Devil's Lake State Park

Overview

Overview

Located in south-central Wisconsin near the city of Baraboo, Devil’s Lake State Park is the state’s most visited park and one of its most visually dramatic. Towering quartzite bluffs rise sharply above a deep, clear lake, creating a landscape that feels bold, rugged, and unlike anywhere else in Wisconsin.

Set within the Baraboo Range, the park combines striking geology with extensive trails and year-round recreation. Its accessibility, scenic diversity, and iconic views make Devil’s Lake a destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Landscape & Geology

Landscape

The defining feature of Devil’s Lake State Park is its massive quartzite bluffs, which are among the oldest exposed rock formations in the Midwest. These steep ridges were shaped by ancient tectonic forces and later carved by glacial activity, creating sheer cliffs and talus slopes that dominate the landscape.

Between the bluffs lies Devil’s Lake itself, a rare example of a natural lake without a visible inlet or outlet. Forested hillsides, open rock faces, and narrow valleys surround the lake, giving the park a dramatic sense of scale and elevation.

Trails & Scenic Views

Trails

Devil’s Lake State Park features an extensive and varied trail system, ranging from easy lakeshore paths to challenging climbs up the bluffs. Steep staircases, rock scrambles, and narrow ridgeline trails reward hikers with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Popular routes traverse both the East Bluff and West Bluff, offering distinct perspectives of the park’s terrain. While some trails are demanding, others provide accessible options for casual walking and scenic exploration.

Recreation

Recreation

Recreation at Devil’s Lake State Park includes hiking, swimming, camping, rock climbing, paddling, and picnicking. The park’s large swimming beaches are especially popular during summer, while non-motorized boating allows visitors to experience the lake from the water.

Multiple campgrounds support extended stays, and the park remains active year-round with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. Its combination of amenities and natural features supports a wide range of outdoor interests.

History

History

Devil’s Lake and the surrounding bluffs have long held cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, who used the area for travel, hunting, and ceremony. The name of the lake is believed to be a mistranslation of Native terms describing sacred or spirit-related waters.

The park became one of Wisconsin’s earliest protected natural areas and played a key role in the development of the state park system. Its long history of conservation has helped preserve the dramatic landscape seen today.

Why Visit

Find Your Next Adventure

Devil’s Lake State Park offers a powerful combination of towering cliffs, clear water, and challenging trails that define outdoor recreation in Wisconsin. Whether climbing the bluffs, relaxing along the lakeshore, or exploring year-round trails, visitors will find the park to be one of the state’s most iconic and unforgettable natural destinations.