An adult bald eagle perched on a branch of a pine tree near its nest, which is visible among the tree's branches against a cloudy sky.
Two sandhill cranes in a grassy clearing in a wooded area.

Friends of the Baraboo River

Two people kayaking on a calm river surrounded by green foliage.
Two swans swimming in a river with trees and branches along the riverbank.

Community Action - the Baraboo River cleared of log jams between Union Center launch and Wonewoc on May 12th

A Bit about the Boo

Kayaking on the Baraboo River can be a fun and memorable experience for paddlers of all skill levels. The river offers a mix of calm stretches, mild rapids, and beautiful scenery, making it a popular spot for recreational paddling.

One of the most popular sections of the Baraboo River for kayaking is the stretch between North Freedom and West Baraboo. This section is about 8 miles long and features mostly calm water with a few small rapids and riffles. The scenery along this stretch is beautiful, with lush forests, rocky bluffs, and scenic sandbars.

For more experienced paddlers, the section of the Baraboo River between West Baraboo and the City of Baraboo offers some more challenging rapids, including a Class III rapid known as "Devil's Elbow." This section is about 6 miles long and features a mix of calm stretches and rapids, as well as some scenic sandstone cliffs.

Overall, kayaking on the Baraboo River can be a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of central Wisconsin and experience some fun and exciting paddling. However, it's important to be prepared with proper gear, including a life jacket, and to be aware of the river's current conditions before setting out on your trip. You can monitor those conditions by downloading the Friends of the Baraboo River mobile app.

The Baraboo River is a DNR designated State Water Trail.

Group of people kayaking on a river surrounded by trees.
Woman kayaking on a river, smiling, holding a paddle above her head, surrounded by green trees.
A woman kayaking on a river surrounded by greenery, smiling and wearing a red life vest and sunglasses.
Smartphone displaying the QSTORY app logo, which includes a large stylized letter Q with a speech bubble tail, and the word 'STORY' beneath it.
A QR code with the logo and text for Friends of the Barabo River, featuring a bicycle and paddleboard illustration, and the message 'Paddle the Boo Tour App'.

“Paddling down the ‘Boo’ with friends is a grand experience!”

Photos: courtesy Seth Taft