Baraboo, Wisconsin
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| Baraboo, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
| Name | Baraboo |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Circus City" |
| Pushpin label | Baraboo |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Wisconsin |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Sauk |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1838 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1882 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Rob Nelson |
| Area total km2 | 19.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 7.41 |
| Area land km2 | 18.77 |
| Area land sq mi | 7.25 |
| Area water km2 | 0.43 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.17 |
| Elevation m | 270 |
| Elevation ft | 886 |
| Population total | 12442 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 53913 |
| Area code | 608 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 55-04625 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1561335 |
| Website | https://www.cityofbaraboo.com/ |
Baraboo, Wisconsin. Baraboo is the county seat of Sauk County and is renowned as the historic home of the Ringling brothers and the former winter headquarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Situated along the Baraboo River, the city is a gateway to the scenic Baraboo Range and the popular Devil's Lake State Park. Its rich history, centered on the American circus, and its natural setting make it a significant cultural and recreational destination in south-central Wisconsin.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk and other indigenous peoples before European-American settlement began in the late 1830s. The city was platted in 1852 and named after the nearby Baraboo River. Baraboo's most famous chapter began in 1884 when the Ringling brothers staged their first performance here, establishing what would become the "Circus City". The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made Baraboo its winter quarters until 1918, when operations moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Historical landmarks include the Al. Ringling Theatre, a magnificent movie palace built in 1915, and the Circus World Museum, which preserves this legacy on the original Ringling grounds. The city also played a role in the early conservation movement, with figures like John Muir and Aldo Leopold having connections to the region.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Baraboo has a total area of 7.41 square miles, of which 7.25 square miles is land and 0.17 square miles is water. The city lies within the Baraboo Range, a deeply dissected Precambrian quartzite formation, and is bordered by the Baraboo River. Its most prominent natural feature is nearby Devil's Lake State Park, a glacially formed lake nestled between bluffs that is part of the larger Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, remnants of the Wisconsin glaciation, and proximity to the Wisconsin River.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 12,442. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 1,716 people per square mile. Household data from the American Community Survey indicates a median household income slightly below the state average, with a notable percentage of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
Baraboo's economy has diversified from its circus roots. Key employers include the University of Wisconsin–Madison affiliated University of Wisconsin–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, the St. Clare Hospital healthcare system, and manufacturing firms like Flambeau, Inc.. Tourism is a major driver, centered on Devil's Lake State Park, the Circus World Museum, and the Al. Ringling Theatre. The city serves as a commercial and service hub for Sauk County, with a historic downtown district featuring local retail and restaurants. Agricultural production in the surrounding area also contributes to the local economy.
Culture and recreation
Baraboo's culture is indelibly linked to the American circus, celebrated annually at the Circus World Museum with performances and the "World's Largest Circus Parade". The restored Al. Ringling Theatre hosts concerts, films, and live performances. Outdoor recreation is dominated by Devil's Lake State Park, offering hiking on trails like the Ice Age Trail, rock climbing, and water activities. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum operates historic train rides, and the city is near the Noah's Ark Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells. Cultural institutions include the Sauk County Historical Society and the International Crane Foundation located just outside the city.
Government
Baraboo operates under a mayor–council form of government. The city is part of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Mark Pocan. At the state level, it lies within the 14th Senate District and the 81st Assembly District. Local services include a police department, a fire department, and a public works department. The city provides utilities and maintains numerous parks, including Maxwell-Potter Conservancy and Ball Park.
Category:Cities in Wisconsin Category:County seats in Wisconsin Category:Sauk County, Wisconsin