We look forward to summer all year long in the Wisconsin Dells area, and there are so many things to do in Baraboo, WI, during the warmer months! Home to a great selection of the best Wisconsin State Parks (including Devil’s Lake State Park) and thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands and rolling hills, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be on cloud nine. Offering a retreat into the heart of Americana with a twist of adventure, Baraboo is a bit of a hidden gem for staycations and romantic getaways!
As the summer sun casts its warm glow over the region, Baraboo transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, where the circus legacy mingles with the natural beauty of ancient bluffs and the expansive crystal-clear lakes. Devil’s Lake State Park is home to one of those particularly stunning lakes. As the most-visited state park in Wisconsin, you’ll quickly see why: rugged bluffs rising around the crisp waters, miles of hiking trails, and impressive boulders for some of the best rock climbing in the country.
Before you start filling your itinerary with all of the best summer things to do in Baraboo, WI, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and there’s no better place to stay than the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast. Our historic Inn offers the perfect combination of the past and the present. Our six guest rooms provide a reprieve after a long day exploring the area, and you’ll love settling in at night by the fire with our comfortable accommodations. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!
Summer Things to Do in Baraboo, WI
Whether it’s delving into the rich tapestry of local history, embarking on outdoor adventures, or simply reveling in the beauty of the Wisconsin countryside, Baraboo provides a picturesque canvas for summer explorations. As the season unfolds, the area within an hour of Baraboo becomes a playground of warm-weather adventures, inviting one and all to discover its hidden gems.
Here are the best things to do in Baraboo, WI, this summer:
- Hiking Devil’s Lake State Park: Perhaps the most popular of all the things to do in Baraboo, WI, Devil’s Lake State Park is a sanctuary of natural beauty. With its stunning quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake, the park offers hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and boating opportunities that are second to none.
- Boating at Mirror Lake State Park: Another favorite state park in Wisconsin offers a lake so calm and glassy that it was named Mirror Lake. As you can imagine, taking your canoe or kayak out of these quiet waters is one of the best things to do in Baraboo, WI, this summer.
- A Tasting at Driftless Glen Distilling: For an immersive tasting and tour of one of the best local distilleries, head to Driftless Glen! Enjoy a flight of their unique spirits or a craft cocktail, head for dinner at the on-site fine-dining restaurant, and take in the pretty views of the river.
- Visit the Circus World Museum: Step into the magical world of the circus in the town that the Ringling Brothers once called home. The Circus World Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the circus’s history, with live performances and exhibits that dazzle and delight.
- Birdwatching at Palfrey’s Glen State Natural Area: Discover the beauty of Parfrey’s Glen, Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area. This hidden gem features a narrow gorge cut into the Baraboo bluffs, with a babbling brook, lush vegetation, and stunning rock formations.
- Wine Tasting at Wollersheim Winery: Explore the legacy of winemaking in Wisconsin with a visit to Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. Situated on a scenic hillside across the Wisconsin River, the winery offers tours, tastings, and a glimpse into the art of viticulture and distillation.
- Grab a Beer at the Local Breweries: There’s a handful of fantastic breweries in the area; two of the favorites are AL. Ringling Brewery for the circus family’s original recipe and Tumbled Rock Brewery and Kitchen for fresh brews and tasty pub grub.
- Dining out at the Best Restaurants in Baraboo: As you may know, we love to eat in Wisconsin! And the more decadent, the better, especially when you’re on vacation. The area has some fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy the local signature dish, Wisconsin cheese curds. Head to Baraboo Burger, Kitchen at Tumbled Rock, Balanced Rock Winery, and Driftless Glen. Dining out is one of the best things to do in Baraboo, WI!
The Best Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo, WI
One of the best things to do in Baraboo, WI, this summer is to book our historic bed and breakfast! We’re in the ultimate location to enjoy all of the outdoor recreation at Devil’s Lake State Park, as well as close to the downtown core for restaurants and breweries, shopping, and the Circus World Musuem. The Ringling House Bed and Breakfast has been meticulously restored, and our welcoming innkeepers and owners are passionate about hospitality. We hope that every guest who walks through the historic doors has a lovely time.
During the warmer months, take advantage of our outdoor space, which includes beautiful porches with seating to soak up the sun or warm evening breezes. Inside, you’ll love to explore the historic property, where much of the original furniture and architectural details remain. In the mornings, you can dine at the Ringling Family table for our delectable breakfast service with sweet and savory treats made with skill and care with local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
All of this is wonderful and plays a big part in a successful stay, but your guest room will be the most important element of your getaway to our bed and breakfast in Baraboo. With only six elegant guest rooms, you’ll be guaranteed a peaceful and quiet stay when you stay small. Each room is beautifully decorated with timely furnishings, modern amenities, and en suite bathrooms. Get cozy and relax at our historic B&B; book your lodging today!