OUTDOOR PARKS & TRAILS NEAR DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK
Beautiful Natural Areas Near Baraboo You Won't Want to MissNatural Areas to Visit When Near Devil’s Lake STate Prk
While Devil’s Lake is the “crowned jewel” of greater Baraboo area, several other natural areas are worth visiting while in the area. Browse our selected guide below to get some ideas for extending your next visit to the area.
Riverland Conservancy Merrimac Preserve
The Riverland Conservancy Merrimac Preserve is a 1,642 acre non profit nature preserve located between the town of Merrimac and Devils Lake State Park. It is open to the public during daylight hours with no entry charge. Donations or volunteering are encouraged to those who are able. There are no trash cans or restrooms on site. Instead, the area is governed with the principles of Leave No Trace. The focus of the preserve is restoration, public access, and research.
The preserve contains a plethora of flora, fauna, and habitats. It uniquely has prairie, wetlands, savanna, and forests to explore and admire. Restored and remnant areas are contained in the preserve. Remnant areas are places that have not been changed by agriculture during European colonization and contain original native plant species. 95-100 bird species can be found in the preserve during mating season, creating a wonderful spot for birders. While biking, camping, or use of motor vehicles in the preserve is not allowed, there are plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots. Merrimac Preserve is home to Manley Creek, a Class I trout stream as well as 9.5 miles of well maintained hiking trails. These trails contain bridges and boardwalks over wetland portions to preserve the habitat. There are 5 loops visitors can hike, some of which contain parts of the Ice Age Trail. There are 3.7 miles of the Ice Age Trail available in the preserve.
Three archeological sites exist in the preserve as it was used by Indigenous people due to its proximity to the Wisconsin River. These sites are not considered pristine sites due to the agricultural practices that look place on the land, but still show a rich history. In 2018, the preserve moved away from any farming practices and restored crop fields to native plants.
The Riverlands Conservancy Merrimac Nature Preserve is a wonderful spot to explore the rich nature and history of Wisconsin.
Natural Bridge State Park
With a striking 35 foot sandstone arch in the lush forest, Natural Bridge State Park has the remnants of a time before the last ice age. The glaciers during the ice age narrowly missed this area, meaning that the sandstone was not transformed into quartzite. The arch is a reflection of water and wind erosion in the soft sandstone over many years. In addition to the striking arch there is a rock shelter believed to have been used by the indigenous people of the time.
This park offers 4 miles of hiking trails including the Indian Moccasin Trail, a 1 mile loop where visitors can see the natural bridge. The park is open from 6 am to 11 pm and requires a state park pass sticker or a day pass to enter. The park allows hunting and trapping, but please research their restrictions prior to visiting. The park has a picnic area for visitors to enjoy lunch but note that the public restrooms have been permanently closed since 2019.
Natural Bridge State Park is a great spot to see a natural wonder and explore the power of nature to create landscapes.
Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
Near the town of Lodi, Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area holds 68 acres of natural beauty. Gibraltar Rock is home to a section of the Ice Age Trail and a short but challenging hike to the top of the bluff. This 1.4 mile loop is well maintained with stone steps and gravel paths. Once at the top, there are views of rugged cliffs often paired with turkey vultures soaring above them. The Wisconsin River valley and farmlands create a lush landscape to observe from the top.
Gibraltar Rock is open from 6 am to 8 pm daily and requires a state park sticker or day pass to enter. Pets, food, and beverages are not allowed in the natural area. The trails can be busy, but the views are worth it!
Baraboo River Walk
The Baraboo River Walk is a 3 mile point to point paved trail following the north side of the Baraboo River. It starts west of Ochsnar Park and ends at the Maxwell-Potter Conservancy on Hill street but can be used in either direction. The walk contains a plethora of benches to sit at and overlooks to admire. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a walk, run, or bike ride! There are multiple designated dog waste stations and the trail passes the Baraboo dog park. On the way, some choose to stop by the Circus World Museum and explore.
The Baraboo River stems from the Wisconsin River and is a free flowing river, meaning that it has an unimpeded flow. This is a fairly recent development with the removal of dams on the river in the 1990s, creating the 112 mile stretch of wild river flow.
This is the perfect place for a choose your own length nature walk! The Baraboo River walk offers a convenient escape to nature!
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area
Parfrey’s Glen was Wisconsin’s first state natural area, founded in 1952. It contains a beautiful gorge with a stream carving through sandstone and boulders of purple baraboo quartzite scattered around. The walls of the Glen are mossy and the flora are much closer to that of northern Wisconsin due to the more moist, cool air and the shade. There are rare species of insects that can be spotted in the stream.
The Glen is open to visitors from 6 am to 8 pm. The trail from the lower parking lot to the Glen is about 0.8 miles. After the Glen, hikers have a choice whether or not to continue to a waterfall. The once maintained trail from the gorge to the waterfall has been damaged by floods and heavy traffic and is no longer maintained by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Hikers are still allowed to follow the former trail to the waterfall but are warned that there are areas on the trail covered by streams, missing steps, and the viewing area is partially collapsed. That being said, the trip to the waterfall is still an adventure worth having for those up to it!
The park does not allow any off trail recreation of any kind and does not allow pets or food and drink in the Glen. A Wisconsin state park sticker or a day pass is required for entry. This natural area only 4 miles from Devil’s Lake offers a vastly different landscape for hikers to explore!
Durward’s Glen Retreat Center
Durward’s Glen is a nonprofit retreat and recreational area dedicated to preservation of nature, history, and its Catholic roots. The maintained trails and grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk unless there is a private retreat booked at that time. The trails contain a 2 mile loop with bridges and peaceful ponds for approximately an hour of serene hiking. There are signs explaining the rich history of the center throughout the property and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Dogs are allowed on property, but must remain on a leash at all times. They offer lodging, retreats, and host a variety of events including concerts and mass. This gem just Northeast of Devils Lake in Caledonia, Wisconsin is a peaceful getaway for hiking and lodging alike!
Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area
Pewit’s Nest is a gorge in Baraboo, WI created by the flow of Skillet Creek. Skillet Creek carved through the coarse sandstone creating potholes and low waterfalls. The name stemmed from the similarity of the Peewit’s nest, now known as the Phoebe bird, to the rock formation. The water in the nest is about 30-40 feet deep and it is a popular swimming spot. It is important to note that cliff jumping is not permitted here.
The natural area is open to the public from 6 am to 8 pm and a Wisconsin State Park sticker or day pass is required for entry. No food or beverages are permitted and visitors must stay on trail. There is a maintained trail to the gorge and another to the overlook. The cliff is fenced off to prevent cliff jumping. Pewit’s is a 0.8 mile out and back trail with luscious forests and stunning rock outcrops.
This is a great spot for a short hike with great views!
Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers a plethora of activities. Open from 6 am to 11 pm, they offer places for camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, biking, and boating. The park maintains a variety of trails with lengths up to 3 miles around the lake and sandstone bluffs. There are toilets, water fountains, an amphitheater, and reservable picnic shelters throughout the park. There is a strong emphasis on accessibility to the park with an accessible cabin, campsites, trails, and an adaptive kayak in their rental facility. Pets are allowed in some areas, but are not allowed on the beach or in the shelters. Wisconsin state park passes are required to enter the park. This can be either a yearly pass or a day pass purchased at their kiosk.
Baxter Hollow State Natural Area
Baxter Hollow is the place to go to avoid the crowds of other natural areas. Containing a gorge of purple quartzite cut by Otter Creek, the hollow creates the perfect get away. There is an out and back trail that is a little over four miles round trip. The trail goes through forest, areas of wildflowers, and of course, the gorge itself. Baxter hollow is home to a wide variety of insects and birds to identify, with around 58 different bird species. The trail can be rugged and muddy, so bring bug spray and boots to make the journey!
The hollow is not owned by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) so activities permitted and entrance fees are determined by the land owner. The area is open during daylight hours and is open to explore year-round! Baxter hollow is a hidden gem worth the work!
Ferry Bluff State Natural Area
Ferry Bluff State Natural Area provides access to beautiful views from the top of the bluff as well as a sandbar on the Wisconsin River. The area contains both Ferry bluff and Cactus bluff. There’s a 0.8 mile out and back trail up the bluff with beautiful views of the Wisconsin River from the top. The lower trail leads to the base of the cliff where visitors can see the sandstone carved by the Wisconsin River many years ago.
This is a great place to hike, bird, and paddle around! There is a short walk from the parking lot to the boat launch where visitors must carry their boats. It is important to note that there is a small parking lot with about 5 spots, but many park on the street once it is full. The bluffs are closed from December to the end of April for bald eagle roosting, but the access to the river remains open during those times. This area is free for those who wish to recreate in it, but know there are no facilities!
Steenbock Preserve
The Steenbock Preserve holds the Lodi section of the Ice Age Trail. There are 7 miles of the Ice Age Trail going through the preserve with views of Lake Wisconsin, forests, the Baraboo hills, prairie, and Lodi Marsh State Natural Area. It is a popular spot for hikers, kayak/canoers, birders, and hunters. It is also an area where foraging for edible plants is allowed.
The Steenbock Preserve White trail offers a 2.3 mile loop with views of wildflowers and Lake Wisconsin. There is even a primitive campsite for those who want to make a backpacking trip out of it!
Ableman’s Gorge State Natural Area
Ableman’s gorge offers a window into the geology of Baraboo with exposed cliffs telling a story of rock once under the ocean floor. The sea was once lapping against a quartzite cliff, rubbing sediment into it creating another layer of rock on top. This area is a hot spot for local colleges to explore the geologic history of the area.
There are maintained gravel trails creating a 1.5 mile hike for visitors to enjoy. There is a natural gorge and an old quarry that create towering cliffs to admire. This park is open 6 am to 11 pm and has two pull-outs visitors can park at. It is fairly quiet and it is rare for the parking lot to be full.
Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area
The Dells have a lot more to offer than just water parks! The Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area spans 5 miles of the Wisconsin River, with looming sandstone cliffs forming a gorge. There are unique plants and insect species in the area, with a plant that only grows one other place on earth! This area was a home to multiple indigenous people groups, with archeological evidence such as rock art and burial grounds throughout the park.
While the main attraction of this park is boating, hikers can find several trails to explore. The Chapel Gorge Trail is a 2 mile loop that leads to a beach. The beach will be crowded on a hot day, but it will still be beautiful! Swimming is not advised as the current of the Wisconsin River can be quite strong even for experienced swimmers. For those wanting an overlooking view of the river, the Cambrian Overlook offers a sweeping view of the cliff-lined river. With water, an observation deck, and restrooms, this makes a great lunch spot!
The park is open from 5 am to 10 pm and a state park sticker is required for entry. Parts of the park are privately owned and some boat launches have small fees.