In 1875, the Ringling Brothers Circus performed for the first time in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Then, it used the city for its winter quarters from 1884-1918, and several other circuses followed suit, earning the city the nickname “Circus City.” While the circuses eventually left, historic buildings associated with them remain. Today, nearby large state parks and major area employers like Fambeau, Incorporated, Sysco Food Services of Baraboo, and Teel Plastics draw people to the city 46 miles north of Madison. “It’s got a vibrant downtown, it’s close to Devil’s Lake State Park and it’s 10 miles from Wisconsin Dells,” says Beth Goethel, Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred. “It’s just a really great place to live and raise your kids.”
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo closes daily at 11pm.
Baraboo offers a mix of old and new homes, with Colonial Revials and ranch-styles common.
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A mix of new and old homes
While many of Baraboo's homes are ranch-style and Colonial Revivals built in the first half of the 1900s, new homes in modern styles can be found across the city. Condo and townhome options supplement the supply of single-family homes. Single-family homes typically sell for between $100,000 and $925,000, the upper range more prevalent in developments from the last 20 years, as are in the city's northeast. Condos and townhomes sell between $175,000 and $620,000. In 2024, the median home price was $323,550, up 22% from the previous year but below the national median and Madison to the south.
You can find a large traditional home in Baraboo between $200,000 up to $600,000 or more.
Townhouses and condos can also be purchased in Baraboo at modest prices.
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The Baraboo School District
The Baraboo School District earns an overall C-plus on Niche. The district has four elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The Baraboo Sauk County campus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers over 40 academic programs.
Jack Young Middle School in Baraboo is located at 1531 Draper Street.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Baraboo offers in-state tuition fees around $4,750.
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City parks and nearby Devil’s Lake State Park
Including the city’s Riverwalk along the Baraboo River, there are 22 parks within Baraboo. Riverwalk has 3 miles of paved trail between Lower Ochsner Park and the Maxwell-Potter Conservancy. Besides city parks, Baraboo is within 5 miles of Devil’s Lake State Park and the towering bluffs overlooking Devil’s Lake. Wisconsin Dells' waterpark and numerous other attractions are just over 10 miles away.
Circus World and other museums honor the city's history with numerous museums. The historic area covers over 50 acres, and seven historic buildings are on the property.
Riverwalk Park in Baraboo has several dog waste stations along its path.
The site of Baraboo's historic Ringing Brothers Circus has a Circus World museum and events.
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Local shops and restaurants in downtown Baraboo
Downtown centers around a square between 3rd and 4th Streets, according to Goethel, which includes local boutique clothing stores, tattoo shops, gaming shops, bookstores and cafes. The city also has a notable collection of small breweries. One, AL. Ringling Brewing Company sits just behind the AL. Ringling Mansion, another historic site associated with the circus. The Meat Market, Baraboo Fresh Market and other local grocery stores are just west of downtown, and national chains are in the city's southwest corner.
Baraboo Fresh Market is your local stop for deli, grocery, liquor needs, and even automobile gas.
Local restaurants like Jen's Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen offer comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.
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Brew Ha Ha, Fairs on the Square and more
In March, Baraboo celebrates local breweries with the annual Brew Ha Ha. The Spring Fair on the Square features arts and crafts from local vendors, live music, and a farmers market. The festival has a colder counterpart, the Fall Fair on the Square. Holiday celebrations kick off in November with the Christmas Light Parade, complete with lighted floats, marching bands, and performances.
Baraboo's Christmas Light Parade draws residents in from surrounding towns.
Baraboo's historic town square is where many yearly events take place.
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Sidewalks, wide streets and nearby interstate access
Residential streets commonly have accompanying sidewalk space; most streets are wide enough for parking. Broadway Street runs through downtown Baraboo and connects to 8th Street, which travels 12 miles east to Interstate 90. Baraboo-Dells Flight Center is the closest airport for private and charter flights, but the nearest commercial airport is the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, 45 miles south. Residents can seek health and emergency services at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital Baraboo on 14th St., but the hospital is not a certified trauma center. Erratic crime rates, some environmental risks
Erratic crime rates, some environmental risks
Though FBI data shows Baraboo’s violent crime rates are consistently lower than state and national averages, occasional spikes in the city’s violent crime rates surpass those averages. Property crime rates follow similar trends, though spikes are less common. Environmental data from First Street indicates the city’s roads and infrastructure are at risk of flood impact over the next 30 years, likely due to the city sitting along the banks of the Baraboo River. Data indicates wildfires also pose a moderate risk, but the city’s air quality ranks higher than most other cities in the state. Typically, summers are warm, peaking in July when high temperatures are in the 80s, and winters are coldest in January, with low temperatures in the teens.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Baraboo, WI sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Baraboo, WI over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for the perfect blend of peaceful living & business potential? This beautiful colonial-style home in the Village of West Baraboo is currently being used as a short-term rental but could easily become a year-round residence or a thriving business, with its commercial zoning! 5.66 acres of serene land with 2 sheds (1 with heat & AC—currently used as a bar!), large barn for extra storage, RV
Discover 52.5 acres of wooded land offering the perfect blend of seclusion and natural beauty. Whether your an avid hunter or outdoor enthusiast this property has everything you need. Abundant wildlife and endless recreation all within reach of nearby amenities and major roads.
Why rent when you can own this updated and affordable condo in the heart of Lake Delton? This beautifully remodeled unit is the perfect mix of comfort, style, and convenience—ideal as a primary home, weekend retreat, or investment property. Located in a prime, central location, you’ll be just minutes from all the action—Wisconsin Dells attractions, shopping, dining, and recreational activities
Anamaria GoriusBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Local Realty
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BEAUTIFUL LUXURY 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT IN BARABOO - ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!* 2nd FLOOR BEAUTIFUL LUXURY APT* STOVE\REFRIGERATOR\MICROWAVE* DISHWASHER* WASHER\DRYER IN UNIT* GAS FIREPLACE* PANTRY OFF KITCHEN* PATIO OFF LIVING ROOM* AC/HEAT PUMP UNIT IN BEDROOMS* CEILING FAN IN BEDROOMS* FREE ACCESS TO FITNESS CENTER* ELEVATOR IN BUILDING** NO
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