Al Ringling Mansion
Step into the opulent world of Al Ringling, co-founder of the circus. This historic mansion offers tours, a brewery, and even overnight stays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Al Ringling Mansion
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the opulent world of Al Ringling, co-founder of the circus. This historic mansion offers tours, a brewery, and even overnight stays.
"Absolute MUST to visit this gorgeous Mansion. Take the tour, get some food and drinks, meet amazing people, soak up the history!!"
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides share fascinating stories and personal connections to the circus. Don't miss it!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Even if you're not a big beer drinker, try a sample. The brewery is inspired by a historic recipe!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Al Ringling's Grand Residence
Main Mansion
Explore the 20,000 sq ft mansion, once home to the Ringling Bros. Circus co-founder. Marvel at original decor and hear tales of its famous resident.
Brewery & Tasting Room
Ground Floor
Sip on craft beers brewed on-site, inspired by a discovered recipe. A perfect blend of history and modern enjoyment.
Circus Memorabilia
Various Rooms
Discover artifacts and stories connecting the mansion to the legendary Ringling Bros. Circus. A treat for circus enthusiasts.
Scottish Masonic Chair
Specific Room
Experience the intriguing history of a 15th-century Scottish Masonic chair, said to evoke unique feelings in visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Circus Legacy
Brewery & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides share fascinating stories and personal connections to the circus. Don't miss it!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Even if you're not a big beer drinker, try a sample. The brewery is inspired by a historic recipe!
🏨 Consider an Overnight Stay
Experience the mansion fully by booking an Airbnb room. Authentic and beautiful!
📸 Capture the Details
The mansion is full of ornate woodwork, murals, and hand-painted ceilings. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides share fascinating stories and personal connections to the circus. Don't miss it!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Even if you're not a big beer drinker, try a sample. The brewery is inspired by a historic recipe!
🏨 Consider an Overnight Stay
Experience the mansion fully by booking an Airbnb room. Authentic and beautiful!
📸 Capture the Details
The mansion is full of ornate woodwork, murals, and hand-painted ceilings. Bring your camera!
📅 Check for Events
They host unique events like Titanic dinners. Book in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Al Ringling Mansion's fascinating history and the unique blend of a museum and a working brewery. The guided tours are highly praised for their engaging content and personal anecdotes, while the Airbnb option offers an immersive overnight experience. Some minor aesthetic improvements are noted, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.
"This place is truly fascinating, offering rich local history and great information. The displays include some amazing pieces and interesting stories about the families who lived there. It’s clear that it’s still a work in progress, but even so, it’s worth a visit. A couple of displays could be improved, even temporarily; for example, a cardboard box from the copy shop under the antique piano was a bit distracting in the first room. Overall, a worthwhile stop that provides valuable insight into the area’s history with lots of intriguing exhibits. We’ll definitely be back to see how it evolves!"
Jessi Pacetti
"Such a cool experience and a must see ! Our tour guide herself was a part of a traveling circus for most of her life, and several others that own the place and work there have personal ties 🫶"
Tanya Christine Weeks
"I didn't want to leave!!
Absolute MUST to visit this gorgeous Mansion. Take the tour, get some food and drinks, meet amazing people, soak up the history!! LOVE it there."
Audra Krug
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Al Ringling Mansion is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car. If you're coming from the Wisconsin Dells area, it's a short drive. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to the mansion are limited. It's best to drive or consider ride-sharing services if you're not arriving by car.
The mansion is a prominent landmark in Baraboo. Follow signs for downtown Baraboo and you'll find it easily.
Yes, Great Wolf Lodge in Baraboo is relatively close. It's a short drive, making it a convenient option for a meal or a visit.
The mansion is in Baraboo, which is near Circus World Museum and within driving distance of the Wisconsin Dells.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you'll need tickets for a guided tour of the mansion. You can also visit the brewery and restaurant without a tour ticket.
Hours can vary, especially for tours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm tour times and availability.
Pricing for tours can vary. It's recommended to check their website for the most up-to-date ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Absolutely! The Al Ringling Brewing Co. is open to the public for food and drinks, offering a chance to experience the mansion's atmosphere. +1
Yes, special events like themed dinners often have separate ticketing and may sell out quickly. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see original furnishings, ornate woodwork, hand-painted ceilings, and murals. The mansion offers a rich glimpse into Al Ringling's life and the circus era.
Many visitors and staff report paranormal experiences, with claims of Al and his wife Lou still residing there. It's often described as one of Wisconsin's 'haunted' places. 
The Al Ringling Brewing Co. offers a selection of craft beers brewed on-site, inspired by a historic recipe found in the mansion. They also serve food. +1
Yes, parts of the Al Ringling Mansion have been converted into an Airbnb. Guests can experience staying in this historic property.
The circus connection might appeal to children. The brewery also has some circus memorabilia that could be interesting for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to confirm with your tour guide. Be mindful of other visitors.
The grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and rooms with original furnishings offer excellent photo opportunities. The brewery area also has a unique ambiance.
Avoid flash photography in certain areas if it might disturb the ambiance or potentially damage delicate artifacts. Professional photography may require special arrangements.
Yes, the brewery and dining areas are typically open for photos, capturing the blend of historic architecture and modern use.
During special events, photography policies might vary. Check with event organizers beforehand to ensure you can capture your memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main focus is historical, the Al Ringling Brewing Co. on-site offers a more casual environment where families can enjoy a meal. The brewery also has some circus memorabilia that might capture a child's attention. Consider checking for any special family-friendly events that might be happening during your visit.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
If you're looking for a truly immersive experience, consider attending one of their special events, which sometimes lean into the mansion's haunted reputation. Even without a specific paranormal investigation, the stories and atmosphere are enough to send shivers down your spine.
🍺 Beer Aficionados
Even if you're not a heavy beer drinker, the novelty of tasting locally brewed beer in a place with such a rich history is a significant draw. The brewery also serves food, making it a great spot for a meal with a side of history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ringling Legacy and Mansion History
Originally, the mansion was intended to be a lavish home for Al Ringling and his wife, but sadly, he passed away in the house in 1916, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate. The mansion has undergone various transformations over the years, including periods where its future was uncertain, with plans for demolition even being considered. Thankfully, preservation efforts have saved this historic gem.
Today, the Al Ringling Mansion serves multiple purposes. It's a museum offering guided tours that delve into its rich history and the lives of the Ringling family. It also houses the Al Ringling Brewing Co., where visitors can enjoy craft beers inspired by a recipe discovered within the mansion's walls. Furthermore, it operates as an Airbnb, allowing guests to experience an overnight stay in this historic setting, further immersing themselves in its unique atmosphere.
Haunted History and Paranormal Encounters
Specific areas within the mansion are noted for their heightened paranormal activity. The downstairs stairwell has been a site where guests have reported seeing or hearing figures pass by. The presence of a 15th-century Scottish Masonic chair is also a point of interest, with some claiming it evokes distinct feelings of power in men and unease in women.
While the mansion's haunted reputation adds an intriguing layer to its appeal, it's important to approach these claims with an open mind. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the stories and the atmosphere of the Al Ringling Mansion contribute to its captivating allure, making it a memorable destination for those interested in history and the unexplained.
The Al Ringling Brewing Co. Experience
The brewery provides a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a variety of beers, often accompanied by food. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a different perspective on the mansion's use. Even if you're not a dedicated beer connoisseur, the novelty of enjoying a drink in such a historic setting is a significant draw.
Beyond the beer, the brewery often serves as a hub for social interaction within the mansion. Visitors can mingle, enjoy the ambiance, and perhaps even hear more stories about the Ringling family and the mansion's history from staff who may have personal ties to the circus or the property. It's a perfect complement to a historical tour, offering a taste of both the past and the present.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit