Devil's Lake State Park reopens, with caveats
May 22, 2020
The Wisconsin DNR announced today most state park properties, including Devil’s Lake State Park, will return to normal hours beginning tomorrow, Saturday, May 23rd. Significant modifications and exceptions will continue including:
All public restrooms will be closed through June 2nd. Afterward, limited restrooms will be open to the public.
Campgrounds will remain closed until at least June 7, 2020.
Four popular nearby state natural areas remain closed until further notice:
Parfrey’s Glen
Pewit’s Nest
Gibraltar Rock, and
the Dells of the Wisconsin River
The DNR continues to encourage social distancing in line with state and federal recommendations.
We are resuming guided climbing operations with small groups this week, starting Wednesday, May 27th.
April 24, 2020
The Wisconsin DNR announced today most state park properties, including Devil’s Lake State Park, will re-open Friday, May 1st, with significant modifications.
Park admission Changes
Park Passes Will Be Required
When the DNR decided to keep Wisconsin parks open in March 2020, they also decided to waive Park fees. I suspect this was both to encourage the public to get outside and exercise, and also to remove Park staff from public contact. The result was a deluge of Park visitors who overran Park capacities and failed to practice social distancing best practices. All Parks will now requires an annual pass ($28 for WI plates, $38 for out-of-state plates) for all visitors.
You Must Buy Your Annual Park Pass in Advance
Continuing to protect Park staff, the Wisconsin DNR will not have passes available for sale on-site at Devil’s Lake or any other park property. You must purchase your pass in advance via phone (1-888-305-0398). This is the only way to purchase an annual pass.
Know before you go
Bathrooms Will Not Be Available
Make a pit stop beforehand and bring a wag bag, because bathrooms will be unavailable when you reach the Park.
Visitation Will Be Limited
Devil’s Lake staff will monitor the number of visitors daily and close the Park to additional visitors once a pre-determined number has been reached. The DNR did not included the visitation numbers for each property. I imagine these will not be fixed, but rather adjusted as each Park learns what visitation feels sustainable.
Follow Leave-No-Trace Principles
Please enjoy Devil’s Lake responsibly by observing social distancing and following Leave No Trace principles. There will be no garbage service at the Park, so you MUST carry and transport out everything you bring into the Park.
Adjustments to Regular Park Operations
Reduced Hours of Operation
Devil’s Lake State Park will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM daily. Usually, the Park remains open until 11 PM.
Park Closed Wednesdays
Don’t go on a Wednesday or you’ll be disappointed.
Camping Remains Closed
Camping at all Devil’s Lake campgrounds will remain closed until May 26. The DNR does not specify that the camping would re-open at that time, but we can hope!
Popular State Natural Areas will Remain Closed
The following State Natural Areas will remain closed until further notice:
Pewit’s Nest
Parfrey’s Glen
Gibraltar Rock and
the Dells of the Wisconsin River
will remain closed.
