Road Trip to Baraboo

Colsac III crossing the Wisconsin River. 5/16/25 dwm

We crossed the Wisconsin River on the free ferry Friday for the first time in 2025. It's something we like to do whenever possible.

We lined up in the center of three lanes while the ferry headed toward us, and after it off-boarded one row of south-bound cars our three lanes drove on to the Colsac III together. 

After parking I got out, anticipating the ferry would start; instead the operator must have seen two vehicles coming our way and allowed them to board (photo below left).

 

The last 2 for this crossing. 5/16/25 dwm

 

 From Merrimac we drove to Devils Lake State Park. I stopped for a few pictures as we drove around the lake and then on a steep and winding road up the Baraboo Bluffs and into the circus city.

 Lunch was at the Log Cabin Restaurant, a place for families, tourists, and locals. It's been serving customers for more than 30 years. 

 We both ordered Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches; I ordered chicken noodle soup with mine then we finished the hearty meal with pie (coconut and chocolate silk, photo below).

Chocolate silk pie. 5/16/25 dwm

My wife wanted to look through her favorite kitchen store downtown. While she did that, I walked around the city square to the Al. Ringling Theater.

 

Al. Ringling was the oldest of the seven Ringling brothers who became famous for the circus they developed. Al managed and did the wardrobe for the shows and performed on horseback and charming snakes.

 

The last thing he did was build the theater, steps from his home. The theater opened in November 1915 with Al in the audience. He died a few months later.

 

The marquee. 5/16/25 dwm

 

 The box office was open, so I stopped to ask about tours of the theater. The kind woman behind the counter said none were available that day but said I was welcome to take look.

 

 The Ringling Theater is transitioning into an official site for the Wisconsin Historical Society. It will be a great compliment to one of the most popular sites, the Circus World Museum which sits astride the Baraboo River.. The theater is more than historic, it's life as an entertainment venue continues. hosting performances ranging from professionals to high school musicians.

 

A view from one of the box seats. 5/16/25 dwm

It's a beautiful showplace.
 

Al. Ringling's home was the largest Sauk County home ever when it was built in 1906. 

His brother Charles, also had a large home. Today it's a bed and breakfast on 8th Street, a short walk from downtown.

Baraboo hosted the first Ringling Brothers Circus performance in 1884. 

 

As the circus grew, they traveled around the country by train. After Al. Ringling's death, the circus left Baraboo in 1918 but its legend and legacy live on.

 

5/16/2025 dwm photo

5/16/2025 dwm photo