WISCONSIN DELLS GHOST TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Nightfall in Baraboo: The Haunted Bara"BOO" Tour of the Al. Ringling Mansion & Ringling Gravesites
A guided, limited‑seating haunted tour from Wisconsin Dells to Baraboo that traces ghost stories and Ringling family history at sites including the Al. Ringling Mansion and Walnut Hill Cemetery.
Nightfall in Baraboo: The Haunted Bara"BOO" Tour of the Al. Ringling Mansion & Ringling Gravesites.
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Discover the chilling history of Baraboo on a focused haunted tour that stops at the town’s most notorious sites: the Old Baraboo Inn, the Al. Ringling Theatre, Walnut Hill Cemetery and the Al. Ringling Mansion, among others—each tied to the Ringling Brothers Circus and the darker tales that haunt the town.
Experience a spine-chilling adventure with the Haunted Bara"BOO" Tour featuring the Al. Ringling Mansion and Ringling Gravesites in Wisconsin Dells. This private nocturnal tour lets you step back into the eerie past of Baraboo, exploring haunted landmarks such as the Old Baraboo Inn, Al Ringling Theatre, and the mysterious Walnut Hill Cemetery. You'll learn gripping stories about the Ringling Brothers Circus, uncover ghostly legends, and walk through locations with paranormal activity reported over decades. The combination of history and supernatural lore makes this tour a rare chance to experience Wisconsin’s haunted heritage in an intimate, guided setting. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious history buff, the tour offers a spooky yet respectful look at some of the town’s most fascinating haunted sites, complete with knowledgeable commentary from Wisconsin Dells Trolley Service. Prepare for a memorable night filled with chills, tales, and the restless spirits of Baraboo.
Route Schematic
Route schematic & key stops
The tour moves from Wisconsin Dells into Baraboo with multiple stops that mix roadside drives, cemetery walks, building exteriors and a mansion visit.
Old Ringling Road
Drive down Old Ringling Road and hear local accounts of repeated vehicle trouble and eerie happenings tied to a well and shack on private property.
Historic downtown Baraboo & Circus World Museum (drive-by/stop)
A drive through downtown Baraboo with commentary about Circus World Museum—the town’s large circus collection—and reports of phantom elephant trumpets.
Walnut Hill Cemetery
Stop and walk around Walnut Hill Cemetery to view Ringling family graves and mausoleums, including Al, Lou, Henry and other relatives.
St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital (exterior)
Drive by the now‑abandoned former hospital—Alfred 'Aft' Ringling’s mansion converted to St. Mary’s—where guides discuss reports of nuns checking on patients.
Old Baraboo Inn (stop)
Hear stories about the Old Baraboo Inn—reported as one of the town’s most haunted buildings—where historical patrons like Al Capone are part of the lore.
Al. Ringling Theatre (stop)
A stop at the still active Al. Ringling Theatre to hear accounts tied to missing children, phantom actors on stage, and Al Ringling’s presence in the center balcony.
Al. Ringling Mansion (detailed tour)
A detailed tour of the private premises at the Al. Ringling Mansion—the site of Al Ringling’s death—where guides point out spots tied to reported cold spots and other phenomena.
Charles Ringling Mansion (drive-by)
Drive past the Charles Ringling Mansion, now operated as a bed and breakfast, discussed as part of the family’s footprint in town.
Return via Highway 12
Return trip to Wisconsin Dells down Highway 12, with a final story about a local hitchhiker sighting.
The tour includes disembarkation and short walks at cemetery and building stops; the operator may adjust stops or order. Participants should note seating is limited and the tour is a multi‑stop drive and walk outing.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
This is a concentrated, narrative‑driven outing: guests depart from Wisconsin Dells, travel to Baraboo by road, make several stops to disembark and walk at sites tied to circus history and local hauntings, tour the private Al. Ringling Mansion, and then return to Wisconsin Dells along Highway 12. The guide combines historical background on the Ringling brothers with accounts of reported paranormal activity at each stop.
THE HISTORY
The Ringling Brothers and Baraboo’s circus legacy
The tour traces the rise of the Ringling Brothers—the seven brothers and their roles—and connects the sites around Baraboo to the circus that became the largest in the world, weaving historical detail with the town’s ghost stories.
THE PLACES
Walnut Hill Cemetery and the Al. Ringling Mansion
Visitors stop and walk around Walnut Hill Cemetery to view family graves and mausoleums, and tour the private premises of the Al. Ringling Mansion—the place where Al Ringling died—both central to the tour’s narratives of loss and lingering presence.
THE ROUTE
Old Ringling Road, downtown Baraboo, and Highway 12
The route includes a drive down Old Ringling Road—known locally for strange occurrences—through historic downtown Baraboo past Circus World Museum, and a return along Highway 12 where the tour recounts local hitchhiker legends.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tour timing is presented two ways: a headline context lists 2 hours while the operator duration is 2.5–3 hours; book accordingly and allow time for roadside stops and walks.
The tour departs from Bobbers Island Grille in Wisconsin Dells; seats are limited and advance booking is advised.
The operator does not list specific gear requirements; participants should be prepared for short walks and varying indoor/outdoor conditions at stops.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Haunted Bara"BOO" Tour?
Materials list two durations: a 2‑hour headline context and an operator duration of 2.5–3 hours. Expect the outing to last roughly 2.5–3 hours.
Where do we meet the tour?
The tour meets at Bobbers Island Grille in Wisconsin Dells.
Is there an age recommendation?
Yes—the tour is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Will we get out and walk at any stops?
Yes—participants stop and walk around locations such as Walnut Hill Cemetery and other sites in Baraboo during the tour.
Does the tour visit the Al. Ringling Mansion?
Yes—the itinerary includes a detailed tour of the private premises at the Al. Ringling Mansion, the place where Al Ringling died.
Are seats limited?
Yes—materials note limited seats and advise booking in advance.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-11-02T01:03:50.505Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.