Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin has unforgettable views, beautiful private campsites, and stunning trails for all skill levels.

Located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, visitors can also enjoy swimming at two gorgeous beaches, paddling, and picnics along a pristine lakeshore.

For further information, check out the park website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake

What’s in a Name?

The early Indigenous peoples living in the area held the lake and its surrounding bluffs in reverence. With the arrival of European settlers, descriptions of the Lake’s spiritual significance and names like “Sacred Lake” by Indigenous peoples may have been misunderstood.

As tourism grew in the 1800s, various names were proposed, like “Spirit Lake” and “Lake of the Woods”. It is possible that “Devil’s Lake” just sounded to local investors that it would attract visitors to the area. At the time there were actually several other lakes in Wisconsin with the same name.

Whatever the reason, the Devil’s Lake name stuck.

Best Time to Visit Devil’s Lake

The park is open year-round. Winter is a great time to explore in solitude. Come prepared to tackle ice and snow-covered trails while enjoying extraordinary vistas. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will have a memorable experience.

Weekends at Devil’s Lake, from May to October will be extremely busy. Plan on arriving early, as access will be temporarily restricted if congestion becomes too great. I visited on a weekday in August; it was a little crowded but still enjoyable.

Accessibility

Devil’s Lake State Park offers several accessible opportunities, including campsites, concession stands, picnic shelters, and picnic sites. In addition, there is an accessible walking path along the North Shore Day Use Area, and an accessible binocular viewer simulating nature’s closeness to visitors. 

The park also has a beach access mat and beach wheelchair for navigating the Northshore Beach. The beach wheelchair can be checked out at the Chateau. 

Safety

Stay on marked trails.

Use caution when climbing, and on ridge/bluff tops. Trails can be slick during wet and/or icy conditions.

Cell service is not always available in certain areas. Plan ahead and be prepared with alternate navigation tools.

Devil’s Lake Trails

West Bluff

This is a combination paved trail with lots of stone steps. With a 400-foot elevation gain, you will have great views, but it can be just a bit rugged. I would recommend hiking poles. Enter at the north parking lot, so you can return via the easier Tumbled Rocks trail.

West Bluff is about 1.6 miles long. There are gorgeous views of the lake from the highest point, and the trail itself is pretty cool.

Even though the trail is rocky, there are plenty of spaces to walk in between.

Once you get to the trail midpoint, there will be fantastic lake views.

Continue on for more trail scenery.

Tumbled Rocks Trail

Once you reach the south end of the lake, turn back north on the Tumbled Rocks Trail. This is an easier 1.2 mile trail that is a tranquil walk along the lake shore. Wind up back at the parking lot and head over to the eastern shore for more jaw dropping scenery.

Potholes Trail

This is a rugged 0.3 mile hike. It is well worth the effort. At the top you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in Wisconsin. Even though it is short, this steep hike has huge stone steps and a 337 foot elevation gain.

Okay, confession time. When first starting this trail, I almost turned around, thinking it was a big mistake. I’m so glad I kept on going! If you just take it slow, one step at a time, you will get a big reward at the top.

Park in the southwest lot and take the easy Grottos Trail for 0.3 miles to access Potholes. You could also take the rugged East Bluff Trail to get to the ridge top.

However you choose to arrive, once you reach the top, you will be on the East Bluff Trail.

East Bluff Trail

You can walk along this 1.2-mile rugged trail for plenty of killer views. Or, if you chose to ascend via the Potholes Trail, take a left and head west for about 0.1 miles. Either way, you will get to the entrance of the Devil’s Doorway Trail.

Devil’s Doorway Trail

This is an easy 0.1 mile walk out which gives you the best chance for Instagram worthy photo opportunities. Take your time and use caution. When I first arrived at the trailhead, I wasn’t convinced this was a good idea. But after I watched some of the other hikers, the path became clearer.

The amazing Devil’s Doorway and the best lake view will be your reward for pushing through. Congratulations on not giving up!

If you are up for a longer hike, continue on the East Bluff Trail. Or you can just turn around and descend back on the Potholes Trail, which is what I chose. I seemed a lot easier going back down!

More Devil’s Lake Trails

There are almost 30 miles of hiking trails in the park. Be sure to refer to the park link at the beginning of this post to see a full map.

The Wisconsin Ice Trail Devil’s Lake section runs along some of the park trails. This is a national scenic trail contained entirely in Wisconsin. About 700 miles of completed trail link to 500 miles of unmarked connecting routes that are still being developed.

Other Activities

Boating, fishing, paddle activities and swimming make this a fun choice for families, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Picnic shelters can be reserved. There are also four miles of off-road bike trails.

Are you a rock climber? Many people do rock climb here, but the park is not maintained for this activity. It is allowed, but climbers do so at their own risk. I had the privilege of seeing some experienced climbers in action, but it’s definitely not for me.

Camping

There are over 400 sites to choose from, both electric and non-electric. I chose the upper Ice-Age campground, as all the sites here are wooded and have lots of privacy. This is a rustic non-electric area favored by tent campers.

For more campground information, maps and reservations: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake/recreation/camping

Other Area Attractions

The entire Devil’s Lake surrounding area has many choices for outdoor fun. It is also near Wisconsin Lake. You can even take a ferry from the town of Merrimac across the lake.

Ice Age Trail Merrimac Section

This is another nearby section of the Ice Age trail that is exceptionally beautiful. It is part of the Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area.

Rising 200 feet above the surrounding landscape, Gibraltar Rock is a flat-topped butte. It is part of a bluff with amazing views of the Wisconsin River Valley.

The trail is not too difficult, but can be dangerous in wet and icy weather. There are no gates or handrails, so exercise caution when walking along the cliffs, especially with young children. Most of the trail is pretty wide and seems safe.

The entire trail is 4.2 miles one way, but watch for signs; other parking areas shorten the route. If you park at the Gibraltar Rock County Park, it is only a little over two miles to a good viewing point.

You can find out more about the area and the Ice Age Trail here: https://www.iceagetrail.org/explore/explore-the-trail/ice-age-trail/

I hope this post has inspired you to get some dirt under your boots in the lovely state of Wisconsin.

Sharing is caring!