Circus World: A must stop on your Winter Quarters visit
Circus World embodies the rich legacy left behind by the Ringling Bros., who began their circus in Baraboo in 1884 and for more than three decades made Baraboo their home over the winter. Circus World is normally closed during the winter, but they’re opening the doors just for you for a closeup look at circus history and how it shaped not only Baraboo, but aspects of modern society.
- Circus World will be open from X a.m. to X p.m. on Jan. xx and Jan. xx only during the Winter Quarters promotion.
- To reserve your discounted tickets, visit here.
Visit the Al. Ringling Mansion and Brewery
The historic Al. Ringling Mansion, built in 1906, is a 20,000-square-foot palace that was once home to the eldest of the seven Ringling brothers. The attached Al. Ringling Brewery offers a wide range of home-brewed beers, including the Ringling Original, and great food. Mention “Winter Quarters,” and enjoy discounted mansion tours and 10% off your tab at the Al. Ringling Brewery!
Go ghost hunting with Baraboo Tours
Anyone up for a little ghost hunt? Baraboo Tours owner Shelley Mordini will help you find the spirits … in the former Ringling Brothers’ offices and wardrobe department. Meet the ghosts that put the Boo! in Baraboo.
- For times and discounted tickets, visit here.
Tour the beautiful Al. Ringling Theatre
Aptly called “American’s Prettiest Playhouse,” the theatre in downtown Baraboo that Al. Ringling built is a treasure of rare quality, designed in the style of grand French opera houses. The architectural masterpiece opened in 1915, shortly before Al. Ringling’s death. The theatre has been beautifully restored and is definitely worthy of a guided tour.
- For tour times and discount tickets, visit here.
Join the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast murder mystery
Whodunit? Was it Al. Ringling? Otto? John? Here’s your chance to have a leading role in a murder mystery at the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, in which participants will play the Ringlings and members of the circus cast and crew. The Ringling House B&B also will be offering discounted tours of the mansion, located in the heart of Baraboo.
- For murder mystery reservations, visit here.
- For discounted tour tickets and time, visit here.
Go clowning around at the International Clown Hall of Fame
Where else would find the International Clown Hall of Fame other than in “Circus City”? The Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the preservation, interpretation and celebration of clowns and clowning worldwide. It houses the largest collection of clown artifacts in the world, including props, wardrobe, wigs, clown shoes, personal scrapbooks, videos and digital recordings. Take the tour and you will definitely walk away with a smile on your face and, perhaps, a red ball on your nose.
- For hours and discounted tickets, visit here.
Enjoy Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is the most-visited state park in Wisconsin, located on the western edge of the last ice-sheet deposited during the Wisconsin glaciation.
- For special winter outdoors activities on selected weekends, visit here.
Experience The Village Booksmith
The Village Booksmith is south-central Wisconsin’s premier source for quality new and used books, including rare, out-of-print, and hard-to-find titles. Explain what exactly is going to be featured during Winter Quarters.
- For special presentations, times and other information, visit here.
Sauk County Historical Society Museum
Located in the historic 1903 Van Orden Mansion, the Sauk County Historical Society features thousands of artifacts related to the history of Sauk County. In addition to the museum, the Sauk County History Center is the place for local history research and genealogy with an extensive collection of pictures, documents and files related to Sauk County.
- Paul Wolter presentation about Ringling Bros. house fires
Con Amici Wine Bar
- Display of vintage circus posters
- Discount on events held on select weekends