Ho Chunk Casino & Bingo
About halfway to Baraboo on Highway 12, you’ll find the Ho Chunk nation’s casino. The lobby itself is worth a visit to see a two-story diorama of Wisconsin Dells including flying eagles. Slot machines, card games, bingo, a variety of restaurants and live concerts offer a wealth of entertainment. A free 24-hour casino shuttle runs between the White Rose Inns and the casino.
International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is on a side road just off Highway 12 on the way to Baraboo. ICF’s mission is to conserve cranes. Its collection includes all 15 crane species for breeding and reintroduction into the wild. At ICF you may see the wattled cranes gracefully dancing in their grassland enclosure or hear the haunting calls of the red-crowned cranes. See the sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world; observe the whooping crane, one of the world’s rarest birds in a wetland exhibit; explore nature trails through oak savanna, wetlands and tall grass prairie; and learn about ecosystem restoration and preservation.
Downtown Shops
In a restored old-fashioned downtown around the town’s square you’ll discover all kinds of interesting and engaging shops. Explore art galleries, a shop with chocolates and candies from all over the world, a gourmet kitchen supply store offering cooking classes, a used-book store with a regular schedule of fun events and a wine-tasting room. Stop for lunch in one of three quaint cafes with spectacular menus , or enjoy a sundae at the old-fashioned soda fountain of the small town pharmacy.
Al Ringling Theater
The Al Ringling Theater is considered America’s Prettiest Playhouse. Shows include first-run movies, a world cinema program and a range of live entertainment from all over the world, including musicals, concerts and comedy. Over the past few years, the Ringling Theater’s exterior has been completely restored and work is beginning on the interior. A feature of the interior is a heavenly ceiling painting complete with cherubs.
Circus World Museum
A century ago, Wisconsin was known as the Mother of Circuses by virtue of having been the home or winter quarters of more than 100 traveling tent shows. Baraboo is the birthplace of the Ringling Bros. Circus, which later combined with Barnum and Bailey Bros. Their successful circus wintered in Baraboo from 1884 until 1918. Today, the working circus has shows daily in the summer and a huge museum of restored circus wagons and other circus memorabilia that is open year-round. See the historic buildings that made up the original Ringling Bros. Circus Winter Quarters, such as the giraffe house.
Boo Canoe and Raft
This is one of our staff’s favorite attractions in the Dells area. Rent an inflatable raft or canoe and Boo Canoe will drop you off 4 miles upstream from their business. You’ll spend a couple of hours floating downstream back to Boo Canoe, through quiet spots and gentle rapids, right through the heart of the town of Baraboo, though you’d never tell, as the scenery is so unspoiled. An eagle flew up the river right towards one of our staff and landed in the tree above her. You’re bound to see turtles, ducks, water rats and perhaps circus elephants bathing in the river. This is a precious way to enjoy fun, undistracted time with your family.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Magnificent bluffs surround Devil’s Lake, which was created when a glacier from the last ice age melted. Hikes through the woods and around the lake afford views of rock outcroppings, balancing rocks and, from the bluffs, eye-level views of the local landscape and soaring turkey vultures. A beach, picnic areas and canoe rental make Devil’s Lake Wisconsin's most visited state park. Devil’s Lake is also famous in the area for rock-climbing, scuba-diving and mountain biking.
Ski Hi Apple Orchard
On a crisp autumn day, drive along the road to Devil’s Lake’s South Shore. Follow the signs to Ski Hi Apple Orchard for a true autumn treat. Set amongst fields of orchards is a farm store selling outrageously delicious apple pies, fresh pressed apple cider, which tastes like liquid apples, as well as caramel apples, comb honey, squash, Indian corn and gourds of all shapes and sizes.
Devil's Head Resort
The ski and snowboard area with the widest, longest, gentlest and steepest slopes of the local ski hills and a great terrain park about 10 minutes south of Baraboo.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Located 10 minutes west of Baraboo in North Freedom, the Railway Museum features working steam trains and a host of restored steam trains to explore. All summer you can ride a steam train through the rural countryside. Special pumpkin and fall color train rides run in autumn and Santa trains delight visitors with an old-fashioned steam train ride through a winter wonderland.
Events
Holly Jolly Light Parade Saturday before Thanksgiving
Faire On The Square Art & Craft Festival held in May & October. Includes 2 music stages, children's activities and farm market.
