Baraboo

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Nestled in ancient and beautiful bluffs, the Baraboo area is exciting to explore! Only a short drive north from Madison, the state capital, the community of Baraboo is located on the banks of the Baraboo River, which flows through the center of town. Baraboo is best known as the birthplace of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and is home to Circus World Museum, offering live circus performances during the summer season and museum exhibits year ’round. It’s sure-fire entertainment for the whole family!

Devil’s Lake State Park is located only 3 miles south of Baraboo, and is situated along the Ice Age Trail and visited by more than 1.2 million people per year. This spectacular park boasts 500 foot cliffs, miles of hiking trails, swimming areas, hundreds of campsites, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails and is one of the Midwest’s premiere rock climbing destinations! Easy access fishing is available along the south shore of the lake. Brown trout are taken mainly on small minnows or spinners off the steeply dropping east and west shores. You will also find walleyes and Northern Pike, which are stocked!

A few miles north of Baraboo off Hwy 12 lies the International Crane Foundation, a world center for the study and preservation of nature’s tallest flying birds. Guided tours usually last 1.5 – 2 hours. ICF also offers taped self-guided tours at no charge, with tape machines available at the Gift Shop. The recorded tour guides visitors through the crane exhibit area. ICF is the only place in the world where visitors can see all 15 species of cranes in one spot.

History is alive in the Baraboo area, from the steam train rides at Mid-Continent Railway Museum, to the wide variety of art galleries, gift shops and specialty stores located in the historic buildings of the downtown district surrounding the county’s courthouse. Located in the town square, the Al Ringling Theatre is a treasure of rare quality. Richly designed in the style of grand French opera houses, the Theatre has been a fixture in downtown Baraboo for over 80 years. Hear the Mighty Barton theatre organ and step back in time through its red-carpeted hallways to a golden age of ornate theatre architecture.

In the Baraboo area you’ll find sincere small-town hospitality to match our variety of year-round attractions and recreational activities. No matter what your interests or your age, there’s something special for you in the Baraboo area!