Winter is a popular time to get out and enjoy the beauty & solitude of the park.  Popular past-times include Cross-Country Skiing, Sledding, Ice Skating, Ice Fishing, Hiking, Snowshoeing and more.  Devil’s Lake also offers a variety of events during the autumn and winter months including the candlelight hike & ski in January of each year.

Winter Water Accessibility
Water is turned off in many areas of the park during the winter. During the winter, bathrooms are open by the South Shore Concession building (concessions would be closed). At the North Shore, bathrooms are open in the Visitor Center and the Headquarters Building. The date of actual water shut-off and turn-on is usually mid-April and mid-October, but these times may vary according to the weather by 1-3 weeks either way. Call the park to find out current information at 608-356-8301.

Sledding
Sledding on the hill behind the Nature Center is very popular in the winter. This is on the north shore along the road connecting the north shore entrance to the Quartzite Campground. The hill is not specifically maintained for sledding but is used regularly. Parking is available near the Nature Center or near the bottom of the hill in the Quartzite Campground.

There are no shelters or heated buildings near by, however there is a winterized water tap and non-flush toilets available in the campground.

Cross Country Skiing At Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake has over 22 miles of XC ski trails, but this is only one of numerous winter activities available. Maintenance personnel try to groom the ski trails on Fridays before the heavy use of weekend visitors, and on Mondays or Tuesdays. If possible, trails are groomed soon after any snowfall of 5" or more. This trail grooming schedule may vary depending on other park and maintenance needs. Conditions can vary widely due to sun or shade or steepness of terrain. Some trails are one way only. Most trails (other than skate skiing trails) are groomed in a double track.

Call the park number (608-356-8301) and listen to the opening greeting for recent conditions of the cross country ski trails.  You may also call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow report at 1-800-432-TRIP for ski conditions at Devil’s Lake and other areas of the state. The Department of Tourism’s information should be updated every Wednesday. The recorded information at the Devil’s Lake phone number will be updated at least weekly, and more frequently when possible.

Winter Gallery - click on an image to enlarge

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