Why Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Gateway of Devil’s Lake State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

Over the years, I’ve made it a mission to visit state and national parks across the country. While I love soaking in stunning landscapes, I’ve realized I don’t actually like going too far off-grid. I like to mix my nature hikes with visits to local coffee shops and bookstores. These days, I look for destinations that give me the best of both worlds. If you’re anything like me and planning a visit to Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park, don’t overlook the gateway town of Baraboo. With its small-town charm and rich history (including clowns), it’s worth a visit on its own.

With epic hikes and stunning panoramic views, it’s easy to see why Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most visited state park. Over two million visitors a year are drawn to the massive quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre bejeweled lake. You’ll find natural wonders like Balanced Rock, gorgeous campgrounds, and enough outdoor recreation amid the nearly 10,000 acres that comprise Wisconsin’s largest state park to fill several days of your vacation. 

What could be more exciting than this massive outdoor playground? Perhaps, clowns? Yes, you read that right. Just outside of Devil’s Lake State Park, you’ll find Baraboo, a small town known as “Circus City.” Once the headquarters and winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, as many as five other traveling circuses also made Baraboo their home base. Where else can you find so much circus history?

Today, this exciting history lives on in the Circus World Museum, where you can not only see a wealth of artifacts, but you can also experience exciting live performances. From the roar of the motorcycles in the highwire challenge to the soaring flights of the trapeze artists, a visit to Circus World transports you back to your childhood days, no matter how old you are.

The circus connections hardly end at Circus World, as the many Ringling brothers made their mark across Baraboo. You can sleep in a mansion once owned by Charles Ringling, tour the AL. Ringling Mansion (a 20,000-square-foot home built in 1906), enjoy a beer at Ringling Brewing Co., or see a show in the AL. Ringling Theatre, known as “America’s Prettiest Playhouse.”

Beyond Baraboo’s circus roots, this charming small town is the perfect spot to relax after time in the outdoors. You’ll find enchanting wineries and local distilleries, serving up drinks, food, and views. Colorful historic buildings house local restaurants and coffee shops (my favorite!). It truly is a great place to recharge.

Who says you have to leave nature entirely behind once you step outside Devil's Lake State Park? You can also stroll Baraboo’s Riverwalk for a quaint town tour. Or, venture out to scenic spots like Parfrey's Glen and Pewit's Nest Gorge to find canyons, creeks, and waterfalls. Paddlers will especially enjoy Mirror Lake State Park. Its “no wake” rule for watercraft ensures a peaceful excursion. 

The Ringling Brothers weren’t Baraboo’s only famous residents; it was also the home of Aldo Leopold, whose A Sand County Almanac is considered a cornerstone of the conservation movement. Today, you can tour his cabin and walk in his footsteps along the sandy banks of the Wisconsin River at the Aldo Leopold Foundation.

If wildlife is your thing, make time to admire the majestic birds that call the International Crane Foundation home. You’ll be amazed by the variety found among the 15 species. I never realized there were so many kinds of cranes. Then, pop over to the free Ochsner Park Zoo. At 26 acres, it’s easy to explore and allows you to get up-close views of 30 species of wildlife (most of whom are rehabilitated or rescued, not bred for zoo life).

Who knew so much history, nature, and hometown heart were awaiting outside the gates of Devil’s Lake State Park? When you plan your next visit, make sure to build in time to visit Baraboo. Baraboo is more than a gateway to Devil's Lake State Park; this slice of Americana is a perfect complement to the great outdoors.