Winter warmth in the Baraboo Hills
Somehow the Baraboo Area makes you feel cozy even outdoors in winter.
What keeps visitors feeling toasty? Well, snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake State Park is sure to get your heart pumping, as is hiking the Ice Age Trail. After exercising, you can quench your thirst – and enjoy another type of inner warmth – by stopping at Tumbled Rock Brewery or Balanced Rock Winery.
Baraboo is known as a summer destination, as Circus World puts on daily shows and Devil’s Lake attracts most of its 2.5 million visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But many visit the lake for its icy majesty in winter. A hike to the top of the East Bluff will warm you in any season.
Baraboo is an ideal spot to spend a winter weekend. Snowmobile trails criss-cross Sauk County, and fishing spots abound. (Be sure to try nearby Mirror Lake State Park.) Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy Devil’s Head Resort in Merrimac, which offers drinks, dining and lodging at the bottom of its snow-capped peaks.
Not into outdoor recreation in the winter? No problem! Park in downtown Baraboo and spend a day shopping at its distinctive array of locally owned specialty stores. Housewares, repurposed décor and toys are just some of the treasures you’ll find in a business district that’s straight our of a Rockwell painting.
After a full day strolling from storefront to storefront, reward yourself with a beverage at Gina Jenny’s Craft Cocktail Bar. Or venture one block off the courthouse square to find the Al. Ringling Brewery, a German beer hall inspired by the circus family’s long-lost beer recipe.
Make Baraboo Your Winter Quarters
The Ringlings were Baraboo natives who brought the “Greatest Show On Earth” back to the banks of the Baraboo River each winter. Those grounds, the Ringlings’ winter quarters, are home to Circus World today.
Early in 2027, the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the community’s heritage by encouraging visitors to make Baraboo their winter quarters. Over a series of February weekends, the community’s historic Ringling sites will offer special events. For more information about scheduled events and discounts on lodging accommodations, visit baraboo.com/winterquarters.
Ringling House Bed & Breakfast plans to present a murder mystery in which participants will play the Ringlings themselves and members of the circus cast and crew. Baraboo Tours will lead a ghost hunt in the former Ringling Brothers offices: Meet the ghosts that put the “Boo!” in “Baraboo!”
Circus World will open its exhibits on select dates. The Al. Ringling Theatre will offer tours. Devil’s Lake will provide outdoor winter recreation.
Ice Age Trail
Also new to the Baraboo Area’s already robust lineup of winter recreation options is the Ice Age Trail. Baraboo and West Baraboo recently became Ice Age Trail communities, joining forces with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to promote and preserve this 1,200-mile route along the edge of the last glacier to cover Wisconsin.
An estimated 2.3 million people use the trail annually, with many hiking its 1- to 16-mile segments and camping at the state parks along the route. The Ice Age Trail Alliance is partnering with communities like Baraboo and West Baraboo to raise public awareness and promote trail use by locals and visitors alike.
The trail runs through Devil’s Lake State Park and connects with the Baraboo Riverwalk, a paved path through the city. All along the way, outdoors enthusiasts can glimpse wildlife as they traverse the unique topography the glaciers left behind.
Take steps and sips on the Spirit Trail
Snowmobile and hiking routes aren’t the only trails to be savored in Baraboo. After you’ve gotten your exercise, be sure to amble down the Spirit Trail! The Baraboo Area is home to several wineries. There’s Baraboo Bluff Winery, located west of the city on a pristine hillside; and Broken Bottle Winery, its sister operation in Wisconsin Dells. Don’t forget the aforementioned Balanced Rock Winery, located just down the hill from Devil’s Lake.
Also found adjacent to the park is Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen, which serves craft beers alongside its lunches and dinners.
Those looking for award-winning spirits and fine dining should visit Driftless Glen Distillery, which is located on the riverfront next to Circus World.
A warm, cozy winter
After all this time on the trails – be it a hiking, snowmobiling or Spirit Trail – you’ll need a place to rest your head. Options abound in Baraboo.
Try a bed-and-breakfast, such as the aforementioned Ringling House or the Inn at Wawanissee Point, nestled atop the Baraboo Hills. Or check out the community’s newest hotel, the Fairfield Inn & Suites conveniently located off U.S. Highway 12. West Baraboo is home to an AmericInn and a Best Western, as well as Fireside Cabins, which turned a motor lodge into rustic cabins.
All these lodging options – just like a rugged winter’s hike or an evening cocktail – are sure to keep you warm.
