There are general store buildings on both the north and south shores of the lake and both offer concessions, general goods for camping, and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats. The buildings are open all summer during the day and parts of the spring and fall, closing for the winter.

The lake is obviously a source of great entertainment, and it is kept serene due to the regulation that only electric motors be used on it. The lack of motors or engines at the lake make it a serene place to hike.

There is a Nature Center as you enter the park from the north, and it is here you can discover the most about the park, other than walking in it. Displays, terrariums, and maps can be found here, along with the park naturalist if you are fortunate. 

The Visitor Center on the north shore offers snow shoes, free of charge, during open hours and when there is enough snow to warrant them. They are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cross-country skiing is popular in Wisconsin in general, and Devil’s Lake is no exception. Hiking doesn’t stop just because its cold either, so don’t sleep on the extended vistas and views available when all the foliage has gone for the winter.

There are two notable rock formations in the park, both on the east side of the lake, high in the bluffs. Balanced Rock and the Devil’s Doorway, both pictured above, are popular destinations for hikers and as the top of the cliffs really aren’t that high, they are a short jaunt from the southern parking lot and beach, though they are not wheelchair accessible and the ascent, though short, is steep.

Speaking of rocks, another activity available is rock climbing. There are several common spots where climbers can be found on most summer days, bringing their own rope and pads to boulder or top rope the heights. While Devil’s Lake is no El Capitan, it is the best thing around. This is Wisconsin after all.

Devil’s Lake State Park is located approximately one hour’s drive from Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. Adjacent to the town of Baraboo, whose claim to fame involves the Ringling Bros Circus, Devil’s Lake is one of the jewels of the state and a must visit if you are spending any length of time in southern Wisconsin. Also nearby is the world famous Wisconsin Dells.

The name of this state park and the lake that is its focal point comes from the Ho-Chunk, or Winnebago, the Native American tribe that inhabited the land prior to European and American incursion. The current English name is most likely a mistranslation of the original Native American name, which probably meant something closer to Spirit Lake or Sacred Lake.

The lake is beautiful, and large enough to offer at least a day of outdoor excitement. While a walk around the entire thing only takes a few hours, the trail system in its entirety takes much longer, and campsites are available so you can take your ease and enjoy the quiet of southern Wisconsin.

The lake itself is notable for its lack of apparent inlets or outlets, making it what is called an endorheic lake. It does in fact have an observable inlet, and it most likely has underground outlets as well. It inhabits a valley and hills rise up on all sides, on the two longest sides they rise quite sharply, creating bluffs and cliffs that offer excellent views and scenery to hikers.