Wisconsin’s fall colors are amazing and Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the best places in the state to enjoy the full “Colorama” experience! In fact, practically anywhere in the Baraboo hills area is just amazing!
In our part of Wisconsin, we expect to see leaves beginning to change sometime in mid to late September with peak color around mid-October. Of course, so many factors enter into when peak color arrives that your best option is to check our blog regularly when the time comes or TravelWisconsin.com’s Fall Color Report.
While not always accurate for our area, the state’s report does give you an idea of when to start paying attention. You may also want to check out this Fall Foliage Prediction Map as well.
>> Our Latest Local Fall Color Reports
Where to look at Devil’s Lake State Park
Fall colors come on first on Devil’s Lake State Park’s north shore. Usually the beautiful maples around the north shore parking lot change first, then slowly color will fill in around the north shore picnic area. Then as the season progresses, the East Bluff Woods & East Bluff trails will provide amazing colors, followed closely by the West Bluff. Lastly, the south bluff will change, however, there are no trails on the south bluff. Click here for park map. During peak colors, check out the Johnson Moraine Trail and for easy walking try the Grottos Trail on the south shore of the lake.
Where to look in the Baraboo Hills
When we’re getting close to “peak”, the best places to go see fall color is on the many country roads that travel through the hills. We’ve put together a couple of nice scenic drives which are especially colorful. CLICK HERE for that information including maps. During peak color you’ll want to check out our two nearby natural areas; Pewit’s Nest & Parfrey’s Glen, both are total knockouts in peak color. Baxter’s Hollow State Natural Area & Durward’s Glen Retreat are also worthwhile visits for more amazing colors and photo ops.
Where to “Bike” the color
Looking for a family-friendly bike ride to take in the fall colors? Look no further than the 400 State Bike Trail, located just 20 minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park and with a trailhead in the town of Reedsburg. For another great option, consider biking the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area section of the Great Sauk State Trail, which also offers great views of the changing leaves.
Scenic Drives
If you want to witness the beauty of Wisconsin’s fall colors from the comfort of your car or bike, we have some scenic road trip suggestions that will take you from Baraboo into the winding rural routes and Rustic Roads of the Baraboo Hills region, before bringing you back to Devil’s Lake State Park just in time for supper. These drives are great for a top-down summer cruise, but are at their best when the fall colors are at their peak!
Annual Halloween Hikes!
Mirror Lake State Park Halloween Hike 2024 – Saturday, October 19, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m..
Calling all Nature Detectives! Join the State Park Staff and the Friends of Mirror Lake for a fun family evening at the park as we locate clues along the easy 1-mile candlelit it trail to help find out who is our Mystery Guest.
There will be pastries, caramel apples and hot cocoa for free with donation.
Hike starts at the beach.
The event is free but a vehicle admission sticker required.
Devil’s Lake State Park Halloween Hike & Pumpkin Carving 2024 – Saturday, October 26, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Go on a 1-mile torch-lit hike and find out about bats. Pick up your bat trivia game cards at the Rock Elm Shelter before you head out on your torch-lit hike and make some bat crafts there when you get back. Crafts for kids (and kids at heart) in the Rock Elm Shelter from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The event meeting place is the Rock Elm Shelter, North Shore picnic area.
Fall Color Drive
Enjoy a 4-minute drive down Devil’s Lake State Park’s north shore entrance road, well known for its amazing fall colors…