Devil`s Lake State Park | Madison WI

Devil’s Lake State Park – Detailed Overview

Devil’s Lake State Park, located near Baraboo in south-central Wisconsin, is the largest and most visited state park in Wisconsin. Encompassing over 9,200 acres, this park is renowned for its dramatic quartzite bluffs, deep forested areas, and a clear, spring-fed lake formed by glaciers over 12,000 years ago. It sits within the Baraboo Range, a unique geological uplift dating back 1.6 billion years, making the terrain unlike anything else in the Midwest.

Geography and Geology

Devil’s Lake itself is a 360-acre lake with no inlet or outlet, sitting in a gorge formed when Ice Age glaciers dammed a pre-existing river valley.

The quartzite bluffs, which rise up to 500 feet above the lake, are remnants of ancient mountain ranges. The exposed, purple-pink stone is extremely hard and creates dramatic cliff faces.

The park also lies along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which highlights glacial landforms throughout Wisconsin.

Notable rock formations include:

Devil’s Doorway – a natural rock arch perched at the top of the East Bluff.

Balanced Rock – a precariously placed rock column on the southern face of the bluff.

Cleopatra’s Needle – a tall, vertical rock spire along the East Bluff trail.

Recreation and Activities

Hiking

The park has 29 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy lakeside walks to steep bluff climbs:

East Bluff Trail – panoramic lake views, connects to Devil’s Doorway and Balanced Rock.

West Bluff Trail – slightly less steep, offering sweeping overlooks.

Tumbled Rocks Trail – a flat, accessible path along massive quartzite boulders.

Parfrey’s Glen – a separate gorge with a stream, ferns, and moss-covered cliffs.

Grottos Trail & CCC Trail – quieter forest trails with historical remnants.

Rock Climbing

Devil’s Lake is one of the premier climbing spots in the Midwest, with over 1,600 climbing routes. Climbers use the quartzite cliffs for both traditional and top-rope climbing.

Areas like Quartzite Campground Bluff, Consolation Prize, and Balanced Rock Wall are popular among climbers.

Water Activities

No motorboats (gas-powered) are allowed; only electric motors and human-powered boats.

Two large beaches – North Shore and South Shore – offer swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and rowboat rentals available seasonally.

Fishing is permitted; common catches include bass, panfish, and trout. Ice fishing is allowed in winter.

Winter Sports

Cross-country skiing trails groomed in season.

Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere (rentals available).

Ice climbing and winter hiking are common on the bluff trails.

Winter camping and scenic snow-covered views draw photographers and cold-weather adventurers.

Camping and Lodging

423 campsites in three main campgrounds:

Quartzite Campground (modern with showers)

Northern Lights Campground (family-friendly)

Ice Age Campground (more rustic and quiet)

Group camping available, along with walk-in and backpacker-style sites.

Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Some have electrical hookups.

Advance reservations (up to 11 months ahead) are highly recommended.

Visitor Facilities and Services

Nature Center on the North Shore offers educational exhibits, live reptiles, historical displays, and seasonal programming.

Concession stands (North Shore, South Shore, Ice Age Campground) sell food, ice cream, firewood, souvenirs, and rent watercraft.

Restrooms, showers, drinking water, and dump stations available at major facilities.

Dog-friendly areas, including a designated pet swim beach.

Accessible trails, picnic areas, and facilities are available, including wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms.

Ecology and Wildlife

Diverse habitats including oak savannas, hardwood forests, wetlands, talus slopes, and cliffs.

Wildlife commonly seen: white-tailed deer, red foxes, wild turkeys, barred owls, bald eagles, and occasionally black bears.

Rich birdwatching location, especially in spring and fall migrations.

Rare plant species thrive here, including ferns, mosses, and cliff-dwelling flora.

History and Cultural Background

The name “Devil’s Lake” comes from a mistranslation of the Ho-Chunk name “Tewakącąk,” meaning "Spirit Lake".

The park was developed in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, who built many of the roads, trails, and stone shelters still in use.

Contains ancient effigy mounds made by Native American tribes in the form of birds and animals, reflecting the area's sacred significance.

Practical Information

Open year-round, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Admission:

Daily vehicle pass: $13 for Wisconsin residents, $16 for non-residents

Annual state park sticker available for frequent visitors

Parking:

Several lots across North and South Shore

Can fill by mid-morning on busy summer weekends

Best time to visit:

Spring: wildflowers, fewer crowds

Summer: peak season for swimming and camping

Autumn: vibrant fall foliage on the bluffs

Winter: solitude and winter sports

Nearest Major Cities

Baraboo, WI – 5 miles north (closest town)

Madison, WI – 45 miles southeast (major city)

Chicago, IL – approximately 190 miles southeast

Devil’s Lake State Park is a rare combination of scenic beauty, geological wonder, and recreational versatility. Whether you're into hiking, climbing, camping, or simply soaking in breathtaking views, it offers an unforgettable experience in every season.