Devil’s Lake State Park is situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and offers dazzling views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking one of the most beautiful 360-acre lakes in Wisconsin. The park clocks in at 9,000 acres but is surrounded by more than 27,000 acres of preserved woodland and other natural areas open to public recreation in Sauk County. So it comes as no surprise that millions of visitors flock to these cliffs and pristine waters at Devil’s Lake State Park each year.
Devil’s Lake State Park is the largest state park in Wisconsin, and comparable in size is the range of things you can see and do in this stunningly scenic year-round outdoor destination. You can enjoy lakeshore picnic areas, sandy beaches, bird watching, rock climbing, boating, hiking into backcountry solitude, and much more. It’s truly one of the best things to do in Wisconsin, and a must for your itinerary if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
And there’s no better way to begin and end a day’s adventuring in Devil’s Lake State Park than at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast in the charming nearby town of Baraboo. You’ll be rested and fresh to hit the trails in one of our luxuriously appointed guest rooms, and we’ll send you off on the right foot with your choice of hearty and delicious breakfasts. Our historic Inn is well known in the area due to the connection to the infamous Ringling circus family. We can’t wait to host you in Baraboo; book your room today!
Your Guide to Exploring Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most popular State Parks, with more than 3 million visitors annually. As a guest at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo, you’ll only be a quick 10-minute drive to the park. You’ll find lovely beaches, swimming holes, boat rentals, and hiking trails. For the most adventurous, there’s some fantastic and daring rock climbing. For those who prefer keeping both feet on the ground, birdwatching is an excellent pastime at this Wisconsin State Park.
- Hiking is by far the most popular thing to do at Devil’s Lake State Park. With 29 miles of trails, including some incredible and scenic stretches of the National Ice Age Trail, you’ll find a variety of challenges and variations of elevation that make for a visually varied but always compelling experience. Enjoy the park’s steep bluffs and sheer cliffs, but be extra careful on these higher elevation hikes. More details on the best hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park are below!
- You’ll find some of the best and most challenging rock climbing and bouldering at this Wisconsin State Park. The sheer quartzite cliffs and stacked rock formations are a perfect example of the Driftless Region’s landscape, which was left unflattened by ancient glacial action across the Midwest. Here’s a guide to locations and resources.
- Of course, Devil’s Lake is ideal for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. While gas motors are not allowed on the lake, there are plenty of paddling opportunities, with boat launches at both ends of the lake and on-site rentals available. Spending a day gliding along the calm, placid waters is a lovely way to enjoy your vacation.
- The state stocks Devil’s Lake with brown trout, walleye, and Northern pike, among other fish. You can fish from the shore (the south-end launch area is a great spot) or boat. You will need a Wisconsin fishing license, though.
- Devil’s Lake State Park is home to about 38 species of mammals, 115 species of birds, and many species of amphibians and reptiles (including timber rattlesnakes), and the chances are good that you’ll spot something interesting at least through the lens of binoculars or a telephoto camera lens. This is by far one of the best birdwatching spots in Baraboo.
The Best Devil’s Lake Hiking Trails
As mentioned above, there are nearly 30 miles of hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park, just adding to the fact that it’s one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin. Here are the top five routes to consider adding to your itinerary:
- The Balanced Rock Trail is considered difficult due to the elevation gain on challenging stone steps. But arguably, the panoramic views of Devil’s Lake below are more than worth the effort. Don’t forget to grab a shot of the iconic balanced rock!
- The East Bluff Trail is perhaps the most popular hiking trail at Devil’s Lake State Park and is a segment of the National Ice Age Trail. Not only will you get spectacular views from the towering cliffs above the lakes, but this route is a great jumping-off point to the park’s many interesting rock formations.
- The Devil’s Doorway Trail takes you to the famous Devil’s Doorway Rock formation. The trail itself is not considered difficult, out of the Devil’s Lake hiking trails, but the narrow rock ledges and steep drop-offs might be a little much for beginner hikers.
- Grottos Trail is a broad, easygoing route along the base of the south end of the East Bluff. It’s perfect on a hot summer’s day as the cool air from the grottos in the woods is extra refreshing.
- As the name suggests, the Tumbled Rocks Trail is a Devil’s Lake hiking trail that meanders over and around fallen rocks along the lake. It offers a great lake view and can connect to the West Bluff Trail to create a loop.
The Best Lodging near Devil’s Lake State Park
There’s no better place to begin and end each day’s adventures than at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo, with nearly 200 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor for this charming Colonial Revival house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are two of our latest glowing reviews from recent guests:
“We spent two nights at this wonderful B&B. The house is beautiful, with many antiques and pictures of the Ringling family. Our breakfast both mornings was delicious, and we enjoyed talking to Julie. It was a very relaxing trip.” –Mary B.
“Amazing hospitality, unique and perfect environment to play out our 1920’s Murder Mystery Weekend! All the guests had a great time! Julie and Stuart are excellent hosts!!! Food was great, reception hour included in stay! Want an amazing weekend with friends or family? Call Julie and set up Murder Weekend! You won’t regret it!!!” –Rachel R.
We can’t wait to host you at our timeless B&B, loaded with modern amenities and history. Be sure to join us each morning for a home-cooked breakfast, the best way to fuel up for your outdoor adventures in Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin. Start planning your next getaway today and book your room!
