Sauk County, Wisconsin

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Sauk County, located in south-central Wisconsin, is a region celebrated for its stunning landscapes, deep cultural roots, and strong commitment to conservation. With its dramatic bluffs, winding rivers, and diverse ecosystems, it stands as one of the state’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation, education, and exploration.

Geographically, Sauk County is part of the Driftless Area, a unique region that escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age. As a result, its terrain is marked by steep ridges, rock outcroppings, deep valleys, and spring-fed streams, offering some of the most beautiful and geologically significant landscapes in the Midwest.

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The land now known as Sauk County has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Ho-Chunk Nation. The Ho-Chunk have a long and enduring relationship with the land, maintaining a sacred and cultural presence that continues today. The county itself takes its name from the Sauk (or Sac) tribe, and place names like Baraboo, Man Mound, and Mazomanie reflect this Native heritage.

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European-American settlement began in the early 1800s, with the establishment of small farming communities and river trading routes. The arrival of railroads in the mid-19th century spurred rapid growth, particularly in the town of Baraboo, which became the historic home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. That legacy lives on through the Circus World Museum and the creative energy of the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

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Sauk County is best known for its world-class hiking, nature preserves, and geological wonders. For outdoor educators and families alike, it offers a living classroom filled with discovery.

• Devil’s Lake State Park is the crown jewel, offering over 29 miles of trails through ancient quartzite bluffs and along a crystal-clear glacial lake. The East and West Bluff Trails offer sweeping views, while Balanced Rock and Potholes Trails provide thrilling climbs and close-up views of rock formations millions of years old.

• Parfrey’s Glen, Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, is a mossy gorge rich in ferns, springs, and natural serenity—a favorite for quiet exploration and forest ecology.

• Natural Bridge State Park features Wisconsin’s largest natural sandstone arch and archaeological sites dating back over 10,000 years, including a rock shelter used by Paleo-Indians.

• The Great Sauk State Trail, built on a former railroad bed, winds from Sauk City toward Baraboo and will eventually connect with Devil’s Lake. It’s perfect for walking, biking, birding, and accessible exploration.

• Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, reclaimed from the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant, is now a space for prairie restoration, educational programming, and wildlife observation.

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Sauk County has long been a leader in land conservation and sustainable agriculture. With a strong mix of family farms, conservation easements, and ecological research sites, the area balances rural tradition with environmental stewardship. Programs like Wisconsin’s Land Legacy Project and the Baraboo Range Preservation Association help protect Sauk County’s unique landscapes for future generations.

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The county is also home to dynamic communities like Spring Green, known for its connection to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin and the American Players Theatre, and Reedsburg, with its art trails and restored wetlands.