Devil's Lake State Park
Quick Facts
Why Wisconsin Dells & Baraboo
Devil’s Lake is the third-oldest, largest, and most-visited state park in Wisconsin, drawing over 1.2 million visitors a year to its 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre glacial lake. It sits along the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, just a mile from downtown Baraboo, and roughly 40 minutes from the waterparks and attractions of Wisconsin Dells.
Founded in 1911, the park offers 29 miles of trails ranging from flat lakeside paths to strenuous bluff climbs with 500-foot elevation gain, along with two sandy beaches, kayak and canoe rentals, and rock climbing on the park’s namesake quartzite cliffs.
What Makes It Special
- Location: Baraboo, about 40 minutes from Wisconsin Dells
- Setting: Glacier-formed lake with 500-foot quartzite bluffs
- Site type: State park campground
- Amenities: Extensive trail network, two beaches, kayaking, ice cream shop at headquarters
- Recreation: Hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and fishing
Pro Tips for Booking
Book well ahead. This is Wisconsin’s most-visited state park by a wide margin — sites and even day passes fill fast in summer.
Hike the Devil’s Doorway loop. It’s the standout trail here, with genuinely dramatic bluff-top views over the lake.
Pair it with Baraboo. Circus World, the Al Ringling Theatre, and Driftless Glen Distillery are all just a few minutes from the park.
What to Do Around Here
- The Devil’s Doorway loop, a standout hike with bluff-top lake views
- Swimming at two sandy beaches on the lake
- Rock climbing on the park’s quartzite bluffs
- Circus World Museum in downtown Baraboo, birthplace of Ringling Bros.
- Wisconsin Dells’ waterparks, about 40 minutes away
