Devil’s Lake State Park is the largest state park in Wisconsin. Just a ten-minute drive from our inn, the park is situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The 500-foot quartzite bluffs are one of the oldest rock outcrops in North America. Devil’s Lake was formed when the Wisconsin glacier passed over the area, leaving terminal moraine to create dams.
The pristine beauty of Wisconsin’s state parks draws many visitors to our inn. The parks near Ringling House have hiking trails for all abilities to explore the many geological features that formed the Baraboo Range. With over 12,000 rivers and streams and over 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin is a destination for fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming.
Many state parks offer camping spots, but we think a B&B is a perfect alternative! Enjoy a comfortable bed, hot showers in private en suites, and a delicious home-cooked meal before heading off on your outdoor adventure. We look forward to welcoming you; book your room today.
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Visit the Stunning Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is the largest and most popular state park in Wisconsin. The Ringling Brothers owned a summer home on the lakeshore, and the elephants bathed in the lake! Several hotels once served travelers from the railroad on the South Shore, now home to South Shore Concessions, where you can grab an ice cream while you browse for souvenirs. Today, the park offers hiking trails, swimming, rock climbing, picnic spots, and biking; there is something for every age and ability.
- Devil’s Lake State Park has large picnic areas on the north and south shores. Some shelters have concessions near them, as well as playground areas.
- The Nature Center is the ideal place to begin your Devil’s Lake State Park visit. Check out the bird’s-eye 3-D model of the park; it is great for helping you plan your hikes, or park staff can provide more information about the park, such as trails, geology, and history. Enjoy the extensive collection of historical photos and geology displays to learn how Devil’s Lake was formed.
- Participate in a hands-on outdoor educational experience with the Devil’s Lake State Park naturalist. These programs are suitable for all interests and age levels.
- The Devil’s Lake State Park Upland Trail Loop is a four-mile off-road bike trail. A state trail pass is not required to use the mountain bike trail. From the city of Baraboo, a two-mile paved bike trail leads to the park’s north shore entrance. Many people also enjoy riding through the campground’s paved roads.
- There are two swimming beaches at either end of the lake. The North Shore Beach has a beach wheelchair available for check out at the Chateau.
- Enjoy a paddle on Devil’s Lake. Paddle and electric motor boats are permitted, and canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards may be rented at the park’s concession areas. Boat landings are found on the north shore near the Chateau and along Park Road mid-lake. Life preservers are required.
- Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides offers rock climbing and bouldering instruction at the park for every skill level.
- With 29 miles of trails in Devil’s Lake State Park, there are hikes for every skill level. The Tumbled Rocks Trail and Grottos Trail are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Hike along the lake or up to enjoy scenic views of the lake.
- Devil’s Lake is home to brown trout, walleye, bass, panfish, and northern pike. Anglers over 16 must have a fishing license to fish from the lakeshore or by boat. Basic fishing equipment may be checked out free of charge at the park office.
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More Nearby State Parks in Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park may be the most popular, but there are many other state parks and state natural areas to explore near our Baraboo Inn. Our state parks see more than 20 million visits a year. See for yourself what makes Wisconsin parks so special.
Natural Bridge State Park, located southwest of Baraboo, is a day-use park offering four miles of trails. The Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch created by erosion. It is located on the Indian Moccassin Trail, a one-mile loop. Near the bridge is the Raddatz Rockshelter, once used by Paleolithic Indians. Artifacts found during archeological digs provide evidence that this is the oldest documented site of human occupation in the Midwest.
Mirror Lake State Park is named for the glassy-smooth surface of the calm lake. Located in the park is Seth Peterson Cottage, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last designs. Cottage tours are offered from 1 to 3:30 every second Sunday of the month. Mirror Lake is a great place for birding as the marshes, woodlands, lakeshores, and valleys are home to different types of birds. The former farm fields now produce natural wildflowers.
Ableman’s Gorge State Natural Area is a great place to observe the geological forces that formed it. Ripples on the quarry walls were once the ancient sea floor. You can fill your water bottle at the artesian well before you take an easy, flat, one-mile hike. The lush forest trail will lead you by diverse rock formations and remnants of the abandoned quarry.
Buckhorn State Park perfectly blends natural beauty and various outdoor recreation options: swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, and biking. Buckhorn State Park offers accessible opportunities and provides adaptive equipment, including a motorized all-terrain wheelchair.
The Sauk Prairie State Recreation area contains the decommissioned Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Visitors come here for birdwatching, foraging, hiking, and biking.
After a day of exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty and fresh air, our comfortable beds and beautiful rooms provide sweet dreams. Each of our six guest rooms offers a glimpse into the Ringling family’s history and circus culture. Before you hike at Devil’s Lake State Park, start your day with a hearty breakfast made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. We can’t wait to welcome you. Reserve your room now.