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.

At the foot of the CCC Trail
Updated every Thursday for the upcoming weekend.

Weekend of June 6–7, 2026

This weekend will start wet with rain predicted through Friday mid-day, Saturday and Sunday should both be perfect for getting outdoors.

Trail Conditions

Hiking trails are generally in good shape heading into the weekend. You’ll still find a few downed trees from past storms scattered around Devil’s Lake State Park’s trails, but they can be stepped over or around.

One note: with showers and thunderstorms expected through the morning on Friday, expect muddy conditions by Saturday morning, particularly on the Steinke Basin Loop and the Uplands trails. Both drain slowly after heavy rain. Plan your footwear accordingly.

One important heads-up: The Steinke Basin/Johnson Moraine parking area remains closed through approximately early July for reconstruction. Parking along the road is not a viable option. If Steinke Basin is on your list, your best options are parking at the Upper Ice Age Campground (hike the Ice Age Trail, then connect via the Johnson Moraine Trail) or at the Ice Age Trail lot on Hwy 113 south of CTY DL. That second lot holds about 10 cars on a normal day — plan accordingly for a busy early-summer weekend.

Worth noting: There are about 27 miles of other trails in the park.

Weather

Friday brings showers and likely thunderstorms through midday, with a high near 82°.

Saturday and Sunday are a different story — mostly sunny both days, highs in the mid-80s, light wind. If you’re choosing one day, either works. Saturday has the edge for events.

Source: NWS Baraboo, WI

Parking & Crowds

Both main lots — North Shore and South Shore — can fill by mid-morning on Saturday and Sunday. If you hope to park in one of these lots, we advise that you arrive by 8 am.

If avoiding the thickest crowds is a priority, the park is noticeably calmer before 10 am on any day, and foot traffic drops sharply past the two-mile mark on any trail. The 7 Ways to Find Solitude at Devil’s Lake page is worth a read if this is on your mind.

Park & Naturalist Programs

DNR Free Fun Weekend — Saturday & Sunday, June 6–7

No vehicle admission sticker required at any Wisconsin state park this weekend. Fishing licenses and trail passes are also waived. If you’ve been meaning to bring someone to Devil’s Lake for the first time, this is the weekend to do it.

Saturday, June 6, is also National Trails Day.

Three programs this weekend at Mirror Lake State Park, just up the road — and admission is free there this weekend too.

Animal Trivia — Saturday, June 6, 1–3 pm. At the beach.

Echo Rock Stroll — Sunday, June 7, 10 am. Guided walk to Echo Rock covering geology and park history. Meet at the Blue Water Bay Shelter. Bring walking shoes and water.

Forest Giants — Sunday, June 7, 1–3 pm. At the beach. Dendrology and tree activities with the naturalist.
See the full schedule details at Devil’s Lake State Park Events
– About the Devil’s Lake State Park Nature Center

Area Events

Zoo Crew Fest — Sunday, June 7, 10 am–3 pm. Ochsner Park & Zoo, 903 Park St, Baraboo. Pizza in the park, live music, vendor market, keeper chats, and animal shows. Free community event. Facebook Event Page

Baraboo Farmers Market — Saturday, June 6, 8 am–12:30 pm. Courthouse Square, Oak Street, downtown Baraboo. Local produce, baked goods, plants. Running every Wednesday and Saturday through October. More info

Camping

The state park campgrounds are full for this weekend — sites book up to 11 months in advance, and Memorial Day fills early. If you’re still looking, private campgrounds and area hotels may have availability.

Planning your visit? Start here:

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