This year at Devil’s Lake, the annual First Day hike will be a twilight hike/snowshoe…
We’re almost to the end of August! Well, we have a great weather forecast and some fun events around the area to keep us busy, so let’s get out and enjoy the weekend!
The Weather
One local weather forecast is quoting Mary Poppins in calling for “Practically Perfect” weather this weekend. The forecasts are for mid-to-high 70s throughout the weekend with a mix of sun and clouds, and most importantly, dry weather. Here’s one local forecast.
Trail Conditions
Most park and area trails are in good summer condition. We should note that a large section of the Merrimac Preserve Trail, specifically the Manley Creek Boardwalk is closed. The two bridges are in rough shape. I’m told Alliant Energy who owns this section of the property, plans to replace the bridges next year.
Devil’s Lake State Park Events & Activities
Friday, August 23rd
5:00 pm to 7:30 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 24th
5:30 pm to 7:30 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).
7:30 to 10:30 pm – 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).
Sunday, August 25th
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Music In The Park
Spend a Sunday evening at the North Shore of Devil’s Lake State Park for Music in the Park featuring The Madtown Mannish Boys. Fun is the bottom line with this interactive, acoustic band. A Madison-based Blues band who are steeped in Chicago-style Blues, including artists like Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Otis Spann, Paul Butterfield, and Little Walter. They perform with raw exuberance and driving rhythms that make you want to boogie. Some of their tunes are harmonica-driven, played with gritty fervor and intense energy. The concert will happen on the north shore, just by the Chateau.
** Of course, there are more family activities throughout the weekend at the Devil’s Lake Nature Center. Click over to our events calendar for a complete list of programs.
Mirror Lake State Park Events & Activities
Saturday, August 24th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Wildflowers, Pollinators & Invasives
What wildflowers can you name? Who are all the pollinators? What are invasive species? What harm do they cause? Can you find some examples of all these on the Newport Trail and Lakeview Trails? Complete the Wildflower, pollinator, invasives bingo cards for prizes. Stop by the Naturalist at the beach for some information and bingo card. In the event of rain, this program will be held in the park office.
8:15 to 10:00 pm – Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Have you seen up close what is out in the sky at night? Have you seen the planets through a telescope? Can you find the big dipper? Join us as we look through the telescope and learn about the night sky with DNR Naturalist Sue Johansen-Mayoleth. Bug spray is recommended. In the event of cloudy skies or rain, we will play bug and bird bingo. Meet at the Bluewater Bay shelter.
Featured Area Events
Aug 23 – Aug 25, 2019 Neesh-La Contest Powwow
Hosted by the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin Dells, across from the casino. Drum contests, Dance contests and more. Click here for more information.
Friday, August 23rd
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Taste of Portage Market Fair
Come enjoy family fun at this event, celebrating 28 years! Great menu samplings in the Festival Foods Food Court, along with live music, kid’s activities, an art and craft show and a car show. Events take place at Market Square Parking Lot at the corner of Hwy 33 and Adams Street unless noted otherwise. More Info.
Saturday, August 24th
7:30 am to 1:00 pm – 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. Only Wisconsin-produced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, eggs, bakery items, flowers and perennials, bedding plants, jams and jellies, maple syrup and honey, herbs and herbal products, and other commodities are allowed to be sold at the market. Visit Website.
9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Sauk Prairie Farmer’s Market
We provide locally grown fresh vegetables, some berries, baked goods to support the October Feed My Starving Children Mobilepack, Fair Trade roasted coffee beans, locally raised tilapia fish via aquaponics, all-natural body products and artisan crafted perfume oils, hand-crafted products for personal use and gift-giving, honey when it is available. Please contact Sue Dohm, market manager, at [email protected]
10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Taste of Portage Market Fair
Come enjoy family fun at this event, celebrating 28 years! Great menu samplings in the Festival Foods Food Court, along with live music, kid’s activities, an art and craft show and a car show. Events take place at Market Square Parking Lot at the corner of Hwy 33 and Adams Street unless noted otherwise. More Info.
8:30 am to 10:00 pm Loganville Firemen’s Festival
Loganville Firemen’s Festival will include a 10K Run/Walk beginning at 8:30 AM and 1 Mile Run/Walk or 5K Run/Walk beginning at 8:45 AM. Contact Bryan Fry at (608) 963-5900 for more information. Parade is at 11 AM. A delicious Chicken BBQ beginning at 11:30 AM; Music; Farmer’s Market/Crafts at the Ball Park; Food, Refreshments and Games; Food & Beer Tent with music; Fireworks display beginning at dusk at the Loganville Ballpark.
6:00 pm to Midnight – Rhythm on the River 2019
Located at Peck’s Landing in Spring Green this annual summer gathering celebrates the awesome Lower Wisconsin State Riverway! You can participate in the entire event or come and go at times that work for you. FLOW members will assist campers and those who will need a shuttle if paddling to the event. Learn More About This Free Event
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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