October In The Valley
One of the best shows of color at Devil’s Lake State Park is when the south valley below the East Bluff reaches its peak. This is the area of the park where the CCC parking lot and the group camp…
Fall Colors 2025
It’s time for the first official Fall Color Report of the season, and as most locals could tell you, there isn’t much to report just yet. We’re still looking at the occasional “show stopper” tree here and there, but overall,…
A Mystical & Magical Forest Trail
In days long ago, forests were seen as mystical and magical places. Folklore often depicted them as places of both wonder and danger, filled with mythical creatures and hidden secrets. They were homes to elves, fairies, and talking animals, spiritual…
Natural Bridge: A Window Through Time
Not far from the quiet village of Leland in south-west Sauk County, you’ll find one of Wisconsin’s most remarkable landmarks, a natural sandstone arch carved by wind and water over countless millennia. The opening stretches 25 feet high and 35…
A Forest Super Bloom?
I’ve heard a lot of comments recently about the white trees everywhere. They really stand out right now as you drive around our part of Wisconsin! Some folks have been concerned when they see clumps of white trees in the…
Storm Over Devil’s Lake
Severe storms rolled through our area yesterday afternoon, but fortunately, there wasn’t too much damage aside from more downed trees. Just minutes after the tornado alerts sounded, the Baraboo area was hit with high winds and hail, some slightly larger…
Finding Peace and Quiet Near Devil’s Lake
There’s a lot of public land in the Baraboo Hills—far too much to not find peace and quiet if that’s what you’re after when you're exploring Central Wisconsin. Personally, one of my favorite places to escape the crowds is right…
Prescribed Burns: Helping Devil’s Lake Thrive
Yesterday, March 18th, a prescribed burn was carried out on Devil's Lake State Park's Roznos Meadow. I’ve spent years photographing prescribed burns at Devil’s Lake State Park and talking to the folks who make them happen. Watching these fires unfold…
Chapel Gorge: A Natural Escape in Wisconsin Dells?
Our relationship with nature in Wisconsin Dells has always been a bit complicated. It’s hard to imagine this is the version of the Dells that H.H. Bennett envisioned when he shared his iconic photos of this unique landscape. While the…
Leave No Trace, Except?
Anyone who frequents Devil's Lake State Park knows how special this place is. From its towering quartzite bluffs to its pristine beaches, it's a natural treasure we all want to protect. While most visitors try to follow Leave No Trace…