Location: Baraboo
Top Things to do in Baraboo
10 Things to Do in Baraboo That You Shouldn't Miss
Baraboo is a city in and the county seat of Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The largest city in the county, Baraboo is the principal city of the Baraboo Micropolitan Statistical Area. Its 2010 population was 12,048. It is situated on the Baraboo River.
Restaurants in Baraboo
1. Devil's Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Devil's Lake has great hiking trails.
Reviewed By Ashley S - Wisconsin
I hiked this trail March 2018. Trail head begins on the Uplands Trail off Hwy 113 right outside the park. Trail length is about 11 miles long. Covers mainly the outside perimeter of the park...crossing roads, links with other trails, and goes through a campground and into the park. Continues thru devils lake parking lot, past north side of lake (toilets available) then climbs up the West Bluffs which is a steep climb of rock stairs (great views from the top overlooks, stopped here for lunch). Descent begins down the other side and around the south end of the lake. The steepest climb of the whole trail is the Balanced Rock Trail up the East Bluff. Careful of loose rocks. The IAT continues along the East Bluff trail. Though this is where it gets confusing. There were no more markers indicating IAT direction so as basic as the park trail was I accidentally took the CCC trail back down thinking it was the IAT. It's is NOT. This mistake cost me another 550 foot elevation change back down and a hike down the road to reconnect with IAT at a later point which meant another up hill hike of 2 miles. When on the East Bluff pass signs for Devils Doorway...continue straight. Do not go down the CCC trail which I hear is a common mistake. The East Bluff will reconnect to Uplands Trail where you began. I packed small lunch and 1.5 liters of water. Started the trail at 10am, finished at 5pm. Get some trekking poles! Enjoy and have fun. This trail is rated one of the best in the Midwest.
2. International Crane Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
The International Crane Foundation is the only place on Earth where you can see all 15 of the world's crane species! Located in Baraboo amid the farmlands of southern Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation's headquarters are just ten minutes from the Wisconsin Dells and surrounding Baraboo Hills. Visitors to our site can enjoy a guided tour of the world's cranes, take a hike on our nature trails, and browse nature themed items from around the world in our gift shop.
Reviewed By RunningEagle2013 - Fort Wayne, Indiana
Did you know there are 15 different kinds of cranes? You get to see and learn about each of them here. The park is clean, natural, fascinating, and easy to navigate. The foundation is working world wide to establish a better relationship between man and crane. We loved our visit!!
3. Parfrey's Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By wisconsinchic - Green Bay, Wisconsin
I was really glad that we visited Parfrey’s Glenn. It is difficult to do without getting wet as there are several places where the “path” involves crossing across the stream. Because my husband was with me, he was able to go in front and hold my hand to help me balance, so we never did have to get our tennis shoes wet. It was quite beautiful! My only complaint would be that there were a lot of people, so it was a lot of waiting for others to cross the stream. Definitely worth the visit though! The path isn’t hard, but again, it is hard to stay dry. The path isn’t long either, but if you do get to the end, there’s a tiny waterfall that’s pretty. The rock and moss formations are very pretty as you walk along the stream as well.
You do need a state park sticker to park.
4. Circus World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Circus World in Baraboo is America's favorite circus attraction! Baraboo was home to The Ringling Bros. Circus from 1884 thru 1918, and during those thirty-four years the operation grew to become the largest circus enterprise the world has ever known. Although the Ringlings left in 1918, many of their original structures survived.During the summer months, Circus World comes to life with daily live shows and demonstrations. See the world’s largest collection of glorious parade wagons plus 7 authentic Ringling Bros. buildings filled with colorful, big top memories. Enjoy elephant, pony and carousel rides; cotton candy, ice cream, tasty sandwiches and our main lobby gift shop. Experience a live circus performance and entertaining Nothing But Nonsense show with Steve & Ryan. Experience the thrill that never grows old at Circus World!
Reviewed By Jason M - Iowa, United States
If you have young children, this should be a must-see in your trip to the Dells. It's so much more fun than some of the other tourist traps in the Dells. I would recommend a half-day for this park, but you could easily spend the whole day here.
Our favorite things were the amazing circus wagons (fully restored), the interactive circus show, and the time we spent with the clowns walking around the grounds. Everyone that works here was so friendly and knowledgeable.
I recommend this for families with young children (10 and under) or adults who are interested in museums, circuses or history. This is a great activity for grand parents to take their young grand kids to, or for families who want a day away from the water parks.
5. Mirror Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By bso54 - DeKalb, Illinois
I don't think you would enjoy Mirror Lake. It's too quiet, under-stated beauty, no dramatic views, a lake that doesn't allow boats that make a wake, no gift shop or restaurant, no loud boy scout troops, only takes an hour or so to canoe the whole lake, there is ONE neat rock formation compared to Devil's Lake, the hiking is too easy compared to Devil's Lake. So if you are debating which lake to visit, choose Devil's Lake. Please. (heeheehee)
6. Outlets at The Dells
Overall Ratings
4 based on 313 reviews
Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer at stores like: Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hollister, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Under Armour and many more. Before you travel, check out the Tanger Outlet website to find the latest Coupons & Sales Offers for Tanger Outlets in Wisconsin Dells. Or, when you arrive at the outlets, make your first stop Shopper Services to learn about the benefits of joining TangerClub (Tanger Club information is also available online). In Shopper Services you can purchase a coupon book full of great savings or if you are already a TangerClub member pick up a coupon book for free! Think Outlets, Think Tanger.
Reviewed By Bosanchubo - Central Wisconsin
I needed to travel over an hour for a specific store, and was not disappointed! Stores are well-labeled for easy access, the personnel I encountered were extremely helpful and polite, and the whole place is immaculate . . . including the oversized restrooms! (Moms with tots or babies would love this facility!) Do be prepared, however . . . even though this is a covered mall, the design lets the outdoor breezes reach shoppers in the hallways! I was there on a breezy day, in the 20's, and could feel the cold. Dress for the weather.
7. Baraboo Bluff Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Great Views, Great Wines, Great Times... Bring a picnic, get a bottle of wine and enjoy the view. Tastings options from complimentary tasting of 3 wines or $5 to try them all and you get to keep the glass.
Reviewed By Mara S
There isn't a more beautiful spot in Wisconsin to relax, view the stunning Baraboo bluffs, sip terrific wine and contemplate the joy in life. The owners are wonderful people who are committed to ensuring a positive experience. Highly recommended!
8. Al. Ringling Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Beezhjack - Zeeland, Michigan
It is absolutely worth it and extremely enjoyable. The Ringling mansion will transport you back in time to how it all began. There are actually more brothers than I believed were part of the family. You will learn some cool facts: How this house was used, how it was saved and who now owns it is a great story. The owners actually live there which adds to the uniqueness. The tour guide is excellent and the tour is an hour and it goes fast. The memorabilia and pictures are all interesting to hear about and see. Just amazing that this place was almost gone, that would have been sad. My advice is don't miss this, it needs to be saved and preserved. They have a large enclosed area where they hold events and that may be interesting to you too.
9. Pewit's Nest Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Catgic - Satellite Beach, Florida
This gorge has an added special dimension, at least for me. It seems to be a place where there is a thin interface between the present and the past, which facilitates one's spirit connecting with the benevolent spirits of the ancient aboriginal Americans who one inhabited and thrived in and around the Wisconsin Dells.
10. Driftless Glen Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Sasha M - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Our group of 6 adults visited on a rainy day while staying in WI Dells. They were able to accommodate our tour immediately. The distillery is beautiful and new, tucked right along the river. Our tour guide was one of the distillers. He was so interesting to listen to, and had great answers to every question. It was a very casual tour. Ours ran 30-40 minutes, but we asked a lot of questions. The tasting followed, with 5 1/4 shots of any of the alcohols offered by the distillery. We followed with a drink at the bar, which has a fantastic menu of fun drinks featuring the distillery product. We would definitely return on another rainy day and enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the river!
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