One of Wisconsin's largest and most popular recreation areas, Devil's Lake State Park is about an hour's drive from the state capital and just south of Baraboo. Most of the park's activities, as its name implies, are centered on the 360 acre lake. Summertime activities include fun along a large sandy beach, plus canoeing, rowboating and kayaking on the lake. Anglers find good catches of brown trout, walleyes and northern pike throughout the year.
   Although Devils Lake State Park activities focus on water and the devilish spirits of the lake, the park is also known for its variety of hiking trails (part of the Ice Age Trail) and rock climbing routes. Set up for all skill levels, 29 miles of trails vary from level routes, noted as easy, to more difficult climbs that lead to amazing rock formations and incredible views. While the Potholes and Balanced Rock trails challenge hikers to steep climbs, the Devil’s Doorway and Johnson Moraine Loop are listed as some of the easier routes.
   Here among the quartzite bluffs are some of the best rock climbs in the Midwest. Area guidebooks list over 1600 routes spread throughout the park cliffs. Even if you’re not a climber, seeing someone take on some of these legendary routes is exciting in itself.

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