Two of the best lakes in Wisconsin are located in Sauk County near the Wisconsin Dells: Devil’s Lake and Mirror Lake. Both are within the limits of popular state parks, welcoming thousands of visitors each year for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating adventures. While there are several beautiful lakes in Wisconsin, these two are unique as they are surrounded by stunning and massive quartzite bluffs, iconic rock formations, and rugged wooded trails. The waters are calm and perfect for paddling.
Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most visited state park, offering outdoor enthusiasts a long list of activities and adventures. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for kayaking and canoeing, you’ll get one of the most beautiful views of these majestic cliffs from the water. The park features two large sandy beaches ideal for swimming, and the calm waters make it perfect for paddling activities. Visitors can rent paddlecraft from the park’s concessions, providing an accessible way to explore the scenic lake.
While there are popular campgrounds at the local nearby parks, there’s something about choosing a bed and breakfast for your lodging instead! Not only will you have a cozy space to make your homebase, but you’ll also have a comfortable bed, welcoming service, and breakfast cooked for you—no tending to a camp stove or waking up at dawn to boil water. Staying at our Baraboo bed and breakfast adds elegance and luxury to your outdoor adventures. Check our upcoming availability at our historic bed and breakfast, and book your lodging today!
Best Lakes in Wisconsin: Devil's Lake & Mirror Lake State Park
Hitting the Sauk County lakes in Wisconsin is a great summer activity. From swimming in the crisp, clear waters to paddling kayaks or canoes on the calm surface, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat. Follow that with a beautiful hike or picnic on the shoreline, and you’ll feel a greater connection to nature and be especially relaxed with all the fresh air and sunshine.
Here are the best lakes in Wisconsin to explore on your next visit:
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Rent kayaks or canoes at the Devil’s Lake concession stand to tour the 360-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs. There are also two swimming beaches, one at each end of the lake, totaling 3,300 feet in length, to dip your toes or brave the crisp waters. Scuba diving is also a popular pastime at the park; diving flags are required.
- Mirror Lake State Park: This park is named for its centerpiece, a lake that is often so calm that not a ripple marks its surface due to the slow-no-wake rule for all watercraft. In the summer, you’ll find kayak and canoe rentals and one swimming beach.
- Lake Wisconsin: Shared by Sauk and Columbia County, about five miles Southeast of Baraboo, this reservoir on the Wisconsin River covers more than 10,000 acres. It’s a popular location for boating, swimming, and fishing. There are a handful of boat launches for visitors to enjoy the lake and great local companies for boat rentals.
- Lake Redstone: The highlight of this park in Wisconsin is the 800-foot spillway that cascades on the south end of Lake Redstone. This is a popular spot to fish for panfish, largemouth bass, musky, northern pike, and walleye.
- Lake Delton: After flooding in 2008, this lake in the Wisconsin Dells suffered massive drainage into the Wisconsin River. However, it has since been fully repaired and remains a popular place for fishing. Swimming is also permitted from the public beach.
As a guest at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, feel free to ask your innkeepers about the best lakes in Wisconsin to visit during your stay! We’re lucky to have the beautiful Devil’s Lake State Park just ten minutes away, but exploring the other nature areas is always a treat too.
Best Bed and Breakfast Near Devil's Lake State Park
Our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast is only about ten minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park, home to one of the best lakes in Wisconsin. Our inn is a wonderful choice for outdoor lovers who like to be close to the adventures but prefer a comfortable bed and roof over their heads at night instead of camping. You can spend the day exploring all of the best things to do at Devil’s Lake and retreat back to a warm shower, welcoming hospitality, elegantly decorated rooms, and the intriguing history of the famed Ringling Family.
Each morning of your stay, we’ll treat you to a lovely breakfast, homemade and with seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible. It’s the best way to start the day before heading out to explore the nearby hiking trails, lakes, and state parks. We’ll start you off with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and then you’re choice of sweet or savory morning option. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy your meal at the historic Ringling Family dining table, on our porch, or in the outdoor patio area.
In the evenings, you’ll love retreating to our bed and breakfast near Devil’s Lake State Park. Join us in the sitting room by the fire for a glass of wine, or head to your private suite to relax. Get cozy in your comfortable bed, turn on Netflix, and let the day’s adventures slip away as you drift off into a peaceful night’s sleep. All of our guest rooms have en suite bathrooms, some with deep air-jetted tubs and others with rain shower heads. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast today!
