One Of Wisconsin's Best State Parks Is Great For Hiking And Outdoor Adventures

If you're looking for an epic adventure on land, on water, or through geologic history in the upper Midwest, look no further than the top-rated state park in Wisconsin on AllTrails and one of the state's top tourist attractions. Located in southern Wisconsin's Baraboo Hills, Devil's Lake State Park pairs your favorite outdoor adventure, whether it's a day on the lake or a spectacular hike, with epic views atop 500-foot quartzite bluffs that are older than of the tallest mountains in the world, including the Rockies and the Himalayas.

Although the bluffs surrounding Devil's Lake are estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, scientists believe that the lake itself is much younger, forming during the last ice age when the Wisconsin Glacier melted 15,000 years ago. As the planet warmed, debris from the glacier moved into the ancient riverbed, creating 100-foot-thick terminal moraines that plugged both ends of an ancient river valley forming the roughly 1-mile-long Devil's Lake. Although the natural lake isn't full of pure glacial waters like the turquoise lakes in California's "Little Patagonia," it is fed by natural springs and rain, and can be controlled by an artificial piping system to prevent floods and minimize pollutants. 

Devil's Lake is roughly one hour north of Madison, the Badger State's charming capital by car — if there is no traffic. During the peak summer and fall seasons, the park experiences severe crowds all day long on weekends. Set your alarm and arrive early, or come late in the day to see the stunning sunset. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Before you set off, the park's website recommends purchasing your admission pass online to save time and use a dedicated express lane to enter the park, making it easier to find a coveted parking spot, which will likely be full by 9 a.m.

Over 2.5 million adventure enthusiasts visit Devil's Lake annually. Whether your type of adventure is a tough climb with a big reward or a relaxing stroll with your family, you'll be spoiled for choice in terms of natural scenery along your trek. On the north shore, you'll find many of the park's major attractions, including the visitor center, nature center, and three camping areas in the vicinity, along with trailheads for the West Bluff and East Bluff trails. While you can't go wrong choosing either, the East Bluff Trail passes near the Devil's Doorway scenic overlook and Elephant Rock, and leads to the park's iconic Balanced Rock. If you've got the energy, add on the incredibly popular and mobility-friendly Tumbled Rocks Trail. Other family-friendly trails include the Grottos Trail and the quieter, off-lake Roznos Meadow Trail, which leads trekkers to views of a terminal moraine that formed Devil's Lake and gorgeous wildflowers in season. Hiking is also possible (and popular) during the winter months, and you'll be rewarded with fewer crowds and free snowshoe rentals for braving the cold.

If you've tackled those hikes without breaking a sweat, the above trails sit square on Wisconsin's unique 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, crisscrossing the state. The entire trail system crosses some of Wisconsin's most scenic landscapes, and at the time of writing, has been tackled by roughly 100 "thousand milers," according to Devil's Lake State Park Area Visitor Guide. Are you up for the challenge?

For over a century, Devil's Lake has attracted generations of visitors each summer to swim and splash on the lakeshore. More recently, it's won the silver medal in 2024 and 2025 as a USA Today "10 Best" destination for swimming. Within the state park, you'll find two swimming beaches, one on each shore, with a bathhouse, shower, and plenty of reservable and non-reservable picnic areas (most are on the south shore) to grill burgers and hot dogs and pop open a cold beer. Yes, adult beverages are allowed in the park. Each area also has a concession stand selling food, basic camping supplies, and last-minute items such as ice and sunscreen. When you're ready to get out on the water in season, the concession stands also rent paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks, though be sure to dry off well in the early summer months. In past years, visitors have suffered from swimmer's itch after taking a dip in the lake. 

While over 400 regular campsites may seem like plenty across the state park, campgrounds tend to fill up early for the upcoming peak summer season and can be booked up to 11 months in advance on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. All campsites have basic camping amenities, including a fire ring, table, and space for a tent, as well as shower blocks and restroom facilities. Per the state park's website, some areas of the park will be undergoing upgrades during 2026, which will affect on-site facilities. Be sure to check online for updated information, and be prepared to spend the day before hitting the road, as leaving and re-entering could leave you stuck in traffic or without a parking spot.