At 9,217 acres, Devil’s Lake State Park is the most sizable state park in Wisconsin, and “sizable” also perfectly describes the range of things you can see and do in this stunningly scenic year-round recreation destination. You can enjoy lakeshore picnic areas, sandy beaches, bird watching, rock climbing, boating, hiking into backcountry solitude, and much more. During Autumn, the striking Wisconsin fall colors are at their peak at this state park, making it one of the best times to plan a visit for hiking and kayaking.
Exploring the absolute beauty of fall in Wisconsin is such a lovely pastime. The diverse mix of hardwood and pine tress offer the perfect backdrop for a stunning view of fall colors near Baraboo. One of the easiest ways to take in all this Autumn glory is on the North Shore entrance of Devil’s Lake State Park. It’s a 4-minute drive that takes you through a tunnel of these trees, and you can enjoy the blazing colors from the comfort of your car.
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 beautiful nearby town of Baraboo. You’ll be rested and fresh for the rigors of 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. So plan your Devil’s Lake State Park adventure by reserving your room with us today!
The Best Things to Do in Devil’s Lake State Park this Fall
Devil’s Lake State Park is, by far, one of the best places to see fall colors in Wisconsin. Either from your car windows or out on foot on the best hiking trails, this expansive park is undeniably beautiful all year long, but when the golden and fiery hues pepper the bluffs, it’s even more memorable. There are so many things to do in Devil’s Lake State Park!
Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this treasure in our Wisconsin backyard:
- With 29 miles of trails, hiking is one of the most popular things to do at Devil’s Lake. Including some spectacularly 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 don’t get too close to the edges. Especially recommended are the East Bluff Trail and the Tumbled Rocks Trail. (During hunting seasons, be sure to wear blaze orange when entering permitted hunting zones in the park.)
- Whether you’re taking in blazes of late fall color, capturing the shivery autumnal desolation of the lake surface, or searching out high points for spectacular panoramic images, you and your camera will find Devils’ Lake State Park a can’t-miss proposition. You’ll likely see other photography hobbyists at the park.
- Rock climbing and bouldering. Devil’s Lake State Park offers some of the best opportunities for both in the Midwest, as its sheer quartzite cliffs and rock formations are gorgeously representative of the Driftless Region, which was left unflattened by ancient glacial action. Here’s a guide to locations and resources.
- While gas motors are not allowed on Devil’s Lake, there are plenty of paddling opportunities by canoe or kayak, with boat launches at both ends of the lake and on-site rentals available.
- The state stocks Devil’s Lake with brown trout, walleye, and Northern pike, among other fish. You don’t even need a boat if you prefer, as the south-end launch areas offer shore fishing. Don’t forget your Wisconsin fishing license.
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are favorite activities in the fall. 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.
- More than 6,400 acres of Devil’s Lake State Park are open to Hunting and trapping. Be sure to explore the required licenses and the areas where hunting is legal.
- Depending on when you arrive in the fall, if it’s on the later side, it might be time for snowshoeing. Should you arrive at Devil’s Lake State Park in time for a fall flurry, you’ll find many hiking trails in the park are well-suited to this pursuit. You can even borrow snowshoes for free if you need.
Where to Stay Near Devil’s Lake State Park
If you’re planning a visit to Devil’s Lake State Park and want a base that’s both comfortable and full of character, Ringling House Bed & Breakfast in Baraboo is an ideal choice. Just a short drive from the park’s north shore entrance, roughly 3.5 miles, our historic B&B offers the perfect location and experience for your outdoor getaway. We also have a two-bedroom stand-alone vacation cottage, ideal for small families or those traveling with their dog.
The property itself is a beautifully preserved early 1900s Colonial Revival home built by one of the famed Ringling Brothers, and it retains original architectural details like stained glass and woodwork that tell a story of Wisconsin’s past while you unwind in well-appointed guest rooms. When planning your slate of awe-inspiring activities at Devil’s Lake State Park, there’s no better place to begin and end each day’s adventures than at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. Timeless in its appeal but loaded with modern amenities, you’ll want to reserve your room today at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast.
