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Devil's Lake State Park
Current Conditions
Conditions as of Thursday, February 2, 2012:
Trails
Ski trails have suffered with recent temperatures in the 40’s and even some drizzle. Trails are in poor condition.
Snowshoers can go anywhere in the park except for the cross-country ski trails. Snow is thin in most areas. The bluff trails are not very agreeable to snowshoeing with the steps, but you might try the more gradual (fewer steps) East Bluff Trail and East Bluff Woods Trail as a 2.5-mile loop. Visit the Grottoes and Group Camp Trails, Roznos Meadow, or walk up into the two closed campgrounds. You can check out snowshoes from the nature center to be used in the park, when the center is open.
Lake
Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, the lake froze over very late this season. Snow then blanketed the lake’s ice, slowing further ice formation. People have been fishing on the lake, but they are staying near shore, and ice shanties are safely at the very edges of the lake. Use extra caution because of this year’s conditions.
Nature
Visitors can see several woodpecker species (downy, hairy, and red-headed), nuthatches, pine siskins, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays, tufted titmice, northern cardinals and American goldfinches. The feeders at the nature center have been quite active with all of the cold weather. A fox was spotted along the entrance road.
Camping
Northern Lights and Ice Age campgrounds are closed for the season. Quartzite campground will remain open through the fall and winter. Water facilities (RV dump/fill stations, showers, and most water taps) are now closed. One winterized water tap and pit toilet rest rooms are available to campers.
No backcountry, trail-side, or hike-in camping is allowed in the park.
Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip.
Concessions
The Chateau, boat rentals, and all concessions operations are now closed for the season, and will re-open in early May of 2012.
Parfrey's Glen
Parfrey's Glen is open. Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, within Devil's Lake State Park, is open again after being closed from significant flash flooding received last year.
More Information
Devil's Lake State Park is open every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Visitor Center is open daily until 4 p.m.
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]
For campsite availability, call (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757) or check the Web. For other information, ask Devil's Lake State Park, (608) 356-8301.
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