About Sauk County
Sauk County is located in south-central Wisconsin, covering approximately 849 square miles of diverse terrain including river valleys, bluffs, and the unique Baraboo Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. The county seat is Baraboo, home to the historic Circus World Museum and the original winter headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus. As of recent estimates, Sauk County has a population of approximately 65,000 residents.
- The Register of Deeds office, also at the courthouse, maintains property records, land transactions, and recorded documents.
The county is renowned for its natural attractions, particularly the Wisconsin Dells, often called the "Waterpark Capital of the World," and Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin's most visited state park featuring 500-foot quartzite bluffs. The county was established in 1840 and named after the Sauk Nation, indigenous people who historically inhabited the region. Major communities include Baraboo, Reedsburg, Wisconsin Dells, and Prairie du Sac.
The Sauk County Courthouse is located at 515 Oak Street in Baraboo. The Sauk County Clerk's office manages vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration from the courthouse. The Sauk County Assessor's office, located at 505 Broadway in Baraboo, handles property assessments and tax records.
The county's economy blends tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, with the Wisconsin River forming its southern boundary and providing both recreational opportunities and hydroelectric power.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Sauk County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the Sauk County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community programs aimed at enhancing public safety and fostering community relations. Notable divisions within the office include the Patrol Division, which handles routine law enforcement duties, and the Investigations Division, which focuses on solving crimes and gathering intelligence.
Police Departments
In addition to the Sauk County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Baraboo Police Department, Reedsburg Police Department, and Sauk City Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement. Coordination between the sheriff's office and municipal departments is common, particularly for major crimes that require additional resources and expertise.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Sauk County Sheriff's Office, located at 505 Broadway in Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides county-wide services including jail operations, civil process, and patrol. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (608) 356-4895, and their website at co.sauk.wi.us/sheriff provides information on services and programs. The Sauk County Jail, located at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, arrest records are generally public and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Requests should be made in writing to the specific law enforcement agency, though fees may apply for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sauk County Sheriff's Office by request, as these are considered public records unless sealed by court order.
- Processing times and fees vary by agency.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail at (608) 355-4495 or through the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide a roster of current inmates. Municipal police departments serve the incorporated cities and villages, including the Baraboo Police Department (608-355-2720), Reedsburg Police Department (608-524-2345), Wisconsin Dells Police Department (608-253-1611), Prairie du Sac Police Department, and Sauk City Police Department. The Wisconsin Dells area also coordinates with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office due to the city's location straddling both counties.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Sauk County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Sauk County Clerk of Courts and the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Residents can request background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive reports on an individual's criminal history. The process involves submitting a request form and paying a nominal fee, with results typically including arrest records, court dispositions, and incarceration history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sauk County are maintained by the Sauk County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records provide details of the arrest, including the date, time, location, and charges. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, the arresting officer's details, and any subsequent court proceedings.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Sauk County Jail, located in Baraboo, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, with information available through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sauk County are taken and retained by the Sauk County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request. While Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Sauk County court proceedings are handled by the Sauk County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's unified court system. The courthouse is located at 515 Oak Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, and can be reached at (608) 355-3287. Sauk County has two circuit court branches (Branch 1 and Branch 2) that hear civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims cases.
- To obtain certified copies of court documents, requests must be made to the Clerk of Court office with appropriate fees, typically $5.00 for certification plus copy costs.
Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access (WCCA) provides free online access to circuit court case records at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria for most case types, though some records involving juveniles or sealed cases are restricted. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all case files and records. Municipal courts in cities like Baraboo, Reedsburg, and Wisconsin Dells handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and minor offenses within their jurisdictions.
The Sauk County Probate Court functions as part of the Circuit Court and handles estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Public access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapter 70 and Wisconsin Statutes §19.21-19.39. In-person record searches are available during courthouse business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Some records may be restricted or require a court order for access, particularly those involving minors or sealed proceedings.
Property & Public Records
The Sauk County Register of Deeds, located at 515 Oak Street in Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, maintains and records all land-related documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, and surveys. The office can be reached at (608) 355-3266, and their website at co.sauk.wi.us/registerofdeeds provides access to online records. The office offers a free online property document search system where users can search by name, document type, or parcel number to view recorded instruments dating back several decades.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type and page count.
- All recording requests must include proper legal descriptions and conform to Wisconsin formatting requirements under §706.05.
Documents can be viewed online at no charge, though printing or obtaining certified copies requires fees set by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43, currently $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional $3.00 fee. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Sauk County Assessor's Office at 505 Broadway, Baraboo (608-355-4322) and the County Treasurer at the courthouse. Sauk County provides an online GIS mapping system and parcel viewer accessible through the county website, allowing users to search properties by address, owner name, or parcel identification number to view assessment data, tax information, aerial photography, and property characteristics.
Land information and survey records are maintained by the Land Information Office.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Sauk County are available through the Sauk County Register of Deeds office, which serves as the local vital records custodian, located at 515 Oak Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, phone (608) 355-3266. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure. Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of direct and tangible interest as required by Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24.
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for in-person requests and up to two weeks for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is $110.00, and there is a six-day waiting period after application unless waived by court order.
- Online ordering through VitalChek is available for Wisconsin vital records with additional convenience fees.
Only eligible individuals such as the subject (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, children, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Sauk County Clerk's office at the courthouse (608-355-3289) prior to the wedding ceremony; both parties must appear in person with identification. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Sauk County Clerk of Circuit Court and require the case number or parties' names for retrieval.
For events occurring outside Sauk County or for records more than 100 years old, contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office at P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, or visit their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Sauk County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. The Sauk County Clerk's office at the courthouse, 515 Oak Street, Baraboo (608-355-3289), handles registration of trade names (DBAs) and fictitious business names operating in the county, with fees typically $25.00 per registration. However, formal business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, partnerships) must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions through the Wisconsin Business Services Division.
The state's online Corporate Registration Information System (CRIS) at businesssearch.wi.gov provides free searchable access to all registered business entities in Wisconsin, including those operating in Sauk County, showing entity names, registered agents, status, and filing history. The Sauk County Planning & Zoning Department at 505 Broadway, Baraboo (608-355-4833) handles land use permits, conditional use permits, and zoning compliance for businesses. Building permits for commercial construction are issued by the county's Building Inspection Department or by municipal building inspectors in incorporated areas like Baraboo and Reedsburg.
Professional licenses (contractors, food service, health care) are typically regulated at the state level through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Alcohol beverage licenses are issued by municipal clerks for businesses within city/village limits or by the County Clerk for unincorporated areas. The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce (baraboochamber.com) and Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau serve as resources for business development, networking, and economic information in their respective regions.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Sauk County are administered by the Sauk County Clerk's office, located at 515 Oak Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official and can be reached at (608) 355-3289, with election information available at co.sauk.wi.us/countyclerk. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, or in-person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration at the polls with proper proof of residence.
- Absentee ballots can be requested online through myvote.wi.gov, by contacting your municipal clerk directly, or through the County Clerk's office.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §5-12 and the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens may request copies of election materials, poll lists, and voting equipment reports, promoting transparency.
- The Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov provides statewide election oversight and comprehensive voter information.
The registration deadline for by-mail registration is 20 days before any election, though online registration is available until 11:59 PM the day before Election Day. Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status at myvote.wi.gov by entering their address. Sauk County election records that are public include voter registration lists (with restrictions on use), campaign finance reports filed with the county, candidate nomination papers, precinct-by-precinct election results, and absentee voter statistics.
In the November 2024 general election, Sauk County recorded approximately 68-72% voter turnout, consistent with Wisconsin's historically high participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate race, Wisconsin constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Wisconsin law requires absentee ballot requests be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular absentee voting, though in-person absentee voting is available at clerk offices until the Sunday before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Sauk County's economy is heavily driven by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, creating a diverse economic base. The Wisconsin Dells area generates substantial tourism revenue, attracting millions of visitors annually to its waterparks, resorts, entertainment venues, and natural attractions. Major employers include Foremost Farms USA (dairy processing), Mead & Hunt (engineering), various resort properties in Wisconsin Dells, Flambeau Inc. (plastics manufacturing), and healthcare providers including St. Clare Hospital and Sauk Prairie Healthcare.
- The median household income in Sauk County is approximately $65,000, slightly below the state average.
- Manufacturing encompasses food processing, plastics, metal fabrication, and specialized products.
- The diverse economic base provides some resilience against sector-specific downturns.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and cranberry production prevalent throughout the county's rural areas. The Wisconsin River's four hydroelectric dams provide renewable energy and supported the region's historic industrial development. The Ho-Chunk Nation, headquartered in nearby Black River Falls but with significant presence in Sauk County, operates gaming facilities and other enterprises contributing to the regional economy.
Recent economic development has focused on expanding tourism infrastructure, supporting agricultural innovation, and attracting light manufacturing and distribution facilities with access to Highway 12 and Interstate 90/94. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks closely with Wisconsin's state average, ranging between 3-4% in recent years. Retail and hospitality sectors see seasonal variation, with peak employment during summer tourism months.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/Limited Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Only | Business: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote) | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Sauk County provides good digital access to court and property records, with strong state election resources, though jail rosters and vital records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Sauk County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Nearby Counties
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