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.
- The Circus World Feld Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays – Jan. 17,
- 24, 31 and Feb. 7 during the Winter Quarters promotion.
- Ticket prices are:
- Adult (18-64): $11
- Teen (13-17): $11
- Senior (65+): $9
- Child (5-12): $7
- Children under 5: FREE
- To reserve your discounted tickets, visit circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org
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 10% off your 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 a visit. Tours will be conducted at 3 p.m.
on Saturdays – Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7. Admission is $15 per person.
- To reserve your discounted 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. Open on Saturdays – Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7 – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. All tickets are available at the door.
- For more information, visit www.theclownmuseum.com.
Attend a performance at the Al. Ringling Theatre
The Baraboo Theatre Guild will perform “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” on February 6,
7, 8 at the Al. Ringling Theatre.
Tickets are available at alringling.org, on the BTG website or at the box office.
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. Special events will be held each
weekend of the Winter Quarters promotion!
- For details, go to friendsofdevilslake.org and click on the “Events” link
Self-guided tour of Ringling hot spots!
The Ringling loop hits all of the Ringling/Gollmar circus-related hot spots in Baraboo, along with a few hidden gems. When you purchase this tour, you will receive a map, PDF document with text, pictures and video links to enhance your experience. The tour takes about an hour. Cost is $10.
For more information call or text 608-963-2821 or visit barabootours.com
Super Soul Saturday (January 31 only!)
A 5-hour retreat to balance your body, mind and spirit. The retreat includes an Imbolc water ceremony, a ritual performed to mark the end of winter and the approach of spring, focusing on themes of purification, renewal, and honoring the Goddess Brigid.
For more information call or text 608-963-2821 or visit barabootours.com