Fall in love with Baraboo this autumn
There’s no time like autumn to fall in love with the Baraboo Area.
Breathtaking natural scenery and abundant activities make this region popular year-round. But this is truly the place to be when fall colors start to pop.
Where to begin?
Where might you start your visit to the Baraboo Area? You can’t go wrong with Ski Hi Fruit Farm. Located atop the Baraboo Bluffs, the orchard offers a gorgeous hilltop view.
But that’s just one part of the orchard’s appeal. Ski Hi sells bags of apples and jugs of cider, as well as doughnuts and pies made on-site. Be sure to visit the petting zoo, and have a brat for lunch served by one of several nonprofit groups Ski Hi welcomes each fall.
Just up Ski Hi Road you’ll find Devil’s Lake State Park, the most-visited park in the Wisconsin system. Stunning in every season, it truly bursts into life each fall. Cool weather is conducive to hiking up the east bluff to see Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway. At the summit you can overlook the lake and glimpse thousands of trees turning orange, yellow and red.
What about events?
Events and festivals are integral to Baraboo’s autumn appeal. You’ll find a farmer’s market downtown every Wednesday and Saturday morning into October, featuring fresh fare. Baraboo’s Rockwellian courthouse square also hosts a Sunday Market, showcasing homemade and vintage items, on the last Sunday of each month.
September 24 will bring Baraboo Oktoberfest, an authentic ethnic festival to be held at the Circus World grounds. Live music, traditional pub contests and – of course – local beer will highlight the fun.
Just two weeks later, Fair on the Square will bring scores of vendors to Downtown Baraboo on Oct. 8. That same weekend, Mid-Continent Railway Museum in nearby North Freedom will offer rides – and panoramic views of the countryside – from the comfort of a restored vintage passenger car.
The following weekend, the Fall Art Tour will see dozens of Baraboo Area artists opening their studios to the public. Watch artisans ply their crafts and survey the fall colors as your journey from stop to stop!
What if we’re thirsty?
If you find yourself parched from enjoying all these activities, you’ll be happy to learn the Baraboo Area has many adult beverage options. Driftless Glen Distillery delivers artisanal spirits and quality dining on the Baraboo Riverfront.
If you prefer to unwind with wine, Von Klaus Winery offers tastings and bottles of its wines, adding new selections every year. On the road to Devil’s Lake you’ll find Balanced Rock Winery, which serves its vino in a glimmering facility featuring hillside views and live music.
Also located on the road to the park is Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen, which serves craft beers alongside its entrees and encourages kids of all ages to enjoy outdoor games. Beer connoisseurs also should visit the Al. Ringling Brewing Co., where a brew pub concept was built on a long-lost Ringling family beer recipe.
Outdoor adventure, festive events and craft beverages: The Baraboo Area is always a colorful place, never more so than in fall. Check out the Visit Baraboo app and our itinerary for fall visitors!
