There are so many holiday events these days, that it's nearly impossible (and expensive!) to…
We’re heading into the weekend and it looks to be a hot one here in the Devil’s Lake region! So let’s get into it!
Weather Forecast
Now through the weekend, we’re looking at highs in the 80’s to about 90F. It’s going to very humid and with that comes a fair chance of scattered storms in the later afternoon and evenings. So be sure to check the weather before heading out on the water this weekend!
Trail Report
Hiking and biking trails are generally in good shape. Devil’s Lake’s Steinke Basin Trail being the exception to the rule, still having mud and ruts. Also, if you plan to go out on the state 400 trail or the Elroy-Sparta, check here to see which sections are still closed.
On Saturday, “Dances With Dirt” will be hosting a cleanup day with the Ice age Trail crew on Devil’s Lake’s Sauk Point Trail. The event goes from 9am to 11am. If you want to help, sign up at the DWD Facebook page.
Devil’s Lake State Park Events
All park events are FREE, but you do need a Wisconsin State Park pass or sticker for your car.
Sat, June 29, 11am – 12pm – Animal Feeding Day
Always popular with kids! Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the gartersnake slurp down a worm. Look at the treefrogs as the tackle a cricket or two. This program is great for all ages.
Sat, June 29, 11:30am – 12:30pm – Meet The Bee Keepers
Check out the Nature Center’s bee hive! Come visit with the bee keepers and watch as they take care of the hive. This program is great for all ages. Happening outside the Nature Center.
Sat, June 29, 6:30pm – 8:30pm – Guided Kayak Tour
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).
Sun, June 30, 6pm – 8pm – Music In The Park
Spend a Sunday evening at the North Shore of Devil’s Lake State Park for Music in the Park featuring Swing Crew. Fun is the bottom line with this interactive, acoustic band. The shows feature a wide variety of music, audience participation, jokes, stunts, cornball humor and toasts. Join the fun, join the show and you could be the recipient of The Swing Crew bumper sticker. The concert will happen on the north shore, just by the Chateau. This FREE concert is sponsored by the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park.
… And there’s even more weekend activities hosted by the park’s Nature Center!! You can get the full list on our Events Calendar by clicking here.
Mirror Lake State Park Events
All park events are FREE, but you do need a Wisconsin State Park pass or sticker for your car.
Sat, June 29, 10:00am – 11:30am – Hike the Echo Rock and Ishnala Trail
Travel back in time to learn how Mirror Lake was formed. Explore the wildflowers, smell the fresh pine trees, walk through the cool Ishnala Gorge and Echo Rock. Meet at the trailhead at the upper boat landing parking lot.
Sat, June 29, 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Scavenger Hunt
Are you a natural born detective? Do you like to hike? Join us at the beach to grab your scavenger hunt checklist and then hit the trails to find your treasures. Once you have found all your items, bring them back to the Naturalist at the Beach area.
Sat, June 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm – Music in the Park: Jake ‘O
Join the Friends of Mirror Lake as they bring Jake’O McCluskey to the stage as part of the Music in the Park summer concert series. Jake’O is a 25-year-old-soul with the spirit of an aged bluesman and talent of a seasoned rocker. He consistently amazes his audiences with his modern-retro originals and his eclectic arrangements of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and R&B. Event at the park Amphitheater.
Featured Area Events
Thur, June 27, 7:00pm – Concerts on the Square – Baraboo
Free concerts on Baraboo’s historic downtown Courthouse Square. Limited number of chairs are provided. You may also bring your own chair or a blanket. Refreshments available for purchase. In the event of rain it will move indoors across the street to the Al Ringling Theatre.
Tue-Sat, 1:30pm – Al Ringling Theater Tours – Baraboo
Join us for an interesting tour of the historical, majestic Al. Ringling Theatre this summer! Tours start at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, May 28-September 28, and are also available by appointment. Please call 608-356-8864 or email [email protected] to schedule your tour! Tour Admission: $15 per person | $12 Seniors & Active Military Members
Sat, June 29, 7:30am – 1:00pm – Farmer’s Market – Baraboo
Started by local growers in the late-1980’s, the Baraboo Farmers’ Market has become a favorite feature of downtown life for Baraboo residents, who avail themselves of the wealth of locally produced agricultural products every Wednesday and Saturday morning from early May through October. On Baraboo’s Historic Downtown Square between 3rd and 4th Streets.
Fri, June 28 through July 1 – Circus World Anniversary Days!! Baraboo
Celebrate Circus World’s 60th Anniversary with a remarkable $5.00 admission rate for everyone for these four days only. Circus World opened in 1959 with 2 buildings, on less than an acre of property, 6 circus wagons and the admission was 60 cents. Given the rate of inflation, admission for these four days will be the same as in 1959. More Information.
Fireworks in Baraboo on July 4th
Mark your calendars! There will again be a Fireworks display in Baraboo on July 4th. The event, put on by Festival Foods, will be held at the Sauk County Fairground which is just a couple of miles outside of Devil’s Lake State Park. Gates at the Sauk County Fairgrounds open at 5:00pm. Enjoy food, bounce houses, live music starting at 6pm. The fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. A donation of $5 per vehicle will be collected at the gate for those parking within the fair grounds.
Enjoy The Weekend!
So, have fun, be safe, bring your patience and watch the weather. I think that will cover it this weekend! 🙂 Stay cool!
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.