Overview
Baraboo is a town in south-central Wisconsin at the eastern terminus of Southwest Wisconsin's Driftless Region. A town of about 12,000 people, Baraboo's most popular attractions are Devil's Lake State Park and Circus World Museum. Baraboo is the county seat of Sauk County.
7 sights · 3 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Baraboo
Al Ringling Theater
Aldo Leopold's Shack
Circus World Museum
Step into the magical world of the big top at Circus World in Baraboo. Discover the National Landmark Site and original buildings of the Ringling Bros. Circus. See skilled acrobats, horses, jugglers, dogs, clowns, aerial…
International Crane Museum
Ochsner Park & Zoo
Animals at the zoo include Prairie Dogs, Capuchin Monkeys, Llamas, Black Bear, White-Tail Deer, and various species of birds and other animals.
International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Madison)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSN Dane County Regional Truax Field, Madison — 30 mi away. Directions
- LSE La Crosse Regional Airport, La Crosse — 81 mi away. Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 100 mi away (major hub). Directions
The nearest airport is in Madison. From there, reach Baraboo via Hwy. 113 and the Merrimac Ferry; Hwy. 113, 19, and 12; or I-94.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Al Ringling Theater, International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, Circus World Museum
- Lunch Mama Mia Pizzeria
- Afternoon Ochsner Park & Zoo, Devils Lake Rock Climbing
- Dinner The Little Village Cafe
- Evening Al Ringling Brewing Co.
Day 2
- Morning Aldo Leopold's Shack, International Crane Museum
- Afternoon Devils Lake Climbing Guides
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The nearest airport is in Madison. From there, reach Baraboo via Hwy. 113 and the Merrimac Ferry; Hwy. 113, 19, and 12; or I-94.
Get around
Visitors will need a bicycle or car to get around Baraboo and the surrounding area. The intersection of Highway 33 and Highway 123 is near the center of town. Most lodgings are off Highway 33 east of town or Highway 12, west of town.
Affluent visitors can choose to fly into small airports in either Baraboo or Wisconsin Dells.
See
See Circus World Museum
Step into the magical world of the big top at Circus World in Baraboo. Discover the National Landmark Site and original buildings of the Ringling Bros. Circus. See skilled acrobats, horses, jugglers, dogs, clowns, aerialists and elephants in 10 shows daily, May 18 to September 2.
See Man Mound
The only surviving humanoid figure mound in North America, built between 750 and 1200 AD by Late Woodland people.
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat The Little Village Cafe
Fantastic food in an old corner store with character.
Eat Mama Mia Pizzeria
Pizzas, calzones, pastas and Italian dishes.
Drink
Drink Al Ringling Brewing Co.
Brewpub.
Sleep
Nearby
Wisconsin Dells
City / town · 46 listings · 11 mi away
Prairie du Sac
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Portage
City / town · 3 listings · 15 mi away
Spring Green
City / town · 30 listings · 26 mi away
Madison
City / town · 101 listings · 33 mi away
Richland Center
City / town · 7 listings · 34 mi away
Verona
City / town · 35 mi away
Columbus
City / town · 15 listings · 37 mi away
My experience
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