Nestled in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As the largest and most visited state park in Wisconsin, it offers a stunning landscape of towering quartzite bluffs, crystal-clear waters, and miles of scenic trails.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful retreat in nature, Devil’s Lake offers something for everyone. It’s a hidden gem in the Midwest that’s well worth the visit!
Admission
Devils Lake requires a vehicle admission pass that you can purchase when arrive. Check out their website to see the prices for you.
Getting to Devils Lake
Devils lake is located in the south central part of Wisconsin. Getting there is pretty easy, if you are departing from Madison, WI its just north west by about an hour by car. If you are coming from Wisconsin Dells, WI its just South by about 25 minutes.
Hiking
After we got parked and gathered our hiking gear, we set out to see what the lake had to over. To get the best views be prepared for a hike around the lake, here you will be able to see the lake from the bluffs, balanced rock and devils doorway.
We spent a good portion of our day hiking. The route around the lake is between 4.8 to 6 miles depending on how much exploring you do and 1000+ feet of elevation gain. We ended up doing the West Bluff Trail plus a little more and it took us around 3 hours and 45 minutes to enjoy the view.
Here are some of the stunning views as we hiked around the lake. There are are a couple of major attractions while doing the hikes. Balanced Rock and Devils Doorway are the two most popular. We stopped at both of them.
Devils Doorway
Here is Devils Doorway, its difficult to get too and obviously looks like a doorway.
Balanced Rock
Balanced rock, its really quite the site to see. Don’t be afraid to slow down and take some photos and enjoy the view, no need to rush.
Another view of the lake form the bluff: Here you can see the beach, which is the north side of the lake.
When we were done Hiking we stopped and ate a late lunch and relaxed.
As the evening set in, we took a moment to watch the sunset fade behind the hills and reflecting beautifully off the lake. It was a peaceful and unforgettable sight.
After exploring plenty of outdoor spots around the Midwest, I can say Devil’s Lake really stands out. Whether you have a day or a full weekend, it’s worth the stop, hike the trails, take in the views, or just relax. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking to soak up some serious natural beauty.