Around Devil’s Lake This Weekend

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.

Beautiful Blue Skies and Lake at Devil's Lake State Park
Updated every Thursday for the upcoming weekend.

Weekend of August 14–16, 2026

Weather

Friday’s a mixed bag — showers likely before noon, then just a slight chance in the afternoon, high near 79. The bigger risk comes Friday night, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms carrying up to 70% odds and a quarter to half inch of rain possible. Saturday’s the wettest day of the weekend: showers likely and a possible thunderstorm before 1 pm, then more showers moving through the afternoon and evening, high near 80. Sunday’s the pick of the weekend — partly sunny, high near 80, light northwest wind, with better odds holding off until Sunday night.

Source: NWS Baraboo, WI

Trail Conditions

Trail conditions in the park are great right now. Even Steinke Basin, usually one of the muddier spots, is mostly dry and clear.

Air Quality

No active DNR Air Quality Advisory is in effect for Sauk County as of this writing.

Check current conditions before you head out at airnow.gov or airquality.wi.gov.

Water Quality

No E. coli advisories currently posted for Devil’s Lake beaches. Swimming is at visitor discretion, as always this time of year. For the latest reading before you swim, check the DNR’s beach monitoring page.

Boat Launch, Parking & Pet Swim

The North Shore boat launch access will be hit-or-miss for the rest of the season. What started as a dredging closure in early July has rolled straight into a full reconstruction of the North Shore parking lots, with the DNR estimating completion in spring 2027. Parking on the North Shore is genuinely tight through the rest of the year — expect a fraction of normal capacity. Use the South Shore boat launch and pet swim area instead. If you’re headed to the North Shore beach, Visitor Center, or trailheads, plan on arriving early and having a backup plan. Full details on the closure and what to expect this season.

Park & Naturalist Programs
Programs are free with a vehicle admission sticker. All are weather-dependent.

Devil’s Lake State Park

  • Friday, Aug 14, 9:00–10:00 am — Get To Know The Park
  • Saturday, Aug 15, 10:30 am–12:30 pm — Exploration Station: Fish
  • Saturday, Aug 15, 1:00–3:00 pm — Critter Corner: Snakes

Mirror Lake State Park

  • Friday, Aug 14, 5:00 pm — Kayak Tour. Meet at the Beach; bring your own kayak. Space is limited — register at the Visitor Center or call 608-356-8301 ext. 140.
  • Friday, Aug 14, 7:00–8:30 pm — Music in the Park: The Honey Pies. Traditional, contemporary, and original Americana at the amphitheater.
  • Saturday, Aug 15, 8:00 pm — Universe in the Park. A UW-Madison astronomer presents at the amphitheater, followed by a night sky viewing party.

The Friends of Mirror Lake State Park sponsors naturalist programs at Mirror Lake. Vehicle admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. For more info: email Eliana.Hudock@wisconsin.gov, call 608-254-2333, or stop at the park office.

Area Events

  • Downtown Baraboo Farmers Market | Sat Aug 15, 9 am–2 pm, Baraboo Square
  • August Night Market with Mark Croft Trio | Fri Aug 14, downtown Baraboo
  • Moving of the Historic Hoover “Hobo” Hotel | Sat Aug 15, 10 am, Washington St/Hwy FF to its permanent site on the 400 Bike Trail, Wonewoc | Paired with Wonewoc’s regular Saturday farmers market (9 am–2 pm), plus a “Hobo Zone” kids area and food vendors.

Last Updated: Aug 13, 2026

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