Fall Break at Devil's Lake

Hey friends!  We're back from a really great Fall Break in Wisconsin!  This was our first time heading North for Fall break.  Kevin and the kid's Fall Breaks overlapped for a few days and we spent them all in Wisconsin.  It was really wonderful to get away and take a break.  The leaves were changing, the air was crisp and it was the perfect jacket/layer wearing weather.  We tried a few new things this trip and I'm excited to tell you about them.

Some locals recommended us visiting Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  It's just about 20 minutes from Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells so we were sold.  We paid $16 for an out of state day pass and we were shocked at how awesome this state park was.  We loved our time there and cannot wait to go back and do more.

We were so impressed!  It definitely has the feel of a national park, but everything is really easily accessible.  We were shocked at all the cool things you could see and do in a short amount of time.  This is Wisconsin's largest (10,000 acres) and busiest state park.   The visitor's guide they give you when you arrive is packed with helpful information for your visit.  We did a few things and I read it closely for ideas for our next visit.

Let me show you...

Devil's Lake is massive and so clear!

There are tons of rental options for boats, kayaks and paddle boards if you come during the warm months.  They've got easy access restrooms and food shops during the Summer.

The kids really wanted to set up camp and play at this beach the next warmer time we come.

We had time for one trail so we headed to the one mile Tumbled Rocks Trail.  It's 5 minutes from the parking lot and the rocks are stunning.  The kids were in heaven and there was so much to climb.  We played it really safe because we weren't prepared for rock climbing and the kids still had tons of fun.

We saw people climbing way up the tumbled rocks in several places.  We had to watch Leo really closely to keep him safe.  The older kids loved the trail and Leo was eager to keep up.  This might be my new favorite picture of Fletch.

There are rocks on both sides of the trail.  The trail is not really stroller friendly - it's narrow and uneven in parts so it's definitely best for walkers since people are coming and going on this same trail.

The lake is massive.  Can you even imagine how pretty this will all be in a few weeks when the fall colors are really out in full force??  Also, having older kids is fun - thanks for the picture, Olive!

The kids had the best time climbing up on the rocks and finding places to sit.  They called this the couch rock.  They also made lists of supplies that would have made rock climbing easier for them.

The boys loved skipping rocks on the water.

Hello Fall!  Even the parking lot was pretty!

 

We can't wait to come back to Devil's Lake State Park!  The next time we will:

Arrive early in the day

Pack picnic lunches & use a charcoal grill to grill a meal

Bring fishing supplies and sand toys

Visit the nature center

Check out a new trail

Pack the right shoes and walking gear to do the Tumbled Rock Trail again

& be sure to check out both the north and south ends of the park.  We were in the north this time and the park ranger said the south side was her favorite.  We were told that the south entrance is about 8 minutes away.

Add this park to your Wisconsin to do list :)