Where Circus History Comes to Life
Things to Do in Baraboo, WI: A History and Circus Lover’s Getaway
What makes the list of things to do in Baraboo WI, unique is that this Sauk County city is where the Ringling Bros. Circus got its start. That history shows up everywhere here, from the historic buildings downtown to the bluffs above Devil’s Lake. For a getaway built around history and culture, Baraboo gives you a rare chance to walk through the same streets and buildings the Ringling family once called home, then unwind at the end of the day just a few blocks from where it all began.
Circus World anchors the list of Baraboo attractions for good reason. This is the actual former winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus, spread across 64 acres with seven National Historic Landmark buildings and the world’s largest collection of restored circus wagons. From mid-May through early September, live Big Top performances run daily. Outside that window, the site stays open for self-guided tours of the wagon collection and historic buildings. If circus history is the draw, plan around the performance season.
Devil’s Lake State Park rounds out any list of things to do in Baraboo WI with a different kind of history: geological rather than human. Quartzite bluffs rising 500 feet ring a 360-acre lake carved by retreating glaciers. The East Bluff Trail climbs from the north shore and rewards a short, steep hike with a wide view over the water. A park sticker is required, and the main lots fill by mid-morning on summer weekends, so plan an early start.
Downtown Baraboo is where the food and drink side of this trip comes together, and it’s easy to cover on foot. Driftless Glen Distillery sits on the banks of the Baraboo River and offers tours along with a full restaurant menu, making it worth a longer stop for lunch or dinner. AL. Ringling Brewing Co. pours around 19 house-made beers, including the Ringling family’s beer recipe, next to the historic 1906 AL. Ringling Mansion.
Among Baraboo restaurants for a comfort-food finish, locals are split between the diner classics at Broadway Diner and the burgers at Baraboo Burger Company. Both are straightforward, no-frills options after a day of walking and hiking. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Baraboo WI after dinner, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells offers gaming, live music, and dining a short drive away.
Stay at a Baraboo Bed and Breakfast Tied to Ringling History
For a history and culture getaway, staying at a Baraboo Bed and Breakfast that’s part of the story changes the whole trip. The Ringling House was built in 1901 as the home of Charles Ringling, one of the five circus-founding brothers, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original woodwork, stained-glass windows, and the grand staircase are still intact, and guests can learn the family’s history directly from innkeepers who know the area well. It’s within walking distance of Circus World and Al. Ringling Brewing Co., and just a short drive from Devil’s Lake.
Plan Your Baraboo Getaway
Whether you’re checking Baraboo events for the week or building a longer Wisconsin itinerary, a stay that puts you inside the history makes the trip complete. Book your room at the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast and start your Baraboo getaway where the Ringling story began.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Baraboo WI with kids?
Circus World’s live Big Top performances during the summer season and the trails at Devil’s Lake State Park both work well for families, with shorter, kid-friendly options available at the East Bluff.
What are unique things to do in Baraboo WI?
Touring the former Ringling Bros. winter quarters at Circus World and staying overnight in Charles Ringling’s original 1901 home are both unique experiences in Baraboo and unavailable elsewhere.
What is there to do in Baraboo WI this weekend?
Check Baraboo events listings for seasonal happenings, then combine a hike at Devil’s Lake with a stop at Circus World and dinner downtown for a full weekend itinerary.