BarabooOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Fur Trading to Sawmills

Baraboo's origins trace back to the early 19th century as a trading post. The city is named after the French trapper, Jean Baribault (or Barbeau), who established a trading post near the mouth of the Baraboo River around 1749-1750. Initially, only the river bore his name, which later extended to the surrounding hills and the eventual settlement.

Early European settlers were drawn to Baraboo's water supply, which fueled a lumber industry along the Baraboo River. Sawmills and gristmills were powered by the river's fast-moving water, leading to the growth of several settlements. The community, first known as the village of Adams, was established by Abe Wood in 1838. In 1846, Baraboo became the county seat of Sauk County. The village was officially renamed "Baraboo" in 1852 and was incorporated as a city in 1882.

The Circus City Era

Baraboo earned its nickname "Circus City" due to its ties to the American circus. In 1884, the Ringling Brothers Circus, founded by five brothers—Albert, Otto, Alfred, Charles, and John—staged its first performance in Baraboo. Baraboo served as the circus's headquarters and wintering grounds from 1884 until 1918. During this period, the Ringling Brothers Circus grew from a wagon show to a railroad show, employing 1,000 people and transporting animals like 26 elephants and 335 horses in 92 rail cars by 1914.

In 1907, the Ringling Brothers acquired their main competitor, the Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the two merged in 1919 to form the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows. Beyond the Ringlings, several other circuses, including the Gollmar Brothers Circus, also had their roots in Baraboo. The legacy of this circus heritage is preserved today at the Circus World Museum, which opened in 1959 on the original winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

• —Al Ringling Theatre — This theatre, opened in November 1915, was a gift to the community from Albert Ringling. Its design is inspired by French opera houses like the Palace of Versailles' opera house and the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. It accommodated both silent films and live performances.
• —Former Ringling House (Charles Ringling House) — Built in 1900 for Charles Ringling, this Georgian Revival house at 201 8th Street has a front porch with Ionic columns and a balustrade. The property also includes a carriage house, a cottage, and a barn.
• —Baraboo Riverwalk — This paved path runs along the Baraboo River, offering a route for walking, biking, or fishing, with views of the water.
• —Courthouse Square Park — This park in downtown Baraboo is a location for community events, including the farmers' market. It is surrounded by local shops and eateries.
• —Circus World Museum — This 50-acre museum complex is on the original wintering grounds of the Ringling Brothers Circus. It preserves American circus history with over 200 circus wagons, historic Ringling structures, and daily live circus performances during the summer.
• —Former C&NW Depot (Baraboo Arts Building) — This railway depot reflects Baraboo's growth after the Chicago and North Western Railway was built in 1872. It contributed to the town's development as a lumbering center.
• —Sauk County Historical Society (Van Orden Mansion) — This mansion houses the Sauk County Historical Society, offering a view into local history. The building itself is a point of interest for its architecture.
• —Albrecht C. Ringling House — Built in 1906 for Albrecht C. Ringling, the eldest of the Ringling brothers, and his wife Louise, this Richardsonian Romanesque mansion at 623 Broadway was constructed with brownstone from Port Wing, Wisconsin. It features a wraparound front porch, a square tower, and a porte-cochere.

The best time to visit Baraboo for warm-weather activities and outdoor exploration is from mid-June to early September. During these months, daily temperatures range from highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 26-28°C), with July being the hottest month. Skies are generally clearer in August. June typically sees the most rainfall.

For autumn foliage, peak fall colors in the Baraboo area usually occur between October 1st and 15th. The second weekend of October tends to be busy at Devil's Lake State Park.

Winter, from December to February, offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, but average lows can drop to 8-13°F (-13 to -11°C) in January.

Baraboo is approximately 35 miles (55 kilometers) northwest of Madison, Wisconsin. The closest major airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison. Baraboo does not have extensive public transportation, but a local bus service is available.

For those arriving by car, parking is generally available, especially in the downtown area. Many of Baraboo's attractions, particularly in the historic downtown, are walkable. The Baraboo Riverwalk provides a paved path for walking and biking.

The Downtown Baraboo Farmers' Market takes place on Courthouse Square every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, typically from May through October.