Wisconsin : Safety by CityBaraboo, Wisconsin, is in a part of the state known as the Driftless Area.
The story of this small town just gets more interesting from there.
The Driftless Area is a unique region that was not impacted by glacial coverage during the Ice Age.
Without the impact of growing and retreating glaciers, the landscape is much more rugged and unique than the flat sections of the state.
The landscape opens the options for outdoor adventures, including Devil’s Lake State Park and the International Crane Foundation, where all 15 species of cranes are found – no other place on Earth can claim that!
Once home to the Ringling Brothers Circus, Baraboo carries a fascinating history that has shaped its unique identity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this unassuming town was the winter headquarters for the circus, which grew into one of the largest entertainment empires in the country.
I immediately questioned this fact, as I lived in Sarasota, which was also home to Ringling.
However, the circus started in Baraboo before escaping to the much warmer climate of southwest Florida.
Baraboo is a small town of just 12,500 people about an hour outside of Madison, but it has all the charm you’d expect in the heartland with a special dose of adventure and adrenaline.
Warnings & Dangers in Baraboo
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Baraboo with a surprising number of things to do for those looking for art, culture, history, or outdoor fun.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation in Baraboo is limited, with no extensive bus or rail system. In fact, Baraboo Transit is more of a shared taxi experience than public transit. Rideshares and rental cars are also available. Given how much there is to do outdoors here, renting a car is the best option.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
With about three pickpockets or purse snatchings happening each year, the risk is low.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Baraboo faces medium risk due to ongoing hazards throughout the year, primarily from severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes during warmer months, flooding, and winter weather capable of producing dangerously low temperatures.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
About two robberies happen annually, and only two in the past five years have been highway robberies. The risk is low.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
As a small town with no hard targets, the risk is low. You can review the latest Terrorism Advisory Bulletin from Homeland Security to see the overall terrorism risk in the country.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
This is another low risk, especially for travelers, since most violent crimes are among people who know each other. Keep your guard up, however, as this is a touristy town, so you'll have unfamiliar crowds as you explore.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report shows all passing scores and no violations.
Safest Places to Visit in Baraboo
The tourism website is Baraboo.com, which the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce hosts.
DowntownBaraboo.com is a site dedicated to the heart of the city.
You can also use the website Explore Sauk County to get a wider look at the things to do in the region.
The downtown is worth exploring because of the collection of shops and restaurants around The Square.
Plus, it’s one of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail towns (iceagetrail.org).
Baraboo offers a few unique museums that reflect its rich history and cultural roots.
The Circus World Museum is the standout, preserving the town’s connection to the circus world.
It’s housed on the grounds of the original Ringling Bros.
Circus headquarters and features exhibits on the golden age of the circus.
The Al. Ringling Mansion doubles as a museum and historic home, offering guided tours that showcase the life of the eldest Ringling brothers.
The mansion’s opulent interiors reflect the wealth and influence of the Ringling family during their circus heyday.
A brewery is located behind the museum.
The Sauk County Historical Society Museum provides insight into the broader history of the region, with exhibits on local heritage, early settlers, and the development of the Baraboo community.
Another fascinating stop is the International Crane Foundation, located just outside Baraboo.
The conservation center and an educational facility are the only places where you can see all 15 species of cranes.
The Ochsner Zoo is a family-friendly attraction with free admission, featuring a range of animals in a relaxing park setting.
It’s small but well-loved by locals and perfect for a laid-back afternoon, especially if you have kids.
Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most visited park, where stunning bluffs overlook a deep blue lake, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, or just enjoying the view.
Other outdoor options include Van Hise Rock, a National Historic Landmark just outside of town; Man Mound Park, which preserves a rare Native American earthwork shaped like a human figure; and Pewit’s Nest, a gorge carved by glacial meltwaters.
One of the big draws to Baraboo is the river, which is part of the State Water Trail.
Paddling is popular with Friends of the Baraboo River, providing a wealth of safety information and maps.
Known locally as “The Boo,” you can also follow the organization on Facebook @friendsoftheboo.
Places to Avoid in Baraboo
I’m not surprised if you’re wondering about racist allegations and a den of Nazi teenagers in Baraboo, as those two topics have made headlines in recent years.
The first story was about a parent who didn’t want his graduating student to shake hands with an African American superintendent.
The other was about a school photo that showed dozens of teenage boys doing the so-called “Nazi salute.”
You can also find several Reddit forums where potential visitors are discussing the diversity and inclusivity concerns in Baraboo.
Overall, there are some concerning stories and topics to come out of Baraboo, but from what I can tell, it’s not indicative of the entire community.
You also won’t need to worry about dangerous neighborhoods in this small town.
Most of the hotels and attractions are right off the main roads.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Baraboo
- Follow the local police department on Facebook @BarabooPoliceDepartment. You can also call (608) 355-2720 if you have specific safety questions.
- Baraboo now uses CodeRED for emergency notifications. If you see any report that they use Nixle, that information is outdated. You can easily sign up for free and be alerted when severe weather, winter storms, or public safety threats arise.
- You should have a NOAA weather radio with you if you’ll be traveling outside mobile range or if there is a storm approaching. Summer and winter storms can knock out power, and that weather radio will come in handy. You can also follow the county’s emergency management agency on Facebook @SaukCountyWIEmergencyManagement.
- From October 1 through mid-April, alternate side parking is put in place to allow street sweepers and snow plows to have more access to the roads. On even-numbered days, you can only park on the even-numbered side of the street overnight. The opposite happens on odd-numbered days.
- If you’re riding the Baraboo River, download the app from Friends of the Baraboo River. Once you download the route, you’ll have access to the maps when you lose cellular service. The app also allows you to text 911 even with no signal.
- While the Baraboo River is considered a safe place to visit with good water quality, you can check the most recent reports through the county or friends of the Baraboo River website. Don’t ride the river after flooding, as there can be dangerous currents and debris in the water.
- You might be sharing the road with ATVs while visiting Baraboo, as certain streets allow quad-riding. You can also learn the safety rules and street sections by visiting the police department’s website if you plan on riding an ATV.
- In Wisconsin, anyone aged 16 or older needs a fishing license to fish in public waters. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers. Options include daily, annual, or discounted rates for seniors and military personnel. Wisconsin also offers free fishing weekends twice a year.
- If hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park, be cautious on the steep, rocky trails, especially in wet conditions, as they can become slippery. Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing wildlife and potential hazards like poison ivy or unstable rock formations.
- During the summer, tick prevention is important, particularly if you’re exploring wooded or grassy areas—use repellent and do a thorough check afterward. Remove any attached tick with tweezers and then disinfect the area.
So... How Safe Is Baraboo Really?
I cannot confidently tell you what the violent crime rate is in Baraboo for 2023, as the police department data and the FBI reporting on the NIBRS website are much different.
One of the key elements is that neither makes it clear if the assaults were aggravated assaults or simple assaults.
However, even crunching data liberally, the violent crime rate is still about 56% lower than the national average.
I can tell you there hasn’t been a homicide in Baraboo since 2015.
Sex offenses spiked in 2021 but were down to 11 in 2023. About two robberies happen each year.
Thefts are down 71% since 2016, with shoplifting fueling the category.
Reading the headlines from Baraboo doesn’t always give the vibe of a safe city, especially when three police officers were accused of being involved with a drug dealer.
Knowing that fewer than 8% of violent crimes have happened against strangers over the past five years should make you feel better about any concerning news stories.
How Does Baraboo Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Baraboo | 82 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Detroit | 56 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Baraboo experiences cold winters, with temperatures often dipping below freezing and average snowfall around 40–50 inches. Summers are warm and humid, with highs in the 70s to 80s°F. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, typically ranging from the 40s to 60s°F. Annual rainfall averages around 30 inches.
Airports
The closest commercial airport to Baraboo, Wisconsin, is Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, about 45 miles away. General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee is another option, located approximately 120 miles southeast, offering more flight options. Appleton International Airport is also within a 120-mile radius.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Baraboo Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -3 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 16 | 7 | 1 |
| Low °C | -14 | -12 | -6 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -4 | -10 |
| High °F | 27 | 34 | 45 | 57 | 70 | 79 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 61 | 45 | 34 |
| Low °F | 7 | 10 | 21 | 34 | 45 | 54 | 57 | 55 | 46 | 36 | 25 | 14 |
Wisconsin - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Baraboo | 82 |
| Green Bay | 81 |
| Kenosha | 74 |
| Madison | 77 |
| Milwaukee | 34 |
