Centrally located, Baraboo is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and has an array of attractions, museums, and recreational opportunities. Baraboo features Devil’s Lake State Park, the largest and most visited of Wisconsin’s state parks. In addition to Devil’s Lake, Baraboo features Circus World, International Crane Foundation, Ho-Chunk Gaming, Wisconsin Dells and a vibrant downtown with retail and dining establishments. Baraboo was also recognized by the American Bus Association as having a “Top 100 Event for 2016” for the Baraboo Big Top Parade & Circus Celebration.
We are in your backyard!
Baraboo is located:
- 48 miles from Madison (1 hour)
- 116 miles from Milwaukee (1.5 hours)
- 102 miles from Dubuque (1.5 hours)
- 145 miles from Green Bay (2.5 hours)
- 188 miles from Chicago (3 hours)
- 222 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul (3.25 hours)
Group Itineraries (Click to expand)
Wis-Conservation Tour
This tour is ideal for those interested in wildlife, cranes, waterfowl, nature and conservation of the land and natural resources.
Must See Places
Begin your conservationist tour by visiting the International Crane Foundation and see all 15 of the world’s crane species! Enjoy a guided tour, hike on the nature trails and browse their gift shop.
Next up, tour Aldo Leopold’s historical shack, visit the landscape that inspired him and explore the center’s “green building” features at the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
History Tour
This tour is ideal for any circus fan or admirer of the Ringling Bros. – Discover Baraboo may be another alternative if time permits.
Must Stop Spots
Circus World – Circus World is a priceless gem that celebrates the American circus. Make a connection to circus heritage.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum – Explore an outdoor, living history museum and operating railroad with indoor/outdoor display areas with restored locomotives.
Sauk County Historical Society – Visit the museum and archives of Sauk County.
Foodie Tour
This tour is ideal for those that enjoy locally made spirits, wine, cheese, candy and smoked meats.
Must Stop Shops
Baraboo Candy Company – Confectioners of fine handmade chocolates, fudges, toffee and caramels.
Driftless Glen Distillery – Working distillery, bar and restaurant. Featuring whiskey, gin, vodka and moonshine produced from local grains.
Fawn Creek Winery – Come enjoy a glass of fine wine while savoring the peace and quiet of the woods on an outdoor deck overlooking the seven-acre vineyard.
The Meat Market – Try fresh smoked meats, local cheeses, snack sticks, award-winning bratwurst, bacon and deli meats.
Ringling Tour
This tour is ideal for any circus fan or admirer of the Ringling Bros. – Discover Baraboo may be another alternative if time permits.
Must Stop Spots
Al. Ringling Mansion – Tour a spectacular red stone mansion built in 1905, located in the heart of historic Baraboo.
Al. Ringling Theatre – Built in 1915, this beautifully restored theatre is a live performance, music and film venue.
Baraboo Tours – Baraboo Tours offers five different types of tours from historic to haunted. Also offering rickshaw tours for two to three people.
Circus World – Circus World is a priceless gem that celebrates the American circus. Make a connection to circus heritage.
Spirit Trail
Fans of craft drinks and outdoor treks should make a beeline to experience the Baraboo Area’s “Spirit Trail.”
We’re home to Devil’s Lake State Park, the state’s most visited park; Mirror Lake with its stellar cross-country ski trails; and quiet and secluded Rocky Arbor. Don’t forget state natural areas like Parfrey’s Glen and Baxter’s Hollow. Then take a leisurely stroll of the Baraboo Riverwalk, a paved trail from Ochsner Park to the famed Circus World state historic site.
How to unwind after all that hiking? One can easily plan an entire trip around tours and tastings in Baraboo, starting at Driftless Glen Distillery, which distills, ages and barrels all its spirits on-site. It’s known for its bourbon and rye. Stay for a distillery-inspired meal and be sure to ask for a table with a view of the Baraboo River.
Visitors are spoiled for choices when it comes to wineries. Balanced Rock Winery is the new kid in town, with a location that offers perfect soil, sun and temperatures for growing grapes near Devil’s Lake. Also offering a breathtaking view of the hills is Baraboo Bluff Winery, whose tastings come with a free side of scenery (Baraboo Bluff also operates a sister winery, Broken Bottle Winery, just up the road in Wisconsin Dells). In downtown Baraboo, there’s Con Amici Craft Bar, known for its wine selection in a constantly evolving menu.
While you’re visiting Devil’s Lake, be sure to try Tumbled Rock Brewery, a 15-barrel brewhouse and restaurant located just outside the North Shore entrance. Back in the downtown district you’ll find Al. Ringling Brewing, a brew pub built around a Ringling family beer recipe.
Group Friendly Dining Options
Baraboo Burger Company – Offering daily lunch and dinner specials, a full menu, and a fully stocked bar.
Driftless Glen – A working distillery, bar and restaurant with handcrafted spirits, and cocktails and a full range of lunch and dinner.
Log Cabin Family Restaurant – Beautiful log cabin restaurant and bakery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Monk’s Bar & Grill at The Wilderness – Serving fresh home-style burgers in a clean, family-friendly atmosphere.
Pizza Ranch – A great family restaurant with a full menu of pizza, chicken, salads, wraps, dessert and more.
River’s Edge Pub & Grub – Unique family atmosphere with a 4,000 gal. fish aquarium & 100-year-old oak tree inside.