Summer is a fantastic time to get away to the Baraboo Hills Region of Wisconsin. With rolling hills, sparkling lakes, dramatic bluffs, and lush forested trails, the area is a dream for anyone looking to recharge and explore the outdoors. Pair a visit to this scenic area with fun (and practical) activities like riding the Merrimac Ferry on Lake Wisconsin, and you have a fantastic summer trip in the works.
Just over an hour from Madison and two hours from Milwaukee, this part of south-central Wisconsin feels like a true escape, without requiring you to go too far. Whether you’re in the mood for sun-drenched hikes in Devil’s Lake State Park or planning a romantic weekend retreat, this scenic part of Wisconsin offers a refreshing mix of outdoor recreation, small-town charm, and natural beauty.
One of the most unexpectedly delightful ways to experience the region is via the Merrimac Ferry, a short, scenic ride across the Wisconsin River on Lake Wisconsin. The trip across the lake is both a novelty and a practical shortcut, adding a wonderful touch of nostalgia and a different perspective on our surrounding landscape. It’s lovely at sunrise or sunset. Whether you’re heading toward the Wollersheim Winery, Devil’s Lake, or exploring backroads on a leisurely day trip, the Merrimac Ferry Wisconsin experience makes getting around the region part of the adventure.
Of course, no visit to the Baraboo area is complete without a stay at the Inn at Wawanissee Point. Tucked into the woods with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Wisconsin River Valley, this adults-only inn is widely considered the most romantic bed and breakfast in Wisconsin. Guests come for the peace, the panoramic vistas, the wine at sunset, and the cozy, upscale accommodations, but they return for the personalized hospitality and the perfect blend of comfort and access to nature.
With Devil’s Lake State Park, local wineries, hiking trails, and yes—the Merrimac Ferry—just minutes away, this is the ideal basecamp for your summer getaway in the Baraboo Hills. Book your getaway today!
What to Know About the Merrimac Ferry
For many travelers, the Merrimac Ferry is simply a quick and practical way to get across Lake Wisconsin. But for others, it’s a genuine slice of Wisconsin history. Operating continuously since 1848, this iconic Wisconsin car ferry connects the villages of Merrimac and Okee along Highway 113, offering locals and travelers alike a charming alternative to the usual highway drive. The Merrimac Ferry is the only free car ferry in Wisconsin, run by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and one of the few remaining inland ferries in the Midwest still operating daily.
The Merrimac Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from mid-April through the end of November, weather permitting. The crossing takes about 7 minutes, with the ferry shuttling back and forth every few minutes during daylight hours and a bit less frequently late at night. There’s no ticket required. Just line up on either side and wait for your turn. The vessel holds around 15 cars, with additional space for bikes, motorcycles, and walk-on passengers.
During summer weekends, you might experience a short wait, but locals will tell you that’s part of the fun. It gives you time to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or grab a scoop of ice cream from Merrimac Ferry Landing Concessions on the North Side, or the Merrimac Scoop on the south side while you wait. While the Merrimac Ferry is a convenient transportation option, it’s also become a tourist attraction, bringing well over 200,000 people to the small town of Merrimac to experience the quiet charm of this short ferry ride.
Hikers in the area also use this ferry a lot, as it serves as a connection along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It’s also a scenic detour for visitors heading to Devil’s Lake State Park, the Wollersheim Winery, or the charming town of Baraboo. If you’re riding just for fun, which we highly recommend, plan a stop at Fitz’s on the Lake or Lucky’s on the Lake for lunch, drinks, or a lakeside dinner. Both offer patio seating with a front-row seat to the ferry coming and going.
The Merrimac Ferry’s route may be short, and it may seem insignificant. But we think it’s worth it! This unique ferry pulls itself across the water on three cables. As you let the cables do the work, give yourself the chance to sit back, relax, and take in the views. This free ride is one of the most charming ways to explore the Baraboo Hills Region.
Getaway to the Baraboo Hills
Your getaway to the Baraboo Hills deserves a stay that matches the beauty of the region—and our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast near Devil’s Lake State Park delivers just that. This adults-only, luxury villa sits high above the Lake Wisconsin Valley, offering sweeping panoramic views that feel almost unreal at golden hour. Guests often describe the experience as transformative—watching the sun dip behind the ridgeline with a glass of wine in hand, far removed from the rush of daily life.
With just a handful of thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, you’ll enjoy the kind of quiet, comfort, and privacy that’s increasingly hard to come by. It’s no surprise that our Inn has earned a reputation as the most romantic bed and breakfast in Wisconsin. The location is ideal for travelers who want easy access to the best of the Baraboo area. You’re just minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park, Parfrey’s Glen, and the Ice Age Trail, not to mention wineries, supper clubs, and charming small towns like Merrimac and Baraboo itself.
After a day of hiking, paddling, sightseeing, or taking the Merrimac Ferry across Lake Wisconsin, coming back to the Inn feels like a reward. Whether you’re soaking in a whirlpool tub, lounging on the deck, or sipping a locally sourced beverage by the fire, it’s clear that this is more than just a place to sleep. What really sets the Inn at Wawanissee Point apart, though, is the attention to detail and warm hospitality you’ll find here.
Gourmet breakfasts are prepared fresh each morning, fueling you up for the busy (or relaxed) day ahead. Our Innkeepers are consummate hosts, always offering a warm welcome, and ready with suggestions for scenic drives, off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, or hidden local gems (like where to find the best views of the Wisconsin ferry making its way across the water). Our Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo is the ultimate basecamp for exploring the region, and the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Book your stay today!
