Winter Has Arrived At Devil’s Lake!

Winter has finally arrived at Devil’s Lake State Park! We received about 3-4 inches of snow on Sunday night and are expecting another 2-5 inches of snow today. So what can winter visitors expect?

Park Stickers

Your 2021 park sticker is good through December 31st, but you’re going to need your 2022 Wisconsin State Park Sticker in just a couple of days! You can purchase your sticker at any open park office or you can also order it online. Click here. At Devil’s Lake State Park there are also automated vending machines on both the north and south shore entrances where you can get your stickers. Annual in-state passes are $28 and out-of-state passes are $38. We have more information on rates right here.

Parking

It’s important to note that right after a big snow, parking lots might not be plowed for a few hours. Generally, the main north shore parking area gets cleared early along with a section near the East Bluff trailhead. Since the park rarely has enough staff, it can take a while. Also, most outlying parking lots such as the Ice Age Trail lot on Hwy 113 are not cleared at all in the winter.

Ski Trails?

Devil’s Lake State Park does NOT have dedicated ski trails however, the Steinke Basin & Johnson Morain Loop trails are multi-use and folks do ski on them. Occasionally the Steinke Basin loop is dragged, but it also sees heavy hiker, pet and snowshoe use. The Best XC ski trails in our area are at Mirror Lake State Park.

Snowshoeing

We always say that Devil’s Lake State Park is a “snowshoe park” and Mirror Lake is the “ski park”. At Devil’s Lake, you are free to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore pretty much everywhere! In fact, the Devil’s Lake State Park Nature Center usually has snowshoes that you can borrow for free whenever the NC is open. Right now, we are not sure when or if they will be available due to current Covid-19 policies. We’ll certainly let you know when we find out! We have a lot more information about snowshoeing Devil’s Lake right here.

Hiking

Hiking trails are not maintained in the winter. While many folks do brave the East and West Bluff trails in the snow, they can be very difficult and dangerous. You are taking a serious risk to hiking them in the winter months. The Tumbled Rocks trail can also be a sketchy hike this time of year. Although considered “flat” this thin, roughly paved trail can get dicey in the winter. The trail is often very icy, with short steep sections and deep holes on both sides of the trail. Fresh snow often covers the holes increasing the odds of tripping and falling.

When hiking in the winter we’d recommend either the Steinke Basin area or heading over to the south shore to explore the Grottos Trail. On the south end, you can also walk the sidewalk along the lake, enjoy the boardwalk, pass through the beach and picnic area.

Always dress for the weather with warm wicking clothing and if you plan on hiking more than a short distance, take water and a snack.

Wherever you hike at Devil’s Lake this winter we always recommend having a pair of slip-on ice cleats.

Please do NOT walk on ski tracks. You’ll see them as two long lines in the snow that look a bit like train rails. Stay to the side of them. Often you’ll find a wide area flattened by snowshoes, hike there. 🙂

Sledding

The park does not sanction sledding. That said, there is a popular sledding hill in the Quartzite Campground near the Nature Center. Here’s more info.

The Lake

Going on the lake is always a risk. Very generally the lake does not freeze over until sometime in mid-to-late January. Every year is different and different parts of the lake freeze at different times. Observe where other folks are on the ice and never wander off into an area where no one else is. Remember, you are on your own out there. Unless you’re experienced with winter ice conditions, we recommend staying off the lake, or at the very least, sticking very close to the beach.

—

Well, that should get you started. Have fun and be safe out there!