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It’s time to look at what’s up this week and weekend here in the Devil’s Lake State Park region. Well, when it comes to filling your nature prescription we’ve got some good stuff including the spectacular lupine bloom on the Merrimac preserve right night to Devil’s Lake State Park. Let’s dive in…
Free Fun Weekend
On the first full weekend in June (June 1 & 2, 2019), admission to Wisconsin State Parks and forests is free! This includes; Devil’s Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park and Rocky Arbor of course! Wisconsin residents and visitors can also use state trails such as the Great Sauk Trail, and fish for free as well. Learn more.
Devil’s Lake Events
Dance To The Big Band – Sat. June 1, 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm – Dance to the Big Band sounds of the Hal Edwards Orchestra in Wisconsin’s celebrated “most romantic dance pavilion”, the North Shore Chateau. Join us as we relive the glory years. Cost is $10.
Guided Kayak Tour – Sat, June 1, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm – Go on a kayak adventure at Devil’s Lake! Guides will take you on a 2-hour tour of the lake exploring the geology, history and lake’s wildlife. Space is limited, so you’ll need to preregister. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25 for a single kayak and $45 for a double.
To register, please contact the Nature Center at (608) 356-8301 ext. 140. This program is best for adults and children 10 and older. Meet at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions).
There are many more activities and “drop-ins” this weekend hosted by the Devil’s Lake Nature Center. For a full list, visit our events calendar here.
Local Events
36th Annual Zoo Crew Day! – Sun, June 2nd, 10:00 am-4:00 pm – Join Friends of the Baraboo Zoo, the Ochsner Park Zoo Staff, many volunteers, and partner organizations for a fun Sunday at Ochsner Park and Zoo. New this year is Eat Street with Food Vendors From Pizza Hut, Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Edwards Ice Cream and many more, craft fair, live music, entertainment for all ages and so much more! Zoo Information.
Grand Opening of the Welsh Hills Trail – Saturday, June 1st, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – The Welsh Hills Trail near Spring Green in Sauk County, traverses about a mile of the lower slopes of the Welsh Hills affording hikers a unique perspective of the Taliesin estate and the ongoing ecological restoration of the landscape. The marked trail connects the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center with Unity Chapel. Hikers can return on the same trail or take the paved recreational trail along Highway 23 back to the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. The trail is now open year-round and free of charge. Learn More.
Nature Events
Merrimac Preserve Lupine Bloom – It’s not California’s “super bloom” but it’s not too bad either! The annual lupine bloom at the Merrimac preserve next to Devil’s Lake is always spectacular after spring prescribed burns, as is the case this year. This will be the peak weekend for the bloom. You will find the lupine on the western side of the preserve, visible from highway 113.- More Information / Map.
If you do go: Be respectful. Don’t step on the flowers. Respect the wildlife and keep dogs on a leash at all times. Oh, yeah and be prepared for ticks!
Trail Conditions
We haven’t updated our Trail Report page in a few days because “Wet and Muddy” still covers it. The popular paved trails around Devil’s Lake State Park’s bluffs are in good to fair conditions, but the rocky cliffs and stairs may still be wet and slippery. Read and submit your experiences to our full report here.
Local weather
The forecast is looking pretty good with temps near 85 on Friday and the low 70s the rest of the weekend. There is a chance of storms on Saturday. Here’s a local weather forecast for you.
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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