20 Best Things to Do in Baraboo, Wisconsin

By VacationIdea Staff on July 11, 2022 - Updated

Maryna/stock.adobe.com

Baraboo, Wisconsin is a historic town that attracts many visitors to the Midwest to see the Circus World Museum, as the small town is the hometown of the famous Ringling Brothers. However, the circus isn’t Baraboo’s only claim to fame. The town is also the home of the International Crane Foundation with its fifteen different crane species and the Devil’s Lake State Park surrounded by bluffs 500 feet high, as well as several other museums, restaurants, parks, farms, a winery, and many other things to do.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI

The Devil’s Lake State Park is located just to the south from Baraboo, Wisconsin within the Baraboo Range of Sauk County. The state park is the largest state park in the state of Wisconsin and include trails that range from paved handicapped-accessible trails to difficult bouldering and hiking trails, as well as modern restrooms and food courts. The park is also home to a number of areas for rock climbing for visitors of any skill level, as well as eight miles of bike trails, a nature center, a visitor center, a sledding hill, and more than four hundred campsites.

S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

2.Things to Do in Baraboo, Wisconsin: International Cranes Foundation

The International Cranes Foundation strives to protect cranes worldwide and preserve the flyways, watersheds, and ecosystems they depend on for survival. The headquarters of the International Crane Foundation in the town of Baraboo, Wisconsin is, in fact, the only place in the world where visitors can view every one of the world’s fifteen species of cranes. Visitors can take a guided tour of these cranes, hike along nature trails, and browse the nature-themed gifts in the gift shop. Situated amidst the southern Wisconsin farmlands, the facility is only around ten minutes away from the famed Wisconsin Dells.

9445, E11376 Shady Lane Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-9462

3.Parfrey's Glen, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Parfrey’s Glen is the first State Natural Area to be established in the state Wisconsin and is possibly the most popular state natural area, with the exception of the Devil’s Lake State Park. Open for visitors from 6:00am until 8:00pm, Parfrey’s Glen consists of a around a 0.8-mile trail that runs from the lower part of the parking area up to the top of the scenic glen, featuring rare and unusual plants along the way. The glen boasts a depth of almost one hundred feet at the uppermost section, with a stream flowing along the floor.

1377 County Rd DL, Merrimac, WI 53561

4.Circus World, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Circus World is considered by many to be “National Treasure” of Wisconsin. While the establishment has been around for quite some time, starting out with just six circus wagons and not even an acre of grounds, Circus World today has been revitalized by renewed interested and a spirit of cooperation, now featuring a Circus Train complex, and more than 260 amazing wagons. The respected and internationally recognized institution spans across sixty-four acres, including thirty permanent structures, the Ringling Bros., and seven winter quarters located on Water Street. New exhibits has been created, original Ringling structures restored, and exciting live shows added.

550 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-8341

5.Things to Do in Baraboo, Wisconsin: Mirror Lake State Park

The Mirror Lake State Park encompasses more than two thousand acres of the Wisconsin Dells region. Established in 1962, and officially opened to the public in 1966, the Wisconsin state park features 151 campsites, with 47 containing electrical hookups, as well as seven campsites for groups. Mirror Lake itself is a no-wake zone, so no speedboats are allowed. The park also consists of a swimming beach, picnic area, a boat ramp, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, snowshoeing trails, and cross-country skiing trails, along with the first accessible camper cabin built in the state park system of Wisconscin.

E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

6.Driftless Glen, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Driftless Glen, a local Baraboo distillery, aims to craft spirits that are every bit as unique as those who drink them, which is the idea that led them to the state’s Driftless Area. Visitors can learn about the process of making these unique spirits and get a behind-the-scenes look during a tour of the production facility. Tours start with a sample of Renee Olive Oil and Balsamic and end with a tasting of five different spirits.

300 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-4536

7.Pewit's Nest, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Pewit’s Nest, located just outside of Baraboo, is another one of Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas. This nature reserve features a deep gorge that was created during the retreat of the area’s last glacier as its most dominant feature, measuring between thirty to forty feet deep. Associated with the State Natural Area are Skillet Creek, northern dry-mesic forests, and shaded cliffs, while the forest cover found at Pewit’s Nest includes yellow birch, hemlock, white pine, and red cedar. When the glacial Lake Baraboo retreated, Skillet Creek cut its way through the Cambrian sandstone, creating a narrow canyon and waterfalls.

County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 888-936-7463

8.Aldo Leopold Foundation, Baraboo, WI

The Aldo Leopold Foundation exists to inspire ethical relationships between nature and people through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. The conservation organization was founded in 1982 by Aldo and Estella Leopold’s five children. Guests can visit the foundation’s headquarters and explore the landscape that served as the inspiration for the most famous work by Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac. The Leopold Center serves as a great introduction to the property. Visitors can also discover the outdoors by hiking or snowshoeing through the woods and prairies, or visit the Leopold Shack, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

E13701 Levee Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-355-0279

9.Ski Hi Fruit Farm, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Ski Hi Fruit Farm boasts approximately fifteen acres of apples with around eight thousand trees, offering apples, cider, fresh baked goods, and several other local products to visitors. The farm has become a destination for locals every year during the apple harvest time, providing a great day trip to enjoy the outdoors, stunning views, and some delicious apples and apple products. The huge lawn provides a great space for picnic with plenty of room for kids to run around. Visitors can explore the Barn Area, the Petting Farm, the Bassett Family Historic Cabin, and the orchard among other activities.

E11219A Ski Hi Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-3695

10.Von Klaus Winery, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Von Klaus Winery was established in the Devil’s Lake Glacial Basin of Wisconsin in 1999. Nestled in the foothills of the state’s scenic Baraboo Bluffs, the winery makes twenty different handcrafted wines, created with both old world tradition and modern technology. Since it first opened, Von Klaus Winery has made its wines with all natural ingredients, no added sulfites or preservative, and the same original recipes. The tasting room in the historic downtown square of Baraboo offers wines samples year-round, as well as some appetizers, or guests can choose a four-course food and wine pairing by reservation.

133 3rd Ave, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-393-2229

11.Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Ho-Chunk Gaming in the Wisconsin Dells provides fun, food, gaming, and entertainment throughout the entire year in the state’s famous Wisconsin Dells region. Among the numerous offerings, the gaming established offers Bingo on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mini-baccarat, roulette, craps, live poker, and blackjack are available from 10:00am until 4:00pm daily, as well as slot all day, every day. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells also includes a fine dining restaurant, a cafe restaurant, a snack bar, a sports bar, and a buffet, as well as convention space and guest rooms and suites.

S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 800-746-2486

12.Glacial Lake Wisconsin

Glacial Lake Wisconsin, located near what is now the town of Baraboo, was a proglacial prehistoric lake existing from around eighteen thousand to around fourteen thousand years ago, near the end of the planet’s last Ice Age. As the climate of the region warmed and the glacier started to retreat, causing the water from the lake to reopen the path throughout the Baraboo Hills. As the glacier melted, a larger channel was created, leading to a torrent and then a flood. New channels were cut upstream through the lake’s sand bottom and then the Cambrian sandstone underneath, forming the Wisconsin Dells.

Baraboo, WI

13.Man Mound, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Man Mound located just east of Baraboo, Wisconsin is a prehistoric humanoid earthwork. Situated in the Man Mound Park in Sauk County, the mound was created during the area’s Late Woodland period and is North America’s only remaining anthropomorphic effigy mound. The Man Mound depicts what looks like a horned human figure, which may have had ceremonial or religious significance to those who built it. The historic mound was established in 1908 as a county park in order to preserve it, and in 2016, made a National Historic Landmark. The Man Mound Park consists of the mound, picnic tables, and a playground.

E13085 Man Mound Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

14.International Clown Hall of Fame, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The International Clown Hall of Fame, ICHOF, was established near the town of Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1987, at the birthplace of the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus. The center was founded as part of a community development project by Jennie Thompson and Gareth Betts to build on the circus history of the city. The International Clown Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and advancing of clown achievement and art, paying tribute to some of the country’s outstanding performers. The museum includes a national archive of clown history and artifacts, hosts special events, and has resident clown performers.

102 4th St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-852-6767

15.Sauk County Historical Museum, Baraboo, WI

The Sauk County Historical Museum has been housed inside of the historic Van Orden Mansion since the year 1939. Completed back in 1904, the Van Orden Mansion features more than one hundred years of historical artifacts that have been donated to the Sauk County Historical Society. Thousands of memorabilia and artifacts can be seen throughout the many rooms across the mansion’s two floors, which have remained basically unchanged since the time that the Van Orden family called the mansion home.

531 4th Ave, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-1001

16.Broadway Diner, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Broadway Diner in Baraboo is housed in the fully restored 1954 vintage Silk City Diner that was originally created by the Paterson Vehicle Company. Vonnie and Jeff later bought the diner, taking pride in restoring it to its previous glory and opening its doors again to customers in May of 2012 as new full-service restaurant. Catering was added to the growing business in 2013. The couple take a great deal of price in always serving locally-sourced, high quality products to their customers at the Broadway Diner, always preparing food with love, including a wide variety of breakfast items and burgers.

304 Broadway St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-3287

17.Baraboo Burger Company, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Baraboo Burger Company is considered to be the premiere Badger bar, located in downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin. The popular local dining spot offers family-friendly service and delicious, high quality food. The restaurant is often very busy during any Packer or Badger game. Guests can choose between three different areas for dining, the back dining area, the bar area, and weather permitting, the outdoor patio. The Baraboo Burger Company offers a full menu, daily specials, and a full bar with more than seventy-five local microbrews, imports, and domestic beer, as well as wine and liquor.

116 4th Ave, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-355-0977

18.Cheeze Factory Restaurant, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Cheeze Factory Restaurant in Baraboo, Wisconsin welcomes guests with a memorable vegan dining experience. The menu at the unique local eatery offers gluten-sensitive, non-GMO, and vegan freshly prepared dishes using the owner’s own recipes, as well as “to-drive-for” cookies, pies and cakes from the in-house bakery. The Cheeze Factory Restaurant strives to provide fresh, satisfying, and healthy meals within an enjoyable, bright, and warm atmosphere. The restaurant provides locals and visitors of the Wisconsin Dells with a creative and refreshingly different dining experience. Another unique aspect of the Cheeze Factory is the staff of students and teachers of A Course in Miracles.

618 Oak St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-448-4804

19.Culver's, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Over the years, Culver’s has earned a “reputation for deliciousness” by offering delicious made-to-order ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard. According to Craig Culver, the famous ButterBurger of Culver’s is still made today the same way it has always been made since the beginning because “that’s how his mom always did it.” The burgers are made with never frozen, 100% fresh beef and served on a bun that is lightly buttered and toasted. Emphasizing freshness, Dutch-blend chocolate and cold-pressed vanilla are used with the finest dairy to craft the famous Fresh Frozen Custard of Culver’s on-site throughout the day.

420 Linn St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-2650

20.Pizza Ranch, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Pizza Ranch began in 1981 in the town of Hull, Iowa when Adrie Groeneweg had a dream and idea at the age of nineteen years of age. It stemmed for a very simple question: “Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?” Thus, the vision of Pizza Ranch was born. Starting out with only six single-topping and specialty pizza recipes, created by Lorraine, Adrie’s mother, the restaurant was founded. Local residents were drawn to the new pizza joint for its made-from-scratch pizza dough and sauce, as well as its use of other fresh ingredients to make delicious pizzas.

916 Gateway Dr, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-448-2215

21.AL Ringling Mansion

Take a tour of a unique home of an equally unique man when you visit the AL Ringling Mansion. Better known as the original greatest showman, AL Ringling is a legendary circus showman and was the eldest of the five brothers behind the Ringling Brothers Circus. The mansion was built 1905 and later added to the national registry of historic places in 1976. Known for its grand interiors and ghost stories, the mansion welcomes guests to take hour-long guided tours of the home. Tours will take visitors from room to room while hearing stories about the Ringling family and the inside information behind all of the home’s reported hauntings.

623 Broadway Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-448-7455

22.Ochsner Park Zoo

Come see some of the cutest animals up close and personal at the Ochsner Park Zoo, a proud member of the Wisconsin Municipal Zoo Associates that was first opened in 1926. Despite being a small zoo that sees roughly 40,000 visitors every year, the Ochsner Park Zoo is beloved by locals for its efforts to assist in programs like the Species Survival Plans, and breeding programs of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Most of the wildlife at the zoo are actually rehabilitated animals that can no longer be returned to the wild or animals that have been rescued from illegal exotic animal trades. Come see gorgeous animals like black bears, a Canada lynx, barred owls, capuchin monkeys, and more for free at any day of the week.

903 Park Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-355-2760

23.Baraboo Bluff Winery

Enjoy spectacular views with an incredible bottle of wine at the Baraboo Bluff Winery. Located high up on Baraboo’s northwest range, taking a trip to the winery is a lot like taking a retreat as the tasting room is surrounded by tremendous views of Wisconsin’s beautiful landscape. Open year-round, the winery offers tours for guests who would like to see the winery in action or those who want to learn all about the wine making process. After the tour, guests will et the chance to try some of Baraboo Bluff’s most popular vintages or to enjoy a picnic amidst the winery’s beautiful vineyards.

E9120 Terrytown Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-393-0939

24.Spa Serenity

A full day of utter relaxation awaits at Spa Serenity, the most popular day spa in the entire Wisconsin Dells area. Conveniently located in the lovely downtown area, Spa Serenity is all about providing luxurious treatments and regenerative experiences for guests without having to spend a fortune. The spa provides an impressive menu of services with several kinds of massages, facials, full-body treatments, waxing, and nail services to ensure that each person walks out of Spa Serenity satisfied. For guests who want to make a trip out of it, the spa offers terrific packages for individuals, groups, and couples. The spa is open seven days a week and encourages guests to book their treatments ahead of time.

137 3rd Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-356-4727

25.Flyways Waterfowl Experience

There is no shortage of interesting places to visit in Baraboo and the Flyways Waterfowl Experience is one great example. Celebrating the beautiful waterfowls of North America, the museum is full of great and educational exhibits about ducks and other migratory birds of the region. One of the biggest draws of the Flyways Waterfowl Experience is its expansive antique and contemporary collection of decoys and duck calls. Meanwhile, the museum also has an interactive educational zone called Waterfowl Science, as well as a Duck Blind Theatre, and a duck stamp and waterfowl art gallery. To visit, guests are requested to book their visits at least 48 hours ahead of time.

S5780 City Road DL, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-225-7732