About Baraboo

A guide to the charming Wisconsin town hosting our summer celebration

Welcome to Baraboo! This charming small city sits along the Baraboo River in south-central Wisconsin, about 40 miles northwest of Madison. With a population of around 13,400, Baraboo is the county seat of Sauk County and a place where Midwest friendliness, outdoor adventure, and quirky cultural history all converge. Its walkable downtown is anchored by a historic courthouse square lined with independently owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. We're excited to share this special corner of Wisconsin with you!

Here are a few highlights to get you acquainted:

Beautiful July Weather: July is peak summer in Baraboo, with average highs around 82–84°F and lows around 62°F. Expect warm, pleasant days with a mix of sunshine and occasional afternoon thunderstorms - ideal weather for a day outdoors at the lake.
Wisconsin's Most-Visited State Park: Devil's Lake State Park, right at Baraboo's doorstep, draws nearly 3 million visitors per year. The pristine, spring-fed 360-acre lake sits cradled between 500-foot quartzite bluffs, with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Ancient Geology: The Baraboo Range is one of the most remarkable geological features in the Midwest. The quartzite bluffs surrounding Devil's Lake are approximately 1.6 billion years old, making them among the oldest exposed rock formations in North America.
"Circus City, USA": Baraboo is the birthplace and original winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The five Ringling brothers staged their very first circus performance here on May 19, 1884. Many of the original winter-quarters buildings still stand.
An Opulent Small-Town Theater: The Al. Ringling Theatre (1915) was built by the eldest Ringling brother and designed by the famed Rapp & Rapp architects of Chicago. It underwent a $3.2 million restoration in 2015 and remains a functioning performance venue - an ornate European-style opera house in a town of 13,000.
The Only Place to See All 15 Crane Species: The International Crane Foundation, just outside Baraboo, is the only place on Earth where you can see all 15 of the world's crane species.
Aldo Leopold Country: Baraboo is home to the Aldo Leopold Foundation, honoring the father of wildlife ecology and author of A Sand County Almanac (1949). His famous "Shack" - where the book was written - is open for tours.
Craft Spirits & Breweries: Baraboo punches well above its weight. Driftless Glen Distillery is an award-winning grain-to-glass operation on the Baraboo River. Tumbled Rock Brewery sits right at Devil's Lake. And local supper clubs serve up classic Wisconsin fish fry.
20 Minutes from Wisconsin Dells: The self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" is just a 15-mile drive north of Baraboo. Guests wanting a splashy day trip can visit Noah's Ark (America's largest outdoor waterpark), Great Wolf Lodge, and more.
Named After a Fur Trader: The name "Baraboo" likely derives from French-Canadian fur trader Francois Barabeau, who had a trading post at the mouth of the Baraboo River around 1749.

Things to Do & See

While you're in the area celebrating with us, we hope you get a chance to explore some of these spots:

Devil's Lake State Park

Wisconsin's #1 state park. A pristine, spring-fed lake surrounded by towering 500-foot quartzite bluffs. Highlights include the East and West Bluff trails with jaw-dropping views, iconic rock formations like Devil's Doorway and Balanced Rock, two sandy swimming beaches, and kayak/canoe/paddleboard rentals.

Tips: Arrive early on summer weekends - the park is wildly popular and parking fills up. Bluff trails are rocky and uneven; wear sturdy shoes. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker is required ($13 resident / $16 non-resident daily).

Circus World

A 64-acre museum on the original Ringling Brothers winter quarters site. Houses the world's largest collection of circus wagons (260+). During summer, there are daily live Big Top circus performances, outdoor thrill acts, and hands-on programs.

Tips: Plan 2–3 hours. Summer performances run daily - check the schedule for showtimes. Located at 550 Water Street.

Downtown Baraboo

A charming historic downtown centered on the Sauk County Courthouse square, with 40+ locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafes in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Don't miss the Al. Ringling Theatre - free guided tours daily at 11am during summer.

Tips: Most shops are open 10am–5pm. Plenty of street parking. Summer Thursdays feature Concerts on the Square.

Driftless Glen Distillery

An award-winning craft distillery and restaurant on the banks of the Baraboo River, right next to Circus World. Produces bourbon, rye whiskey, brandy, vodka, and gin. Features a gorgeous riverside patio with outstanding sunset views.

Tips: Make a dinner reservation, especially on weekends. Pair it with a visit to Circus World next door. Located at 300 Water Street.

Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen

A cozy brewpub with a wood-fired pizza oven, house-brewed beers, and a large dog-friendly outdoor patio with live music in summer. Located right at the north entrance of Devil's Lake State Park - the ideal post-hike reward. Friday fish fry all day, year-round.

Tips: No reservations - first come, first served. Summer weekends get busy. Closed Mon–Tue.

International Crane Foundation

A world-renowned conservation center and the only place on Earth where you can see all 15 species of crane. Features walking trails through restored prairie and up-close crane viewing areas. The foundation played a critical role in saving the whooping crane from extinction.

Tips: Open daily May–October, 9am–5pm. About 7 miles north of downtown. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Wisconsin Dells

Just 20 minutes north of Baraboo, the "Waterpark Capital of the World" has a huge concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks, boat tours through stunning sandstone canyons on the Wisconsin River, zip lines, mini-golf, and more restaurants than you can count.

Tips: Noah's Ark is America's largest outdoor waterpark (70 acres). The Upper Dells Boat Tour is the more scenic option. Can get very crowded on summer weekends.

Ochsner Park Zoo

A free, 3-acre walk-through zoo in a 27-acre city park, home to 45+ animals including black bears, gray wolves, river otters, bald eagles, and prairie dogs. The park also has picnic tables, a playground, and shady walking paths. Great for families with kids.

Tips: Summer hours 9am–7pm daily. Free parking. Allow 30–60 minutes.