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 August 7–9, 2026
Weather
Friday morning starts with patches of fog (clearing by 9 am), then sun takes over for the rest of the weekend. Friday’s high near 83 with a 40% chance of evening storms after 7 pm. Saturday’s the pick of the weekend — sunny, high near 81, storm chances holding off until after 1 am. Sunday’s partly sunny with a 20% chance of showers before 1 pm, high near 82, and better storm odds moving in overnight into Monday.
Source: NWS Baraboo, WI
Trail Conditions
Devil’s Lake and area trails are in good summer condition. Expect a few puddles from last week’s rain, especially in low-lying areas.
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 & Pet Swim
The North Shore boat landing remains closed for dredging, ongoing through approximately August 11. Use the South Shore boat launch and pet swim area instead.
Park & Naturalist Programs
Programs are free with a vehicle admission sticker. All are weather-dependent.
Devil’s Lake State Park
- Friday, Aug 7, 9:00–10:00 am — Get To Know The Park
- Friday, Aug 7, 8:00–9:00 pm — Wisconsin Bats. Meet at Rock Elm Shelter near the North Shore Boat Launch.
- Saturday, Aug 8, 10:30 am–12:00 pm — Exploration Station: Birds
- Saturday, Aug 8, 1:00–3:00 pm — Critter Corner: Owls
- Saturday, Aug 8, 6:30–8:30 pm — Roadkill Café: Campfire Cooking. Meet near the Campground Host in Lower Ice Age Campground.
Mirror Lake State Park
- Saturday, Aug 8, 2:00–3:00 pm — Cranes 101. International Crane Foundation leads a talk at the Beach.
- Saturday, Aug 8, 8:15 pm — Are There Bats at Mirror Lake? WI DNR Bat Ambassador John leads a talk at the Beach at sundown, then a walk to the bat house with ultrasonic mics.
- Sunday, Aug 9, 10:00 am–12:00 pm — Turtle-y Awesome. At the Beach. Sunday, Aug 9, 1:00–3:00 pm — Wisconsin Woodpeckers. At the Beach.
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
- SJS Sweet Corn Fest | Sat Aug 8, 11 am–6 pm, Sauk County Fairgrounds, Baraboo | Live music, sweet corn.
- Dog Days of Summer | Sat Aug 8, 12–4 pm, Balanced Rock Winery, Baraboo | Benefit for Jane’s Journey Home for Dogs.
- 2nd Annual Raffle & Rhythm | Sun Aug 9, 11 am–6 pm, Ochsner Park & Zoo, Baraboo | Music, food, and raffle. Proceeds from the event support Pathway Home’s mission of serving individuals and families in our community.
Last Updated: Aug 6, 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)