Devil`s Lake State Park | Madison WI

Devil's Lake State Park sprawls majestically near Baraboo in south-central Wisconsin and ranks as largest most visited state park. Renowned for dramatic quartzite bluffs and deep forested areas a clear spring-fed lake formed by glaciers over 12000 years ago exists within 9200 acres. It sits deep within Baraboo Range a wonky geological uplift formed roughly 1.6 billion years ago making terrain pretty darn unusual elsewhere in Midwest. Devil's Lake a 360-acre lake sits pretty quietly in a gorge formed when Ice Age glaciers blocked some pre-existing river valley. Quartzite bluffs rise steeply 500 feet above lake surface and are remnants of ancient mountain ranges formed eons ago underground. Exposed purple-pink stone forms dramatic cliff faces quite readily and it proves extremely hard naturally. Park lies along Ice Age National Scenic Trail highlighting glacial landforms pretty extensively throughout most of Wisconsin's rugged terrain. Notable rock formations feature Devil's Doorway - a natural rock arch precariously perched atop East Bluff. A precariously perched rock column sits rather tenuously on southern face of bluff. Cleopatra's Needle stands tall as a vertical rock spire looming somewhat ominously along East Bluff trail near some rather obscure hiking paths. Panoramic lake views await on East Bluff Trail which connects haphazardly to Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway amidst 29 miles of trails. West Bluff Trail unfolds moderately uphill offering verdant sweeping overlooks from varied vantage points amidst lush surroundings obscuring rugged terrain below. Tumbled Rocks Trail unfolds gently along gigantic quartzite boulders on a fairly flat and remarkably accessible rocky path. Parfrey's Glen is a gorge with moss-covered cliffs and a stream running through it surrounded by ferns very densely. Quieter forest trails like Grottos Trail and CCC Trail feature historical remnants somewhat eerily amidst densely foliaged surroundings. Devil's Lake boasts an astonishing array of climbing routes over 1600 in number making it super popular among climbers in Midwest. Climbers tackle quartzite cliffs enthusiastically with traditional methods and top-rope setups under varied conditions quite frequently nowadays. Climbers flock enthusiastically to notoriously tricky spots like Quartzite Campground Bluff and rugged Balanced Rock Wall with reckless abandon. No gas-powered motorboats are permitted but electric motors and human-powered craft are allowed on water. North Shore and South Shore are sprawling beaches that offer swimming and sunbathing under bright blue skies with picnicking areas nearby. Rentals of canoe and kayak and paddleboard and rowboat are available during certain times of year mostly seasonally. Fishing's allowed and you can expect catches like largemouth bass or panfish and occasionally trout in these waters. Ice fishing's permitted during winter months pretty much everywhere up north. Ski trails for cross-country enthusiasts are meticulously groomed throughout entire winter season. Snowshoeing's allowed pretty much everywhere with rentals available down at the lodge. Ice climbing and winter hiking happen frequently on bluff trails beneath starkly bare trees and frozen waterfalls in harsh winter conditions. Scenic snow-covered views entice photographers and frosty escapade enthusiasts deeply into frozen wilderness areas during winter camping excursions yearly. Camping and Lodging options abound with 423 campsites scattered across three sprawling campgrounds.
Quartzite Campground boasts modern amenities including showers.
Northern Lights Campground is geared towards families.
Ice Age Campground offers a more rugged atmosphere and solitude.
Group camping is an option alongside walk-in sites and backpacker-style spots for weary travelers. Campsites typically feature fire rings and often have weathered picnic tables situated nearby under shaded areas. Some sites feature electrical hookups readily available. Advance reservations nearly a year ahead of time are strongly recommended occasionally becoming absolutely essential for most highly sought events. Nature Center on North Shore features educational exhibits and live reptiles alongside seasonal programming and some pretty interesting historical displays. Concession stands at North Shore and Ice Age Campground sell grub and souvenirs while renting out watercraft pretty frequently down by South Shore. Major facilities have restrooms and showers available alongside drinking water and dump stations for travelers to use quite conveniently. Dog-friendly areas feature a designated pet swim beach pretty nearby. Wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms are among facilities available alongside picnic areas on fairly accessible trails nearby. Diverse habitats such as oak savannas and hardwood forests sprawl across wetlands and rocky talus slopes beneath sheer cliffs. White-tailed deer and red foxes roam freely alongside wild turkeys and barred owls with bald eagles soaring overhead and black bears appearing occasionally. Birdwatching is super fruitful here particularly during spring and fall when migrations occur with great frequency and huge numbers. Rare plant species flourish here including ferns mosses and cliff-dwelling flora that somehow manage to thrive in this rather unusual environment. Tewakącąk or Spirit Lake was mistranslated as Devil's Lake a name rooted deeply in its Ho-Chunk cultural background and shrouded history. Many roads trails and stone shelters still in use were built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers back in 1930s. Ancient effigy mounds constructed by Native American tribes depicting birds and various animals signify sacredness in this deeply revered area. Devil's Lake State Park sprawls open year-round from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Daily vehicle pass costs $13 for Wisconsin locals and $16 for out-of-state visitors. Frequenters can opt for an annual state park sticker. Parking lots are scattered across North and South Shore. On hectic summer weekends lots often fill by mid-morning. Spring brings wildflowers and sparse crowds. Summer is peak season for swimming and camping. Vibrant fall foliage sprouts on bluffs in autumn. Winter offers solitude and various winter sports. Baraboo lies 5 miles north. Madison is 45 miles southeast. Chicago is roughly 190 miles southeast. Scenic beauty geological wonder and recreational versatility converge at Devil's Lake State Park. It offers an unforgettable experience every season whether you're into hiking or simply soaking in breathtaking vistas and dramatic landscapes.