Accomplishments
Learn how Friends funding helps Devil’s Lake State Park create a successful experience for visitors and staff.
How Friends Dollars Support Devil’s Lake
Over the years, Friends members and volunteers have contributed to many valuable efforts, including events, staffing, facilities repairs, and capital improvement projects. Some of the more regular contributions include monies toward:
Hosting special events, such as the Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest, Torchlit Hikes, and Music in the Park
Planting and mulching trees
Maintaining trails
Staffing supplemental help in the Nature Center and Visitor Center
Supporting nature center programming
Campground and picnic area enhancements
Accessibility upgrades and improvements
Funding Accomplishments
Where do Friends dollars go? The list below highlights some of the specific purchases and efforts from donations, which is just one way in which we support the Park. A mix of donations, fundraisers, and grants allows the Friends to support the park and enhance visitor services.
Year & Donations
Examples of projects funded by Friends donations.
Park events and programming hosted by Friends and Park’s Nature Center
“Wingspan” display and Friends kiosk by the Chateau
Monthly stewardship workdays
Assist with park operations and maintenance costs
2024
$51,000
2023
$32,200
Park Events and Programming Hosted by Friends and Park’s Nature Center
Marketing: Social Media and Website Updates
Assist with Park Operations and Maintenance Costs
2022
$5,300
Interpretive Signage
Park Events
Miscellaneous Park Expenses
2018
$11,600
Scenic viewer repairs
Chamber of Commerce memberships
Bathroom improvements to Headquarters and Rock Elm Shelter buildings
Replace picnic table boards
Employee & Volunteer of the Year plaques
Maintenance tools
Campground host campsite improvements
2017
$8,450
Employee & Volunteer of the Year plaques
Employee summer picnic
Purchase staff radios
Purchase additional picnic grills
Install bathroom privacy screens
Spading trees
Replace tables and chairs in Red Oak shelter
2016
$13,600
Employee & Volunteer of the Year plaques
Annual meeting for Friends, Park staff and Concession Corporation
Carpet cleaning
Tree spading
Internship funding
Purchase emergency phone
Purchase lake buoys
Replace public bathroom lights on Headquarters building
Improvements to campground host campsite
2015
$10,780
Repair and parts for UTV, mower, and other small engine projects
Pesticides to protect Park trees against Emerald Ash Borer pesticide
Snowshoes to loan to Park visitors
iPads, sensors, and bat demo equipment for Nature Center
Purchase vault toilet blower motors
Repairs to Red Oak shelter
Supplies for blacktop trail paving repairs