Circus, Stage & Sips: A Sauk County Adventure
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Registration deadline is June 1
Celebrate the advent of summer by joining us on a trip to Sauk County where we will have three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery.
Note that this field trip is being organized by PLATO and there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods.
Registration: When you register there are two options.
Option 1: The registration fee for PLATO members is $95 which includes the bus, driver's tip, admission to Circus World, a guided tour of AL. Ringling Theatre, and a guided walking tour of Wollersheim Winery. PLATO members can also register a guest for $95.
Option 2: If you are a PLATO member and also a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society, you can show your current WHS membership card to get free admission to Circus World. Because of that we are offering a registration option of "PLATO and Wisconsin Historical Society Member" for $76. That registration fee includes the bus, driver's tip, a guided tour of AL. Ringling Theatre, and a guided walking tour of Wollersheim Winery along with your free admission to Circus World.
Lunch is not included in the registration fee. See below for lunch options.
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Circus World
You will have three hours to explore Circus World on your own. Circus World, owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, is located at the National Landmark Site of the original Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters on Water Street. These buildings are the largest and oldest group of circus structures in the United States, belonging to the largest circus enterprise the world has ever known.
One of the highlights of Circus World is the world's largest collection of more than 250 beautifully restored circus wagons. And new for 2025 four remarkable circus wagons will be on display alongside the permanent collection. On loan from Feld Entertainment, Inc., these treasures include the famed Ringling Bros. Bell Wagon. You’ll be awed by these historically significant circus wagons, each with their own tale to tell!
We will arrive in time for you to attend Circus World’s signature show “Holidays” under the Big Top. Experience the gravity-defying artistry of an aerial hammock, an amazing display of equine artistry, acrobats flying high in the dome of the big top, joyous juggling, kooky comedy, memorable music ... and high-flying adventures with the Flying Poemas.
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AL. Ringling Theatre
We will have a 60-minute guided tour of the spectacular Ringling Theatre in downtown Baraboo. The 700-seat theatre was built in 1915 by Al Ringling, co-founder with his brothers of the world-renowned Ringling Brothers Circus, and designed in the opulent style of grand French opera houses. Ringling built the theatre for the Baraboo community in a show of appreciation for the town that the Ringling Brothers called home and the original site of the Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters. Through the years, the theatre has hosted national touring companies, vaudeville, motion pictures and more, bringing performing arts and culture to Baraboo and the greater South-Central Wisconsin region.
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Wollersheim Winery
After leaving Baraboo we will travel to Wollersheim where we will have a 45-minute guided walking tour and learn about the winery's rich history, the vineyards and grape growing on the property. We will view the fermentation room as well as the underground limestone aging cellars in the historic winery building. During the tour we will be enjoying a sampling of 3 wines.
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Lunch
Lunch is on your own during our 3-hour visit to Circus World.
The Cookhouse Grill, located next to the Hippodrome, has burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, fries, pizza, and salads and other healthy options.
Additionally, Circus World offers a full range of circus treats located at stands throughout the grounds – cotton candy, hot dogs, brats, popcorn, sno-cones and ice cream!
For more upscale dining the Driftless Glen is rated the #1 restaurant in Baraboo and is a 5 minute walk from Circus World. View their menu at https://driftlessglen.com/menu
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Miscellaneous
Registration Policy: PLATO will refund an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline of June 1. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend or there are extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to register early so we know if we have enough people to make the trip financially feasible.
Dress Appropriately: We will be outside at Circus World and Wollersheim Winery. You should dress appropriately for the weather (i.e., comfortable, closed-toed shoes, umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, hats and gloves).
Accessibility: On the bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand.
The AL. Ringling Theatre's main auditorium and lobby areas are accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility difficulties.
At Wollersheim there is a 10 minute walk from the parking lot up a slight hill to the winery. The guided tour is primarily on hard surfaces like concrete or tiles. During the tour we will be walking or standing for 45 minutes, however there is a bench in the fermentation viewing area where you could sit for a few minutes while the guide talks about the fermentation process if you need a little break. There are a set of stairs on the tour but if needed you are welcome to use the elevator located next to the stairs.
Non-Member Policy: Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill in and Mail this form for those who wish to register off-line and by check.
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Bus and Travel Details
We will have a 56-passenger Van Galder/CoachUSA bus. Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Arrive early and we will all arrive at our destination on time to begin our adventure.
– Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.
- Our bus is equipped with WiFi and toilet facilities.
- Social Distancing will not be available on the bus.
Itinerary
Leave Madison
7:45 AM Bus arrives at East Towne Sears parking lot - (Across from Culvers under Lamp Post 10)
8:00 AM Departs East Towne Sears
8:25 AM Departs Capitol Lakes - 333 W Main St (Free parking only in ramp’s uppermost “S” Level)
9:00 AM Departs Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Rd (Park in Heritage Oaks Garage)
Arrive Madison (Estimated)
5:15 PM East Towne Sears
5:45 PM Arrives Capitol Lakes
6:15 PM Oakwood Village University Woods
For further information, contact trip organizer, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486
