Enjoy a Three Ring Getaway In Wisconsin’s Ringling House, The Castle Of A Circus King

Baraboo, Wisconsin, will forever be known as Circus City. In 1884, the world famous Ringling Brothers Circus was established here, and the rest, as they say, is history. The heyday of the circus has long passed, but the mark the Ringlings left on Baraboo endures. Today, in the heart of Baraboo, you can not only step into the world of a circus baron, you can check into a historic inn and call it home for a night! Read on to see why the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is an inn that might be the greatest on earth!

Baraboo is an easy drive from Madison or Milwaukee. It’s a tranquil town filled with old homes and one of the most impressive is located in the heart of the city, right on 8th Street.

It’s a large yellow mansion that’s hard to miss – you’ll know you’ve arrived someplace unusual when you see the large elephant statues on the front lawn.

The house was built in 1901 as the home of Charles Ringling, one of the circus barons. It covers an acre and includes a carriage house, the Conway Cottage, and a small barn.

The mansion is a Georgian Revival residence built by the Isenberg Brothers of Baraboo. It offers a view into the life of the Ringling family and circus culture.

You’ll notice right away that the Ringlings led a comfortable life. The home is large and no expense was spared in the home’s construction.

Six rooms are available for guests. Each has beautiful antique furnishings and is dedicated to Ringling family members and performers. You can fall asleep dreaming of the big top and when you wake up enjoy breakfast at Henry Ringlings’ dining room table - he was the second Ringling brother to own the house.

To book a room at the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, visit its website. If you’re not able to get a reservation, you can still get a tour - home tours are offered regularly. While you’re in town, you’ll want to visit the Circus World Museum and the town’s other quirky sights.