This year at Devil’s Lake, the annual First Day hike will be a twilight hike/snowshoe…
Let’s take a look at what’s up this weekend at Devil’s Lake State Park and beyond.. Oh, and don’t forget, Sunday is Father’s Day… (No slippers, please!)
Weather
We’re looking at the local weather forecasts on Wednesday and the way weather forecasting has been this year, who knows what they’ll say tomorrow!? As of right now though, the call is for nice temps in the 70s all weekend with the highest chance of rain on Saturday. Here’s the National Weather Service Forecast.
Events & Activities
Devil’s Lake Events & Activities
Kicking off the weekend at Devil’s Lake, of course, is the Friday Fish Fry hosted by The Barn Restaurant every Friday from May 24th through Aug 30th. Dinner is served from 5 pm – 7:30 pm outside the North Shore Chateau. Cost is $12 per person.
Friday, June 14 – Fireside Fun – Fireflies
Join us by the fireside to find out about fireflies! Learn more about these fascinating night-time insects then head off to catch and watch fireflies in the tall grasses. This program’s activities are designed with families in mind, but open to “kids” of all ages. Starting at 8:30 pm. Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, June 15 – Meet The Bee Keepers
Check out the Nature Center’s bee hive! Come visit with the bee keepers and watch as they take care of the hive. This popular program is great for all ages. Happening outside the Nature Center. 11:30am – 12:30pm.
Saturday, June 15 – Guided Kayak Tour
Go on a kayak adventure at Devil’s Lake! Guides will take you on a 2-hour tour of the lake exploring the geology, history and lake’s wildlife. Space is limited, so you’ll need to preregister. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25 for a single kayak and $45 for a double. To register, please contact the Nature Center at (608) 356-8301 ext. 140. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Saturday, June 15 – Dance To The Big Bands
Dance to the Big Band sounds of the Hal Edwards Orchestra in Wisconsin’s celebrated “most romantic dance pavilion” – the Chateau. Join us as we relive the glory years. Cost is $10 and happens at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions). 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm.
More Activities!
For a complete list of Devil’s Lake’s programs and activities, this weekend click over to our events calendar right here.
Mirror Lake State Park Activities
Friday, June 14 – Naturalist Drop-In
The naturalist will be on hand at the park office to show the kids the animals, hand out some coloring pages, word search puzzles, maze puzzles, talk about the programs on Saturday, and assist kids with getting started on their Explorer Patch program. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 15 – Echo Rock Hike
Take a naturalist lead hike on the Echo Rock Trail ! Meet at Trailhead, upper boat landing parking lot. Travel back in time to discover how Mirror Lake was formed, explore the wildflowers, smell the fresh pine trees, walk through the cooler Ishnala gorge. 10 am to 11:30 am
Saturday, June 15 – Make A Father’s Day Card
Make a father’s day card from natural materials. Blank cards, markers, crayons, pencils, glue will be provided. Kids will bring their creative ideas and their sense of exploration to complete the project. Meet at the beach area at 1 pm.
Saturday, June 15 – Geocaching!
Let’s talk about adventure, exploration, and the how to’s of geocaching. Did you know most state parks offer GPS units for check out and have many geocaches within the park boundaries? Let’s get out there and explore. Meet at the Amphitheater at 7 pm.
Area Events
Thursday, June 13 – Baraboo – Concerts on the Square
Featuring UW Campus Community Concert Band & Chorus – Free concerts on Baraboo’s historic downtown Courthouse Square. Limited number of chairs are provided. You may also bring your own chair or a blanket. Refreshments are available for purchase. In the event of rain, it will move indoors across the street to the Al Ringling Theatre. 7 pm.
Saturday, June 15 – Baraboo – Art June
The ArtJune arts festival (formerly the Summer Art Classic held in August) will showcase fine art sculptures, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber art, and more on the park-like Sauk County courthouse square in Baraboo, Wisconsin. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 15 – Baraboo – An Evening With Construction Cranes – International Crane Foundation
Stroll our prairie trails and sample local gourmet food, craft beer and wines. Mix and mingle with fellow Craniacs and our international staff, including our VP International – Africa Kerryn Morrison, Southeast Asia Program Coordinator Tran Triet and our China team. Stroll our prairie trails and sample local gourmet food, craft beer and wines. Mix and mingle with fellow Craniacs and our international staff, including our VP International – Africa Kerryn Morrison, Southeast Asia Program Coordinator Tran Triet and our China team. 5 to 8 p.m. More Information.
Hiking & Wildlife
Hiking Trail Report
Most of the park’s trails are in good condition other than Steinke Basin, which has been par-for-the-course over the last few weeks. Steinke Basin did get a new sign though! Here’s the full trail report.
Birds & Wildlife
There have been lots of snakes out recently at the park! Mostly northern water snakes swimming along the shorelines. They are not dangerous, just watch ’em go by. Meanwhile, the young Great Blue Heron are getting big at the South Shore Rookery. They won’t be staying much longer this season, so get out there to see them soon. Also, keep an eye out for fawns around the park. We captured some good video of one of the park’s little ones on a critter cam last week which you can check out here.
Wrap Up!
I don’t know about you, but it seems like this summer is just flying by. Locally most kids are out, or getting out of school now and the streets are summer-busy again! You hate to mention it, but with the crowds come the creeps. When you visit our parks and natural areas, remember to leave nothing of value in your cars. Break-ins have been happening already.
Otherwise, whatever you’re up to this weekend, have fun. Be safe! Bring your patience. And drivers, be extra attentive to kids, bikes, and motorcycles when out on the roads of Sauk County.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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