The Baraboo River carries a deep and layered history. Long before Euro-American settlement, Indigenous Peoples lived and thrived along its banks. In the mid-1700s, a trading fort where the Baraboo and Wisconsin Rivers meet, marking the beginning of a new era. As settlers arrived, the river powered mills and fueled small towns, grinding wheat and corn to support a growing agricultural economy. Dams spread across the river, reshaping its flow for small industries that powered the economy of the region.

But over time, the mills fell silent. The dams remained-obsolete, yet rooted in memory. Their removal sparked controversy. Communities along the river wrestled with questions of identity, heritage, and ecology. Eventually, through collaboration and hard conversations, a shared vision emerged.

Today, the Baraboo River runs free. It draws paddlers, birdwatchers, anglers, and anyone who finds peace in the rush and rhythm of water. It's more than a river-it's a story of resilience, change, and renewal.

Come hear the story of the Baraboo River.