As we start talking about changing leaves, it's good to note that fall colors are…
We are under a Winter Storm Warning. The National Weather Service is calling for 1-2 inches of snow tonight, (Monday, Jan 8th, 2024) followed by an additional 4-6 inches on Tuesday (Jan 9th) How do you feel about this wintry forecast? Are you grudgingly preparing for a snowpocalypse or excitedly getting your snow gear ready? 
Hiking / Snowshoeing
Please keep in mind that Devil’s Lake State Park’s trails are not maintained for winter use. Trails and trail markers can become hidden under fresh snow, making it easy to get turned around. Bluff trails can also become dangerous when stairways and drop-offs are obscured. While snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy flat areas of the park, we don’t recommend wearing snowshoes on bluff trails. It’s difficult to navigate steps in snowshoes. Instead, cleats or spikes are more appropriate for navigating bluff trails in the winter. Here is more info about snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake.
XC Skiing
Devil’s Lake State Park does not groom trails, However, Mirror Lake State Park does. Mirror Lake State Park generally grooms trails quickly and early after new snowfall.
Be Prepared
As I mentioned above, It’s easy to get into trouble in the park during and right after a big snowfall. Be prepared! Here are some cold-weather hiking tips from REI that are certainly worth a read.
Around The Lake
A winter storm can conceal precarious conditions around lake edges. Right now Devil’s Lake has only begun to freeze. A skin of ice is forming outward from the banks, with the center still open water. After a heavy blanketing snow, that thin, brittle ice lining the shore blends unseen with fresh powder. The water underneath is dangerously cold enough to cause hypothermia. The ice is not yet safe for walking. So know where you are and use extreme caution near the frozen shoreline.
Parking
While Devil’s Lake State Park’s main parking lots are plowed fairly quickly after snowstorms, outer lots like Steinke Basin and Roznos Meadow are typically not plowed right away. Additionally, the Ice Age Trail parking lot on Highway 113 is not maintained at all in winter. It’s important to note that the bluff tops receive more snow accumulation than the lower park areas. I advise against attempting to park at Steinke Basin until the lot has been plowed. It’s easy to underestimate snow depth there and get your vehicle stuck.
2024 Park Sticker
Remember that you will need your new 2024 park sticker to park your car. You can purchase stickers online or at electronic sales kiosks located at both the north and south shore park entrances and at the Parfrey’s Glen parking lot.
Here is the current forecast for our area from the National Weather Service.
Stay safe out there!
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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