An artistic haven in the hills
It’s difficult to explain how a small Wisconsin community created such a thriving arts community. Some say it goes back to the Ringling Brothers.
Baraboo’s native sons perfected the performing arts as they created the Greatest Show on Earth here more than a century ago. Their hometown remains an artistic hub today.
Ringling Theatre
The eldest Ringling brother built a palatial theatre for the community in 1915, and it continues to attract professional performers from across the country. Now operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Al. Ringling Theatre showcases not only professional touring acts, but classic films and performances by high schoolers and Baraboo Theatre Guild.
That amateur troupe is more than a century old, but remains vibrant, producing crowd-pleasing musicals, side-splitting comedies and original works. Baraboo Theatre Guild is complemented by Creative Alliance of Baraboo (CAB) Theatre, an avant-garde ensemble specializing in improv comedy and locally written short plays.
Circus World
The Al. Ringling Theatre is a sister site of Circus World, a state historic site on the banks of the Baraboo River. It was there that the Ringlings launched their international circus empire, and where the cast, crew and animals spent their winters.
This January and February, the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce and the community’s many Ringling sites will invite visitors to make Baraboo their “winter quarters.” Over the course of four weekends, visitors can tour the Ringling Theatre, take part in a circus-themed murder mystery at Ringling House Bed & Breakfast and visit Circus World. (The museum typically is closed to the public in winter.)
Beyond the performing arts
If we credit the Ringlings for instilling Baraboo’s passion for the performing arts, we should thank the region’s breathtaking beauty for inspiring local painters, sculptors and fiber artists.
This community is renowned for its natural treasures, from Devil’s Lake to the Baraboo Hills to Parfrey’s Glen. All provide irresistible source material to the area’s many artists. Two dozen local artists participate in the Fall Art Tour, opening their studios to prospective patrons. Each spring and fall, Downtown Baraboo Inc. brings thousands of art lovers to the courthouse square for Fair on the Square.
Since its inception a decade ago, the Baraboo Public Art Association has installed metal sculptures, a mandala and murals depicting local notables. A family of circus elephants strolling along South Boulevard was created by this city committee and its generous donors.
The Little Eagle Arts Foundation is another active group, preserving and promoting Native American art in a community with deep Ho-Chunk Nation roots.
Like modern artists, those indigenous peoples saw the beauty of Baraboo and felt moved to celebrate it by creating art.
Make Baraboo Your Winter Quarters
Visit https://baraboo.com/baraboo-chamber/chamber-events/winterquarters/
