08/31/2024
Labor Day Weekend Nature Exploration? 🌿🏞️
If this is your first time in the Devil's Lake State Park region or you haven't explored much beyond the beach, here are my "Day 1" suggestions for getting the most out of a couple of days exploring our natural beauty. Day 2 will follow tomorrow. ;)
6:00 AM - Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Parfrey's Glen is a local gem and by far the most popular Wisconsin State Natural Area. Arrive at 6:00 AM sharp. Wear shoes that can get wet. Hike the trail, cross the stream, climb up the rocks, and check out the little waterfall. Approximate time: 2 hours. (Pets are not allowed in Parfrey's Glen)
9:00 AM - Devil's Lake State Park's South Shore
From Parfrey's Glen, Devil's Lake State Park's South Shore is just short drive away. Cars will already be filing in, especially on the North Shore. On the South Shore, you shouldn't have a problem getting a spot at 9:00 AM. Put on your good hiking shoes, pack water and snacks, take a bathroom break, and head up Balanced Rock Trail. See Balanced Rock, continue to the top of the East Bluff, turn right, and watch for the "Devil's Doorway" sign. Check out Devil's Doorway, then head east again and rejoin the East Bluff Trail. Continue east until you reach the Potholes Trail. Hike back down the bluff using the Grottos Trail to complete the circle. Allow 3-4 hours for this hike.
1:00 PM - Lunch time
Pack a lunch or visit South Shore Concessions. The park will be crowded by now, and you'll be glad you arrived early. (We do not recommend leaving the park for lunch, you may not get back in!)
2:00 PM - Water activities
After lunch, go for a swim, rent a kayak or paddleboard, and enjoy the heat of the day in the water. (If you have a pet, go to the south end of the beach, by the boardwalk which is an on-leash pet swim area) Remember Sunscreen!!
5:00 PM - Dinner options
The park will be quieting down now. It's a great time to head out for dinner at a local restaurant. There are lots of choices: Driftless Glen, Tumbled Rocks Brewery, and Balanced Rock Winery are all nearby and offer tasty options. If you're looking for fast food, drive over to Hwy 136 to find McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's, etc.
Sunset (7:35 PM)
You may want to stay on the South Shore. (Good thing you packed enough food for the whole day!) Another great option for watching the sunset would be to drive over to Roznos Meadow. You passed Roznos when you drove to the park from Parfrey's Glen. Watching the sun set over the prairie and behind the bluffs can be pretty amazing if the weather cooperates!
9:00 PM - Nightlife
For nightlife, head back to Driftless Glen, Tumbled Rocks Brewery, or Balanced Rock Winery. Check their websites or social media for this weekend's entertainment.
End of the day
Safely drive back to your campground or hotel. Chill out, check the socials, go to sleep. 😴💤 Sweet dreams of nature adventures!
🙋🏽 Locals?
If you're local or know the area well, what other options would you suggest? (I'll post a "Day 2" itinerary tomorrow morning.)
🚔 Don't Spoil Your Day
It's pretty easy to get your car towed at Devil's Lake, just park outside of designated parking, park along the road with your car or trailer sticking out into traffic or don't purchase a park sticker. Hear this well... if you do these things, you WILL be towed. It sucks and you have been warned. 👈
Links to maps and other info you'll need are in the comments.
Pic: Balanced Rock,
