If you have limited time to explore Devil’s Lake State Park, here are some ideas and tips for a quick visit. Whether you have an hour or two, or just a single day, these suggestions will help you make the most of your time.
Save Time, Be Early!
If you’re tight on time during your visit to the park, it’s vital to plan ahead. On crowded weekends, getting stickers and locating parking, especially on the north shore, can use up a significant amount of time. To get the most out of your trip, we suggest arriving early in the morning on a weekday when there is a greater chance of avoiding traffic delays and finding an available parking spot (the park opens at 6 am). Don’t forget that the park can still offer a peaceful experience during the week and off-season weekends!
Go To The Beach!
At Devil’s Lake State Park, the swimming beaches and picnic areas are just a short stroll from the main parking lots on either shore. Take a dip in the water or enjoy a leisurely walk along the beaches. The park’s ‘Day Use’ areas have plenty of picnic tables and grills available for you to use. Keep in mind that on busy weekends, these facilities may be in high demand. If you need supplies, park concessions sell sandwiches, drinks, charcoal, and lighter fluid. Many visitors bring their own prepared picnics and only need to find a spot on the grass.
Learn about the beach & picnic areas.
Hike A Trail!
Devil’s Lake State Park is renowned for its stunning rock formations and sweeping views from the Baraboo Bluffs! If you’re short on time and can only tackle one trail, we recommend the East Bluff Trail, which typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.
For those looking for a flatter trail, there are paved paths that run through the beach areas on both sides of the lake. The best options for flat trails are the Tumbled Rocks trail along the base of the West Bluff or the Grottos Trail on the South Shore.
Learn about the “Must See” trails!
Devil’s Lake State Park has a total of about 29 miles of hiking trails to explore.
See detailed trail descriptions for ALL the trails.
Bike Like A Boss!
Devil’s Lake State Park’s Upland Trail is a multi-use trail that welcomes both hikers and bikers. However, be prepared to climb approximately 350 feet in elevation and traverse a combination of grass and dirt terrain. Some sections of the trail are uneven, with loose gravel or larger rocks, so we caution against biking without the proper gear. Although the trail isn’t a single-track, it’s still a challenging mountain bike trail.
Learn about the bike trails.
Rent A Kayak, Canoe or SUP!
Concessions on either side of the lake offer kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and Standup Board (SUP) rentals by the hour. Whether you have a little or a lot of time to spare, you can rent equipment for as long as you need. It’s worth noting that kayaking around the entire lake typically takes around 2 hours for most people.
Rental Information.
Visit The Nature Center!
The nature center at Devil’s Lake State Park is a must-visit destination to learn more about the park’s natural wonders. Inside, you’ll find live native Wisconsin reptiles and amphibians, informative displays about the park’s geology and history, and knowledgeable staff who can recommend great spots to explore. Check out the events calendar for a comprehensive list of year-round programs and events offered by the nature center.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Devil’s Lake State Park Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the fall season, from Labor Day to Columbus Day, the center is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Take A Selfie!
Take a fun selfie at Devil’s Lake State Park! Wisconsin State Parks and Travel Wisconsin have placed approximately 50 selfie stands throughout the park system, and Devil’s Lake State Park boasts two of them.
Here are the locations.
Buy The T-Shirt!
Need to refuel during your visit to Devil’s Lake State Park? Concessions are conveniently located on both the north and south shores in the day use areas. You can purchase a variety of food and snacks, gear, gift items, and even stylish T-shirts!
Find Park Concessions