Every Thursday, during the peak season, we update this page with a fresh look at the upcoming weekend around Devil’s Lake, current trail conditions, weather outlook, park programs, local events in Baraboo and Sauk County, and anything else worth knowing before you head out. Bookmark it, check it weekly, and spend less time searching and more time outside.
Updated every Thursday for the upcoming weekend.
Weekend of October 16–18
Fall colors have come along quite a bit around Devil’s Lake and the Baraboo Hills over the last week, and this should be a good weekend to get out and see them. There’s plenty of color across the landscape now, although we’re still seeing quite a bit of green as well.
It’s also Fall Art Tour weekend, with studios open throughout the region Friday through Sunday, and Saturday evening brings the annual Halloween Mystery Candlelight Hike at Mirror Lake State Park. Trails remain in generally good condition, while North Shore parking at Devil’s Lake continues to be limited by construction.
Weather
Friday will be much cooler following Thursday’s rain, with a chance of showers early, then gradually improving conditions. Expect a high in the mid-50s with brisk northwest winds. Friday night turns cold, with temperatures dropping to around 31°F and widespread frost possible.
Saturday starts frosty, then turns sunny with a high around 58°F. Sunday looks sunny and a little warmer, with a high around 65°F.
As of Thursday morning, Saturday and Sunday look like the better days for hiking, fall color drives, and spending time outside. If you’re heading out early Saturday, dress for a cold start.
(Source: National Weather Service)
Fall Color Report — October 15
The fall colors have come along quite a bit over the last week. When you look around the area now, you’ll see a lot of color, but there is plenty of green still out there as well.
The heat earlier in the week pushed a lot of the bright yellow leaves into golden and brown colors. However, the snap of cool nights over the next couple of days should bring much more color.
Devil’s Lake State Park has a lot of color right now. The park’s entrance road has some yellow, pretty, but not “peak.” This is true for most of the park right now.
My hiking trail choices will be the same as last week: Steinke Basin, Grottos, and East Bluff Woods. Parfrey’s Glen and Baxter’s Hollow SNA have a lot of yellow right now as well.
This would be a great weekend to get out and road trip, whether it’s taking in the Fall Art Tour or just hitting some of the most scenic rural routes in the area, which we’ve mapped out for you on our Scenic Drives page.
This Week in Pictures
These photos were taken this week around Devil’s Lake and the Baraboo Hills and show what you can actually expect to see right now. Color can vary considerably from one location to another.
Looking farther ahead? Visit our Devil’s Lake Fall Color Guide for peak-color timing, scenic drives, overlooks, and more.
Trail Conditions
Hiking trails remain in good condition, with little change from last week apart from the increasing fall color.
The best trails in the park for fall colors this week are still Steinke Basin, Grottos, and East Bluff Woods. Parfrey’s Glen and Baxter’s Hollow SNA are looking nice now as well.
Ticks are still active. Keep insect repellent handy, stay on the trails, and check yourself for ticks after hiking.
Current Devil’s Lake Trail Report
Learn more about poison ivy, wild parsnip, and ticks & Lyme disease.
Air Quality
For current air-quality readings and any advisories, check AirNow.gov or Wisconsin’s air quality forecast before heading out, especially if conditions look hazy or you’re sensitive to air pollution.
Water Quality
Routine beach water-quality testing has ended for the season.
Boat Launch & Pet Swim
The North Shore boat launch remains closed during the parking lot reconstruction project.
The South Shore boat launch remains open, and the pet swim area is also available at South Shore.
Parking & Access
Construction continues on the North Shore parking lots. Work is being completed in phases to maintain some visitor parking, but capacity remains limited. Follow designated walking routes and stay out of construction areas.
The DNR warns that Devil’s Lake parking lots can fill before 9 a.m. on busy fall weekends. With fall color drawing more visitors now, arriving early or later in the afternoon remains your best bet, although parking isn’t guaranteed.
South Shore parking remains open and is not part of the current parking lot reconstruction project.
We have additional information and updates posted on our Facebook page at Skillet Creek Media.
Park & Naturalist Programs
Programs are free with a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass unless otherwise noted.
Devil’s Lake State Park
There are no scheduled Devil’s Lake State Park naturalist or Friends programs listed for October 16–18.
The next scheduled event is the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park Halloween Extravaganza on Saturday, October 24.
Full Devil’s Lake program schedule
Mirror Lake State Park
Halloween Mystery Candlelight Hike
Saturday, October 17 | 6–8 p.m. | Beach picnic area
Bring friends and family to Mirror Lake State Park for the annual Fall Mystery Candlelight Hike. Follow an easy one-mile torchlit trail and discover clues along the way to solve the mystery of who the special guest is, then meet them at the end.
When you’re not out on the trail, enjoy warm drinks, goodies, and roaring campfires at the beach picnic area.
The event is free, but a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required. The program is weather-dependent.
Area Events
Fall Art Tour
Friday–Sunday, October 16–18 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily | Mineral Point, Spring Green/Dodgeville & Baraboo
The annual Fall Art Tour returns this weekend, with artists opening their studios throughout Mineral Point, Spring Green, Dodgeville, and Baraboo. It’s a chance to meet artists where they work, see demonstrations, and travel some of the back roads between the communities during the height of the fall season.
Skillet Creek Photography is part of the tour as well. We’re Stop 45 in Baraboo, and this is the one public show and sale we do each year.
We’ll have photographs from Devil’s Lake State Park, the Baraboo Hills, and around the Driftless Region, including framed and matted prints, smaller prints, greeting cards, postcards, bookmarks, larger statement pieces, and work from my Forest Intervals series.
Fall Art Tour information and map
Autumn Color Weekend Train Rides
Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18 | Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom
Mid-Continent Railway Museum continues its Autumn Color Weekend with train rides through the countryside around North Freedom. The rides offer another way to get out into the fall landscape without having to do all the driving yourself.
Harvest Flyer
Saturday, October 17 | Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom
Saturday’s special Harvest Flyer is a roughly 55-minute, seven-mile round-trip ride through rural Sauk County. Passengers receive hot apple cider and a donut aboard the train. Evening temperatures will be cool, and the passenger cars are not heated, so dress accordingly.
Train schedules and visitor information
Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Planning your visit? Start here:
- Trail Conditions & Reports — Current hiking conditions at Devil’s Lake
- Current Conditions — Park notices, beach advisories, and weather resources
- Park Events & Naturalist Programs — Scheduled programs at Devil’s Lake State Park
- Camping at Devil’s Lake — Park campground guide (reservations fill early — private campgrounds nearby are often your best bet)