Autumn at Devil’s Lake: This Weekend’s Outlook

As autumn settles into Devil’s Lake State Park and the surrounding Sauk County area, we’re experiencing a unique and beautiful transition of colors. While this may not be a typical “peak” season, the current conditions offer a special opportunity to witness the subtle and varied beauty of fall in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.

Current Color Conditions

The fall color progression in Devil’s Lake State Park and throughout Sauk County has been quite variable this year. Visitors will encounter a diverse landscape, with some areas displaying vibrant hues while others retain their summer greens. This patchwork effect creates an interesting and ever-changing visual experience as you explore the park and its surroundings.

It’s worth noting that some of our most popular viewing areas, such as the North Shore entrance road and the South Shore Valley at Devil’s Lake, are traditionally later to reach peak color. In my experience, these areas are likely to reach their full autumn glory in about a week’s time.

What to Expect This Weekend

For those planning a visit to Devil’s Lake State Park or the broader Baraboo area this weekend, here’s what you can anticipate:

1. A mix of colorful and green areas throughout the park and Sauk County
2. Gradually intensifying colors through the weekend and into next week.
3. Pleasant weather conditions ideal for outdoor activities
4. Unique photographic opportunities capturing the transition from summer to fall

Insights for Photographers

While you may not encounter the saturated “calico landscape” often associated with peak fall color, you’ll discover pockets of intense color that make for captivating compositions all around Devil’s Lake State Park and the Baraboo Hills in general. I recommend focusing on intimate landscapes and close-up shots to truly capture the essence of this year’s autumn transition.

Scenic Drives and Events

For those who prefer to take in the fall colors from the comfort of their vehicle, we’ve curated several scenic drives that showcase the best of Sauk County’s autumn beauty. Check out the link to our curated scenic drives for more information on these routes that wind through the picturesque landscapes of our region. Click here for our Scenic Drives.

As an additional option for the weekend, the annual Fall Art Tour is taking place from October 18-20. This event offers a chance to visit local artists’ studios and adds a cultural dimension to your autumn experience in the area. Visit the Fall Art Tour Website for maps and details.

Planning Your Visit

Given the current mix of colors, pleasant weather forecast, and additional activities in the area, this weekend presents an excellent opportunity to experience the autumn beauty of Devil’s Lake State Park and Sauk County. While we can’t predict a “perfect” peak this year due to the dry season, the current conditions offer a unique and rewarding experience for those who appreciate the subtle variations of nature’s palette.

Whether you choose to hike the trails of Devil’s Lake State Park, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Sauk County, or explore the charming town of Baraboo, you’re sure to find plenty of autumn beauty to enjoy.

I encourage you to plan your trip soon, as the ephemeral nature of fall colors means this could be your optimal opportunity to experience autumn in Devil’s Lake State Park and throughout Sauk County, Wisconsin.