Rolling hills lined with hiking trails, carved out boulders, camping and swimming are the main attractions that keep drawing thousands of people to Devil’s Lake State Park each year. Being the largest state park in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake has activities for people of all skill levels from families to experienced rock climbers.
1. Hiking Trails
There are 14 trails open to hikers throughout the fall, spring and summer and three that are exclusive to winter as ice trails. One of the most traveled is a beginner trail called Balanced Rock Trail (0.4 miles), which leads you to one of the highlights of Devil’s Lake, the Devils Doorway.
2. Bouldering
Devil’s Doorway and the adjacent rocks are some of the easier bouldering you can do at the state park. Remember that if you have no experience bouldering it is dangerous and there is always a risk of injury.
3. Rock Climbing
If you want to go rock climbing, you have to have professional experience and a climbing certification to set up your own equipment, a belay certification (they don’t check, but for your safety please do) and come with your own gear unless you’re along for the climb and are using others’ gear. Some of my favorite spots to climb have been places we just happen upon off the West Bluff trails.
4. Camping
If you’re looking to spend the night at this serene state park, you’ll have to book a campground. You aren’t allowed to pitch your tent just anywhere. Especially in the summer months, booking a camping ground must be done early because spots fill up fast!
5. The Water
Devil’s Lake is the actual lake the state park surrounds. This lake is open to free swimming, a family beach, kayaking, canoeing and cliff diving.
