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Discover The Baraboo Area
Theories abound as to how the Baraboo River was named, but the earliest clue is that a French Canadian fur trader named Barbeau operated a winter trading post at its mouth in the mid-19th century.
Late in the 19th century, Baraboo became the headquarters of several circuses, including the Ringling Bros. Circus, and thus became known as Circus City. Baraboo is now home to Circus World, the former headquarters and winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. It’s the largest facility preserving circus artifacts and ephemera in the United States.
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The completely restored Al. Ringling Theatre, an active landmark in the city, opened its doors in November 1915 and has been operating ever since. Several Ringling homes still exist, including the Al. Ringling Mansion, located downtown.
Photograph by Yenti Eilertson
The nearby Baraboo Hills are designated one of the “Last Great Places” by the Nature Conservancy because of the unique rocks, plants and animals found there. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin’s largest state park, contains vast tracts of peaks and valleys created by glacial movement.
Just a short drive outside of Baraboo will lead to several picturesque communities. North Freedom, located just eight miles west of Baraboo, is home to the MidContinent Railway Museum, a unique attraction featuring rides on restored train engines. North Freedom is also the home of Baraboo River Canoe & Kayak Rentals, where you can rent your gear and trek down the Baraboo River for a day of fun.
Driving a little farther west, between Baraboo and Reedsburg, brings travelers to the village of Rock Springs. The Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Education Center provides a safe and comfortable home for abused, neglected and unwanted big cats. In addition to caring for the animals, they educate visitors about them.
Merrimac features the free Colsac III ferry, a vessel that’s both a functional transport and a tourist attraction. It’s the state’s only free ferry, as well as the only ferry left on the state trunk highway network. It takes vehicles across Lake Wisconsin as weather allows, and those waiting for a ride have been known to enjoy cones from the ice cream stand near the ferry dock!
