July 4th Weekend! Events

The weekend looks pretty sweet! We’re looking at Mid-80s through Friday, with a chance of thunderstorms. Then Saturday & Sunday will be right around 80 with less humid conditions. Remember, it’s always a bit cooler right by the lake as well. Here’s one local forecast.

The trails are in good summer condition, but we’ve had storms on and off, so expect to find wet areas. Again, the Steinke Basin trail has dried out a bit, but it’s still muddy and the rain isn’t helping.

As always, there are many more activities going on at the Devil’s Lake Nature Center than the ones we feature here, so be sure to check out our park events calendar for more ideas to keep your family busy this weekend.

Fri, July 5, 5:00pm – 7:30pm – Friday Fish Fry

The Barn Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Fish Frys at Devil’s Lake outside the Chateau throughout the summer. Cost $12 Per Person

Fri, July 5, 8:30pm – 11:00pm – Friday Fireside – Night Sky

Join us by the fireside to see the glorious stars and planets out during the height of summer. We’ll have a couple of telescopes set up for you to look through and star apps to help you navigate through the night sky. This program is best for kids 7 and older and adults, but open to “kids” of all ages. Meet at the North Shore Boat Launch.

Sat, July 6, 11am – 12pm – Animal Feeding Day!

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, July 6, 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, July 6, 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)

Mirror Lake State Park is just 10 minutes north-west of Devil’s Lake and offers even more family friends programs on the weekends.

Sat, July 6, 9:30am to 11:30am & 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm- Eco-Tour of Mirror Lake

SOAC will be conducting an Eco-Tour of Mirror Lake. Join us on a 32 foot canoe to explore the nooks and crannies along the lakeshore. We are on the hunt for tadpoles, fish nests, turtles, Cliff Swallows, ducks, snails, dragonflies, and so much more. This is a great way to see the many features of Mirror Lake and learn a bit about who and what lives in and around the lake. The cost is $20 per adult, $10 per child 5 to 12 and kids under 4 are free when accompanied by a parent. There are limited seats (15-18) and it is a first come, first served program. In the event of lightning or heavy rain this event will be canceled.

Sat, July 6, 9:30am – 11:30am – Monarch Butterflies

Elaine, a volunteer and master naturalist, will be sharing all she knows about Monarch butterflies. She has first hand knowledge about tagging and tracking their migration, habitats – ways you can help them, and the life cycle of the butterfly. How to build a monarch garden handouts will be available. (On The Beach)

Sat, July 6, 7:00pm – Geo-caching Family Fun

Let’s talk about adventure, exploration, and the how to’s of geocaching. Did you know most state parks offer GPS units for check out and have many geocaches within the park boundaries? Let’s get out there and explore. Handouts for how and where to register for an account as well as cell phone apps for GPS will be provided. We will do a hands-on demonstration of how the apps work and we will find a geocache hidden near the amphitheater. Afterward, stay for a while and enjoy the campfire and s’mores.

Here are just some of the events going on in the area this weekend!

Thursday, July 4th 8:00pm to 10:00pm – 4th of July Fireworks, Wisconsin Dells

Downtown Dells is planning a Fireworks Extravaganza! Join us at Dusk with refreshments on-site, a DJ and over 1,300 fireworks! The best viewing will be at Maurer’s and the Bank of Wisconsin Dells parking lots. Fireworks being at dusk.

Friday, July 5th 5:00pm – Merrimac Fire & Rescue Fireworks

Gates open at 5 pm with Fireworks at Dusk. (Rain Date July 6th) – $5 a carload. Location: S7116 Bluff Road Merrimac, Wisconsin 53561.

Friday, July 5th & Sat, July 6th – Fire on the River – Sauk City

Festivities include: games for children, food, beer tent, silent auction, & live entertainment all day, with a fabulous fireworks display to round out the evening on Saturday. Fireworks on the Wisconsin River will start at dusk on Saturday. Click here for the full schedule of events.

Sat, July 6, 7:00pm – Farmer’s Market, Downtown 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. Only Wisconsin-produced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, eggs, bakery items, flowers and perennials, bedding plants, jams and jellies, maple syrup and honey, herbs and herbal products, and other commodities are allowed to be sold at the market. Located on the historic square in Downtown Baraboo. Website.

Sat, July 6, 10:00am to 3:00pm – Art in the Park, Lodi

Art fair in scenic Habermann Park in downtown Lodi. Great variety of items including pottery, stained glass, jewelry, cutting boards and apparel handmade by the artist. Rain or shine. Facebook Page.

Sat, July 6, 8:30pm to 9:30pm – Fireworks over the Pond, LaValle

Fireworks at dusk over the mill pond at dusk! LaValle Pond, Center Street, in LaValle.

Sun, July 7, 1:00pm to 3:00 pm – Acoustic Jam, Spring Green

Come to play or come to listen. First Sunday of the month, year round at the Spring Green General Store. Check our web site.

Monday, July 8, 2:20pm – Sauk County Fair

The Sauk County Fair kicks off with Junior Fair Pre-Fair Judging, Cat Show and more. The fair’s Midway & Rides open up on Wednesday, July 10th. For the full weeks schedule click here.