Wisconsin's fall colors are amazing, and Devil's Lake State Park is one of the best…
I totally get it, being out in nature, hanging out at your campsite… just chillin’. The photo above was caught on one of our “Critter Cams” and as you can see they look like they may be rolling their own out in the woods of Devil’s Lake State Park! Right in front of our trail camera!! Well, kids what is and isn’t legal in the midwest has been changing.. but Wisconsin is still totally old school.
When we’re talking about recreational marijuana in Wisconsin, you’re looking at a misdemeanor, up to 6 mos. and/or fine up to $1000. A subsequent offense is a class I felony. This is where we are at in Sauk County, Baraboo & Devil’s Lake State Park. A variety of other cities have passed ordinances making minor marijuana possession a civil violation that carries a smaller fine instead of the criminal offense stated above. In the city of Madison just south of us for instance, “The City Council overhauled their marijuana ordinance that has permitted people to consume or possess small amounts of marijuana on private property to also allow adults 18 and older to possess up to 28 grams on public property with permission. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office has directed the Madison Police Department not to refer criminal charges solely for possessing 28 grams or less.” – Read More on Madison.com
Know Before You Go!
These days it can get a bit confusing. When you travel around the Midwest, there are a variety of laws. According to DISA, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, & Michigan have all decriminalized Marijuana at various levels. Wisconsin & Iowa are the holdouts. Of course, even when in a “legal” state, different campgrounds and public and private areas have different rules. So you have to check. – Map of Marijuana Legality by State.
Sorry Neighbors!
Here’s the thing, I imagine it seems weird and totally regressive for folks where pot is legal to remember to leave your stash at home. And for some, you may choose to camp elsewhere. I hear ya! That’s cool too. But the big point is, leave it home. Most of our wardens are awesome folks, but they got a do their job too. Don’t get busted here! That’ll suck the fun out of your vacation in no time! We want you to have a good time!
Here’s a bit more info from a Milwaukee Attorney who says, they’re the ones to help if you get busted. 😉
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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You are correct on several fronts. First off, the Baraboo area is regressive politically, so things like Marijuana will be treated as such. Secondly, I think it is unrealistic to expect people to leave their stash at home, they never have for the past 50 years. And since the past 50 years has had Marijuana possession as a criminal offense, people learned discretion. I would suggest people remember the ways of the past while at Devils Lake as the laws there are still in the past.
Thank you for this post as it is a good reminder to all of the political environment that surrounds the park.