Devil’s Lake, WI
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 83°F. Risk of rain (51%). Light wind (15 mph). Thunderstorms forecast or possible.
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Unfavorable weather factor
Paddling
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 83°F. High rain probability (51%). Breezy winds (15 mph). Thunderstorms forecast or possible.
- Rain: Unfavorable weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Unfavorable weather factor
About Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin is one of the most scenic natural destinations in the Midwest, nestled within Devil’s Lake State Park — Wisconsin’s most visited state park. Located near Baraboo in Sauk County, the park surrounds a stunning 360-acre spring-fed lake framed by towering 500-foot quartzite bluffs that date back roughly 1.6 billion years.
The lake sits within the Baraboo Range, one of the oldest rock formations in North America. During the last Ice Age, glaciers dammed both ends of an ancient river gorge, creating the lake as it exists today. The result is a landscape that feels almost out of place in the rolling farmland of south-central Wisconsin — dramatic cliffs, boulder fields, and crystal-clear water that draws visitors year-round.
What to do at Devil’s Lake:
- Hiking — Over 29 miles of trails wind through the park, including the popular East Bluff and West Bluff trails that reward hikers with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
- Swimming & Paddling — Two sandy beaches on the north and south shores offer swimming, while kayakers and canoeists can explore the lake’s calm, motor-restricted waters.
- Rock Climbing & Bouldering — The quartzite bluffs are a premier climbing destination in the upper Midwest, with routes for all skill levels.
- Camping — The park offers over 400 campsites, from wooded tent sites to full-hookup RV spots.
- Wildlife & Nature — The bluffs and surrounding forests are home to turkey vultures, hawks, white-tailed deer, and a rich variety of wildflowers.
Whether you’re after a challenging bluff-top hike, a lazy afternoon on the beach, or just a place to sit and take in one of Wisconsin’s most dramatic landscapes, Devil’s Lake delivers. It’s about an hour northwest of Madison and roughly three hours from Chicago and Milwaukee, making it an accessible getaway for much of the upper Midwest.