What are some of the common myths or misunderstandings you've heard about Devil's Lake State…
Happy Thursday, October 19th! It’s time for the weekly fall color report for Devil’s Lake State Park and the Baraboo Hills region. The quick take is that colors are coming on fast. We expect great scenery in the area over the weekend and into next week.
Devil’s Lake State Park
The park is looking quite nice right now. The north shore entrance road has taken on a sunny yellow glow, while the north shore day use area is at its peak with some trees in the parking lot already going bare. We recommend hiking the East Bluff Woods Trail, Uplands, and Steinke Basin for lots of color. Of course, this is an odd year, so in other areas, especially the south end, you’ll still see plenty of green. Here are some recent photos.
Nearby Parks and Natural Areas
Other popular parks and natural areas are looking pretty sweet in our area as well. Mirror Lake State Park is mostly pine trees, but where there is color, such as across from the swimming beach area, there are lots of reds and yellows on display. Pewit’s Nest and Parfrey’s Glen are also showing mostly yellow this week. For cyclists, we’d suggest a ride on the Wisconsin State 400 Trail from La Valle and northward for the best color.
Scenic Drives
Over the next 10 days, I’d recommend enjoying our recommended Scenic Drives. Each route offers stellar fall color. We want to take a moment to thank the folks at Sauk County Gov. For creating a PDF map for our Drive Around Sauk County Drive. If you decide to do a 155-mile, 4+ hour drive around the border of Sauk County, be sure to download the PDF map. Some parts of this drive will leave you without an Internet connection!
Weekend Events
Candlelight Halloween Hike – On Saturday, October 21st at Devil’s Lake State Park it’s time for the annual Candlelight Halloween Hike from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Enjoy a a 1-mile torch-lit hike; show off your costume by the campfire while listening to Campfire Kevin and roasting a marshmallow or two for s’mores and learn about owls! Pick up your owl trivia game cards at the Rock Elm Shelter before you head out on your torch-lit hike and make some owl crafts there when you get back. Stop by the Chateau to purchase some snacks or a souvenir to take home with you and take a photo or two at the selfie station. This event is great for all ages! The event is happening on the North Shore near the Rock-Elm Shelter.
The Annual Fall Art Tour starts tomorrow and runs through the weekend. October 20, 21 & 22, 2023 in Mineral Point, Spring Green/Dodgeville, and Baraboo. During the Fall Art Tour, some of Wisconsin’s best-known artists open their studios, allowing visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes view into how their work is created – Live demonstrations at each tour stop, all weekend long! Visit their website for maps and details.
Pumpkin Special Trail – Meanwhile, over at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, it’s time for the Pumpkin Special rides. Finding your Halloween pumpkin is more fun at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Climb aboard the Pumpkin Special and make your way to Quartzite Lake where pumpkins from a local grower await your arrival. The conductor is available to help load your pumpkin for the return to North Freedom. (The price of pumpkins is not included in the train fare.) Visit Website For Details.
Weather Outlook
Local forecasts are looking for chances of rain Friday into Saturday morning with a better chance for sun on Sunday and Monday. Expect high temps in the low to mid-50s. Click here for a detailed forecast.
Final Tips
It’s going to be a busy weekend. Social Media is full of folks pushing “peak” weekend this weekend. That may not be exactly true, but this is as close as a weekend is going to get during this weird fall season. So, expect a festive atmosphere, traffic, and crazy-busy parks through the weekend. If you’re a person who doesn’t do crowds well or simply don’t want the stress, then we’d recommend hitting the area Monday-Thursday of next week when the colors will still be coming on and the world will be much quieter.
However you enjoy the fall splendor, have fun and stay safe!
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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