Understanding the USGS Monitor and Why Water Management Matters If you've walked the south shore…
If you’re staying near the park for the Fourth, you’ve got several shows within a short drive. Here’s what’s confirmed for 2026, closest to farthest.
Baraboo (Drive from the Park – 12 minutes) — Barabooms Saturday, July 4, fireworks at dusk. The exact launch location for 2026 is currently listed differently across sources — we believe the event will be at Baraboo High School. Still, as of this post, we are waiting for confirmation and details.
Merrimac (Drive – 15 minutes) — Merrimac Fire & Rescue Fireworks Saturday, July 4. Corner of Hwy 78 and Idlewild Rd. Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Five dollars per carload, concessions on site. Cash raffle drawn at 8 p.m. — tickets $10 each or 3 for $20, with prizes up to $1,000. Funds raised go toward new equipment for the Merrimac Fire Department. Personal fireworks and personal grills aren’t allowed.
Sauk City / Prairie du Sac (Drive – 23 minutes) — Fire on the River Friday–Saturday, July 3–4, along the Wisconsin River. One thing worth knowing: the fireworks launch on Friday night — VFW Honor Guard and opening ceremonies at 9:35 p.m., fireworks on the Riverway at approximately 9:45 p.m., with live music from Forgotten Highway before and after. Saturday is a full day of its own: Eagle Chase Run at Riverfront Park, Thunder Car Show, live music all day, and a bags tournament. If the fireworks are what you’re after, plan for Friday.
Reedsburg (Drive 29 minutes) — Freedom Fest Saturday, July 4, at Nishan Park. Afternoon activities start mid-afternoon — food vendors, kids’ games, live music — and the fireworks follow at dusk. Accessible and senior parking is available on site.
Wisconsin Dells (Drive 25 minutes) — 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza Saturday, July 4, 300 LaCrosse St. downtown. Free family activities start at 6 p.m., live music from The Swing Crew at 7 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Free to attend.
No Fireworks Inside the Park
Worth saying directly: fireworks (And drones) are illegal at Devil’s Lake State Park — that covers anything that flies or explodes. Sparklers and snakes are the exception. If you want a show, head to one of the towns above. Full park rules are on the Wisconsin DNR camping rules page.
Weekend Weather
The National Weather Service is tracking a wet pattern through the entire holiday weekend. Friday carries a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high near 89, with a quarter to half inch of rain possible. Independence Day itself is now at 70% as well — partly sunny in the morning, but showers likely and a thunderstorm possible after 1 p.m., high near 85. That’s right in the window for evening fireworks. Check individual event Facebook pages the day of — organizers will post there if a show gets delayed or moved.
Saturday night stays unsettled at 60%, with Sunday improving to a 30% chance after 1 p.m. and mostly sunny skies in the morning. Monday looks clean — mostly sunny, high near 86.
Current forecast for Devil’s Lake: National Weather Service
Tips for the Holiday Weekend at Devil’s Lake
Get there early — or very early. The park fills fast on a normal summer weekend. A holiday weekend with weather uncertainty means everyone rushes the gates when the sun comes out. If you’re just coming in for the day, the parking situation can get tough by 10 a.m. (Arrive between 6 am and 8 am if possible) First-time visitor? Our 10 honest tips for first-timers covers what consistently catches people off guard.
The crowds aren’t uniform. The north shore beach and the East/West bluff trailheads draw the bulk of the foot traffic. If the holiday energy isn’t what you came for, 7 ways to find solitude at Devil’s Lake has some quieter options — many work any weekend, but if you want some quiet time, this might help.
Heat and water. Highs near 90 on Friday, mid-80s through the weekend, and humidity baked in by all that rain. The bluff trails are hard work with lots of steps. The south-end trails up the east bluff are often exposed to the hot sun. Bring more water than you think you’ll need and drink it before you feel like you have to.
Dogs on hot rock. Stone holds heat. If you’re hiking with a dog, check the rock surface with the back of your hand before committing to a long stretch; if you can’t hold it there comfortably, your dog can’t either. Dogs don’t communicate overheating until it’s already a problem. Obviously don’t leave your dogs in the car, or hike them up the bluff in extreme heat. Early morning and evening are the right windows this weekend.
For fireworks viewing: get to your chosen show at least an hour before launch time. Parking in small towns fills quickly, and you’ll be walking. Bring cash — several venues are cash-only or move faster with it. And if you’re coming from inside the park, know your route home before dark. Roads through Baraboo and toward the interstate get congested fast when a show lets out.
For nearly 30 years, 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 out of 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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