Al. Ringling Mansion
623 Broadway Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin, WI, 53913
One part mansion, one part brewery, equal parts circus and splendor—the AL. Ringling Mansion in Baraboo, Wisconsin, offers a portal to a world devoted to delights. Tours welcome visitors into the stately, Victorian-era rooms, and guides (usually the owners) bring the Ringling Brothers to life with facts and stories. And yes, if you want to take a haunted tour, that’s an option, too.
The basics
Built in 1906, this red stone mansion harkens back to the time when the Ringling Circus was at its height. Expect immaculate woodwork, Tiffany glass, intricate murals, hand-decorated ceilings, and the Ringlings’ original furnishings. Hours vary greatly by season—check the mansion’s website to see if you need an appointment (winter hours are limited) or if you can walk right in and catch the next showing. Tours typically last around an hour; haunted tours are available by appointment only and after 8pm. And for guests who want to live like the eldest Ringling brother, the mansion can also be booked for overnight stays.
Things to know before you go
The mansion undergoes periodic renovation. What you see may or may not be affected by construction.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into the world of circus, head to the Circus World Museum, less than a mile away.
If you’re visiting during summer, you can usually walk in, though tours are held on the hour.
How to get there
Most visitors arrive at the AL. Ringling Mansion by personal vehicle, but there’s typically plenty of street parking available. That being said, if you’re exploring downtown Baraboo, walking over to the mansion won’t take but a few minutes. From the Baraboo Riverwalk, the mansion is about eight blocks away.
When to get there
The AL. Ringling Mansion’s schedule varies highly by season, though business days typically hover around Tuesday–Saturday. In winter, hours are much more limited and tours are available by appointment only, typically between 11am and 3pm. The on-site brewery is usually open Wednesday–Sunday, so plan to go then if you’d like to pair your visit with a drink.
A note on beer
The brewery was inspired by a beer recipe found in the old floorboards of the mansion titled “Original Family Recipe.” You can try that exact recipe today (the Ringling Original), or mix it up with one of the rotating drafts. The brewery also serves an eclectic menu, offering everything from classic Wisconsin fish fry to Paraguayan and German comfort food.
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