We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Baraboo.
With some of Wisconsin’s favorite state parks and an internationally renowned wildlife center, this town is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1 hour
Est. population: 12,000
Avg. high in June: 79°
🥾Things to do
Devil’s Lake State Park
Hit the ground running in Wisconsin’s largest + most popular state park. Take on the East Bluff Trail to Devil’s Doorway Trail for a scenic, 3.1-mile out-and-back hike to grab a photo of the famous lookout. Pro tip: A vehicle admission sticker is required for park entry, pick one up here.
Mirror Lake State Park
Slow things down a bit on this no-wake lake perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and boating — with rentals available on site. Plus, stick around and check out the 150+ campsites available in season.
International Crane Foundation
Explore the trails + wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of cranes and the ecosystems they depend on. Did you know — this is the only site in the world that hosts all 15 species of cranes?
Nothing says “rugged and outdoorsy” like a locally distilled whiskey. | Photo by @driftlessglen
🍽️ Fuel up after hiking
North Shore Chateau
Need a bite on-site? The chateau — located inside the park — offers plenty of grab-and-go snacks + hosts the Tumbled Rocks Cafe, a lake-themed eatery with burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Driftless Glen
A restaurant + distillery embodies a grain-to-glass approach in everything it does. Participate in whiskey tastings and tours of the facilities or have a bite to eat at the riverside restaurant.
Balanced Rock Winery
Located on the doorstep of Devil’s Lake, this family-owned winery is a namesake for the area’s famous geological feature. Visit the tasting room, jam out to live music performances, and hit the range for a wine-infused golf experience.
A 12-person cabin is surely a family affair. | Photo via VRBO
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Tiny House-Cozy Log Cabin | Sauk County
Disconnect in the 2-person, 200 sqft tiny home outfitted with a full kitchen setup + living quarters. Pro tip: Getting this far from light pollution makes for wonderful stargazing.
Ringling House Bed & Breakfast | 201 8th St., Baraboo
Pay homage to the history of Circus World with a stay at a B+B built in 1901 by Charles Ringling.
Baraboo Grand Cabin | South Baraboo
There’s room for the whole family in this 12-person, eight-bed cabin located just miles from the state park + Cascade Mountain. Must see: Two spacious, covered decks + fire pit with picnic setup.
Looking for more recommendations? Head to the link below. Plus, stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series. We’ll be highlighting a 30-mile road trip.
