About Baraboo
We are located in a part of the state known for its natural vistas, most notably the Baraboo River and towering 
ancient bluffs. Our walkable downtown square is home to many locally owned businesses. As you fan out from there, you’ll come across nationally known historic attractions and landmarks. We’re a resource for a full calendar of fairs, festivals and events along with suggested itineraries.
Baraboo’s best begins with the charm of a small town that features pristine vistas, colorful history and unlimited choices of things to do. It’s no wonder that Smithsonian Magazine named Baraboo the 4th Best Small Town to Visit, as evidenced by its friendly people and the array of attractions. We invite you to discover all that Baraboo has to offer!
History
The community’s long history is evident in the carefully maintained Victorian homes and the mile-thick layer of Baraboo Quartzite that hugs the city.
Baraboo Quartzite is a glossy, pink rock, dating back to 1.7 billion years ago. It emerges in Devil’s Lake State Park, continues deep below the earth’s surface and then surfaces once again a few miles north of Baraboo. The rock is a brilliant natural reminder of the city’s long history.
According to legend, Baraboo is named after a French trader and trapper who bartered with the Indians near the mouth of a stream which today bears his name. Initially only the river was called Baraboo; the name later applied to the hills, the city, and the town.
From the beginning, early settlers were attracted to Baraboo’s ideal location and abundant water supply. The lumber industry flourished upon the banks of the Baraboo River, and trading for the rich agricultural land surrounding the town soon followed, serving as a catalyst for Baraboo’s growth. A charter election in 1866 created the Village of Baraboo; sixteen years later, on April 1, 1882, Baraboo became a city by legislative action of the State of Wisconsin. Today, the City of Baraboo is home to more than 10,000 people. Next door, the Village of West Baraboo is home to 1,000 more.
For more information, visit us online!