Devils Lake State Park Guide: Best Time to Visit, Hikes & Itinerary
Explore Wisconsin’s most popular state park, renowned for its 500-foot quartzite bluffs, 360-acre spring-fed lake, and ancient Effigy Mounds. A premier destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers seeking dramatic landscapes in the Midwest.
Rising five hundred feet above the pristine waters, the quartzite bluffs of Devils Lake State Park tell a story that predates the dinosaurs. This is not just Wisconsin’s most popular state park; it is a geological masterpiece where ancient rocks, polished smooth by time and elements, stand sentinel over a 360-acre spring-fed lake. The contrast between the rugged, purple-hued cliffs and the serene blue water creates a landscape that feels unexpectedly dramatic for the Midwest.
Visitors are drawn here by the promise of adventure and the allure of deep history. Whether you are scrambling up the steep Potholes Trail, paddling silently across the glassy surface at dawn, or simply sitting by the shore watching the mist rise, the park offers a profound connection to nature. It is a place where the Ice Age met the ancient earth, leaving behind a playground of boulders, gorges, and scenic vistas that rival any in the country.
Seasonal Weather Guide
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A Collision of Ice and Stone
What makes Devils Lake truly unique is its geology. The bluffs are composed of Baraboo Quartzite, a metamorphic rock that is over 1.6 billion years old, some of the hardest and oldest exposed rock in North America. These bluffs were once islands in an ancient sea, and much later, massive glaciers plugged the river valley at both ends, creating the lake we see today. This dramatic history has created a unique ecosystem where northern and southern vegetation meet, making it a botanical treasure trove.
Beyond the geology, the park is steeped in human history. For thousands of years, this land has been sacred to the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Indigenous peoples. The park preserves several incredible Effigy Mounds, raised earthworks shaped like animals, that serve as silent testaments to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Respecting these sites is an integral part of the Devils Lake experience.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
East Bluff Trail Hiking
A challenging hike offering the most iconic views of the park, including the famous Devil's Doorway rock formation.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Explore the 360-acre lake from the water, offering a unique perspective of the towering quartzite cliffs from below.
Effigy Mound Viewing
Walk among the ancient animal-shaped earthworks built by Indigenous peoples over 1,000 years ago located on the park grounds.
Rock Climbing at the Quartzite Cliffs
With over 1,600 routes, this is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the Midwest, suitable for various skill levels.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Devil’s Doorway - The park’s signature landmark is a gravity-defying rock formation located on the East Bluff. It requires a strenuous hike to reach, but the photo opportunity is iconic. (East Bluff Trail, free with park entry).
Balanced Rock - Located on the East Bluff, this inverted pyramid of quartzite sits precariously on the cliff edge. It is accessible via a steep, stone-stepped trail that offers a serious cardio workout. (0.4 mi steep ascent, free with park entry).
Parfrey’s Glen - Designated as Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, this gorge features sandstone walls and a cool, shaded stream. It is a short drive from the main lake and offers a magical, moss-covered landscape. (4 mi drive from lake, free).
Tumbled Rocks Trail - For those seeking a scenic walk without the vertical climb, this paved/gravel path hugs the shoreline along the base of the West Bluff. It runs through a field of massive boulders right at the water’s edge. (1.0 mi one way, free with park entry).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Devils Lake is incredibly popular, especially on summer weekends. To avoid frustration, aim to arrive before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. The park has two main entrances: the North Shore (more developed, larger beach, concessions) and the South Shore (slightly quieter, more wooded). A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry and can be purchased online or at the gate.
When packing, bring layers and sturdy footwear. The “trails” up the bluffs are often staircases made of jagged rock, so flip-flops are not recommended for hiking. Because the park is located in the Baraboo Hills, cell service can be spotty in the valleys, so downloading offline maps is a smart move. Also, bring plenty of water; there are filling stations at the beaches, but none on top of the bluffs.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Perfect swimming weather
- Concession stands and boat rentals are open
- Full access to all campgrounds
Cons
- Extremely crowded beaches
- Parking lots fill up by 10:00 AM
- High humidity and bugs
Shoulder Season: Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Stunning autumn foliage
- Cooler hiking temperatures
- Fewer mosquitoes
Cons
- Weekends remain very busy
- Water is too cold for swimming
- Weather can be unpredictable
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Complete solitude on trails
- Unique ice formations on the bluffs
- No entry lines
Cons
- Some facilities and restrooms closed
- Trails require crampons or snowshoes
- Bitterly cold wind chills on bluffs
Devils Lake State Park is a destination that rewards effort. Whether you are navigating the rocky ascents or enjoying a local craft beer after a long day of exploration, the park offers a rugged beauty that stays with you long after you’ve left the Baraboo Hills.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Bluff & Beach Weekend
The quintessential Devils Lake experience, combining strenuous hiking with relaxation by the water.
Day 1: Conquering the East Bluff
- Morning: Arrive early at the North Shore visitor center to park, then immediately tackle the Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway trails (approx 1.5 hours, free with park pass). The ascent is steep and rocky, but the morning light hitting the quartzite formations makes for the best photography of the trip.
- Afternoon: Head down to the North Shore beach for a picnic lunch (approx $25 for supplies) and rent a double kayak for two hours ($40) to cool off on the lake. The view of the bluffs you just hiked from the water provides a spectacular sense of scale and serenity.
- Evening: Drive just outside the park entrance to Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen for wood-fired pizza and a flight of local beers (approx $60). Finish the night with a sunset walk along the flat Tumbled Rocks Trail along the lake’s edge.
Day 2: The West Bluff & Local History
- Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at the Broadway Diner in Baraboo ($30) before heading back to hike the West Bluff Trail. This route is slightly less technical than the East Bluff but offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire valley and lake.
- Afternoon: After your descent, visit the Effigy Mounds located on the southeast side of the park to pay respects and learn about the region’s ancient history. Afterward, take a short 10-minute drive to Parfrey’s Glen (free) to hike the cool, shaded gorge trail.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a nice dinner at Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, enjoying a steak or walleye dinner by the river ($100). If time permits, stop by the historic Baraboo town square for a quick stroll before heading home.
The Adventurer's 3-Day Trek
A more intensive itinerary focused on longer trails, geology, and exploring the wider Baraboo Hills region.
Day 1: The Full Loop Challenge
- Morning: Park at the South Shore and hike the East Bluff Woods Trail to avoid the steepest initial crowds, looping around to Devil’s Doorway. Allow about 3 hours for this extended hike, ensuring you have plenty of water and trail snacks ($15).
- Afternoon: Descend via the Potholes Trail, steep and dramatic, to the Grottos trail at the bottom. Spend the afternoon swimming at the South Shore beach, which tends to have a more laid-back vibe than the North Shore.
- Evening: Set up camp at the Quartzite Campground ($30/night) and enjoy a campfire dinner. If you aren’t camping, grab burgers at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant ($35) nearby.
Day 2: Geology and Gorges
- Morning: Drive to Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area for a short but stunning walk to see the deep gorge cut by Skillet Creek. Afterwards, head to the rocky boulder fields near the North Shore specifically to look for the Purple Quartzite unique to this region.
- Afternoon: Embark on the Sauk Point Trail, a more rugged and less traveled path that takes you away from the lake and into the deep forest. This is a 4-5 mile commitment perfect for serious hikers seeking solitude.
- Evening: Head into downtown Baraboo for dinner at the Little Village Cafe ($50) for eclectic eats. Afterward, catch a show or tour at the historic Al. Ringling Theatre if available, or simply enjoy the architecture.
Day 3: Ice Age Trail Segments
- Morning: Tackle the Roznos Meadow section of the Ice Age Trail, which offers a completely different landscape of open prairie and oak savanna. This area is excellent for birdwatching, particularly for spotting Sandhill Cranes.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a final relaxed lunch at a picnic area near the Chateau on the North Shore ($20). Rent a stand-up paddleboard for one last hour on the water ($25) to stretch your core muscles.
- Evening: Departure. On your way out, stop at a local farm stand in Sauk County (seasonal) to pick up fresh cheese curds or apples for the drive home.
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