Baraboo Facts
Fact 1: Baraboo is distinct in that there is no other city, town or river on Earth that shares its unique name. Local lore has it that the town may be named for legendary French trapper, Jean Baribault, who occupied a shanty on the Baraboo River in the 1700s or, perhaps, for the French word for a native fish.
Fact 2: Some folks might be upset if you said their town was a real circus, but residents of Baraboo pride themselves on this fact. As the first winter retreat of the famed Ringling Bros. Circus, the town showcases its bigtop past with a museum, theater and sightseeing tours.
Fact 3: Natural beauty is a vital part of Baraboo's life and location. There are several small parks around town as well as the larger Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake State parks. The parks play a dual role for outdoor lovers – cool retreat during the summer months and icy, snowy playground during the winter. The Wisconsin Dells, a vast natural area in the southwestern part of the state, is a popular tourist destination and is a short trip from Downtown Baraboo.
Fact 4: Because of Baraboo's love of and support of nature, the town has become the home for the International Crane Federation. The Federation is a refuge for different crane species and offers a chance for visitors to see the majestic birds in their natural habitats. Bird lovers flock to the region each year to spy their feathered friends up close and personal.
Fact 5: Visitors looking for a slightly more daring adventure will really enjoy Baraboo's Ho-Chunk Casino. The casino is home to a variety of gaming opportunities as well as bingo and live shows. An on-site hotel and several restaurants ensure luck-pressers have comfortable places to dine and rest.
Fact 6: Baraboo is located in Sauk County and is an important center of business and commerce for the county. In fact, the county's historical museum is in Downtown Baraboo. The museum offers exhibits and information on the early days of the region when it was home to Native Americans and, later, French fur trappers and traders.
Fact 7: Local events in town keep residents and visitors on the go throughout the warm and cold-weather months. Some popular calendar-cappers include the arts-inspired Faire on the Square, winter's Eagle Watching event on the Wisconsin River, Old Fashioned Day in Downtown Baraboo in the summer, and the annual Sauk County Fair.
Fact 8: Arts and culture thrives throughout the region and is especially important to life in Baraboo, where gallery owners and artists regularly exhibit work from local and regional masters. The annual Fall Art Tour showcases the best work in the area and hosts a local artists' studio tour.
Fact 9: Accommodations in Baraboo run the gamut from modern and fully furnished hotels like the Park Plaza and the Ho-Chunk Hotel to the more rustic motor hotels, family-owned bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. With so much to see and do in the area, visitors will find a range of lodging options to fit any taste and budget.
Fact 10: Baraboo has long been a center for regional development, and its industrial history is interestingly displayed in the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. This museum offers a hands-on look at the development of commerce in the region and is a fun visit for the entire family.
HI: 84°
HI: 83°
