By Emilie Heidemann
Whether embarking on a excursion to Baraboo, there’s something for everyone, particularly in the summer months with famous landmarks like Devil’s Lake State Park, world-renowned locales like Circus World, and a historic downtown bustling with distinctive shops, restaurants and cafes.
“You can find whatever you’re looking for, from dive bars or craft cocktails and wine to shopping for everything from clothes to pre-loved vinyl records, quick bites or sit-down meals, a spa day or kayaking on the Baraboo River,” says Carley Mercado, owner of Little Village Cafe. “I appreciate the historic charm of downtown Baraboo. It’s often compared to a scene from a Hallmark movie.”
Mercado says Little Village Cafe has been a cornerstone of Baraboo since 1993. She bought the business with her spouse, Jose, in 2023. The cafe serves wine, beer and food and has a cozy atmosphere.
There are several staple downtown Baraboo shops, restaurants and cafes that are worth a visit, says Lacey Steffes, owner of Spa Serenity and Downtown Baraboo, Inc.’s marketing and brand committee chair.
“We are a super walkable destination,” Steffes says. “Almost all of our restaurants and stores downtown are locally owned. Most of the time when you’re talking to someone, they are probably the owner of the store.”
Jill Addy, owner of A Sense of Adventure, says her shop is known as “the fair trade shop” in downtown Baraboo, which specializes in gifts, home decor and jewelry. There’s also Angels & Arrows Boutique, owned by Amy Millie, who says women can experience the “perfect mix of fun, fashion, friendship and a little getaway charm,” along with personal styling services.
A destination restaurant is Driftless Glen Distillery, says Marketing Manager Bethany Prochnow. The distillery was established in 2012 and offers an “immersive experience, from touring behind the scenes of the distillery to enjoying one-of-a-kind cocktails to dining on the patio of our riverside restaurant.”
Baraboo is a bustling — and global — destination for tourists and outdoors enthusiasts, too.
“Baraboo is home to many attractions, starting with Circus World and the rich legacy of the Ringling Brothers, who started their circus in 1884,” says George Althoff, executive director of the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce. “Devil’s Lake State Park is the most visited state park in Wisconsin. The International Crane Foundation is the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes in existence.”
Circus World is a living history site dedicated to the history and artistry of the American circus, and houses the largest collection of original circus wagons in existence. In the summer, the museum features shows with traditional acts like aerialists, jugglers and clowns, says Scott O’ Donnell, executive director of both Circus World and the Al. Ringling Theatre. The theater is a “masterpiece” of European architecture designed in the style of French opera houses, and home to plays, concerts, dance recitals and arts-related events. For nature lovers, Devil’s Lake State Park, according to The Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park, became Wisconsin’s third state park in 1911, but the park’s history spans about 1.7 billion years.
The park sits at the edge of Wisconsin’s Driftless area. And not only is it the only place to find purple quartzite rocks, it also offers hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, biking, climbing and paddling.
“Baraboo is a welcoming and embracing community,” says Althoff. “Visitors marvel at how receptive the people are based on traffic we receive at the chamber’s visitor center. Many come back for a repeat visit.”
EVENTS TO CHECK OUT
May-October: Downtown Baraboo Farmers’ Market Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. on Oak Street baraboofarmersmarket.com
May 9: Spring Fair on the Square downtownbaraboo.com/fair-on-the-square
June-August: Baraboo Concerts on the Square Thursdays, 7 p.m. on the Courthouse Lawn barabooconcerts.com
June 13: Big Top Parade & Circus Celebration bigtopparade.com
June 20: ArtJune spiritlakearts.org
