Wisconsin
Where Circus Heritage Meets Natural Wonder
★ NomineeNominee status indicates a town under consideration for certification. Certified towns have completed our full evaluation process and meet all criteria.
Photo: SeclusiveNature / Flickr
Baraboo occupies a rare intersection of natural splendor and cultural history. Set within the Baraboo Range—one of the oldest rock formations on Earth—this Wisconsin town was the original winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus from 1884 to 1918. That legacy lives on in the extraordinary Circus World Museum and the ornate Al. Ringling Theatre, a 1915 movie palace that remains one of the most beautiful theaters in the Midwest.
But Baraboo's greatest attraction is Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin's most visited state park. The lake sits in a gap between 500-foot quartzite bluffs, created when glaciers dammed an ancient river valley. Hiking the bluff trails reveals stunning views, while the crystal-clear lake offers swimming, kayaking, and fishing. It's a landscape unlike anything else in the Midwest.
The downtown square has seen a revival in recent years, with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and boutiques filling the historic storefronts. The International Crane Foundation, located just outside town, protects all 15 species of cranes and offers tours of its beautiful grounds.
Dramatic 500-foot quartzite bluffs surrounding a pristine glacial lake
World's largest collection of circus artifacts at the Ringling Brothers' original home
Stunning 1915 movie palace, one of the most ornate theaters in America
International center protecting all 15 crane species with beautiful grounds
Baraboo is located about 40 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin. Devil's Lake is spectacular in fall when the bluffs blaze with color—but also very crowded, so arrive early. The Circus World Museum is especially fun for families in summer when they host live circus performances. Stay for a movie at the Al. Ringling Theatre to experience its opulent interior.