Baraboo: Riverwalk and Wildlife

Two distinct experiences take center stage in Baraboo: the paved Baraboo Riverwalk follows the river through town, while Ochsner Park Zoo is home to more than 30 animal species. Many of the zoo’s animals also have a special story: their histories involve rehabilitation or rescue. Whether you would rather focus on a route by the water or on wildlife when planning your trip gives your search for a suitable vacation rental in Baraboo a clear direction.

The Riverwalk: a route along the river

The Baraboo Riverwalk is 3 miles long, paved, and runs along the Baraboo River through town. These details give the route a clear profile: a river setting, a paved surface, and a specified length. If you like to plan a specific route into your trip, you can make the Riverwalk a focus in its own right, rather than basing your stay only on general interests in the area.

The Riverwalk is also part of the national Ice Age Scenic Trail. This connection complements its route through town with a link to a larger, specifically named trail. Your planning can therefore take into account two aspects that may appeal to different interests: the path along the Baraboo River and its place on the Ice Age Scenic Trail. When choosing excursions, you can already consider which of these aspects is especially appealing for your stay.

Animal stories at Ochsner Park Zoo

Ochsner Park Zoo is home to more than 30 different animal species. Most of the animals are either rehabilitated wild animals that cannot be released back into the wild or animals rescued from the exotic pet trade. The variety of species is therefore only part of the story: the animals’ different backgrounds also contribute to what makes the zoo interesting.

The zoo regularly offers educational programs, events, and enrichment programs. These three aspects provide different ways to explore the animal world: when planning, you can consider both the animals themselves and the educational programs and events; the enrichment programs are also part of the zoo’s regular offerings. For travelers with children, the origins of many of the animals can be a specific conversation starter. The two backgrounds mentioned are distinct: rehabilitated wild animals that cannot be released back into the wild, and rescued animals from the exotic pet trade.

Which focus suits your stay?

The Riverwalk and the zoo offer different ways to plan your day. The riverside path provides a specific route with a paved surface and a connection to the Ice Age Scenic Trail. The zoo combines more than 30 animal species with the stories of many animals and regular programs. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can make the Riverwalk one of your trip’s focal points; if you are more interested in animals and their origins, the zoo offers a different focus. This is a choice between interests, not a required sequence: you can plan according to which theme matters more for your trip.

This choice can also help clarify what you are looking for in a vacation rental. First, consider which excursions you would like to plan; then you can compare the location of your accommodation with your actual daily itinerary. For families, it may also be helpful to decide together whether a riverside route or the animal stories provide a stronger reason for the trip. Baraboo offers two clearly distinct themes to consider: a paved route by the water and a zoo where animal species, origins, and regular programs come together.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Prairie Du Sac, Plain, Reedsburg, Spring Green.

Go to the parent travel guide: Sauk County.