Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is the perfect jumping-off point for a winter adventure! Winter is a wonderful time to spend in Wisconsin, and Baraboo is one of the most wonderful places in Wisconsin, if only for its colorful history connected to the hometown Ringling Brothers Circus. Though there’s a whole lot more to Baraboo! After all, it was named one of America’s top five small towns by Smithsonian magazine in 2013.
During the wintertime, one of the best things to do in Baraboo if you’re an outdoor enthusiast is head to Devil’s Lake State Park. Known as one of the best state parks in Wisconsin, it’s an excellent place for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and taking in the snow-covered bluffs. It’s only 10 minutes from our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, making our Inn the ideal base camp for exploring the park.
And that means that the best place to stay while visiting Baraboo — and beyond! — is our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, the Ringling House, in the heart of this charming small town. Charles Ringling, one of the five famed siblings, built this Georgian Revival structure as his personal home in 1901, and today, after many changes of hands and remodelings, it tastefully blends historical ambiance with modern amenities to meet the wants of needs of today’s guests. Plan your Wisconsin winter getaway, and start by booking your room today at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast!
10 Great Winter Things to See and Do In and Around Baraboo
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling or warmer ways to pass the time like fine dining, shopping, and sightseeing, Baraboo and the surrounding Wisconsin Dells region have something to please every preference, and all are not far from our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.
Here’s a look at some of the more interesting activities in reasonably close proximity to our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast:
- Cross-country skiing is such a lovely winter pastime. Mirror Lake State Park is the preferred location for this activity, with 18 miles of combination skate-and-classic-groomed trails. Devils’ Lake State Park also has about 17 miles of groomed trails. You can rent skis here.
- Snowshoeing is a peaceful way to get outside. Devil’s Lake State Park is the preferred location, with 23 miles of groomed trails, more than half of which are on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. You can borrow free snowshoes there, too!
- For those who want the cold air whipping through their hair, snowmobiling is the way to go! There are about 21 miles of snowmobiling trails in Sauk County, and you can find a map and more info here. Look for snowmobile rentals here.
- In Baraboo, you can ice skate outdoors at Langer Park, or indoors at Pierce Park Pavilion or Poppy Waterman Ice Arena.
- Day trips are highly recommended, and the Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive is a loop of around 30 miles that offers some spectacular high river-bluff views, among other things to gawk at happily.
- Covered and wooden bridges. This requires a bit of a drive, but if you’re a photo enthusiast or the sort of person who likes to keep your Instagram account well-fed, this 62-mile northwest journey toward Sparta is worth it. A great way to get a window into Wisconsin history.
- If you’re new to Wisconsin, you have to do a cheese tasting. There’s no better way to dive into Wisconsin’s unique culture than through its dairy-made delights. Especially recommended is Carr Valley Cheese‘s factory and retail store in nearby La Valle and Sauk City.
- Baraboo shopping is a great winter activity. Simply stroll through this charming downtown and see what catches your eye, or pick and choose your shopping destinations.
- Baraboo dining. Baraboo isn’t big, but you should have no trouble finding something to your taste here.
- Baraboo beer and wine. As part of the Ringling family, we’d be remiss not to mention the Al Ringling Brewery Co., which offers great beer flights along with quality pub grub, notably its beer cheese soup. Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen offers great house brews along with good food. Other recommended wineries included Baraboo Bluff, Balanced Rock and Von Klaus.
Stay at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast for Your Winter Outings
There’s truly no better way to begin or end a day of winter adventure in and around Baraboo than by retreating to the warmth and comfort of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. Our beloved historic home, once owned by Charles Ringling, wraps you in the charm of a bygone era while offering the modern comforts you appreciate most. Each of the six uniquely decorated guest rooms provides a peaceful setting for a great night’s sleep, complete with thoughtful touches that help you unwind after a day in the snow.
From the original woodwork and stained-glass windows to the inviting atmosphere that fills every corner, it’s the perfect place to settle in and feel at home. Each morning, you’ll be greeted with a delicious, freshly made breakfast served at the same grand dining table the Ringling family once enjoyed. Guests can choose from sweet or savory dishes, complemented by fruit, yogurt, homemade baked goods, and plenty of hot coffee or tea. Dietary needs are happily accommodated, ensuring every traveler feels cared for.
And when you return, the comforts of the Ringling House await. Your innkeepers are always happy to share their favorite local restaurants, breweries, and evening activities, helping you make the most of your stay. The cozy common rooms, including the parlor, library, and music room, offer inviting spaces to relax with a warm drink, swap stories from the day, or enjoy the home’s quiet glow. Make your plans for winter fun in Baraboo and beyond, and start by booking your stay at this welcoming Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.
