Baraboo is known for its ties to the famed Ringling Bros., including a fantastic Baraboo Brewery! When visiting “Circus City,” stop in at AL. Ringling Brewing Co., located beside the historic 1906 AL. Ringling Mansion. The Brewery honors Baraboo’s circus history, Wisconsin brewery traditions, and German heritage. AL. Ringling Brewery Co. has 19 house-made beers on tap and a diverse menu including Bavarian pretzels, burgers, and empanadas.
There are so many things to do in Baraboo! It’s a walkable town with charming shops, historic architecture, Wisconsin breweries, and great restaurants. It’s the perfect mix of history and quirky attractions. Downtown Baraboo is a 10-minute drive to Devil’s Lake State Park, a stunning destination on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, it’s a popular destination for hiking. Take in the view of the quartzite cliffs overlooking the 360-acre lake from the trails or by boat.
When looking for a place to stay, choose the best Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1901 as Charles Ringling’s home, our six guestrooms are each uniquely decorated and offer a glimpse into the life and experiences of the Ringling Bros. and circus life. Our B&B is centrally located within walking distance of all the major attractions, including this popular Baraboo Brewery and other great local businesses. We are the ideal home base for your getaway in Wisconsin. Book your stay today!
Don't Miss this Baraboo Brewery!
Don’t miss the AL. Ringling Brewing Co., a favorite Baraboo brewery! The brewery is adjacent to the 1906 mansion of one of the famed Ringling Bros., which honors the brothers’ circus heritage. In the brewery, visitors appreciate the quirky decor, which includes tables made from the floorboards of a former bowling alley and the collection of circus paraphernalia. An authentic calliope plays during mansion tours, which take place every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All ticket proceeds from the mansion tour benefit the continued restoration of the historic mansion.
During the mansion restoration, a wooden box was found under the floorboards. A folded piece of paper in the box contained a beer recipe, which became “The Ringling Family Original” or the signature beer of the AL. Ringling Brewing Co. Now, this Baraboo brewery has 19 beers on tap, including creative beers such as “Cookies and Cream Stout” and “Pie Car Raspberry Rhubarb Sour”. The food menu is diverse, featuring pub favorites such as burgers and pretzels, but the real highlight is the shrimp empanadas.
The Midwest is well-known for its breweries, but don’t miss out on Wisconsin wineries and distilleries, too! Here are some of our other favorite Wisconsin breweries and wineries near our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast:
- One of the best Wineries is Balanced Rock Winery, just a scenic five-minute drive from our Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, delicious food, and live entertainment on their beautiful outdoor patio.
- At Draft City Taproom, enjoy over 30 self-pour taps filled with a variety of craft beers, ciders, wine, seltzers, and cocktails. Check in with the staff to obtain your wall card, which will track the number of ounces you drink. Sample away to your heart’s content or pour a glass of your favorite brew. This is one of the more unique Baraboo brewery experiences!
- Tumbled Rock Brewery and Kitchen offers some of Baraboo’s tastiest food, including wood-fired pizzas. The handcrafted beers are excellent. Try their most popular beer, Udders Up, which their head brewer recommends pairing with the cod, baked potato, and coleslaw for a perfect Friday Fish Fry meal. Don’t miss a visit to this Baraboo brewery!
- Located in Baraboo’s historic downtown square, Von Klaus Winery’s tasting room features over 20 handcrafted wines made with old-world traditions and modern technology.
- Visit Driftless Glen Distillery for an informative tour, try locally distilled spirits, and have a great meal on the banks of the Baraboo River. The menu features a diverse range of dishes, including flatbreads, salads, steaks, and additional options.
Stay at the Best Baraboo Bed and Breakfast
After visiting the Ringling Baraboo brewery and Al Ringling’s mansion, continue your circus-themed visit with a stay in Charles Ringling’s former residence. The 1901 estate was home to two Ringling brothers and has been lovingly restored to reflect the rich history of the family’s circus enterprise. The intricately adorned living areas feature original woodwork, gorgeous stained glass, and artifacts about circus life. You’ll love making our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast your home base.
Each guest room offers a unique glimpse into the Ringling Bros.’ lives and experiences, as well as their contributions to Baraboo and Sauk County. Each of our six rooms is named for a Ringling Bros. circus couple. The Fred and Ella room is dedicated to the romance of a couple who performed with the circus from 1903 to 1945. This beautiful room has a queen-sized bed, large windows, a fireplace, and a private bathroom with the original tile work. The Fred and Ella room features an adjoining door to the Emmett and Eva room, making it ideal for groups traveling together to Baraboo.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast served at the historic Ringling family dining table. We are committed to providing the highest quality food using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Our unique menus alternate between sweet and savory main courses, accompanied by plenty of hot coffee. Other accompaniments include fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, muffins, scones, and cookies. We can meet guests’ dietary needs with advance notice. We look forward to welcoming you to our table. Reserve your room now at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast!
