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 23–25
Pumpkin carving and a torchlit hike return to Devil’s Lake this Saturday for the Friends’ annual Halloween Extravaganza. Nearby, the weekend brings pumpkin train rides in North Freedom, a living-history tour at Baraboo’s Walnut Hill Cemetery, and the Saturday farmers market downtown.
Parking on the north shore has improved as the main parking lot is now open, but side lots 3-4 are now closed for upgrades.
Weather
[INSERT VERIFIED WEATHER FORECAST FOR OCTOBER 23–25. INCLUDE SATURDAY EVENING CONDITIONS FOR THE TORCHLIT HIKE.]
(Source: National Weather Service)
Fall Color Report — October 22
This may be the best week to get out and enjoy the somewhat muted fall colors, which is the theme of this season. The north shore entrance road is looking nice right now, but has a little way to go yet. The bluff trails have some nice color in sections. East Bluff Woods is mostly past its prime now. East Bluff Trail has a nice colorful section about midway along the trail. Throughout the rest of the park, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find plenty of color, but it may be a bit muted and mixed with quite a bit of green yet. Red is rare this year, but yellow is everywhere.
This Week in Pictures
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
Area trails are in good condition and often leaf-covered, which can make it easy to get off trail and get lost, so be sure you watch for trail markers while out enjoying the colors. The leaves are also making the stairways more slippery than usual, so watch your footing on steps as well.
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 is now OPEN.
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. The main lot is now open, as is the boat landing. Lots 3 & 4 on the east side of the lake are now closed for construction. Follow designated walking routes and stay out of construction areas.
Saturday’s Halloween Extravaganza takes place at the North Shore’s Rock Elm Shelter.
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
Halloween Extravaganza
Saturday, October 24 | 3–7:30 p.m. | Rock Elm Shelter, North Shore
The Friends of Devil’s Lake host an afternoon of pumpkin carving and children’s crafts, followed by an evening torchlit hike.
- 3–5:30 p.m.: Free pumpkin carving and mammoth-themed crafts, with a visit from Monty the Ice Age Trail Mammoth.
- 5:30–7:30 p.m.: A 1.5-mile torchlit hike, with carved pumpkins helping light the route. Costumes are welcome.
There will also be campfire music from Campfire Kevin, s’mores, and hot cocoa. The Chateau concessions will remain open until 7 p.m. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Activities are free, with donations accepted. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass is required.
Full Devil’s Lake program schedule
Mirror Lake State Park
No programs this weekend.
Area Events
Pumpkin Special Train Rides
Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 | Departures at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. | Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom
Ride through the countryside to a pumpkin patch aboard Mid-Continent’s Pumpkin Special. Pumpkins are an optional $5 addition and must be added when booking. Reservations are recommended.
Strange Departures: Extraordinary Ends of Ordinary Citizens
Saturday, October 24 | Tour begins at 2 p.m. | Walnut Hill Cemetery, 1805 East Street, Baraboo
The Sauk County Historical Society presents the stories of six local residents through costumed portrayals at Walnut Hill Cemetery. This living-history tour explores unusual deaths and the people behind those stories.
Advance tickets are $15. Tickets at the event are $20, or $17 for historical society members.
Downtown Baraboo Farmers Market
Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Oak Street, Courthouse Square
The downtown market continues through October, with regional vendors selling produce, flowers, and more. It’s a useful stop for anyone picking up food for the campsite or spending the morning in Baraboo.
Fall Haunted Downtown Walk
Saturday, October 24 | 7–8 p.m. | 524 Oak Street, Baraboo
Baraboo Tours offers a Halloween-themed evening beginning with a half-hour downtown walk, followed by an indoor ghost-hunting activity. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 for walk-ups.
Tour information and reservations
Last Updated: October 22, 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
- Camping at Devil’s Lake — Park campground guide (reservations fill early — private campgrounds nearby are often your best bet)