There are so many holiday events these days, that it's nearly impossible (and expensive!) to…
Happy “Almost-The-Weekend” everyone! This weekend we’ve got bows, bees, kayaks and Baraboo Ropes Rescue! And of course, there’s more…
The Weather!
Ugg. The weather. So, it’s going to be sunny, cloudy, rainy, warm, stormy… That’s been the drill most of this early summer. The temps all weekend will be in the high 70s to around 80 with about a 40% chance of rain or storms each day. Here’s one local forecast.
The Trails
I think we’re hitting our summer stride. Most of the trails are in fine summer shape, but again, with the rain, there are wet areas and puddles. The Uplands Trail has improved a bit recently, but Steinke Basin is still muddy. You can read the most recent trail reports here.
Devil’s Lake Activities & Events
Friday Fish Fry! June 21, 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
The Barn Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Fish Frys at Devil’s Lake outside the Chateau throughout the summer. Cost is $12.
Friday Fireside (With Fireflies!), June 21, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Join us by the fireside to find out about fireflies! Learn more about these fascinating night-time insects then head off to catch and watch fireflies in the tall grasses. This program’s activities are designed with families in mind, but open to “kids” of all ages. Meet at the Nature Center.
It’s Archery Weekend at Devil’s Lake State Park!
Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd & 23rd from 12:30 – 3:00 pm. – Join the Devil’s Lake State Park Naturalist and staff for a fun, free afternoon of archery! The program is held right by the North Shore Boat Launch and you can drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, there will be certified instructors on hand to help kids of all ages with some target practice.
Meet The Beekeepers! Sat, June 22, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Check out the Nature Center’s beehive! Come visit with the beekeepers and watch as they take care of the hive. This program is great for all ages. Happening outside the Nature Center.
Guided Kayak Tour – Sat, June 22, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
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).
Stuck on the Rocks – Ropes Rescue Program – Sat, June 22, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Presented by the Baraboo District Ambulance Service Find out what happens when there’s an emergency on the bluffs of Devil Lake. Staff from the Baraboo District Ambulance Service will show you the techniques and equipment used in rope rescues. Happening outside the Chateau (North Shore Concessions). Drop in anytime during the event.
Even more activities will keep your family busy all weekend through the Devil’s Lake State Park Nature Center. Go to our events calendar for the full list!
Mirror Lake State Park Activities
Mirror Lake State Park is just 10 minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park and also offers a variety of naturalist lead programs this weekend!
Naturalist Drop-in Session Friday June 21, 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
The naturalist will be on hand to show the kids the animals, hand out some coloring pages, word search puzzles, maze puzzles, talk about the programs on Saturday, and assist kids with getting started on their Explorer Patch program. Takes place at the park office.
Echo Rock Hike – Sat, June 22, 10:00am – 11:30am
Meet at the Echo Rock Trailhead at the upper boat landing parking lot. Travel back in time to discover how Mirror Lake was formed, explore the wildflowers, smell the fresh pine trees, walk through the cooler Ishnala gorge.
Photogeocaching – Sat, June 22, 1:00pm
The starting point is the beach area! Visit the Naturalist at the beach to pick up your checklist of items you will hunt along the Newport Trail. Once you find the item, snap a picture of the item. When you complete your adventure and find all the items, return to the Naturalist. Your pictures will be viewed for confirmation and you can then pick up your prize! This is an opportunity to take a hike, notice your surroundings, discover natural beauty and WIN A PRIZE!
Nearby Activities and Events
Here are just a few of the activities and events going on around the park this weekend.
Summer Solstice Festival – Sauk Prairie Sat, June 22, 9:00am- 11:30pm
Celebrate the longest day of the year with food trucks, live music, Vintage Brewing Co. Sauk Prairie brews, sport tournaments (sand volleyball, bag toss, pickleball), Sauk Prairie Twins baseball game, Fireworks and much more! Held at: Jaycee Athletic Park at 305 Hemlock – Sauk City, WI 53583
Baraboo Farmer’s Market – Sat, June 22, 7:30am – 1:00pm
All local growers! Held on the Square in Downtown Baraboo. Soap, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables and more.
Baraboo Sunday Market – Sun, June 23 9:00am – 3:00pm
Antiques, Vintage Handmade and Homegrown street sales, On the Square in Downtown Baraboo, Rain or Shine.
Let’s wrap up this week with a reminder about safety. Wisconsin’s Interstate highways are seeing a lot of construction and with that, an uptick in traffic accidents. Please slow down and pay attention while out on the road. Also we had a recent drowning on the Wisconsin River at the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. The Wisconsin River is notorious for tricky currents and I can tell you more locals than not, will not swim in the Wisconsin River. If you do go out on the WI… wear a lifejacket! Be safe out there!
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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