumes and makeup. There is a clown alley where you practice.

A live clown performance turns up if you time it right. The museum runs regular events and performances, so check the schedule before you go.

The International Clown Hall of Fame is a genuinely odd museum and it does the job. Clowning person or somebody after something different, it is worth the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with the Baraboo Riverwalk? Is it long enough for a leisurely stroll or just a quick jaunt?

The Baraboo Riverwalk is a walking path along the Baraboo River. It suits a slow walk and it runs long enough to be real exercise if you push it. The path is well maintained, with the river and the country around it in view. Take your time on it.

Are there any museums in Baraboo that are worth checking out? Or is it all just cheese and cows?

There are. The Circus World Museum in Baraboo is the one for anybody interested in the history of the circus. The Sauk County Historical Museum is the other for history people. And for something different, the Al. Ringling Theatre is a historic venue worth the visit. There is plenty of cheese and there are plenty of cows too.

What are some of the best restaurants in Baraboo? I’m looking for something that’ll knock my socks off!

Baraboo runs good restaurants. For an unusual meal, take the Little Village Cafe. For classic American cooking, the Broadway Diner. And for pizza, Vinny’s Pizza.

Any fun events happening in Baraboo soon? I’m looking for something to spice up my trip!

Baraboo runs events right through the year. The Baraboo Farmers Market is the one to catch, running from May to October, with fresh produce and crafts on it. And in summer, take a show at the Big Top Chautauqua.

For an unusual bed in Baraboo, the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast is a historic mansion running a cozy and comfortable stay. For something more rustic, the Baraboo Hills Campground, where you take a cabin or pitch a tent.

Frequently asked questions about Baraboo, Wisconsin

What exactly is inside the Circus World attraction over in Baraboo, Wisconsin?

Circus World runs seven whole buildings of the exhibits right out there in Baraboo now. The largest collection of the circus wagons anywhere on earth sits right in the middle of there. Live circus performances and the outdoor thrill acts both run out there too. Day.

How many miles of the hiking trail does Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin have?

Devil’s Lake State Park runs over 29 whole miles of the hiking trail right out there on it. It is the largest of the state parks anywhere in the whole of Wisconsin out there. Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway and Elephant Rock are all up on it out there. Climbing.

How old is the Al Ringling Theatre that is standing over in Baraboo, Wisconsin?

Al Ringling built the whole of the Al Ringling Theatre right back in the year of 1915. He was the man who started the Ringling Brothers Circus here in Baraboo back in 1884. The building runs a Mighty Barton Organ in the whole French opera house style. Tours run.

Keep exploring Baraboo, Wisconsin