Devil's Lake and the Baraboo Bluffs

The classic southern rim: a gorge-cut lake, quartzite bluffs, and the conservation and circus history that grew up around them.

The Baraboo Hills are the hard edge the glacial lake never wore down. One day covers the lake and one gorge, then pivots to the two places that tell the region's conservation story best.

Stops

1. 1

   Devils Lake State Park

   The signature park of the region: a lake held between quartzite bluffs.

2. 2

   Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area

   A narrow sandstone gorge with a creek running through it.

3. 3

   Pewits Nest State Natural Area

   Sandstone gorge and waterfall on Skillet Creek.

4. 4

   International Crane Foundation

   The crane conservation headquarters south of Baraboo.

5. 5

   Aldo Leopold Legacy Center (Leopold Center)

   The Leopold family's sand farm, now a conservation center.

6. 6

   Circus World Museum

   Baraboo's circus heritage, on the original Ringling grounds.

Stop and start times are not listed here: opening hours vary by season and none are published on this archive. Check each destination page and the county tourism sites before you go.

Other routes

• Cranes, Marshes and Sand Country
• Black River Country
• River Towns and Ridge Roads