If you’ve never paddled across a glacial lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs, Devils Lake Wisconsin is about to change that. This isn’t your average paddle; it’s one of the most visually dramatic stretches of water in the entire Midwest, where ancient geology and glassy, motor-free water come together to create something rare and worth traveling for.
Baraboo and the surrounding Driftless Region offer an impressive range of outdoor adventure and cultural charm that surprises most first-time visitors. There’s world-class rock climbing and hiking at Devils Lake State Park, the International Crane Foundation right in Baraboo, the quirky and beloved Circus World Museum, the scenic Baraboo River for a float trip, and fall color drives through the coulees and river valleys. There are so many things to do in Baraboo, and there’s always something new to discover.
When you’re done on the water, Ringling House Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo is the kind of place that makes the whole trip feel complete. Our historic home, once belonging to one of the legendary Ringling Brothers, is filled with circus memorabilia displayed with real care and style. You’ll sit down to a warm, home-cooked breakfast at the actual Ringling family dining table, enjoy personalized hospitality. Our Bed and Breakfast Devils Lake Wisconsin puts you just minutes from the park and within easy reach of everything the region has to offer. Book your stay today!
Kayaking Devils Lake Wisconsin
Kayaking at Devils Lake Wisconsin is special for a few reasons, and the biggest one is what’s missing: gas motors. The lake is completely closed to motorized boats, which means the water is quiet and calm, ideal for paddling at any skill level. Beginners especially love it here because there’s no boat wake to contend with, and the water conditions are consistently peaceful, letting you focus on those dramatic bluffs rather than bracing for chop. It’s one of those places where even a brand-new paddler builds confidence within minutes of launching.
There are two main landings at Devils Lake State Park Wisconsin, each with its own character. The North Shore landing near Chateau is particularly scenic and tends to attract paddlers looking for that full bluff-framing shot, while the South Shore is a popular starting point with easy access and good parking. You can rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards depending on who’s in your group and how adventurous you want to be.
Fall is arguably the best time to kayak at Devils Lake Wisconsin. The quartzite bluffs are already stunning, but once the hardwoods turn in October, the reflections on the water are stunningly beautiful. Spring and summer have their own appeal too, just go early or on a weekday if possible, because this is one of the most visited Wisconsin state parks and weekends fill up fast. Getting out on the water by 8 or 9 in the morning gives you the lake nearly to yourself, which is worth setting the alarm for.
A guided paddle on Devils Lake Wisconsin is one of those things worth doing even if you’ve kayaked before. The naturalist guides know the park like their own backyard. You’ll learn about the glacier that carved the basin, the native wildlife that calls the bluffs home, and the area’s Indigenous history. Things to do at Devils Lake State Park are plentiful, but kayaking with a guide ranks among the best value experiences on the list.
Before you head out, a few practical details: Devils Lake State Park, Wisconsin, requires a vehicle admission sticker, which you can purchase as a day pass or as an annual Wisconsin State Parks sticker that pays for itself quickly if you plan to visit more than once. Parking at both the North Shore and South Shore can fill up fast on summer weekends, so arriving early isn’t just good advice for the water; it’s good advice for getting a spot at all. Restrooms, a concession stand, and the nature center are available on-site, making it easy to spend a full day without leaving the park.
Other Great Places to Kayak Near Baraboo:
- Just a few miles away, Mirror Lake offers glassy, scenic paddling through sandstone canyon walls with a completely different character from Devils Lake.
- Giese Park is a low-key local spot on the Baraboo River with easy access, great for a relaxed afternoon paddle without the crowds.
- Friends of the Baraboo River is a great resource with trip planning tools to extend your kayaking to other areas outside Devils Lake Wisconsin.
Make It a Real Getaway at our Bed and Breakfast Devils Lake
Kayaking Devils Lake Wisconsin deserves more than just a day trip. Staying at our Bed and Breakfast means you wake up refreshed, fuel up with a real home-cooked breakfast at the historic Ringling family dining table, and head to Devils Lake Wisconsin with plenty of energy and zero stress. We know the area inside and out and can point you to the best launch times, local favorites worth knowing about, and hidden gems that don’t show up on any map.
Our Bed and Breakfast Devils Lake also brings something that’s hard to find in most lodging experiences: real personality. From the moment you walk in, the Ringling family’s circus history surrounds you, with memorabilia displayed throughout the home, sparking conversation and curiosity. If you’re bringing your poet along, the private cottage is made for you, offering a. comfortable welcoming space where your four-legged companion is just as much a guest as you are. Reserve your stay today!