Things to Do in Baraboo Wisconsin
You’ll find countless ways to enjoy yourself as a visitor to the Baraboo area! Besides the breathtaking beauty of Baraboo’s ancient, majestic bluffs; unique land configurations; and winding waterways, Baraboo boasts a plethora of area attractions sure to delight any tourist. Unleash the kid in you at Circus World, located on the site of the original Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters on the Baraboo River. This facility is recognized as the world’s premier circus history institution and strives to keep the glamour of one of America’s favorite pastimes alive through the preservation of circus history, live circus performances and educational outreach programs including authentic horse-drawn circus parades. Open to the public since 1959, Circus World is home to several structures belonging to the original Ringling Brothers Circus and is considered a National Historic Landmark.
History comes alive at the Sauk County Historical Society. Thousands of artifacts relating to the pioneer, Native American, military, textile and architectural history of Sauk County are on display. The museum also supports a research library with an extensive collection of pictures, documents and memorabilia relating to Sauk County and its inhabitants.The Mid-Continent Railway Museum (located in nearby North Freedom, Wisconsin) recreates life as it was during the glory days of railroads. Children and adults alike are sure to love the museum’s educational exhibits; displays of rolling stock; and original, operating trains!
Don’t miss a trip to the International Crane Foundation, which works toward the worldwide conservation of cranes and the wetland and grassland communities on which they depend. Due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, the population of these graceful birds, who have inhabited the earth for the last 34 to 50 million years, is declining. Families, groups and schools are encouraged to visit the Foundation and participate in outreach programs, such as staff presentations and the Midwest Sandhill Crane Count.
The mission of the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center in nearby Rock Springs is to provide a safe place and a comfortable home for abused, neglected and unwanted big cats. Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center is a federally licensed facility that gives these cats a chance at a peaceful and happy life, and a chance for the public to learn about them.
Explore the legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold at the Leopold Center, located northeast of Baraboo on a rustic road along the beautiful Wisconsin River. Learn about the author of A Sand County Almanac, go on a guided tour or take a workshop on land management. The Leopold Center was honored in October 2007 with the highest certification in the world by the U.S. Green Building Council’s L.E.E.D. rating system.
The night isn’t complete without a visit to Baraboo’s Ho-Chunk Casino and Bingo! Consider yourself lucky as you try your hand at blackjack and poker tables, a variety of other casino games, slot machines, and intense games of high stakes bingo at Wisconsin’s largest casino. The gaming attraction also offers many musical and dining options, as well as a new, state-of-the-art RV Park. Ho-Chunk Casino is a destination for many visitors.
Outdoor Recreation in Baraboo, WI
There are endless opportunities for fun as a resident of the Baraboo area. Devil’s Lake State Park, located just two miles south of Baraboo, offers hiking, scuba diving, swimming, camping, boating, fishing and rock climbing among 500-foot cliffs that tower above a crystal-clear lake. The breathtaking beauty of Baraboo’s majestic bluffs will leave you feeling as if you have stumbled upon a slice of heaven. Having just celebrated their Centennial, the park staff is anxious to welcome all visitors as they enjoy their next 100 years. Lake Wisconsin, just 15 minutes away, also offers more boating and fishing options.
Golfers will enjoy challenging courses at the Baraboo Country Club, Devil’s Head Resort and Fairfield Hills Golf Course. The beautiful vistas in the area will make your round of golf that much more enjoyable.
The Baraboo area also boasts the longest stretch of restored riverway in the U.S. The dams that once served the communities along the Baraboo River gradually became obsolete and were removed, resulting in a tremendous recreation opportunity for canoe and raft enthusiasts.
The fun doesn’t end with the beginning of winter. The Baraboo area boasts a variety of downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities. Nearby are three downhill ski resorts that offer some of the finest skiing in all of Wisconsin. Devil’s Head Resort & Convention Center, only eight miles south of Baraboo, offers 28 runs and 16 lifts, as well as cross-country skiing and a skating rink. Other fun winter activities include cross-country skiing at Devil’s Lake State Park, ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling and sledding.
Additional recreational facilities available to Baraboo residents and visitors include a skateboard park, swimming pools, tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a city zoo. For those wanting to exercise their minds, learning is always fun at the Baraboo Public Library. Browse through a large selection of titles or take advantage of its large video/audio collection. Computer equipment is available for public use as well.
It’s always a great day in Baraboo!