Winter Quarters campaign begins

The Chamber’s newest campaign debuts this month. With grant support from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and buy-in from our local Ringling properties, we’re inviting everyone to Make Baraboo Your Winter Quarters.
This shoulder-season campaign is designed to bring visitors to Baraboo during what typically is a slow time for business. Marketing efforts are under way to bring tourists to town to check out the Al. Ringling Theatre, Circus World, the Al. Ringling Mansion, Ringling House Bed & Breakfast and the International Clown Hall of Fame. While they’re here, we hope they patronize local hotels, restaurants and shops.
The Make Baraboo Your Winter Quarters campaign will take place over these weekends: Jan. 16-18, Jan. 23-25, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8.

The Chamber is making a significant investment, targeting its advertising dollars to key markets. Digital and print ads are already hitting Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Green Bay and La Crosse.
We also brought in the social media influencer Wanderin Wisconsin. She visited the participating locations last month, with plans to create posts in advance of the campaign.
How did this campaign come about? As locals know, Baraboo is known as “Circus City” because it’s the home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. They launched “The Greatest Show on Earth” in Baraboo in 1884 and made the riverfront their Winter Quarters until 1918.

In January and February, we hope tourists will make like the Ringling Brothers by making Baraboo their “winter quarters.” Visitors will enjoy a rich circus experience. Five world-renowned sites will open their doors: Circus World, the Al. Ringling Theatre, the Al. Ringling Mansion and Brewery, the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, and the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center.
Those visiting during the Winter Quarters period will be treated to lodging and dining discounts. Plenty of special events and activities are planned over the Winter Quarters period.
Circus World and the International Clown Hall of Fame will be open Saturdays during the campaign. Ringling House Bed & Breakfast will present a circus-themed murder mystery dinner on January 17 and 24. The Al. Ringling Theatre will offer tours, and historian Paul Wolter will deliver presentations about the Ringlings there every Saturday. The Al. Ringling Mansion & Brewery will offer tours, as well. After the tour, enjoy a pint of Ringling Original!
Anyone ready to get on board the circus train should visit baraboo.com.