Devil's Lake , Wisconsin

Devil's Lake State Park in south central Wisconsin caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, including divers, thanks to its 360-acre spring-fed lake. Quartzite bluffs tower over the lake, which is part of a 9,117-acre state park 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the town of Baraboo and about 30 miles (48 km) north of Madison . Besides its inviting scenery, the park offers visitors a range of recreational amenities,  29.9 miles of trails, 8 miles of off-road bike trails, and a full-time naturalist, just to name a few. In fact, more people visit Devil's Lake State Park annually,  1.2 million to 1.4 million ,  than any other state park in Wisconsin . The edges of the lake are dominated by the large rocks that have dropped from the cliffs. This gives the area a good place for fish to congregate and provides for some neat scenery.  Divers can see numerous fish species, fresh water "kelp," and sandy bottoms. Flag and float are required by law. A c-card is required.

Depths to: 45 feet (14 km) but averages about 20-25 feet (6-7.5 m)

Visibility: 20-30 feet (6-9 m) in the spring and fall

Water temperature: Ranges from the mid-70s (24 degrees Celsius) in the summer to the low 30s (0 C) in winter. A wet suit is recommended.

Aquatic life: Include panfish, bass, northern pike, brown trout and walleye.

Fees: $6 per vehicle

On-site amenities: Several hotels and motels are in the Baraboo area. The state park has camping near the lake, and there is also camping nearby, but outside the park. Both ends of the lake include picnic tables. Two enclosed shelters and three open-air shelters are available for rent. Reservations are accepted starting the first working day after January 1 each year.

More info: Visit the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce Web
site at www.baraboo.com or visit state Web sites: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/devilslake/index.html
or
www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/devilslake/map.html.

Open: Devil's Lake is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visitor center hours are from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily in the summer and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in other seasons.

Getting there: From Madison , Wisconsin , drive north on Interstate 90 and take State Highway 33 west about 15 miles (24 km) to Baraboo. Turn left (south) on State Highway 123 and go 3 miles (5 km) to the park.