Top 10 Things to do in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Written and Photographed by Carrie Hanrahan
In south-central Wisconsin lies a picture-perfect small town that is rich in history, surrounded by incredible nature and has a colorful past. Nicknamed “Circus City”, Baraboo was the winter home to the Al. Ringling Brothers Circus, which later bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus to become the “Greatest Show on Earth”. Not to be outshone by the circus life, Baraboo lies in the valley of the Baraboo Mountain range called the Driftless Area. This land, which was never flattened by glaciers, is stunningly beautiful for its towering bluffs and mystical valleys. Let’s explore all there is to do in Baraboo!
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Baraboo, Wisconsin by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Carrie talk about Baraboo on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Pick up a CowPie! – Who can resist going to a place that is home to the Original CowPie! No, I don’t suggest you stop at the closest farm and wander their field looking for a treat. I do believe, however, that you should drive to the big red barn outside of Baraboo and visit the wonderful chocolate factory that has created this delicious candy made of chocolate, caramel and pecans. The Baraboo Candy Company has been making chocolates since 1981 and is a worldwide favorite. Be sure to grab some of their other fun candies including MooChews, Udderfingers and Green Bay Puddles.
9. The Aldo Leopold Foundation – Take a visit to the land that inspired the writing of A Sand County Almanac, a land conservation classic. Open seasonally from May to October, this foundation has created a place for learning about the conservation efforts that Aldo Leopold’s family practiced at this family retreat. You can take any number of tours that inform you on Leopold’s belief of community within the natural world that he called Land Ethic. Leave inspired to become more involved in the care of the environment.
8. Learn about the World’s Cranes – Nestled amid the farmland of Wisconsin is the International Crane Foundation. Your visit, to the only place in the world to house all 15 species of cranes, will leave you with valuable knowledge in the conservation of these incredible birds. The property has well laid out hiking trails that take you past their enclosures and even a Zen Garden. Be sure to check their schedule, as they are only open seasonally from May to October.
7. Explore the Clown Life – A visit to the International Clown Hall of Fame in downtown Baraboo is an introduction to everything having to do with clowns. Talk with your guide, who was or is a real clown, and learn about life in the clowning world and some that were very famous. There are displays on Bozo the Clown, Red Skelton and many more. Although not a large museum, it is packed full of fun and colorful displays.
6. New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm – You’ll find this beautiful 40-acre farm with its rows of vibrant lavender on the outskirts of Baraboo. Open from June to October, it has an impressive 25 varieties of lavender. Taking a wagon tour gives you a great view of the property dotted with 18,000 lavender plants, a massive wildflower field, comfortable seating areas and even a few sheep to pet. Be sure to stop by the farm store and have a lavender ice cream, delicious!
5. Al. Ringling Mansion and Brewery – Just off the square in downtown is the impressive Al. Ringling Mansion. This massive, 20,000 square foot, red stone mansion was built by Al. Ringling in 1906 for a cost of just $100,000. That’s nearly $3 million in today’s money! At the back of the property, in the former ballroom, is a brewery that was inspired by a family beer recipe found during renovations. Grab lunch at the brewery and enjoy listening to the Gavioli organ play kaleidoscope music. Be sure to tour the privately owned mansion that is being beautifully restored, where you can even book an overnight stay.
4. Help a Lion or Tiger! – Take a short 15 mile drive outside of town and view some of the world’s most beautiful animals, including lions, tigers, lynx, African Servals and even a liliger. A liliger is a cross between a male lion and a female liger, which is a hybrid of a lion and tiger. A visit to the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Education Center helps support the feeding of these amazing creatures that live out their lives at this beautiful sanctuary. The Kozlowski family opened the sanctuary in 2005 by building enclosures on land donated to them for the project.
3. Al. Ringling Theatre Tour – On the square in downtown Baraboo is a stunning, European inspired theatre. Known as “America’s Prettiest Playhouse”, it has a jaw dropping interior and an impressive organ that can sound just like an entire orchestra. Built by Al. Ringling in 1915, this Wisconsin State Historical Society site was home to silent motion pictures, broadway productions and is still in use today. With so many touches, from the beautiful velvet seats to the impressive fire curtain painted with a stunning French scene, it reflects Al. Ringling’s thought that “Nothing is too good for Baraboo”.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park – A natural wonderland lies just outside of Baraboo with towering purple Baraboo Quartzite bluffs, a stunning 360-acre lake and 30 miles of hiking trails. Take a hike on 11 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail within the park, rock climb or scramble up the stunning purple quartzite rocks, swim or paddle in the serene waters or just hang out and relax. There are a number of famous rock formations to see if you are willing to climb to the top of the bluffs, including the Devil’s Doorway and Balanced Rock. Once you have filled your day, head back to your campsite within the park and enjoy a campfire.
1. Circus World Museum – Take a step back in time along the banks of the Baraboo River to a colorful world full of fun, excitement and laughter. Home to the winter home of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus, you can spend a day making new memories or reliving those of your childhood. Begin the day at this Wisconsin Historical Site, touring their extensive museum that talks about the Ringling family and then view the buildings that used to house the animals and equipment. Head over the bridge that spans the Baraboo River and enjoy a day full of the circus. There is a schedule each day that includes the Kids World Circus, a tour of the incredibly ornate wagons, a Big Top Circus performance, a music review and even a human cannonball. You’ll leave with a wagonload of memories!
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Swamp Walk - Photo Credit NPS
Wildlife in Sunriver