What’s Up This Weekend? Aug 2,3,4.

You know how it is with weather reports, but right now it looks like the consensus is that we’re going to have a nice, calm, warm weekend with lots of sun and high temps in the 80s. There is a slight chance of storms on Saturday. Here’s one forecast.

It’s summer, it’s been drying out and trails are in good summer condition. As always, we advise everyone not to wear flip-flops on bluff trails.

Right now we’ve got a bit of a “super bloom” on the south-east side of the park. You can check out seas of flowers at the Merrimac Preserve along Hwy 113. We’ve got more pics and a map right here.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out the pelicans that have become pretty common in Wisconsin over the last few years, we’d recommend visiting the hydro-electric dam in Sauk-Prairie. The best time to watch them fish is early in the morning.

Finally, the Mayflies have been out on Lake Wisconsin by the Merrimac Ferry. You were warned! ;)

Friday, August 2nd, 2019

5:00 pm – Friday Fish Fry
The Barn Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Fish Frys at Devil’s Lake outside the Chateau throughout the summer.

8:00 pm to 9:30 pm – Park After Dark
Explore the world of nocturnal animals. Bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring some of our high-tech gear to discover the secrets of the night! The hike will go along the eastern section of the Johnson Moraine Trail and be about a mile and half in length. This program is best for kids 7 and older and adults, but open to “kids” of all ages. Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

11:00 am – Animal Feeding Day
Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the gartersnake slurp down a worm. Look at the treefrogs as they tackle a cricket or two. This program is great for all ages.

11:30 am – Meet The Bee Keepers
Check out the Nature Center’s beehive! Come visit with the beekeepers and watch as they take care of the hive. This program is great for all ages. Happening outside the Nature Center.

6:30 pm – 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. This program is best for adults and children 10 and older. Meet at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions).

Even more!

Each week, I pick and choose from the long list of Nature Center events at the park. For a complete list of fun family activities this weekend, and every weekend, click here to go to our events calendar.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

10:00 am to 11:30 am – Hike The Pulpit Rock Trail
Our newest trail is Pulpit Rock near the Fern Dell Gorge. Join Marty Heidke for 2-mile roundtrip trek to Pulpit Rock and back. He will share the geology of the area, wildflowers, unique eco-system, and the human history of this area. Please bring bug spray. We will be meeting at the park office to carpool, as the parking lot is very small. If there is light rain, we will still go. If there is heavy rain and/or lightning, we will cancel. Limited to 22 people and pre-registration is required, please call 608-254-2333.

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm – Music In The Park with Spook Handy
Join the Friends of Mirror Lake as they bring Spook Handy to the outdoor amphitheater stage as part of the Music in the Park summer concert series. Spook is an internationally-touring folk musician from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Concert is free. A valid park sticker is required to enter the park. Bring your own chairs or sit on the amphitheater rock seating. Bug spray recommended. Rain location: Bluewater Bay Shelter.

Friday, August 2nd, 2019

Reedsburg Triathlon
The 5th Annual Reedsburg Triathlon is scheduled for Friday August 2nd. This year we are hosting just the youth event. It will be chip timed with awards to the top 3 in each age division 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-13, and 14-15. The bike courses for the older groups had to change this year due to road construction. Look at the website for details www.reedsburgtriathlon.webs.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

7:30 am to 1:00 pm Downtown Baraboo Farmer’s Market
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 Info

8:00 am to 8:00 pm Merrimac Community Festival
The Annual Merrimac Community Festival on Saturday, August 3. This event will take place at Merrimac’s Memorial Park on the shore of Lake Wisconsin and proceeds will be applied toward future improvements to Merrimac parks. Merrimac is located on the eastern edge of Sauk County and is seven miles northwest of Lodi (across the ferry), eleven miles south of Baraboo, eleven miles north of Prairie du Sac, and fifteen miles southwest of Portage. (Free Admission) | Facebook Page