Things to Do in Baraboo

Two teams of gunmen disperse across the tower field, some marksmen ducking for cover in the World War II–style bunkers constructed of railroad ties, others seeking protection inside the field's two-story pillboxes. Silently holding their positions, the players feel a hush fall over the field as they wait to see which side will make the first move in their battle to take the central, three-story tower. As they sit frozen behind their barricades, an excruciating hush envelops each one until it seems they're each alone on the territory. And then someone sprints toward the tower.

Apocalypse Paintball spans 50 acres of playing grounds, encompassing 15 current and upcoming fields that range from two speedball courses to a 40,000-square-foot castle. Coordinating both walk-on and private play, Apocalypse's staff maintains active, challenging bouts through organized games such as capture the flag and downed pilot. Between competitions, a fire pit, grills, and a large picnic area invite players to recuperate and exchange stories of catching incoming fire with their bare hands.

In addition to paintball, the Apocalypse crew also runs Airsoft sessions and hosts tournaments. An FAQ page anticipates visitors' questions to encourage a seamless transition to the fields.

The course at Glen Erin Golf Club harkens back to the earliest days of golf with a links-style layout inspired by traditional courses in Ireland. Though it opened in 2003, the course pays homage to yesteryear with rolling fairways, oversize greens, and deep pot bunkers. Native fescues ensnare wayward shots that venture outside the first cut of rough, forcing players to chop through dense grasses with scythe clubs just to get the ball back onto shorter grass. The back nine is bookended by par 5s on holes 10 and 18, each more than 575 yards in length and unreachable in two strokes for all but the longest hitters or golfers who have wired their golf ball with hummingbird wings.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 71 course
• Total length of 6,849 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 72.4 from the back tees
• Course slope of 126 from the back tees
• Four sets of tees per hole

Stationed on the shores of Lake Mendota, SkipperBud’s staff pairs clients with their choice of vessel before launching them into the lake’s placid waters. Up to 12 passengers can lounge on the Sylvan pontoon’s wraparound couches as the vessel cruises past the university campus and circles Governor’s Island. The more compact Sea Ray, meanwhile, kicks up waves as it races to the dock, water-skiers or hitchhiking mermen in tow.

Dance Fabulous's instructors think that dancing should be a stress-free experience. With that in mind, they’ve crafted a lineup of commitment-free drop-in classes that introduce students to hip-hop grooves, teach them core-strengthening belly-dance shimmies, and help party away calories with energy-packed Zumba moves. The lineup also includes more sensual classes meant to boost students' confidence, such as aerobic striptease dance and core-strengthening pole dance. During Hot Heels Hour classes, participants learn a new routine designed to be performed in pumps, which help strengthen cores, lift buns, and aerate the front lawn if practiced at home.

In addition to their drop-in classes, the instructors also schedule private lessons, which may cover the styles taught in group classes or focus on ballroom techniques or wedding choreography. Their adult parties come with similar themes, with lessons in styles from break dancing to striptease to Irish step. The studio was also named one of The Daily Page's picks for best places for a kids' birthday party; soirees can center around such themes as cheerleading, West African dance, and ballet. The staff offers a kids' hip-hop classes and a once-a-month family dance party, during which parents can tenderly pass down their ability to do the worm.