Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Wisconsin. And for good reason. This park is well-maintained, has plenty of things to do and is close to other popular tourist attractions. However, what really makes this park stand out is the beautiful Lake at the heart of it. This pristine lake is surrounded by white cliffs and beaches and the clear waters make for a perfect backdrop to your adventures. Continue reading to find out what awaits you at Devil’s Lake State Park.
Before we get started, here are some things to know about Devil’s Lake State Park. First, it has long been a popular tourist attraction. Originally, it was a resort area, catering to the elite of Chicago and Madison. When tourists abandoned the resorts, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the trails that exist today and it became the state park that we love today. Additionally, part of the Park is also a National Natural Landmark and you can get your National Parks passport stamped here.
When to Visit Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is a great place to visit year round. However, several of the best things to do, like spending time playing in the lake, aren’t available in the winter. Some of the trails convert to snowshoeing and skiing trails in the winter so there are still things to do; just different things. We like warm weather better, so we focused this article on activities in the warm weather seasons. We recommend the summer months for families or first time visitors.
Things to Do at Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake is the center of attention at Devil’s Lake State Park. Along the lakeshore, there is a concession stand where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle-boards. Also, there is a beach where you can plop down on and sit in the sun. And jump in the water every now and then to cool off.
Hiking
There are miles of trails for hiking in Devil’s Lake State Park. Several of them are loops and most are well maintained. Ask at the park station for the best hikes to suit your fitness level and time. Our favorite hike was walking all the way around Devil’s Lake and seeing the multiple sights along the way. Below are some of the most popular hikes at Devil’s Lake State Park.
Parfrey’s Glen
Parfrey’s Glen is a charming little waterfall amidst green cliffs. You hike your way up the river between two cliffs. This is an easy hike and you see tons of people here from all ability levels. To start the hike, you need to drive to the hiking trail or take the much longer hike from the main park area.
- Distance: 1.4 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 209 feet
- Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic sights in the park. This rock appears to be precariously perched on the cliff just above the lake. It is a beautiful viewing area of the lake and a pretty cool rock.
- Distance: 1.4 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 419 feet
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: difficult, with lots of rock scrambling
Devil’s Doorway
Devil’s Doorway is one of the most popular sights in the park. This popular hike is another easy hike that can be added on to your visit to Balanced Rock.
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 508 feet
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: difficult
Devil’s Lake Ranger Programs
Check at the ranger station when you arrive to see what programs they offer that day. They often provide nature programs or guided walks. These programs generally target families or children, like bird or nature spotting. We spotted our first indigo bunting here (and no it’s not the same as a blue bird ma’am).
Rock Climbing
Devil’s Lake State Park offers some of the best rock climbing in the region. If you are experienced, you can bring your own gear. If you want to try rock climbing or work on your skills, contact a guide to take you on a climb. The cliffs here offer varying levels of difficulty for all levels of skill.
Where to Stay Near Devil’s Lake State Park
Camping in Devil’s Lake State Park is the best place stay near the park! The campground is huge, and popular. And as such, it has plenty of amenities, like flush toilets, showers, concession stands, and electric hookups. Campsites cost around $20 for non-electric sites. If you don’t need an electric hookup, make sure to stay in the Ice Age Campground as there are no electric sites so you won’t have to listen to generators all night long. Alternatively, electric hookups are offered in the other campgrounds in the park.
If you are planning on camping, you can attempt to get a first come first served site, but the best option is to reserve your campsite. In the past, we’ve reserved our campsites in February and not been able to get our desired dates. So make sure to book early if you have a specific time frame or campsite in mind.
If you don’t want to camp, you can find accommodations in the nearby town of Baraboo.
What to Budget
Wisconsin State Park admission is $28 for a yearly pass for a Wisconsin resident and $38 for a non-resident. Alternatively, daily passes are $10/day for residents or $13/day for non-residents. Admission stickers are associated with a vehicle and anyone in it. Residency is determined by the state issuing the vehicle’s license plate.
Also, your budget should include your accommodations and food. We packed food and ate at our campsite when we visited. However, if you are interested in eating out, there are several restaurant nearby. A sit-down dinner in the area can range from $13-$50/person, depending on the type of restaurant you choose.
What to Pack
If you visit Devil’s Lake State Park, you’ll most likely be doing some hiking. So make sure to pack comfortable clothes that you can layer and sensible shoes. The hiking trails here are well groomed so you don’t necessarily need boots. We hiked in training shoes and “hiking” sandals.
If you camp, make sure to pack all of your camping supplies. Also, you should pack food to eat in the park, whether that be every meal or just lunch. We packed our soft-sided cooler along with food to cook over the campfire.
Mosquitos in Wisconsin can be a real problem. So remember to pack a bug spray. If you plan on spending time at the beach, don’t forget to pack sunscreen.
We hope this has helped you to plan your own trip to Devil’s Lake State Park. We think you’ll love it! If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
Thank you for the information and recommendations! I am headed there tomorrow with my husband, hoping to get a full day of nature in!
Thanks for the informative article. Are the trails shaded though?
Thanks for the kind words.
Yes, a majority of the trails go through wooded areas so they are mostly shaded. There are a few stretches here and there that go through sunny areas but I think as long as you have water and sunscreen, you should still be pretty comfortable hiking here in the summer.