Devil's Lake State Park
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Spectacular scenery, a full range of recreational activities, and a full-time naturalist make this a very popular park. The nearly-10,000-acre state park is 2 miles south of Baraboo and about 40 miles northwest of downtown Madison.
The Devil's Doorway rock formation, with Devil's Lake in the background
DNR Photo
More people visit Devil’s Lake State Park annually—1.2 to 1.4 million—than any other state park in Wisconsin. Peak visitation is during the late spring, summer and fall, when visitors can swim in or boat on the clear, 360-acre spring-fed lake.
The park is a unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Federal Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports [exit DNR] as well as Wisconsin state park admission stickers are honored. Holders of National Parks passports receive a waiver of the vehicle admission fees, but camping fees are not affected. Devil's Lake also has a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
State parks nearby are Mirror Lake (12 miles northwest), Rocky Arbor (19 miles northwest), and Natural Bridge (20 miles west). Also nearby is the Circus World Museum [exit DNR] in Baraboo, a state historic site.
Water recreation
Many
anglers come to the lake for fishing--from shores or boats (electric
motors only) in spring through fall and through the ice in winter.
The lake is home to brown trout, walleye and northern pike, bass,
and panfish. A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or
over, and a trout stamp is required for trout fishing.
There is a boat launch at each end of the lake. Boats and canoes may be rented at the park's concession. Life preservers are required for all boats, including rubber rafts.
There are two beaches totaling 3,300 feet in length, each with a bath house. Lifeguards are not provided. SCUBA diving is popular. Diving flags are required.
Other information
Devil's Lake is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visitor Center hours are from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily in the summer and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in other seasons.
All parked vehicles must have a valid vehicle admission sticker, and all campers must first register and pay before setting up. These requirements may be taken care of at the Visitor Center or at one of several self-pay stations. Write the park at S 5975 Park Road, Baraboo, WI 53913. Park information may be obtained by calling 608-356-8301.
The park is not maintained for rock climbing; do it at your own risk. Loose rocks may be encountered.
Dances are often held in the historic chateau building along the lake on summer weekend evenings.
DNR Photo
In the Area
Baraboo
[exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events,
and more
Mirror Lake State
Park
Natural Bridge
State Park
Rock Arbor State
Park
Wisconsin
Dells [exit DNR]—Accommodations,
activities, dining, events, and more
How to Get There
From the south or east on Interstate Highway 90/94, take State Highway 33 west about 15 miles to Baraboo. Turn left (south) on State Highway 123 and go 3 miles to the park.
From the northwest on I-90/94, go right (south) at exit 92. Take US Highway 12-East about 10 miles to State Highway 159. Turn left (east) on Highway 159 and go about 2 miles to the park.
From the south on US 12, turn right (east) on Highway 159 and go about 2 miles to the park.
From about April through November, the park can be reached via the Merrimac free ferry, State Highway 113 and County Highway DL.
For campsite descriptions and availability, call (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757) or check the Web. For other information, ask:
Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd.
Baraboo WI 53913-9299
(608) 356-8301
(608) 356-4281 Fax
