Attractions and Places To See around Baraboo - Top 20

The Baraboo region is rich in natural beauty, centered around the ancient Baraboo Hills. Key attractions include Devil's Lake State Park, known for its dramatic quartzite bluffs, scenic hiking trails, and a 360-acre lake. You can also visit Parfrey's Glen, Wisconsin's first state natural area with towering sandstone cliffs and a stream, or discover the picturesque waterfalls at Pewit's Nest State Natural Area. The Baraboo River also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.

Yes, Baraboo has a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can visit the Circus World Museum, which celebrates the city's history as the original winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. Explore the beautifully restored AL. Ringling Mansion or catch a performance at the historic Al. Ringling Theatre. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum offers a journey back to the golden age of rail travel, and the unique Man Mound is the only surviving man-shaped effigy mound in North America.

Families can enjoy a variety of attractions. The Circus World Museum offers exhibits and live performances that delight all ages. Ochsner Park & Zoo is a small, free zoo featuring animals like otters and llamas. For outdoor fun, Devil's Lake State Park provides swimming, picnicking, and easy hiking trails. The International Crane Foundation allows visitors to see all 15 species of cranes and learn about conservation efforts through engaging tours and trails.

The Baraboo area offers several stunning viewpoints. The CCC Trail overlook provides expansive vistas off the bluffs across a protected oak forest to South Bluff. Another iconic spot is the Devil's Doorway Rock Formation, known for its distinctive shape and breathtaking views. The West Bluff Trail, part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, also offers overlooks of Devil's Lake.

Yes, there are several easy hiking options. For a gentle stroll, consider the Baraboo Riverwalk. In Devil's Lake State Park, trails like the East Bluff Trail via Steinke Basin or the Johnson Moraine and Steinke Basin Trail offer accessible routes. The Tumbled Rocks Trail is another easy option. You can find more details and routes in our guide to Easy hikes around Baraboo.

Baraboo offers diverse cycling routes for road cyclists. Popular options include the Devil's Lake Loop, which takes you around the state park, or longer rides like the Baraboo, Merrimac, and Lodi loop via the Ferry. You can explore various routes and their difficulty levels in our comprehensive guide to Road Cycling Routes around Baraboo.

The best time to visit Baraboo largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural areas, with fall foliage being particularly stunning in the Baraboo Hills. Summer is ideal for water activities on Devil's Lake and enjoying outdoor circus performances. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the state parks.

Downtown Baraboo offers a vibrant atmosphere with unique shops and local eateries. For local beverages, you can visit Balanced Rock Winery or Tumbled Rock Brewery, which often provide scenic views and a cozy atmosphere. Driftless Glen Distillery is another option for sampling locally crafted spirits.

While Devil's Lake is popular, you can find quieter natural areas within the Baraboo Hills. Pewit's Nest State Natural Area offers a hidden gorge with waterfalls. Mirror Lake State Park provides calm waters and hiking trails. Other significant natural areas protected by The Nature Conservancy, such as Baxter's Hollow and Hemlock Draw, offer excellent opportunities for hiking and bird-watching away from larger crowds.

Many outdoor areas in Baraboo are dog-friendly, but it's essential to check specific regulations. Devil's Lake State Park generally allows dogs on trails and in certain areas, but they must be leashed. However, some specific natural areas, like Parfrey's Glen, do not permit pets on the trails. Always look for signage or check official park websites for the most current pet policies.

For those seeking a challenge, the Baraboo area offers several demanding trails, particularly within Devil's Lake State Park. The West Bluff Trail, part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, features steep sections and rough-cut stone steps. The trail to Devil's Doorway Rock Formation and Balanced Rock can also be challenging, involving narrow staircases and boulder slopes that require careful footing.

Yes, the Baraboo Hills are an excellent destination for birdwatching. The large oak and maple forests within the hills provide habitat for over 135 species of breeding birds. Areas like Baxter's Hollow and Hemlock Draw, protected by The Nature Conservancy, are particularly noted for their avian diversity and offer great opportunities for bird enthusiasts.