Interested in trip ideas for your next visit to Baraboo? Look no further!
Baraboo’s Circus History
Start your circus history tour by visiting Circus World! View the world’s largest circus wagon collection and stupendous displays you won’t see anywhere else.
Next, tour the Al. Ringling Theatre – a beautifully restored theatre built in 1915.
Wrap up your tour by visiting Al. Ringling’s spectacular red stone mansion, built in 1905, the Al. Ringling Mansion.
You can see it all by taking the circus history tour offered by Baraboo Tours from the comfortable seat of a rickshaw!
Spirit Trail
Fans of craft drinks and outdoor treks should make a beeline to experience the Baraboo Area’s “Spirit Trail.”
We’re close to Devil’s Lake State Park, the state’s most visited park; and Mirror Lake with its stellar cross-country ski trails. Don’t forget state natural areas like Parfrey’s Glen and Baxter’s Hollow. Then take a leisurely stroll of the Baraboo Riverwalk, a paved trail from Ochsner Park to the famed Circus World state historic site.
How to unwind after all that hiking? One can easily plan an entire trip around tours and tastings in Baraboo, starting at Driftless Glen Distillery, which distills, ages and barrels all its spirits on-site. It’s known for its bourbon and rye. Stay for a distillery-inspired meal and be sure to ask for a table with a view of the Baraboo River.
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to wineries. To the north outside Wisconsin Dells, wine lovers can enjoy the rural setting of Fawn Creek Winery. Just south of Baraboo – and just down the road from Devil’s Lake – Balanced Rock Winery benefits from the perfect soil, sun and temperatures for growing grapes. In the downtown district, Con Amici Craft Bar is known for its wine selection and a constantly evolving menu.
Remember to try Tumbled Rock Brewery, a new 15-barrel brewhouse and restaurant located at the doorstep to Devil’s Lake. The newcomer is the Al. Ringling Brewing Co., whose brew pub concept is built around a Ringling family beer recipe.
History Buffs
Begin your history tour with a visit to Circus World. This Wisconsin Historic Site offers exhibits, original Ringling structures, live programs and much more. Another gem of circus history is the historic Al. Ringling Theatre, a palatial playhouse in downtown Baraboo.
The Sauk County Historical Society not only offers a rich photograph and newspaper collection, it has its own museum – a 1902 Tudor Revival mansion. The mansion houses period rooms and is an excellent interactive way to learn about the history of Sauk County.
End your history tour at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum – a history museum and operating railroad recreating, preserving, and interpreting the Golden Age of Railroading.
Wine Weekend
On your way to Baraboo, stop by Carr Valley Cheese and pick up some Cave Aged Mellage – it will pair perfectly with one of the distinctive flavors available at the Baraboo Area’s wineries.
Among them is Fawn Creek Winery in Wisconsin Dells, which delivers craft wines in a secluded setting.
On your way back into Baraboo, satisfy your sweet tooth by stopping by Baraboo Candy Company and sample their varieties of rich, creamy fudge.
The next winery on the tour Balanced Rock Winery, located south of Baraboo near Devil’s Lake State Park. Enjoy its many proprietary flavors, a panoramic view of the Baraboo Hills, and live music!
And don’t forget Con Amici Wine Bar, a downtown establishment serving craft cocktails, shareable snacks and live music, alongside an unparalleled selection of wine.
There’s no excuse for leaving the Baraboo Area thirsty!
Conservationist Tour
Begin your conservationist tour by visiting the International Crane Foundation and see all 15 of the world’s crane species! Enjoy a guided tour, hike on the nature trails and browse their gift shop.
Next up, tour Aldo Leopold’s historical shack, visit the landscape that inspired him and explore the center’s “green building” features at the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
Wrap up your conservationist tour by checking out Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area outside Devil’s Lake State Park. Tour its always-cool gorge and listen as a brook trickles by.
Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience
Kick off your tour by vising Tumbled Rock Brewery just outside Devil’s Lake State Park. Sample the beers made on-site, order a pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and enjoy a seat by the fireplace.
Once you’re back in Baraboo, visit Al. Ringling Brewing just a block off the downtown square. Inside the former home of one of the famed Ringling brothers, new owners have built a brew pub around a long-lost Ringling family beer recipe. Tasty food, craft beers and live music!
Wrap up your brewery tour by satisfying your sweet tooth at Driftless Glen Distillery. Try a Rockin Root Beer Float or a Rollin Cherry Cola Float. This hard twist on an old classic is unique, fun and delicious!
Outdoor Adventurer
Start out your morning at Wisconsin’s most visited state park, Devil’s Lake State Park. Park at North Beach and walk up the East Bluff Trail, then return by walking back on the East Bluff Woods Trail. (2.6 miles)
Feel like scaling the bluffs? Hire Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides, which offers climbing, rappelling, bouldering and scrambling excursions. Trips available for every skill level!
There are adventures awaiting beyond the lake: Rent a canoe or kayak from Wild Wisco Waters and book a paddling trip to explore the Wisconsin River.
You enjoy rivers? Take a paddle down the Baraboo River! Baraboo River Canoe & Kayak Rentals, LLC offers a variety of trips ranging in length and difficulty. Choose a relaxing and meandering trip, or a more challenging trip with rapids.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Start out your weekend of relaxation by visiting New Life Lavender – a gorgeous lavender and cherry farm. Breathe in the fresh lavender from the fields and stop by the farm store to purchase a calming bath bomb.
Next up, head to Spa Serenity for a 45 minute “Shoulder Bliss” treatment. The stress will melt away with a combination of massage, aromatherapy and heat. Your neck, shoulders and upper back areas will be feeling revitalized in no time.
Take a walk down to Bekah Kate’s afterwards and pick up yummy scented Milkhouse soy candle and peruse the selection of tea.
As the day comes to an end, relax on the cozy furniture at Con Amici and indulge in a martini or glass of wine.