• Why is Baraboo, Wisconsin, famous?
    • Baraboo 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.
  • What other attractions can visitors explore in Baraboo?
    • The circus isn’t Baraboo’s only claim to fame.
    • The town is also home to the International Crane Foundation, which features fifteen different crane species.
    • Devil’s Lake State Park is another highlight, surrounded by bluffs 500 feet high.
    • Visitors can also enjoy several museums, restaurants, parks, farms, a winery, and many other things to do.

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1. Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake State Park

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  • What is Devil's Lake State Park?
    • Devil's Lake State Park is the largest state park in Wisconsin, located south of Baraboo, Wisconsin, within the Baraboo Range of Sauk County.
  • What types of trails are available at Devil's Lake State Park?
    • The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from paved handicapped-accessible trails to difficult bouldering and hiking trails.
  • What facilities and amenities does the park offer?
    • Visitors can enjoy modern restrooms, food courts, and multiple activity areas throughout the park.
  • Is there rock climbing available at Devil's Lake?
    • Yes, the park is home to numerous rock climbing areas suitable for visitors of any skill level.
  • What other recreational activities are available?
    • Additional activities include eight miles of bike trails, a nature center, a visitor center, a sledding hill, and more than 400 campsites.
  • Where is Devil's Lake State Park located?
    • S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

2. International Cranes Foundation

International Cranes Foundation

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  • What is the International Crane Foundation?
    • The International Crane Foundation strives to protect cranes worldwide and preserve the flyways, watersheds, and ecosystems they depend on for survival.
  • Where is the International Crane Foundation located?
    • The foundation's headquarters is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, about ten minutes from Wisconsin Dells.
  • What makes the International Crane Foundation unique?
    • It is the only place in the world where visitors can view all fifteen species of cranes.
  • What activities can visitors do at the foundation?
    • Visitors can take a guided tour to see the cranes, hike along nature trails, and browse nature-themed gifts in the gift shop.
  • Where is the International Crane Foundation located?
    • 9445, E11376 Shady Lane Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-9462

3. Parfrey's Glen

Parfrey's Glen

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  • What is Parfrey's Glen?
    • Parfrey's Glen is the first State Natural Area established in Wisconsin and is one of the state's most popular natural areas, second only to Devil’s Lake State Park.
  • What are the visiting hours for Parfrey’s Glen?
    • Parfrey’s Glen is open for visitors from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
  • How long is the trail at Parfrey’s Glen?
    • The glen features a 0.8-mile trail that runs from the lower part of the parking area up to the top of the scenic glen.
  • What makes Parfrey’s Glen unique?
    • The area is known for its rare and unusual plants, as well as its deep, scenic gorge with a depth of nearly 100 feet at the uppermost section.
  • Does a stream flow through Parfrey’s Glen?
    • Yes, a stream flows along the floor of the glen, adding to its picturesque beauty.
  • Where is Parfrey’s Glen located?
    • 1377 County Rd DL, Merrimac, WI 53561

4. Circus World

Circus World

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  • What is Circus World?
    • Circus World is considered a “National Treasure” of Wisconsin, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the American circus.
  • How did Circus World begin?
    • Originally, Circus World started with just six circus wagons and less than an acre of land. Over time, it has expanded into a major attraction.
  • What can visitors see at Circus World today?
    • Today, the site features a Circus Train complex and boasts over 260 amazing circus wagons.
  • How large is Circus World?
    • The institution spans sixty-four acres and includes thirty permanent structures, the Ringling Bros. complex, and seven winter quarters located on Water Street.
  • What recent additions have been made to Circus World?
    • New exhibits have been created, original Ringling structures restored, and exciting live shows added to enhance the experience.
  • Where is Circus World located?
    • 550 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-8341

5. Mirror Lake State Park

Mirror Lake State Park

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  • What is Mirror Lake State Park?
  • When was Mirror Lake State Park established?
    • Established in 1962, and officially opened to the public in 1966.
  • How many campsites are available at the park?
    • The Wisconsin state park features 151 campsites, with 47 containing electrical hookups, as well as seven campsites for groups.
  • Are speedboats allowed on Mirror Lake?
    • Mirror Lake itself is a no-wake zone, so no speedboats are allowed.
  • What recreational activities does the park offer?
    • 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.
  • What special accommodations does the park provide?
    • The park includes the first accessible camper cabin built in the state park system of Wisconsin.
  • Where is Mirror Lake State Park located?
    • E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

6. Driftless Glen

Driftless Glen

© Driftless Glen

  • What is Driftless Glen?
    • 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.
  • What can visitors learn at Driftless Glen?
    • 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.
  • What does a tour of Driftless Glen include?
    • Tours start with a sample of Renee Olive Oil and Balsamic and end with a tasting of five different spirits.
  • Where is Driftless Glen located?
    • 300 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-4536

7. Pewit's Nest

Pewit's Nest

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  • What is Pewit's Nest?
    • Pewit's Nest, located just outside of Baraboo, is another one of Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas.
  • What is the most dominant feature of Pewit's Nest?
    • 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.
  • What natural features are associated with Pewit's Nest?
    • Associated with the State Natural Area are Skillet Creek, northern dry-mesic forests, and shaded cliffs.
  • What types of forest cover are found at Pewit's Nest?
    • The forest cover found at Pewit’s Nest includes yellow birch, hemlock, white pine, and red cedar.
  • How was Pewit's Nest formed?
    • When the glacial Lake Baraboo retreated, Skillet Creek cut its way through the Cambrian sandstone, creating a narrow canyon and waterfalls.
  • Where is Pewit's Nest located?
    • County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 888-936-7463

8. Aldo Leopold Foundation

Aldo Leopold Foundation

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  • What is the Aldo Leopold Foundation?
    • The Aldo Leopold Foundation exists to inspire ethical relationships between nature and people through the legacy of Aldo Leopold.
  • When was the Aldo Leopold Foundation founded?
    • The conservation organization was founded in 1982 by Aldo and Estella Leopold’s five children.
  • What can visitors do at the Aldo Leopold Foundation?
    • 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.
  • What is the Leopold Center?
    • The Leopold Center serves as a great introduction to the property.
  • What outdoor activities are available?
    • Visitors can also discover the outdoors by hiking or snowshoeing through the woods and prairies.
  • What is the Leopold Shack?
    • Visitors can visit the Leopold Shack, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • Where is the Aldo Leopold Foundation located?
    • E13701 Levee Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-355-0279

9. Ski Hi Fruit Farm

Ski Hi Fruit Farm

© Ski Hi Fruit Farm

  • What is Ski Hi Fruit Farm?
    • 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.
  • Why is Ski Hi Fruit Farm a popular destination?
    • 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.
  • Is there a picnic area at the farm?
    • The huge lawn provides a great space for a picnic with plenty of room for kids to run around.
  • What activities can visitors do at Ski Hi Fruit Farm?
    • Visitors can explore the Barn Area, the Petting Farm, the Bassett Family Historic Cabin, and the orchard among other activities.
  • Where is Ski Hi Fruit Farm located?
    • E11219A Ski Hi Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-356-3695

10. Von Klaus Winery

Von Klaus Winery

© Von Klaus Winery

  • What is Von Klaus Winery?
    • The Von Klaus Winery was established in the Devil’s Lake Glacial Basin of Wisconsin in 1999.
  • Where is Von Klaus Winery located?
    • Nestled in the foothills of the state’s scenic Baraboo Bluffs, the winery produces handcrafted wines using both old-world tradition and modern technology.
  • How many types of wine does Von Klaus Winery produce?
    • The winery makes twenty different handcrafted wines.
  • What ingredients are used in Von Klaus wines?
    • Since it first opened, Von Klaus Winery has made its wines with all-natural ingredients, no added sulfites or preservatives, and the same original recipes.
  • What can visitors experience at the tasting room?
    • The tasting room in the historic downtown square of Baraboo offers wine samples year-round, as well as appetizers.
  • Does Von Klaus Winery offer food pairings?
    • Guests can choose a four-course food and wine pairing by reservation.
  • Where is Von Klaus Winery located?
    • 133 3rd Ave, Baraboo, WI 53913, Phone: 608-393-2229

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