Devil's Lake • Bluffs • Hiking • Downtown • Circus History
Meet Baraboo.
A southern Wisconsin getaway where dramatic quartzite bluffs, forest trails and Devil's Lake sit just minutes from a historic small-town downtown.
A southern Wisconsin getaway where dramatic quartzite bluffs, forest trails and Devil's Lake sit just minutes from a historic small-town downtown.
Baraboo puts one of Wisconsin's most distinctive landscapes within easy reach of a walkable small-town center.
Spend the morning hiking above Devil's Lake, take the afternoon slower around downtown Baraboo and turn the whole area into a weekend of trails, scenic drives and classic Wisconsin stops.
Climb the bluffs, explore the lake and save time for town.
Clear water, wooded shoreline and dramatic quartzite bluffs.
Climb above the lake for some of southern Wisconsin's most dramatic views.
Historic architecture, local shops and an easy place to slow down after the trail.
Outdoor adventure is the headline, but it isn't the whole story.
Make Wisconsin's famous lake-and-bluff landscape the centerpiece of your trip.
Choose a trail and climb toward panoramic views above the lake.
Explore Baraboo's historic center after a morning outdoors.
Learn about Baraboo's unusually deep connection to American circus history.
Explore the rolling landscape, forests and back roads around Baraboo.
Find a relaxed meal after a full day on the trails.
Turn the outdoor getaway into a night under the Wisconsin sky.
See the bluffs and surrounding forests change with autumn color.
Just south of Baraboo, Devil's Lake combines blue water, forested slopes and ancient quartzite bluffs into one of Wisconsin's most recognizable outdoor landscapes.
Come to hike, paddle, picnic, camp or simply spend a few hours beside the lake before heading back into town.
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Baraboo's surrounding landscape gives hikers something different from the rolling farmland found across much of southern Wisconsin.
Rocky trails, wooded slopes and high overlooks create a weekend that can feel surprisingly adventurous without leaving the state.
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After a day around the lake, downtown Baraboo gives the trip a completely different pace.
Walk past historic buildings, browse local businesses, grab something to eat and enjoy the small-town side of this outdoor destination.
Explore Wisconsin Food & Drink →You're in one of Wisconsin's best areas for an outdoors-focused road trip.
Add river scenery, family attractions and another classic Wisconsin destination.
Head SouthTrade the bluffs for lakes, neighborhoods, food and the Wisconsin Capitol.
Take the Back RoadsConnect Baraboo with smaller communities throughout south-central Wisconsin.
Don't Rush HomeTurn the drive itself into part of the weekend with back roads and overlooks.
One great hike, a lake day and plenty of time for downtown.
Check in, walk around Baraboo and start the weekend with dinner in town.
Get an early start at Devil's Lake and climb toward the bluff overlooks.
Slow down near the water, picnic, paddle or explore another section of the park.
Spend the morning downtown or exploring local history before taking the scenic route home.
Fresh green forests and cooler temperatures make spring a great hiking season.
SummerPair morning hikes with afternoons beside the water and long Wisconsin evenings.
FallAutumn transforms the forests around Baraboo into one of Wisconsin's standout fall scenes.
WinterSnow and bare quartzite cliffs reveal a different side of the Baraboo landscape.
Arrive Friday, devote Saturday to Devil's Lake and use Sunday for downtown, local attractions or one more scenic drive before heading home.
Baraboo is closely associated with Devil's Lake State Park, the Baraboo Range, circus history and its historic downtown.
Yes. Devil's Lake State Park is immediately south of Baraboo, making the city a convenient base for visiting the park.
Yes. The Devil's Lake area is known for trails that climb through forests and along quartzite bluffs above the lake.
Baraboo was the original home of the Ringling brothers' circus, and Circus World preserves and interprets that history.
Yes. The combination of hiking, Devil's Lake, downtown Baraboo and nearby attractions works especially well for a two-night trip.
Wisconsin Dells and Madison are natural additions, while the surrounding countryside is well suited to scenic driving.
Climb the bluffs, spend time beside Devil's Lake and finish the day downtown.