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Points of Interst
POINTS OF INTEREST
Circus World
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Baraboo is known internationally as the home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. The five Ringlings began their circus in 1884 and, over the next 34 years, grew into the largest outdoor amusement enterprise the world has ever known. Baraboo was their winter headquarters through 1918. Other shows, including the Gollmar Brothers Circus, also operated from Baraboo. Circus World is the largest facility of its kind in the world, and each summer presents spectacular live programs that bring the circus to life. This national historic landmark includes original Ringling buildings, the world’s largest collection of antique circus wagons, acres of great exhibits, and the top Circus Research Center.
Devil’s Lake State Park Enjoy the geological treasure, unique rock formations, 500-foot bluffs, and clear lake while picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, canoeing, scuba diving, cross-country skiing, or just relaxing. Take a nature walk with an experienced guide or enjoy the historic nature center.
The Gem City Baraboo, the Gem City, is supposed to have been named for Jean Baribault (the spelling gradually changed to Baraboo), a French trader and trapper who is said to have bartered with the Indians near the mouth of the stream which bears his name. First the river was called Baraboo, spelled in various ways, then the name was applied to the hills, to the city, and to the town. The name Gem City is derived from the semiprecious stones abounding in the bluffs surrounding Devil’s Lake. International Crane Foundation The International Crane Foundation is the world center for the study, propagation, and preservation of endangered cranes. The Foundation’s scenic 160-acre site features a dozen crane pairs on display, a hatchery and brood house, slide show and video presentation, gift shop, exhibits, baby cranes in an exercise yard, and crane walks. Nature trails pass through restored prairie and wetland, with abundant flowers from April to October.
Ochsner Park Zoo Beautiful Ochsner Park Zoo is a free zoo with black bears, a mountain lion, wolves, a prairie dog village, deer, fowl, and domestic animals for the kids to feed. There is also a state-ofthe-art playground, as well as a basketball and volleyball court and a scenic, paved trail that borders the Baraboo River.
Mid-Continent Railway Mid-Continent is an outdoor, living museum showing the smalltown/short-line railroad way of life with an operating train and educational exhibits. It’s recognized as a leader in railway preservation. Located in North Freedom. Call the museum office at (608) 522-4261 for more information.
Al. Ringling Theatre The Al. Ringling Theatre, proclaimed as America’s Prettiest Playhouse, was built in 1915 and opened two months before Mr. Ringling died. A smaller copy of the Great Opera Hall of the palace at Versailles, its stage has featured such greats as John Barrymore and Maude Adams.
Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue is a nonprofit organization that runs on donations. Their mission is to rescue and provide a safe place and comfortable home for abused, neglected, and unwanted big cats and also to educate the public about these extraordinary animals. 305 Pine Street, Rock Springs, WI 53961. www.wisconsinbigcats.org.
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PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 © 2019 Towns & Associates, Inc. 19TG11CS19 Unauthorized reproduction of this directory is prohibited. guestdirectories.com
Emergency & Walk-In Care
Walk-In Care | 524-6477 inside RAMC Physicians Group, 1900 N. Dewey Ave, Reedsburg Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Weekends and Holidays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Emergency Care | 524-6487 inside RAMC hospital, 2000 N. Dewey Ave, Reedsburg Board Certified ER Physician on-site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
