Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin
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This unique state park in central Wisconsin is the most visited in the state. It’s popular for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing.
Devil’s Lake State Park: (Jump To)
I must confess to having a soft spot for Devil’s Lake State Park. Up until his passing in the early 1980s, my grandfather would tow the pop-up camper trailer that he built himself across the state to enjoy the park during humid Wisconsin summers. My parents continue the tradition to this day.
History of Devil’s Lake
During the last Ice Age, the Wisconsin glacier pushed mounds of dirt into the path of the Wisconsin River rerouting and damming the river. When it all melted away it left a large deep lake surrounded on three sides by purple stone quartzite bluffs.
What to Do at Devil’s Lake State Park
The park is popular with day users who visit to swim in the lake or hike the bluffs. Its proximity to Wisconsin Dells also makes it a popular camping destination for travelers visiting “The Dells.” The unique cliffs lure local rock climbing enthusiasts pining for real mountains.
Best Hike in Devil’s Lake State Park
A great way to spend your day is with a hike up a bluff and around the lake.
Start on the lake’s North Shore at the East Bluff Trailhead. Take the slow yet steep climb to the top. Once you reach the top you’ll be treated to a cliffside hike with views of Devil’s Lake and the valley below.
Continue the length of the bluff (about one mile) to an intersection of trails, then keep left continuing on the East Bluff Trail toward Devil’s Doorway.
Be on the lookout for the 1/10 mile loop off-shoot that takes you to the park’s signature rock formation, Devil’s Doorway.
Return to the East Bluff Trail reaching The Potholes Trail to the right. Take this steep 3/10 mile descent.
At ground level, you’ll intersect the Grottos Trail, turn right, and continue a short distance across the railroad tracks to the South Shore of Devil’s Lake.
Just past the tree line is a fascinating effigy mound shaped like a bird left by earlier inhabitants of the area.
Follow the shore of the lake along paved beach paths.
Stop into South Shore Concessions for an ice cream then continue following the shore hitting the sidewalk along South Lake Road.
You’ll cross over a stream to find a gravel road and turn right to take the gravel road past a few lakeside cottages. The road starts to fade into the Tumbled Rocks Trail. A paved, mostly level, lakeside, winding path through boulders.
After about a mile, you’ll find yourself back on the North Shore of the lake. Again follow the shoreline of the lake ending at your starting point.
