Baraboo River Valley Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, and other essential information in this comprehensive tour guide for Baraboo River Valley in Southwest Wisconsin.


Introduction to Baraboo River Valley

Baraboo River Valley is a picturesque destination located in Southwest Wisconsin, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. This region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, cultural significance, and fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities. Baraboo River Valley is home to some of the most iconic and iconic sites in Wisconsin, including Devil’s Lake State Park, and is a popular destination for tourists all year round.

List of Places to Visit in Baraboo River Valley

If you’re looking for a perfect outdoor paradise and escape for your vacation, visit the following places in Baraboo River Valley:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Circus World Museum: A visitor center in the heart of the Baraboo, known as the “circus capital of the world”. The museum showcases an extensive collection of circus memorabilia, parade wagons, and live performances.
  • H.H. Bennett Studio: The studio is a birthplace of landscape photography done in the Baraboo region and home to the history and culture of the community.
  • Al Ringsmuth Amtrak Station: It is named after a local sports great and story-telling character who served as the city’s Amtrak agent until 2008.

Natural Attractions of Baraboo River Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Devil’s Lake State Park: It offers remarkable views of the Baraboo Hills and beautiful Lake, hiking trails, camping sites, and water-based recreational activities like canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
  • Wisconsin Dells: Home to the amazing geology of sandstone cliffs, showcasing incredible rock formations, gorgeous waterfalls, and thrilling rapids, along with family-friendly vacation spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baraboo River Valley

If you’re fond of outdoor adventures, then Baraboo River Valley has plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. Some of the popular routes in this region are:

  • Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area: The area offers over 10 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails along the Wisconsin River.
  • Devil’s Head Ski Resort: The resort offers one of the most challenging hikes near the Baraboo River Valley, with a challenging trail and a stunning 360-degree view from the top.
  • Ice Age Trail: The trail is 1200 miles long and passes through Baraboo hills, offering excellent hiking and biking trails with beautiful panoramic views.

Best Things to Do in Baraboo River Valley: Activities and Tours

There are numerous exciting things to do while you visit Baraboo River Valley. Here are some of the best activities and tours that you should add to your itinerary:

  • Take a Wisconsin Dells boat tour: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Baraboo River Valley while on a boat tour through the Wisconsin Dells, which showcases the stunning rock formations like the Witches Gulch.
  • Go Skiing: Devil’s Head Ski Resort offers excellent skiing opportunities during winters, from beginner slopes to challenging runs for the seasoned expert.
  • Visit the Crystal Grand Music Theatre: This indoor music venue features various big-name musical performances throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for music lovers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baraboo River Valley

If you’re planning for a week-long vacation to Baraboo River Valley, consider the following itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival at the Baraboo River Valley and check into your accommodation
Day 2 Visit H.H. Bennett Studio and Al Ringsmuth Amtrak Station
Day 3 Explore the Circus World Museum and enjoy a live performance
Day 4 Take a boat tour of the Wisconsin Dells and hike in the area
Day 5 Visit the Devil’s Lake State Park
Day 6 Hit the skiing slopes at Devil’s Head Ski Resort
Day 7 Visit the Crystal Grand Music Theatre

Food and Drink Scene of Baraboo River Valley

When it comes to food and drink, Baraboo River Valley has a fantastic culinary scene, with a mix of local and international cuisine options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to indulge in while in Baraboo River Valley:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beer-battered fish fry: A local Wisconsin dish that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically served with tartar sauce on the side.
  • Cheese curds: Fried chunks of cheese that are a Wisconsin delicacy and must-try when in Baraboo River Valley.
  • Kringle: The pastry-filled with various flavors like fruit and nuts that originated in Denmark and is now a popular breakfast food in Wisconsin.

Local Beverages

  • Sprecher Brewing Co.: A microbrewery that produces a wide variety of flavors of root beer, cream soda, and other artisanal sodas.
  • Wollersheim Winery: A local winery producing world-renowned wines using locally sourced grapes, provides vineyard tours and tastings on-site.

Where to Stay in Baraboo River Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Baraboo River Valley has numerous accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget options. Here are some of the best places to stay in Baraboo River Valley:

  • The Ringling House Bed & Breakfast: A charming historic bed, and breakfast is walking distance from downtown Baraboo and offers an array of amenities.
  • Econo Lodge Inn & Suites: Budget-friendly accommodation with great amenities, including continental breakfast, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Delton Grand Resort & Spa: The resort offers fantastic amenities that include a pool and spa, among others, with spacious rooms.

What to Buy in Baraboo River Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

While in Baraboo River Valley, there are several local souvenirs and products you can bring home, these include:

  • Cheese curds: Cheese of Wisconsin is famous throughout the United States, and curds are an excellent snack option to pack and bring home.
  • Local wines: Wollersheim Winery produces some of the best local wines, and you can bring home your favorite bottles for yourself or as gifts.
  • Souvenir T-shirts: The Circus World Museum and Devil’s Lake State Park have some of the coolest tees you’ll find around Baraboo River Valley.

Local Culture and Customs of Baraboo River Valley

Baraboo River Valley is known for its iconic Circus World Museum and long history with the circus industry, and so, an annual circuses season celebration is held that showcases the grandeur of circus life, attracting people from all over the region. Other significant cultural events in Baraboo River Valley include music festivals, food festivals and several art exhibits held throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Baraboo River Valley

The best time to visit Baraboo River Valley is during the summer season, which runs from June to August. During this period, the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and swimming. Temperatures can occasionally get hot and humid, but that comes as part of what makes Wisconsin great. During the off-seasons, the weather gets cold with occasional snowfall and some skiing opportunities from November to March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baraboo River Valley

Do:

  • Respect and enjoy nature while hiking and biking in the area.
  • Take advantage of the numerous cultural and historical attractions to learn more about the region.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the natural regions, Stick to designated camping areas and leave no trace.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions in the region.
  • Smoke in public places or indoors

Safety and Health

Safety in Baraboo River Valley

Baraboo River Valley is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, cases of petty theft can occur, and visitors need to beware of their belongings and surroundings. During outdoor activities, ensure you carry appropriate gear and inform someone of your hiking or biking plans.

Health in Baraboo River Valley

Baraboo River Valley has a health care system with high-quality medical services. Tourists with medical emergencies should directly seek medical attention at the nearest hospital. Also note that visitors should take measures to avoid tick bites during outdoor activities.

Getting to Baraboo River Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Baraboo River Valley

The Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, about 40 miles away, is the nearest airport to Baraboo River Valley. Visitors can rent a car or book a taxi to get to their destination.

Bus Stations Near Baraboo River Valley

Several bus stations near Baraboo River Valley are served by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines.

Other Options

Visitors looking to travel to Baraboo River Valley can also rent a car to explore the region on their schedule.

How to Get Around in Baraboo River Valley

Getting around Baraboo River Valley requires automobile transportation, and renting a car is preferable. There are several car rental options available at the nearest airport. Visitors can use the Wisconsin state’s online traveler information for traffic updates and road conditions in the region.

Where to Go Next from Baraboo River Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore the following nearby destinations and excursions after exploring the region:

  • Madison, Wisconsin: The capital of Wisconsin is the state’s second-largest city, known for its beautiful landscape, art galleries, museums, and numerous beer gardens.
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The largest city in Wisconsin, known for its great breweries and the Harley-Davidson Museum, which is located in the city center.

Conclusion

Baraboo River Valley is a perfect destination for tourists seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, historical attractions, and great local cuisine. Ensure that you follow the Do’s and Don’ts to maximize your visit’s experience. Also, don’t forget to try the cheese curds, explore the hiking and biking trails, and see one of the circus performances.



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