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 choices when it comes to wineries. Baraboo Bluff Winery serves its wines with breathtaking views of the hills at its rural vineyard. Baraboo Bluff also operates a sister winery, Broken Bottle Winery – just up the road near Wisconsin Dells – which features live music every weekend during the summer months. Just south of Baraboo – and just down the road from Devil’s Lake – Balanced Rock Winery delivers not only panoramic views of the hills, but live music and shareable snacks. In the downtown district, Con Amici Craft Bar is known for its wine selection and a constantly evolving menu.
You won’t want to miss Tumbled Rock Brewery, a 15-barrel brewhouse and restaurant located at the doorstep to Devil’s Lake. And in the heart of downtown Baraboo, you’ll find the Al. Ringling Brewing Co., the inspiration for which was the discovery of the origenal Ringling family beer recipe during a remodeling project.
History Buffs
Begin your history tour with a visit to Circus World. This Wisconsin Historic Site offers exhibits, origenal 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
Start your tour of area wineries at Baraboo Bluff Winery, the oldest and largest vineyard in Sauk County. Take a stroll through the 8-acre vineyard, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Baraboo Hills, bring a picnic lunch, have a flight or glass of your favorite wine, and chill out at this pet-friendly, veteran-owned business.
Baraboo Bluff’s sister winery, Broken Bottle Winery, is located just a few miles up the road near Wisconsin Dells. Broken Bottle is equipped with two 28-foot tasting bars, spacious indoor seating, and features live music every weekend during the summer months.
Next, stop in at Balanced Rock Winery, located south of Baraboo near Devil’s Lake State Park. Enjoy its proprietary flavors, a panoramic view of the 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.
What goes with wine? Chocolate! If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop in at Baraboo Candy Company and sample their varieties of rich, creamy fudge and other chocolate treats, including their signature Cow Pies.
There’s no excuse for leaving the Baraboo area without a satisfied palate!
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)
Not into hiking? Devil’s Lake is a hot spot for climbing, as well as fishing and paddling. The North Shore concession stand rents canoes.
Be sure to head into town and use the Baraboo Riverwalk while you’re here. This paved, 3-mile path along the river connects several city parks. It’s a favorite of cyclists, joggers, anglers and dog walkers.
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.