Baraboo, about a half hour south of Wisconsin Dells, is the hometown of the Ringling brothers, and its haunted tour tradition is built around the Al. Ringling Mansion, the grand house the eldest brother built in 1905. The Haunted Bara-BOO experience pairs a look at the mansion with ghost stories from the house and downtown Baraboo, mixing the real history of the circus family with folklore. It makes a distinctive half-evening for anyone who enjoys old houses, theatrical history and spooky tales without a theme-park budget. Tours are typically seasonal and strongest in the autumn, so confirm dates and ticketing with the mansion before you plan around it.
Al. Ringling was the eldest of the Ringling brothers, who started a small circus in Baraboo in the 1880s and grew it into one of the largest shows in America. He built his mansion in 1905 at the height of the family's fortune, a showpiece house on the edge of downtown that reflected his status as a circus pioneer.
The house has passed through several uses since, and today it is open to visitors and is the departure point for ghost tours that local groups have advertised for years. Tours of the mansion and haunted downtown walks have been promoted by the Baraboo chamber of commerce and haunted-Wisconsin guides over the years, though schedules change.
What you get is a combination of two things Baraboo does well: circus history and small-town spookiness. A guide leads you through the house, explaining the Ringling family story, the architecture and the legends visitors and staff tell about unexplained sounds, shadows and presences. Some tours then continue through downtown Baraboo, whose old storefronts, theater and courthouse square give the stories a sense of place. The tone is entertaining rather than frightening, and the history is real even if the ghosts are open to interpretation.
Plan around the rest of Baraboo. Circus World, the museum on the site of the Ringling winter quarters, is a natural daytime companion, and the town's Ringling Theatre and square are pleasant to wander before dinner. Devil's Lake State Park is a short drive away for a hike earlier in the day.
Because haunted tours are often evening events and may sell out near Halloween, book ahead, wear comfortable shoes for a house and a walk, and check whether the tour is suitable for children. For a second spooky outing, the haunted trolley in Wisconsin Dells offers a different, seated format.
For planning, confirm ticket types, tour length and whether the tour includes the interior of the house, the grounds or a downtown walk. Parking in Baraboo is generally easy, but evening tours near Halloween can attract crowds. If you want a full circus weekend, stay in Baraboo or the Dells and give yourself time for Circus World in the day, the mansion tour at night and a morning hike at Devil's Lake.
Dress for the weather, because historic houses can be cool and downtown walks happen outdoors, and bring a flashlight or phone light for uneven steps.
What to expect
The experience
A guided look at the Al. Ringling Mansion and Baraboo ghost lore, sometimes continuing into downtown; mixes real circus-family history with folklore.
Best time
Evenings in autumn are the peak, with tours also offered at other times; confirm dates with the mansion.
How long
Roughly one to two hours depending on the tour; confirm when you book.
Tips
Book ahead near Halloween, wear comfortable shoes and check age suitability. Pair with a daytime visit to Circus World for the full Ringling story.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fans of old houses, circus history and light-hearted ghost stories.
- Families
- Good for older children who like a spooky tale; check age guidance for little ones.
- Couples
- A distinctive date evening away from the Dells crowds.
- Pair with
- Circus World and downtown Baraboo for a full Ringling day.
- Time needed
- Allow an evening.
Good questions
Who was Al. Ringling?+
The eldest of the Ringling brothers, who founded the circus in Baraboo. He built the mansion in 1905 at the height of the family's success.
Is the tour really scary?+
It is designed to entertain: history, stories and atmosphere rather than jump scares. Check age guidance for young children.
How far is Baraboo from Wisconsin Dells?+
About a half hour by car, which makes it an easy half-day or evening trip.
When do the haunted tours run?+
Haunted programming is typically seasonal and strongest in autumn. Confirm dates and tickets with the mansion.
What else is there to do in Baraboo?+
Circus World, the Ringling Theatre, downtown shops, the International Crane Foundation and Devil's Lake State Park are all close.