The Weekend! July 12,13,14

A hot one this weekend! Lots of sun, temps in the high 80s and only slight chances of storms. Here’s one local forecast.

The trails are in great summer shape. Be aware that on Saturday the park is hosting the Dances With Dirt event, so there will be runners out there on the trails including Steinke Basin and Uplands. We also want to suggest extra caution on the park’s Balanced Rock Trail where dry, dusty quartzite stairs are slick. Folks have reported some minor slips and stumbles. Use caution, wear good shoes and don’t wear flipflops!

Swimmer’s Itch has been reported in the lake. For more information click here.

If you’re a fan of the Great Blue Heron rookery it’s worth noting that the chicks are fledging or about to fledge. If you want to get out there to see and hear them, do it soon before they leave the rookery for another season. Here’s a bit of information and video posted earlier this week.

Friday, July 12th

Friday Fish Fry

5 pm – 7:30 pm – The Barn Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Fish Frys at Devil’s Lake outside the Chateau throughout the summer.

Friday Fireside, Night Sky

8:30 pm – 11:00 pm – 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.

Saturday, July 13

Dances With Dirt

All Day – Dances with Dirt continues to lure runners over to the dark side. Not a Peter Cottontail Bunny Trail run but an insane test of human endurance with muscles on fire and a finish line that will leave you beaten to a pulp but totally satisfied! Expect a day that leaves you knowing you are fully awake, alive and living life in full color out near the crumbling edge. More Information.

Meet The Bee Keepers

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – 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.

Archery Day

12:30 am – 3:00 pm – Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop-in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat launch.

Guided Kayak Tour

6:30 pm – 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).

Sunday, July 13

Archery Day

12:30 am – 3:00 pm – Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop-in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat launch.

For even more weekend activities through the Devil’s Lake State Park nature center go to our events calendar here.

Saturday, July 13

Hike the Echo Rock and Ishnala Trail

10:00 am to 11:30 a.m – Travel back in time on this 2.4-mile hike to learn how Mirror Lake was formed. Explore the wildflowers, smell the fresh pine trees, walk through the cool Ishnala Gorge. Learn about the human history of the park, who lived in and around the park, before it was a park. Let’s see if we can find some cool bugs and creatures and birds as well. If there is light rain, we will still go. If there is heavy rain and/or lightning, we will cancel. Meet at Echo Rock trailhead at the top of the boat landing parking lot.

Wildflowers, Pollinators and Invasives

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – What wildflowers can you name? Who are all the pollinators? What are invasive species? What harm do they cause? Can you find some examples of all these on the Newport Trail and Lakeview Trails? Complete the Wildflower, pollinator, invasives bingo cards for prizes. Stop by the Naturalist at the beach for some information and bingo card. In the event of rain, this program will be held in the park office.

International Wolf Center Presentation

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Please join Debbie and Jerry as they discuss the habits and biology of wolves, how they hunt, what they eat, what wild lands they need, and human interactions/impacts. There will be a PowerPoint and videos of these magnificent creatures. Meet at the amphitheater. (Rain location: Bluewater Bay Shelter, near the shower building).

Monday, July 8 – Sunday, July 14th

Sauk County Fair

Sauk County Fair at the Sauk County Fairgrounds. Daily Free Walk-in Gate! Animals, 4-H exhibits, midway rides and games, displays of area businesses, beer tent with entertainment. Grandstand shows include: Concerts, truck & tractor pulls and more. Fun for the whole family! Visit The County Fair Website.

Thursday, July 11th

Baraboo Concerts On The Square

7:00 PM – 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. Free Admission. More Information.

Saturday, July 13

Downtown Baraboo Farmer’s Market

7:30 am to 1:00 PM – 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. The Baraboo Farmers’ Market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm on the Courthouse Square on Oak Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. Click here for details.

Bagpipes In The Glen – Baraboo

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Come join Durward’s Glen for a beautiful summer-time music fest celebrating our Scottish heritage! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, beverage of choice and relax as performers present you amazing Celtic and Irish music and storytelling! Performers include: Piper Mike O’Connell, 3PM – 4PM; The Currach Trio Band, 4PM – 5:30PM; Shari A. Sarazin, Celtic Harpist/Storyteller, 5:45PM – 7:15PM, and; Peter Charles, Guitarist, 7:15PM – 8PM. FREE EVENT, donations appreciated. More Information.