Baraboo Attractions
As Baraboo natives, we are excited to share all that the area has to offer. With the natural beauty of the bluffs, the charming and historic downtown, and the close proximity to the Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo is a wonderful destination to relax and unwind or seek action and adventure!
Natural Attractions
There are so many places to enjoy the beauty of the Baraboo bluffs from skiing in the winter to swimming in the summer and gorgeous hiking year round! Some of our favorite places are:
Devil's Lake State park: Wisconsin's most visited state park. Enjoy miles of hiking trails up the bluffs, through the woods, and along the lake edge through tumbled rocks with trails to suit every ability level. Don't miss breathtaking views from iconic sights including Devil's Doorway (pictured on the right) and Balanced Rock. Choose from 2 beautiful sandy beaches to picnic, swim, or rent a kayak from the concessions.
Parfrey's Glen:A short hike that is full of adventure as you navigate through the stream and around fallen boulders to reach a small waterfall. Be prepared to get your feet wet! The first half of the trail is maintained, but the second half was washed away years ago in a flood so hiking is at your own risk.
Pewit's Nest: Also known as Peewee's Nest, it is a natural gorge 30 and 40 feet deep cut by a small stream called Skillet Creek. The walking trail leads to the mouth of the gorge as well as a lookout area on top of the cliffs. Parking is very limited, we recommend arriving early in the day.
Devil's Head Ski and Golf Resort: A picturesque resort in the heart of the Baraboo bluffs. Enjoy golfing in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter.
Cascade Mountaing Skiing and Tubing: A family friendly resort for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Kids ski free with paid adult. With 48 trails and three terrain parks from beginner to expert, there is something for all skill levels.
Restaurants
There is no shortage of delicious restaurants in Baraboo! A few of our favorites are:
The Little Village Cafe: Our family favorite! A restored 1940's diner with original decor. Menu ranges from burgers and burritos to fresh seafood, pastas, homemade soups and desserts. We highly recommend trying a burrito!
Broadway Diner: Broadway Diner is a 1954 fully restored vintage Silk City Diner. It is a full service restaurant offering unique and fresh locally sourced products. We love their breakfast menu!
Mama Mia Pizzeria: Delicious homemade Italian dishes such as pizzas, calzones, strombolis, hot subs. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Tin Roof Dairy Ice Cream Parlor: Full-service ice cream parlor, carrying 32 flavors of ice cream, with a full coffee menu, offering pastries and pie, as well as homemade sodas poured by uniformed soda jerks from a restored 1932 soda fountain. Step back in time and experience the authentic look, feel and sounds of a 1930s ice cream and soda parlor.
Coffee Bean Connection: Small, family owned coffee shop carrying coffees and teas from around the world. Try the turtle mocha!!
Bars and Wineries
Al Ringling Brewing: Enjoy a view of the brewery from the taproom or enjoy the outdoor beer garden during warmer months. Beer is brewed onsite and there is also have a full bar. The full kitchen features American, Paraguayan, and German specialties.
Balance Rock Winery: A family owned, boutique winery with daily tours and wine tastings available. Great place to visit and enjoy live music on weekends.
Gem City Saloon: Great place to visit with friends, watch a game, have a drink and bite to eat. A local favorite for their famous pizza!
Von Klaus Winery: Located in downtown Baraboo, home of over 20 handcrafted wines made with modern technology and old world tradition. Sample wines in the tasting room or enjoy a 4 course wine and food pairing.
Baraboo Burger Company: Sports bar & grill with friendly atmosphere and delicious burgers!
Driftless Glen Distillery: An award-winning craft distillery that offers tours, tastings, a restaurant, and more. Enjoy a delicious meal, handcrafted cocktail, or unforgettable tour experience!
Things To Do
The charming downtown district has a wide variety of fun shops and things to do! Check out:
Circus World: Baraboo is known as a circus town because it was the home of the famous Al Ringling Circus. Today at Circus World Museum you can still enjoy exciting performances in the Big Top and also learn about the rich history of the circus and see vintage circus wagons. Get ready for a full day of clowin' around at the Circus!
Shopping: Downtown Baraboo features many fun shops including vintage, antique, boutique, music, and toy stores! Some of our favorites are Bekah Kate's, Countryside Refind, Spirit Lake Trading Company, and Eclectic Treasures. If you have kids or are a kid at heart, you won't want to miss Just Imagine Toys and The Labyrinth Games.
Tours: Tour the downtown on a Rickshaw Ride or a Haunted Walk. You can also tour the Al Ringling Theater, The Al Ringling Mansion, The Sauk County Historical Museum, and the Driftless Glen Distillery.
Spa Serenity: If you are looking to relax, we highly recommend a massage at Spa Serenity! The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and the therapists are wonderful. They also provide manicures, pedicures, facials, and more. Be sure to schedule your appointment in advance.
Ocshner's Park and Zoo: Tour the downtown on a Rickshaw Ride or a Haunted Walk. You can also tour the Al Ringling Theater, The Al Ringling Mansion, The Sauk County Historical Museum, and the Driftless Glen Distillery.
608 Axe Throwing: Test your aim and strength throwing axes, enjoy a beer, and play in the arcade.
Downtown Baraboo Events
Downtown Baraboo hosts many fun events throughout the year. For full details check out https://www.downtownbaraboo.com/events/
Art Fair on the Square: held in the spring and fall, the streets of downtown Baraboo fill up with local artists and crafters, farmer's market, food vendors, live music, and kids activities.
Farmer's Market: every Wednesday and Saturday morning, May through October, from 7:30 am to 1pm, local producers sell fruits, vegetables and other wares on Oak Street adjacent to the courthouse square.
Sunday Market: held once monthly spring through fall, the Sunday Market features antiques, collector items, artisans, and crafters on the beautiful courthouse square area in the center of Downtown Baraboo.
Concerts on the Square: every Thursday evening at 7pm from June through August, enjoy live music on the courthouse lawn. In case of rain the convert will be held at the Al Ringling Theater. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Maxwell Street Days: end of summer sidewalk sales at downtown shops
Brew HaHa: enjoy an evening of shopping and beer tasting as you stroll through our beautiful downtown!
Wine Walk and Shop: taste wine and sample delicious treats while strolling through Downtown Baraboo!
Baraboo Oktoberfest: celebrate Wisconsin's German roots wtih live music, German cuisine, beer, costume contest, pub games, and magic show.
Holiday Light Parade: Begin your holiday season with a beautiful lighted holiday parade featuring glittering lighted floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and novelty units. Watch as Santa lights the official Downtown Baraboo Holiday Tree atop the historic Al Ringling Theater!