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Sauk County has it all! Known as the "Playground of the Midwest", Sauk County features the fantastic family attractions of the Wisconsin Dells; some of the best state parks , such as Devil's Head State Park; the magnificent architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright in Spring Green and the home of the Ringling Brothers in Baraboo! And this is just the beginning of Sauk County's attractions!

Sauk County's beauty and diversified natural areas attract nature lovers and naturalists from throughout the world to visit the area's five state parks, ten county parks and 18 state nature centers, many of which are accessible to cyclists, hikers and climbers. State, county and private campgrounds located in and near Sauk County's many natural wonders provide facilities to meet every campers' needs, from full-service sites with indoor shower and restroom facilities, food and supplies stores, to primitive back-packing sites.

Devil's Lake State Park, an Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, and Natural Bridge State park, both in the Baraboo Hills, offer spectacular vistas, unique forest ecosystems, breath-taking bluffs and rock formations. The county is also home to three full-service downhill ski areas, the 400 Trail and the Ice Age hiking and cycling Trail.

Sauk County waters invite fishing, swimming, boating, and water skiing in summer and ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. Along the county's lake shores and the Wisconsin River, private landings, campgrounds and public parks offer boat and canoe rentals, picnic areas, restroom facilities and easy access for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Here, visitors will find the homes of the legendary Ringling Brothers and author, August Derleth; naturalist Also Leopold's sand county cabin, the International Crane Foundation, the State Historical Society's Circus World Museum, America's first movie palace - the Al. Ringling Theater, the Museum of Norman Rockwell Art, the Log Village Museum, the MidContinent Railway, the Merrimac Car Ferry; and, the Wollersheim winery founded 160 years ago by Hungarian Count Agoston Harazthy, father of the California wine industry.

In Wisconsin Dells, where the Wisconsin River flows narrow, fast and deep, amphibious decks, jet boats and excursion vessels offer thrilling river rides through towering bluff gorges, and peaceful, quiet excursions through forest canopied river passages. Down river, bald eagles soar over the Wisconsin river

At Sauk Prairie where hundreds nest throughout the winter and many remain year round, competing with anglers for the river's abundant fish harvest.

Famous as the playground of the Midwest, Wisconsin Dells provides fun for the entire family with gigantic, indoor and outdoor water parks, amusement rides, fantastic miniature golf courses, go-cart tracks, curio shops, museums, riding stables, petting zoos, and historic space exhibit, helicopter tours, country music theater, a professional water-ski and thrill show, and adventure parks. For golf enthusiasts, Sauk County offers a variety of public and private courses, and golf resorts to choose from.

In Spring Green, at the southern tip of Sauk County, where internationally acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright established the Taliesen Fellowship, visitors will find a thriving artists' colony. Picturesque historic commercial buildings house artists and artisan's studios and galleries, specialty shops and noted dining establishments.

After-hours entertainment in Sauk County ranges from historic bistros and headlining casino theater productions, to the Wisconsin Opry, and Spring Green's nearby American Players Theatre. In Sauk County, visitors can enjoy quick family meals to elegant riverside dining and there are lodging accommodations to fit everyone's needs.

For a special day's trip or a vacation get-away, Sauk County is the place that will keep you coming back for more!

Museums and Historical Sites Back to top

Circus World Museum
426 Water Street, Baraboo
608-356-0800
Located at the original winter headquarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus in Baraboo, the State Historical Society's Circus World Museum entertains "Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages" with live circus performances; carousel, elephant and pony rides; the world's largest collection of circus wagons; the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center, where expert craftsmen painstakingly restore historic parade vehicles; clowns, elephants and calliopes on parade; detailed animated miniature circus displays; special presentations featuring the Story of the Ringling Brothers, the Art of the Circus, A Century of Spectacle, and wild animal master, Gunther Gebel-Williams, The Man and the Legend. Open daily year round.

Pioneer Log Village and Museum
Hwys. 23 & 33, Reedsburg
6908-524-2850
Bring a picnic lunch or just take a leisurely tour of this village's fully restored and authentically furnished log homes, built about 1850; log library, blacksmith shop country school and country store; and, the cemetery and log-constructed Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, built in 1876. Visitors will enjoy tours through three museum buildings containing farming artifacts, furnished pioneer kitchen living room and bedroom, and an apothecary shop. The museum's collection includes memorabilia of territory Indians and military items, photographs tools, furniture, guns, clothing, spinning wheels and much more. Operated by the Reedsburg Historical Society, the museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day weekend through September, also Fourth of July and Labor Day, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Tours on request.

Museum of Norman Rockwell Art
227 S. Park Street, Reedsburg
608-524-2123
Visitors to this museum will delight in viewing its collection of almost 4000 original magazine covers, calendars, story illustrations, advertisements and other memorabilia depicting every slice of Americana from the pre-World War I era to modern rock, all captured by the brush of Norman Rockwell.

The Dells Auto Museum
Hwy. 12, Wisconsin Dells
608-254-2008
See vintage autos from 1901 to 1990 - always changing, ever new - at the Dells Auto Museum. Displays include Indy 500 pace cars and convertibles, antique doll, toy, license plate and clothing collections.

Al. Ringling Theatre
136 Fourth Ave., Baraboo
608-356-8864
Step back to this theatre's timeless setting of quiet, red-carpeted hallways into a spacious auditorium encircled with golden carved theatre boxes and rich tasseled draperies. Opened in November, 1915, "The Prettiest Playhouse in America" is a plush and gilded original that and remains unchanged today. Movies still flicker across the big screen, and local theatre and performance groups take their turns on the stage every season.

Tours of the Al. Ringling Theatre offer a unique mix of entertainment, education and fun! Tours begin with the lobby and auditorium and then visitors also get a peek backstage at the original lighting system and one of the last hemp-and-sandbag rigging systems in the nation. A private concert of the mighty Barton organ completes the visit. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, the theatre is open daily, year-round.

Sauk County Historical Museum
At the Jacob Van Orden Mansion
531 Fourth Ave., Baraboo
608-356-1001
Housed in a 14 room Tudor Revival style mansion built for Baraboo banker Jacob Van Orden in 1903, the Sauk County Historical Museum's collection of Sauk County memorabilia is displayed in twenty different areas on all four floors of the mansion. Major displays include Devil's Lake, native American, Pioneer, Military, Textile and Architectural collections, among others. The exterior and interior remain as they were in 1903, with original woodwork, flooring and wall treatments, five fireplaces, marble sinks, original light fixtures, pocket doors and original maid and butler pantries. Open from the first Saturday in May to the second Sunday of September every day except Monday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Tours are available by appointment from mid-may to mid-October.

Parks and Nature Centers Back to top

Devil's Lake State Park
Cty. Hwy. DL, Baraboo
608-356-8301
Along the Ice Age Trail, with spectacular views from 500 foot cliffs, miles of hiking trails, hundreds of campsites, mountain bike trails, great climbs and more, Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's premiere natural vacation destination for hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, camping, swimming, fishing boating, boating rentals, and cross-country skiing. Call for camping reservations.

Parfrey's Glen
County Hwy. DL, Baraboo
608-356-8301
About four miles east of Devil's Lake State Park, where Parfrey's Glen Creek cuts through layer upon layer of ancient rock, fragile, rare and enchanting plants and flowers await your discovery. At its uppermost point, the glen's walls rise 100 feet above the rushing stream below. Along the almost mile-long path through the glen, the walls reveal the history of its creation; with sandstone layers compressed from ancient sandy beaches, embedded with pebbles and boulders of "plum pudding stone' - conglomerate, quartzite rock. Awestruck by its special beauty, visitors return again and again to experience its enchantment.

Natural Bridge State Park
Cty. Hwy. C, Leland
608-356-8301
Discover one of the oldest sites of human habitation in the Midwest, where soot from the campfires of the earliest inhabitants, 10,000 to 12,000 years old, is still visible on the soft sandstone walls. Established in 1973, Natural Bridge State park encompasses about 530 acres, including a 60-acre scientific area. A self-guided nature trail explains the many ways native plants were used throughout history by Native Americans and early European settlers. A two mile hiking trail passes through the woods to the Bridge and outcropping where the signs of the earliest inhabitants, dating back to almost 9000 B.C. have been discovered. Animal remains found at the site to-date include 15species of mollusks, and 50 vertebrate species including remains of passenger pigeon, turkey, elk, wolf, bobcat, fisher, marten and mountain lion.

Mirror Lake State Park
State Highway 23, Wisconsin Dells
608-254-2333
Named for its calm waters, sheltered from rippling winds by sandstone bluffs formed by Dell Creek after the last glacier turned it north to Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake offers a tranquil setting for a romantic canoe ride, a refreshing swim or a lazy day "gone fishing." The trail system includes a labeled nature trail that explains the flora and fauna encountered along the way through this extraordinarily beautiful park. With 144 family camp sites, miles of hiking, off-road bike trails and cross country ski trails, Mirror Lake State Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists alike.

Man Mound Country Park
Man Mound Road, Baraboo
608-546-5011
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this county park features a rare, man-shaped effigy mound with parking, picnic area and playground.

Ice Age Trail
Parfrey's Glen to Devil's Lake, Baraboo
Part of the 1000 mile Wisconsin Ice Age Trail, the Sauk county segment is a wooded and grassy trail that climbs runs from Parfrey's Glen and the Ice Age loop and the top of the East Bluff of Devil's Lake. Along the path, visitors will find spectacular views of the landscape and the Wisconsin River to the south. Approximately four miles long, the trail takes about three hours to hike.

400 State Recreation Trail
Reedsburg - Elroy
800-844-3507
Stretching for 22 miles along the Baraboo River between Reedsburg and Elroy, the 400 Trail is Wisconsin's newest hiking/biking trail. Built on an abandoned railroad grade with packed limestone screenings and planked surface bridges, this smooth riding trail takes an easy path through flat, hilly and forested beauty. In addition to the hiking, biking trail, a 7-mile horse trail parallels the main trail between Wonewoc and Lavalle. In winter, the trail offers snowmobilers easy-riding through snow-flocked forests and crystal prairies.

White Mound County Park
Hwy. 23, Between Reedsburg and Spring Green
608-546-5011
This 1100-acre park surrounds White Mound Lake, named for a vanished village located south of the park where mounds of white-appearing limestone were found. An abandoned limestone kiln can still be seen in the park. The park provides 70 camping units, 30 electrical sites, pay showers, fire rings, picnic tables, grills, toilet facilities, water supply, a horse campground, riding trails, boat ramp, and beach. The park also offers an extensive system of nature, cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Open for camping April through October, weather permitting.

Special Things To Do Back to top

International Crane Foundation
E-11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo
608-356-9462
Meet the cranes, among the largest, rarest and most beautiful birds on earth, including the American Whooping Crane, America's tallest bird; the leading example of the International Crane Foundation's success in saving these near-extinct species. Here, in the only place in the world where these magnificent birds are exhibited in a natural setting, you can talk with the human chick parents as they feed and exercise their brood, view museum displays, slide shows and videos of the center's world-wide conservation efforts, and watch a crane demonstrate flight over the center's restored prairie. Open daily, May 1 to October 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Crane demonstration flights at 11:45 a.m. Guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends in May, September and October. Self-guided tours featuring adult birds, restored savanna/prairie or marsh available May through October.

MidContinent Railway
North Freedom
608-522-4261
Take a memorable seven-mile, 50-minute round trip on a former branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad built in 1903. Climb aboard, smell the coal smoke and listen to the whistle of a classic steam locomotive as it chugs through the forested Baraboo River Valley. At the turn-around point you'll have a chance to view inside the engine and visit with the engineer and fireman. Trains depart from an historic, restored 1894 depot. The Museum grounds and building house more steam engines, vintage railroad coaches, freight cars and cabooses. Trains depart daily form May 29 through September 6, weekends from May 8 through September 26, at 10:30, 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Museum is open daily 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Special events include: the autumn Color Train in October, The Santa Express in November, and the Snow Train, in February. Call for special train departure information.

Bald Eagle Watch
Sauk Prairie
608-643-4168
During the winter, hundreds of eagle's roost, soar, and fish along the banks of the Wisconsin River at Sauk Prairie. Every year, during the first three weekends in January, Sauk Prairie hosts Bald Eagle Watching Days, giving visitors up close views of these once-endangered national symbols from riverside vantage points. Call 800-68EAGLE for eagle watching dates, times and locations.

Wollersheim Winery Tours
7876 Hwy. 188, Sauk Prairie
608-643-6515
Visit the Wollersheim Winery, founded in the 1840's by Hungarian Count Agosto Harazthy, father of the California wine industry. Springing from the earth, the winery's 130 year-old building is seeded into the side of a hill. Clusters of deep purple grapes among rows of lush vines traverse the southwestern slope, with rosebushes adorning the row ends. Underground, casks of fine wine rest aging in limestone caves. Hourly tours start in the main room and continue for 55 minutes followed by a wine-tasting session. Tours and tastings daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., year-round. Click here for more information

Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show
560 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells
608-254-2525
The Dancing Gauchos from Argentina amaze you with their bollo mastery. Spectacular entertainment on water, on stage and in the sky. Professional water skiers & daredevil stage acts from around the world. Shows daily 1 :00, 4:30 & 8:30 p.m. (1 p.m. shows begin June 30.) Rain or shine. May 25-Sept 3. Hwy 12.

The Wonder Spot
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-4224
No one stands erect, sees correctly or walks a straight line at the Wonder Spot. You'll be mystified in this small corner of the world where the laws of nature seem to have gone awry. The wonder spot has been delighting visitors since it was accidentally "discovered" in 1948.

Tommy Bartlett's Robot World and Exploratory
560 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
608-254-2525
See the original Russian MIR Space Station, working robots, virtual reality worlds and over 100 exciting "hand-on" exhibits that will fascinate, thrill and educate every member of the family. Open year-round.

Automotion
Bowman Park, Wisconsin Dells
Gear up for a fun-filled weekend on wheels in mid-May, as Bowman Park becomes the site of the hottest Auto Show of the year. Over 700 cars, from Ford model T's and vintage classics to T-birds, rare antiques, and exotic sports cars will be on display, rip-roaring and raring to go. Activities include a parade of cars, swap meet and more.

The Great Wisconsin Dells Balloon Rally
Wisconsin Dells
Take off for the great Wisconsin Dells Balloon Rally on the first weekend after Memorial Day and witness an incredible sail as more than 90 kaleidoscopic hot air balloons take to the sky. Food and entertainment add to the fun.

Ochsner Park and Zoo
8th & Park St., Baraboo
608-355-2767
Visit the "Best Little Zoo in the Midwest" where bobcats gaze down from their tree branch perch, timber wolves lounge in the shade on a sunny afternoon, black bears dip and frolic in their pool, and white tail deer, turkeys, swans and ducks browse the grassy area surrounding a rocky-shored pond. In addition to species native to Wisconsin, the Ochsner park Zoo is home to a collection of Capuchin monkeys, llamas, domestic stock, several species of birds and small mammals. In addition to the 2-acre zoo, this 27-acre park offers three shelters, a picnic ground, and hiking areas.

Farmers Markets Back to top

Enjoy farm fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, syrups, and more. In season, gardeners will find a variety of bedding plants, annuals and perennials. Non-gardeners will find fresh cut flowers and vegetables. Market-goers may also find unusual art and craft items, music and entertaining street performers. Sauk County Farmers Markets are held mid-May through mid-September:

Baraboo - Courthouse Square, Wed. Sat 7:30 - noon
Sauk Prairie - Ni Ki Jinga Park, Sauk City, Sat. mornings
Spring Green - Jefferson St. parking lot, Sat. 9:00 a.m. until sold.
Wisconsin Dells - Bowman Park, Daily 8:00 a.m. until sold.

Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours Back to top

Upper Dells Tours
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8555
Come aboard and behold the astounding natural beauty that has brought visitors here for over 100years. Enjoy 15 miles of unspoiled river scenery with towering sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. Explore shore landing walks at Stand Rock & Witches Gulch. Tours daily Apr 7-Nov 4. Fall colors mid-Sept thru mid-Oct. 

Lower Dells Tours  
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8555
Relive the river & cruise the Wis. Dells Scenic Riverway of spectacular sandstone cliffs & rock formations. Learn the colorful past of the Dells,, including stories of the ghost town-Newport, the J logging era & Indian history & legends. Scenery that made the Dells famous is seen only on Dells Boat Tours. Tours daily Apr 7-Nov 4.

Original Wisconsin Ducks Tours 
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8751
Ride the Original Wisconsin Ducks! Fun & Adventure on Land & Water. Take a thrilling one-hour, 8 1/2-mile tour on the Wisconsin River, Dell Creek & Lake Delton. Ride the Ducks over 4 miles of scenic wilderness trails through Fern Dell, Hop-Along Hill & Red Bird Gorge. Look for the green and white Ducks in Wisconsin Dells.

Stand Rock
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8555
The trademark of the Dells area & one of two shore lands on a Dells Boat Tour. See the dog make a daring leap across the Stand Rock chasm. Walk, along the nature trail past unique rock formations & lone of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Dells Scenic Riverway. The famous Stand Rock is seen only on Dells Boat Tours.

Wisconsin Deer Park
US Hwy. 12 & State Hwy. 23
Wisconsin Dells
Set out on a family adventure to explore the Wisconsin Deer Park's deer, elk, buffalo, game birds and other animals. Feed, pet, photograph wildlife in a truly natural 28-acre park where bucks, does and fawns nuzzle you and beg for treats.

Lost Canyon Tours
Canyon Rd., Lake Delton
608-253-6942
Experience a family adventure and a taste of the old west at Canyon Creek. Enjoy the spectacular view and the great outdoors on horseback or in a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through Lost Canyon.

Water Parks Back to top

Noah's Ark  
1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells
608-254-6351
New - Point of No Return! See who gets there first, Flash Flood! Enjoy 2 wavepools, 2 endless rivers, Black Thunder, Dark Voyage, 34 waterslides, and 4 Kidde water play areas, including OctoExplorer. Mini-golf, bumper boats, 4 arcades, restaurants, gift/candy/clothing stores.

Riverview Park and Waterworld
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-2608
The Hurricane hits Riverview Park! The Hurricane is a family raft ride, fun for all ages. Area's largest selection of U-Drive Em & amusement rides combined with 30 water activities. Experience the "Galaxy" rollercoaster. Special kids and nightly tickets available. Open Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend.

Family Land Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells
800-800-4997
35 acres of outdoor water excitement. 29 waterslides, 2 Adventure Rivers, 3 kidde water play areas, home of Bay of Dreams Indoor Waterpark-the Dells largest! No matter what the weather, Family Land's got you covered! An Awesome Family Water Adventure for every age. 

Great Wolf Lodge 
608-253-2222
Surf, splash, dip, dive, slide or ride the waves at one of Wisconsin Dells gigantic waterparks -- one is the world's largest, one offers a year-round, indoor jungle watery playground; all provide plenty of parking, fun, food and excitement for the entire family.

Miniature Golf Centers Back to top

Shipwreck Lagoon Adventure Golf
Wisconsin Dells
608-233-7772
Golf 18 to 54 beautifully landscaped holes. Nestled among rocks, hills, streams waterfalls and a Cast-A-Way Pirate Ship. Try your skill at our baseball and softball batting cages, open to all ages! Or experience our Unbelievable Venturer Super X Simulator - a thrill ride using space age technology. Open April - October.

Old River Mini Golf
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8336
This is it! The mini-golf course that is conveniently located right downtown! Play 9, 18 or 27 holes. Great fun for all ages. Play around waterfalls, past hand-carved totem poles and beautiful flowers. Located 1/2 block off Broadway on Eddy St., across from the railroad station.

Pirate's Cove
Intersection of Hwys. 12-13-16 & 23, Wisconsin Dells
608-254-7500
The largest Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf course in the USA! 5 different sets of 18 holes - 90 in all. We'll be you family's favorite place. Play over, under and around 17 waterfalls that overlook the scenic Dells of the Wisconsin River. Open April - October.

Timber Falls
Wisconsin Dells
608-254-8414
90 Total Holes - 5 different sets of 18 holes each. The Dells only mini-golf located on the shoreline of the scenic Wisconsin River. Also the home of the Timber Wolf Log Ride. Ride around and through thundering waterfalls, dark and spooky caves, and the Midwest's only active volcano. Try our "All Day Pass" for unlimited rides and golf.

Riverside & Great Northern Railway
Stand Rock Rd., Wisconsin Dells
Take a pleasant 30-minute ride on America's premier 15" gauge railroad through the beautiful Dells countryside, behind a steam-powered locomotive. Open daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends in May, September, and October.

Points of Interest Back to top

Merrimac Ferry
Hwy. 113
Merrimac
Since the mid-1800's, ferry boats have taken travelers across the Wisconsin River from Okee in Columbia county to Merrimac in Sauk county. Operated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation since 1933, service is currently provided by the Colsac II, named after the counties it links across the water. Put in service in 1963, the Colsac II is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 37 X 80 foot steel craft pulls itself back and forth on two large cables firmly anchored on each shore. Operating 24 hrs., seven days a week, the Colsac II carried autos, trucks, bicycles and walk-on passengers. Each crossing takes about ten minutes. Because the State Constitution prohibits toll roads, and the ferry is an official part of Wisconsin's public highway system, passage is free. Ferry buffs are urged not to miss the opportunity to ride when they can, the Colsac II may soon be retired and replaced by a bridge.

The House on the Rock
Hwy. 23 between Dodgeville and Spring Green
(608) 935-3639
Located in the heart of the Uplands, Wisconsin's number one attraction plays host to over a half million visitors a year. In the early 1940s a man names Alex Jordan discovered a 60-foot chimnet rock in the Wyoming Valley. He decided to build a hous on the sandstone formation called Deer Shelter Rock. The house was built as a weekend retreat and was never intended to be a tourist attraction. After people kept coming to see the architectural wonder, Jordan eventually started taking 50 cent donations. He took all the money received and put it into creating new buildings and exhibits. Now, 50 years later, the House on the Rock is home to the 14-room house, 12 specialty shops, the World's Largest Carousel, restaurants and many other sights and exhibits. So don't miss Wisconsin's #1 attraction, the House on the Rock, on Highway 23 between Dodgeville and Spring Green.

Taliesen
Hwy. 23 & Cty. C, Spring Green
608-588-7900
Tour the home and architectural school of the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The complex includes six Wright structures including Wright's home and Hillside School, and Visitor Center. Open May through October 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and April, November and December from
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Back to top