Things to do in Baraboo, photo of Devil's Lake State Park at sunset

The Ultimate List of Things to do in Baraboo, WI

Logan Marketing February 16, 2023 Comments Off

The Wisconsin Dells is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, so it’s not a surprise that most of the best things to do in Baraboo, WI, revolve around taking in the stunning scenery, hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park, canoeing on the glassy surface of Mirror Lake, and birdwatching at Palfrey’s Glen. Though that doesn’t mean there isn’t an incredible selection of things to do in Baraboo, WI, that happen indoors, often with a delicious spread of beautifully prepared food and crafted drinks.

Why this area has such a big draw for nature enthusiasts has a lot to do with its geology. The Nature Conservancy designated the Baraboo Hills as one of the “Last Great Places” due to the collection of rare rocks, minerals, flora, and fauna. These features were formed millions of years ago in the last ice age when strong currents from the melting glaciers carved and sculpted the gorges, peaks, unique rock formations, and winding rivers. Exploring these interesting geological areas is by far one of the best things to do in Baraboo, WI!

Before you start filling up your itinerary, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is in the ideal location for outdoor and indoor fun. The majority of our favorite things to do in Baraboo, WI, are within a quick (and scenic) drive from our historic B&B. As a guest, you’ll love our comfortable accommodations, antique appointments, bountiful breakfast, and welcoming service. Read on to learn more about all the exciting things to do in Baraboo, and book your room today! Continue reading

Small Towns in Wisconsin: Baraboo, town sign on a pretty street

Baraboo is One of the Best Small Towns in Wisconsin

Logan Marketing December 1, 2022 Comments Off

There’s something cozy and special about visiting the small towns in Wisconsin. And Baraboo, located in Sauk County, offers visitors a lovely combination of museums, excellent dining options, and outdoor recreation at the nearby Devil’s Lake State Park. Baraboo was put on the map by the famed Ringling Family, who settled the circus headquarters here in the early 1800s. Today, you can learn all about the history of the Ringlings and their empire at the World Circus Museum in downtown Baraboo.

This is one of the small towns in Wisconsin that has its traditional downtown tree-lined Main Street with local shops and cafes, welcoming residents, and surrounding areas that are a nature lover’s paradise with stops along the Wisconsin River, the amazing rock formations of Devil’s Lake State Park, and the glassy calm waters at Mirror Lake State Park. In fact, the Baraboo Hills is classified as one of the “Last Great Places” by the Nature Conservancy due to the collection of rare rocks, plants, and animals.

Another perk of making the charming small towns in Wisconsin your getaway destinations are the intimate and unique lodging accommodations you’ll uncover. Our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast happens to be one of those options! The Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is not only in the ideal location in Baraboo for exploring all of the best things to do, but we also have a solid connection to the founding of the town, as our Inn was once the family home for the Ringling Brothers.

Join us in Baraboo—one of the best small towns in Wisconsin—and book your stay today! Continue reading

The Best Things to do in Baraboo WI this Summer

Logan Marketing July 11, 2022 Comments Off

Summer is one of the best times to visit the midwest, and there are so many fantastic things to do in Baraboo WI. Our charming, small, historic town is perfect for a weekend getaway or leisurely vacation during the warmer months. Located only 10 minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park—one of the most visited parks in Wisconsin—outdoor lovers will have their pick of adventures to explore in the wilderness. For those who enjoy beer and wine, you’ll find a host of local breweries and wineries serving some of the best adult beverages around. We also love to eat in Wisconsin, so the restaurant choices are decadent and delicious.

And those are just a few of the fantastic things to do in Baraboo WI, this year! Before you start packing your itinerary with activities, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast is the ideal space to stay. The Ringling House is not just a place to keep your bags and rest at night; our historical Inn becomes a big part of your adventure. The beautiful mansion has been meticulously restored; the guest rooms are divine and still represent the charm of the original space, but with added modern amenities for the ultimate getaway to the midwest.

Head over to our booking calendar and reserve your room today! Continue reading

Get Your Tickets to Circus World Museum this Year

Logan Marketing March 17, 2022 Comments Off

The Ringling Brothers put Baraboo on the map, so it’s no surprise that the Circus World Museum is a big attraction here. It’s so big that it encompasses a collection of buildings, including the remaining structures of the original wintering grounds of the Ringling Brothers Circus, a big top where they host live performances, and an entire library dedicated to circus-centric history books, archives, and photographs. You’ll also find outdoor areas with circus wagons and other significant memorabilia.

The Circus World Museum is owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, a group dedicated to preserving interesting locations and historical places all around the state. A trip through the exhibits, the big top, and the circus wagon display is a nostalgic experience for many. Some may say it harkens back to a simpler time when entertainment wasn’t directly available to us at every minute of the day.

There’s no better Baraboo lodging option than the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast for those planning a trip to the Circus World Museum. Built by Charles Ringling in 1901, the Georgian Revival home near the downtown Baraboo, WI, remained in the Ringling family until 2015 when Innkeepers Julie Hearley and Stuart Koehler bought the property. They are dedicated to maintaining the intricate architecture and history of the home while making it a comfortable and welcoming place to stay for the ultimate getaway to Baraboo.

Get ready to get your tickets to the 2022 season at the Circus World Museum, and be sure to get your lodging on the books today! Continue reading

10 Things to do in Baraboo Wisconsin in the New Year

Logan Marketing December 16, 2021 Comments Off

There are so many things to do in Baraboo Wisconsin, all year round! Wintertime brings fresh snow and cold weather sports; Spring and Summer are ideal for hiking and biking at our beautiful state parks, and Autumn means bright fall colors and crisp afternoons in the sunshine. It’s truly an outdoor lover’s paradise here—most of the things to do in Baraboo Wisconsin involve nature, but always best finished with a tasty beer and a hearty meal.

As a guest at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be in the ideal location to explore the outdoors at Devil’s Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, and Parfrey’s Glen. Thankfully, we’re also nearby the historic downtown Baraboo area, where you’ll find breweries, restaurants, charming shops, and interesting museums and attractions. There are so many things to do in Baraboo Wisconsin, for an action-packed getaway!

Firstly, check out our upcoming availability in the new year, book your stay, and let the planning begin! Continue reading

Kayaking & Canoeing in Mirror Lake State Park This Summer

Logan Marketing July 20, 2021 Comments Off

Mirror Lake State Park

Imagine gliding across smooth, calm water as it casts reflections of the surrounding trees, sandstone cliffs, and vibrant plant life. Mirror Lake State Park is named after its beautiful body of water, known for its mirror-like surface. Steep sandstone sides jut up to fifty feet in some areas, creating a natural wind barrier, resulting in some of the calmest waters you’ll every see.

This narrow reservoir covers 137-acres within the 2,179-acre state park in Southern Wisconsin. Part of the Wisconsin Dells region, this area is known for its interesting geology, with unique rock formations peppering Mirror Lake State Park and the surrounding wilderness. On a visit here, you’ll want to experience the water first hand, via kayak, canoe, or paddle board.

As a guest at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be less than a 15 minute scenic drive from the beauty of Mirror Lake State. There are numerous options for recreation here, from kayaking and canoeing to hiking and mountain biking. Join us for breakfast at the Inn before heading out to an adventure at Mirror Lake State Park. Check our availably and book your room today! Continue reading

Great Wildflower Hikes in Wisconsin Near Us

Logan Marketing June 16, 2021 Comments Off

Discovering a big field of bright wildflowers or a wooded path lined with trillium are small joys, but memories that stay with you for a long time. Thankfully, there are some really great wildflower hikes in Wisconsin right near our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. The Southern part of the state is particularly beautiful this time of year, and planning to take the best hikes in Wisconsin for wildflower viewing is a great addition to any vacation or weekend getaway to our neck of the woods.

Our location in Baraboo is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Luckily, we’re surrounded by State Parks and designated Natural Areas. Devil’s Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park are two of the most popular spots for hikes in Wisconsin, and they’re both within 15 minutes from our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. Both of these parks offer a diverse landscape within the park itself, from lakefront recreation and plant life to mountainous, rugged rock formations and wooded areas.

The Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is a bit of a hidden gem in Wisconsin. As a guest here, you’ll not only be able to explore and enjoy the gorgeous countryside, but take in the lovely architecture and history of our Colonial Revival home that once belonged to the renowned Ringling Family. Each guest room tells a story, the antique appointments are timely, and you’ll feel fully immersed in the days of yore. Check our availability and book your next getaway to Baraboo today! Continue reading

The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Wisconsin this Spring

Logan Marketing April 28, 2021 Comments Off

Spring is here, and it feels like it’s finally the time to start planning your next weekend getaway in Wisconsin. We want to help you with that! Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, the historic Ringling House, is the ultimate spot for your lodging on your weekend away. While at our Inn, you’ll feel immersed in the history of the Ringling family and surrounded by beautiful spaces for outdoor adventures.

Our Wisconsin Inn is situated right in the heart of downtown Baraboo, a charming small town with local boutiques, historical buildings, and amazing wineries and breweries. On your stay with us, you’ll also be within 10 minutes of Devil’s Lake State Park, one of the area’s most popular attractions. There are so many things to do in Baraboo for your weekend getaway in Wisconsin, that you’ll want to come back again and again.

On a weekend getaway in Wisconsin, instead of choosing a big chain hotel for your home base, it’s more exciting to stay at an elegant and unique Inn. This helps to make every minute of your time away special and memorable. Thankfully, when you stay with us, we take care of your morning meal with a hearty selection of sweet and savory options. Start planning your weekend getaway in Wisconsin today and book your room! Continue reading

The Best Birdwatching Near our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Logan Marketing March 19, 2021 Comments Off

On any trip out to the Baraboo area of Wisconsin, exploring the natural beauty of this part of the country is a must. Birdwatching is a wonderful way to feel like a part of nature, not to mention, it’s a quiet, relaxing and calming pastime out in the fresh air. And we can all use a little bit more of that in our lives these days.

According to the Audubon Society, Wisconsin is a great birding state due to its forests, wetlands and lake shorelines. Baraboo Hills is known as a birdwatching hotspot due to the hardwood forests that grow around ancient rock formations. This is the perfect landscape for safe nesting. Many varieties of Warblers, Cuckoos and Woodpeckers call the area home, and if you’re super lucky you might catch sight of a Peregrine Falcon.

Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is only 10 minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park, a very popular birdwatching destination. More than 100 species of birds nest in the park and during migration season that number goes up immensely. We’re also in the vicinity to many other main birdwatching areas—this guarantees some successful sightings and nature outings when you stay at our Wisconsin Inn. Start planning and book with us today! Continue reading

Join us for these many romantic things to do in Baraboo WI, including visiting the incredible Devils Lake State Park pictured here

The Most Romantic Things to do in Baraboo WI

Emily February 15, 2021 Comments Off

Though we know romance is on the hearts and minds of couples around the country during the month of February, and for Valentine’s Day in particular, romance is something we like to celebrate throughout the entire year here at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. There are plenty of romantic things to do in Baraboo WI to keep you busy, having fun, and reigniting the flame of your relationship, too.

Though it’s important to have plenty of fun and romantic things to do in Baraboo, WI throughout your time here, it’s just as important to have comfortable, unique, and romantic accommodations. Our stunning Bed and Breakfast, built in 1901 by Charles Ringling, was built with some of the finest materials of the time and provides an exceptionally romantic couples getaway in Wisconsin.

The grandeur of our historic B&B is on full display throughout the 6 guest rooms and common spaces, and we’re situated within walking distance of downtown Baraboo. Getaways here are all about natural beauty, cultural and historical offerings, museums, and activities. Let us show you just how romantic Baraboo can be, and book a room at our historic Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today! Continue reading

Things to do