Devil’s Lake State Park in summer
One of the most beautiful and popular state parks in Wisconsin and the country is Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo. The state park is one of the busiest and routinely rated as one of the best parks in the nation and sometimes even listed as number one.
For those who visit, it is not hard to understand why. The park is beautiful and there is so much to do here. If you hike, fish, rock climb, swim, camp, or just like to hang out and barbeque outside, you will find it here at Devil’s Lake.
The main draw to the park is the lake itself. The lake is a great place to swim and fish and it is probably the farthest southern lake in Wisconsin with a north woods feel to it. The lake is also a back drop to some stunning vistas if you climb the bluffs trail or hike along the shore on the Tumbled Rocks Trail.
Devil’s Lake State Park in the winter
The best time to come is in the summer when swimming, camping, and fishing are at its best, but don’t overlook the winter. I came here on the way back from a cross-country ski trip, and I really enjoyed the hiking. It was just as beautiful in the winter if not even more.
The Ice Age Scenic Trail comes through the park, and it is one of the nicest stretches of the almost 1,100 mile trail, and according to one blogger one of the best hiking areas around Madison. One complaint for many park visitors is the crowds and lack of solitude. The hordes mainly hang out at the beach and the campground. For a little peace and quiet, hike one of the trails that veer away from the lake. I hiked the Ice Age Trail on the other end of the park on Memorial Day and did not see one person.
Ice Age Trail on Memorial Day – Pretty quiet over here
Heading up to the overlook above Devil’s Lake
From the Tumbled Rocks Trail covered in snow
A look down on the north beach from the Bluff Trail
No swimmers out today
One of the many visitors who take in this view each summer
In the winter the views are not as crowded
The beauty of Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake blue water looks so refreshing
Same bluff but different season
Hiking up the bluff to the vista
Hiking along the shore on the Tumbled Rocks Trail
Adventure on!
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