Loons Are Back at Devil’s Lake
The loons are back. Early this morning, their calls were echoing off the bluffs at Devil's Lake — one of the more unmistakable signs that the season has turned. It wasn't always this way. Not long ago, seeing a loon…
Devil’s Lake State Park: Behind the Budget
Devil's Lake State Park draws approximately 2.7 million visitors a year: more than any other property in the Wisconsin State Parks system. But most of those visitors have no idea how the money they spend actually flows through that system,…
Portion of South Lake Road Faces Abandonment
South Lake Road Inside Devil's Lake State Park Faces Abandonment by Town of Merrimac A public road that runs entirely within the boundaries of Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin may soon be abandoned by the township responsible for…
Hikers Embrace Mud Season
Mud Season at Devil’s Lake State Park Updated March 2026. Spring at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin usually means wet trails. Snowmelt and rain settle into the low spots, especially where thousands of boots have already compacted the soil…
Monarchs Signal the Shift to Spring
February may still feel like winter in Wisconsin, but the seasonal shift has already begun. At Devil’s Lake State Park, some of the earliest signs of spring don’t show up in wildflowers or warm temperatures. They show up in daylight…
From Education to Experience
Over the past few decades, many park systems and outdoor educators have observed a gradual shift in the types of programs that draw the largest audiences. Historically, presentations on things such as geology, natural history, and focused programs exploring specific…
Finding Our Way Back Outside
As we sat watching the cold sunset fade softly over the bluffs at Roznos Meadow in Devil’s Lake State Park on Monday evening, I found myself thinking about why we travel, and what “vacation” actually means to us. In the…
Bald Eagle Watching Jan 17-18
Bald Eagle Watching Days returns to Sauk Prairie Saturday, January 17, 2026 with a full day of eagle-focused programs, activities, and viewing opportunities along the Wisconsin River. The event includes live raptor presentations, educational talks, family-friendly activities, information booths, and…
New Year’s Events 2026
Early January offers several ways to welcome the new year around Devil’s Lake State Park and nearby parks. These include free, public First Day Hikes hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as a separate, privately organized…