December 20, 2024 Fresh Snow Alert! We received approximately 8 inches of snow yesterday through…
The Northern Lights & Lower Ice Age Campground open today! There are a few activities to talk about, weather info, trail info and a farmer’s market in Baraboo… Let’s get started!
For the sake of mobile users, we are using drop-downs for some information. Just click the heading, and the info will appear below. (Is this better or worse for you? Let us know in the comments below!)
Weekend Weather
Friday & Saturday will have some sun, with a high of 60 today and 68 on Saturday. Sunday will be 70 with a chance of storms. Click here for a full forecast.
Trail Conditions
We’ve had lots of cloudy rainy days. The trails over the bluffs are in fair condition with slippery spots and puddles here and there. Uplands & Steinke are muddy. Here is the full trail report.
Bike Trails? The Great Sauk Bike Trail from Sauk Prairie through the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area is in great condition! Remember, you will need a trail pass. Learn more about area biking opportunities here.
Lake Flies
The lake flies (non-biting midges) are still out and about around the lake. They are not as bad as a week ago, but still can be annoying!
Events & Activities
Saturday, 8 am – Lawn Chair Bird Watch, Birds & Bagels!
All you need is a comfortable lawn chair, a pair of binoculars, and a thermos of your favorite coffee for this morning bird watch. We’ll “park” our lawn chair by the lake, along the south shore and watch for ducks, eagles, osprey, warblers and much more as we indulge ourselves with a morning of birding. This year the Friends group will be supplying bagels for us to enjoy. Meet at the south shore boat launch parking lot. – Devil’s Lake State Park
- Learn more about Birding at Devil’s Lake State Park
Saturday, 7:30 pm – Frog Safari
If you are a frog fanatic, you will want to join us for this nocturnal trip to the park’s kettle ponds. We’ll listen for spring peepers, wood frogs, and chorus frogs. We’ll also listen for other night sounds as we hike the Johnson Moraine Trail. Bring your flashlight as we’ll be hiking right around dusk. Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot This is a great hike for everyone, but it is geared more towards families. – Devil’s Lake State Park
Saturday 7:30 am to 1 PM – Downtown Baraboo Farmer’s Market. On the square in downtown Baraboo. Visit Website.
Concessions
The North Shore Chateau is scheduled to open today (May 3rd, 2019)! This is where you can get supplies, snacks, gifts, shirts, and all that other fun touristy stuff!
Campgrounds
Beginning today, Quartzite, Northern Lights & the Lower Ice Age Campgrounds are all open! While there is downed wood stacked around due to Emerald Ash Borer control, for the most part, it’s as organized as can be. Most of the campgrounds are in great shape right now, the world is going green and it looks nice out there. Remember, same day reservations are now available!
A note of caution: We do have a warning for folks camping in the Lower Ice Age Campground. Some sites are still surrounded in downed wood and are not “ideal” if you have an option. As of last evening, campsites in the area of 318 to 325 were still a real mess with wood and brush stacked everywhere and extra muddy pads. I’d personally be disappointed if I arrived at these sites. A few other sites including; 314, 316, 335 and a couple of others have downed trees and stacked wood as well.
Final Word
It looks like a good weekend to get outside and a great time to get out and explore, not only Devil’s Lake State Park but out and around the Sauk County area. We’ve got lots of ideas and information posted here. However you do it, have a great weekend and as always, be safe!
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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