Devil's Lake in the Summer

We were all looking forward to visiting Devil's Lake in the Summer time.  

Kevin picked the prettiest day for us to go.  It's only 20 minutes from the resort where we stay so it's an easy drive.  We were a little shocked at the Summer crowds.  There were people everywhere and parking was tricky at the north shore.  We lucked out with a close spot and quickly realized that people flock to Devil's Lake in the summer.  We paid $16 for an out of state day pass with the intention of staying for the afternoon.

We secured a coveted picnic table and set up camp.  I packed a cooler with drinks and a light lunch.  We had sand toys and towels.  Trash cans are hard to come by so be sure to bring your own trash bags or walk a long ways to find a trash can.  The place is hopping in the Summer - ice cream shops, snow cones, beer, rentals for all kinds of lake things, restaurants and more.  When we visited in the Spring it was more of a ghost town.  It was fun to see the place so lively, but it was also a little intimidating.  People came prepared with floats, fish nets for the tiny fish, coolers, canopies, inflatable swim stuff and more.  We were more of a bare bones operation and it was still so fun.

The water was chilly, but no one seemed to care.  There was a fun mix of families, college kids and groups of adults.  It really seemed like there was something for everyone.

The boys had big dreams of renting a kayak and they made that happen.  They rented it for an hour and loved it.  I think you could rent almost anything - paddle boards, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing boats, etc.  The lake is gigantic and they are fully prepared to help you have the best time.

The gift shop is also gigantic.  Tons of fun merch along with a restaurant.

I brought sand toys for Leo which held his interest for a bit.  He quickly decided that he's prefer to swim and look for little fishies.  Lake sand was more compact and harder to dig than beach sand.

Olive has been asking to get baptized and she decided that Wisconsin and Devil's Lake would be the perfect time to do it.  It was simple and sweet.  Something that will stick with her forever!

The water was clean and clear.

You could touch pretty far out.

The boys headed over to rent a kayak.  It was fun to keep an eye out for them on the big lake.

The guys LOVED it.  10/10 would recommend.

Thankfully, we had cash for treats.

And the beer is always flowing in Wisconsin!  You can bring a cooler of anything or purchase almost anything on site in the Summer.

We will continue to go back and explore Devil's Lake and next Summer we'll come even more prepared for lake life.  Olive and I loved people watching to see what everyone packed for a day at the lake.