Planning a trip to the Baraboo or Wisconsin Dells area, and looking to make it more educational? Whether you’re a teacher looking for a field trip opportunity, a family planning vacation, or just looking to learn something new about the area, there are plenty of options for you to explore and learn! We’ve rounded up our top four environmental education opportunities in Baraboo.
Canoe and Kayak on the Wisconsin River
No trip to Baraboo or the Wisconsin Dells is complete without spending time on the Wisconsin River. Whether you’re looking for a day or overnight trip, there is plenty to explore while out on the river, and Wild Wisco Waters can help you with your canoe and kayak rental needs. Whatever your group size may be, Wild Wisco Waters will help you take the stress out of hauling your own canoe or kayak. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of the school year as a class trip. Try out the guided trip option, which includes a fishing setup and opportunities for birding. A guided tour is a great way to explore the natural world and learn about the wildlife that calls it home. Adventure awaits!
Home to all 15 of the world’s crane species, the International Crane Foundation recently underwent a $10 million property transformation to renovate their crane exhibits and build a new visitor center. Featuring more than 300 acres of protected property, when you visit you will learn about crane biology, investigate threats to crane survival, and discover methods used to conserve endangered species. Take a hike on their three miles of nature trails which weaves through prairie, oak savanna, wetland, and oak forest ecosystems or spend time in their gift shop. Since there is so much to learn during your visit, the staff recommend planning on spending two hours for your stay.
Snag a Photo of the Shack at the Aldo Leopold Foundation
Located just south of the Wisconsin Dells and north of Baraboo, The Aldo Leopold Foundation is home to the property that was the chief inspiration for Aldo Leopold’s essays in A Sand County Almanac. Considered to be the father of conservation, Aldo Leopold is well known for launching the belief in the importance of having a “Land Ethic”, or an ethical relationship between the people and nature. Today, the landscape is home to the foundation and continues to serve as an outdoor classroom for exploring ecological relationships and conservation history. Walk the trails, explore the exhibit hall, and be sure to tour the historic Leopold shack, where Leopold and his family stayed on weekends.
Explore Balanced Rock, Devil's Doorway, and Steinke Basin at Devils Lake State Park
What makes Devil's Lake State Park the most popular state park in Wisconsin? Ask anyone who has visited and they are likely to all agree that it's the 500-foot quartzite bluffs. Located on the south side of Baraboo, Devils Lake State Park features some of the most ancient rock croppings in North America. Learn about Wisconsin’s last Ice Age and how it impacted the geology of the Baraboo area when you visit the nature center. With plenty of opportunities to explore and seek out adventure, you may want to consider camping overnight to get the most out of your time in the park.
