This year at Devil’s Lake, the annual First Day hike will be a twilight hike/snowshoe…
This weekend features great weather, a very special Native dance presentation at Devil’s Lake and more. Let’s jump right in…
Weekend Weather
This is a simple one. We’re looking at mostly sunny days with temps from 85-90 through the weekend. As we can expect with the temps, there is a chance of T-storms Saturday & Sunday night. Here’s one forecast.
Trail Conditons
Good summer trail conditions prevail. There may be a bit of mud here and there, but not enough to ruin your shoes! Parts of the state’s 400 & Elroy-Sparta Bike Trails are still closed. Here’s a map of closures.
Looking to try a new area trail this weekend? Here’s a map and some suggestions.
Wildlife
Keep your eyes open as you drive around the Baraboo area this weekend. At one point this week, I discovered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes and a Whitetail doe with 2 fawns all within shouting distance.
Rescue, Rescue! Meanwhile, at Devil’s Lake State Park over the last week, the park naturalist rescued a snake, a snapping turtle and a hummingbird! (Here’s that story!) So if you’re out on the lake’s shoreline lookout for critters! If they are unsafe or being harassed, call a warden or call the nature center.
Birders may want to check out the Dam in Sauk Prairie where pelicans have been hanging out most of the summer. Cool to see them out there fishing!
Devil’s Lake State Park Events/Activities
We’re just listing some of the “big” events at the park this weekend. However, there are family activities going on at the Nature Center pretty much all weekend. You can get the full list on our events calendar here.
FRIDAY JULY 26
Friday Fish Fry – Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Barn Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Fish Frys at Devil’s Lake outside the Chateau throughout the summer.
The Native Beat Goes On – Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Elliott Funmaker, Sr. (Ho-Chunk) is a veteran performer and cultural arts presenter. He and his group will provide a family-friendly cultural demonstration of the music and dance of Ho-Chunk Nation. The group will share their rich heritage with details about the regalia that they wear, as well as the significant meaning of the tribe’s history through songs and dances. Elliott will also explain the symbolism of objects and actions, such the drum itself and the significance of the beat and rhythm. Join us for this authentic presentation about the Native culture of the original inhabitants of the area surrounding Devil’s Lake. This is a great program for all ages. The event is happening near the North Shore Boat Launch. Sponsored by the Little Eagle Arts Foundation.
Friday Fireside/Night Sky – Time: 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Join us by the fireside to see the glorious stars and planets out during the height of summer. We’ll have a couple of telescopes set up for you to look through and star apps to help you navigate through the night sky. This program is best for kids 7 and older and adults, but open to “kids” of all ages. Meet at the North Shore Boat Launch.
SATURDAY JULY 27
Guided Kayak Tour – Time 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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. This program is best for adults and children 10 and older. Meet at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions).
Universe In The Park – Time: 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Program for an evening of exploring the Universe! There will be a short presentation then some time looking through the telescope at the night sky! This program is best for adults and children 10 and older. Meet at the Rock Elm Shelter (North Shore).
SUNDAY, JULY 28
Music In The Park – Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Spend a Sunday evening at the North Shore of Devil’s Lake State Park for Music in the Park featuring Noah John and Ringing Iron. Listen to the music of an American Country Bluegrass band. The concert will happen on the north shore, just by the Chateau.
Mirror Lake State Park Events/Activities
SATURDAY JULY 27
Hike the Echo Rock and Ishnala Trail – Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Travel back in time on this 2.4-mile hike to learn how Mirror Lake was formed. Explore the wildflowers, smell the fresh pine trees, walk through the cool Ishnala Gorge. Learn about the human history of the park, who lived in and around the park, before it was a park. Let’s see if we can find some cool bugs and creatures and birds as well. If there is light rain, we will still go. If there is heavy rain and/or lightning, we will cancel. Meet at Echo Rock trailhead at the top of the boat landing parking lot.
How to Build the Perfect Campfire – Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Learn to build the perfect campfire, hear some campfire stories – some will be funny, some will be serious, some will be scary And…. there will be s’more fixings, because what’s a campfire and campfire stories without S’MORES! Meet at the amphitheater.
Featured Area Events
FRIDAY JULY 26
Reedikulus Art Crawl Time: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Reedsburg – The Reedikulus Arts Crawl. Enjoy a free family-friendly self-guided downtown walking tour featuring a variety of artists exhibiting, vending, demonstrating or performing in galleries, retail spaces, alleyways and parks. Make & take art activities. Watch for surprises! Street Party with live music. 4-10 pm. MORE INFORMATION
SATURDAY JULY 27
Baraboo Farmer’s Market Time: 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Baraboo – Started by local growers in the late-1980’s, the Baraboo Farmers’ Market has become a favorite feature of downtown life for Baraboo residents, who avail themselves of the wealth of locally produced agricultural products every Wednesday and Saturday morning from early May through October. MORE INFORMATION
Lazy Beaver Canoe Race Time: Starts at 10:00 am.
La VAlle – The 19th Annual Lazy Beaver Canoe and Kayak Race is sponsored by the Reedsburg Kiwanis. This race is intended to be a fun family event. The plan is to have the most serious canoeists start first so the more leisurely entrants don’t slow them down or get in the way. There are many different divisions plus an award for Best Decorated Boat or Kayak. An awards ceremony and cookout will be held in the picnic shelter by the Granite Avenue boat landing in Reedsburg following the race. The 11-mile race is scheduled to start at 10 am on the south side of the Baraboo River, east of the Highway 58 bridge in La Valle. Signs will be posted with directions to the exact location. MORE INFORMATION
The Wrap
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep you busy this weekend. I’d certainly encourage you to check out the Ho-Chunk “The Native Beat Goes On” program on Friday. I’ve heard lots of feedback, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s quite busy. Then right afterward, the nature center will be putting out telescopes and checking out some nearby planets, so that will be a fun family night.
I’d also like to bring attention to Devil’s Lake State Park’s effigy mounds. If you’re new to the park, it’s worth grabbing a park paper when you arrive and seeing where they are located. They are often not marked well, and can look like just ‘weeds’ if you don’t know what you’re looking at. The key is to show respect, don’t walk on or otherwise trash these ancient Native American mounds. I wrote more about this yesterday.
So again, great weather and lots to do means, it will be busy. Bring your patience, play safe and be kind. We’re glad you choose to visit the area!
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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