Annual Events

Join us for our recreational, cultural, and educational events at Devil’s Lake!

The Friends provide funds and volunteers to support many events throughout the year at Devil’s Lake State Park. The following are events we have supported with volunteers and/or funding over the past few years.

Members Only

Friends Annual Meeting

Every autumn, the Friends hold an annual meeting for our members at Devil’s Lake. This is our time to gather together as park supporters to share food, celebrate, and hear from the Friends Board of Directors and Park staff about the year’s work.

Members Only Kayak Tour

As a benefit to our members, each year Park Naturalist Sue Johansen-Mayoleth takes members on a members-only moonlit kayak paddle! The kayak tour takes participants on a two-hour journey across Devil’s Lake that explores the lake’s unique geology, spectacular views, and native wildlife. BYO kayak or use one for free!

Arts

Music in the Park

Every summer, the Friends sponsors live, local bands to play in the picnic area near the North Shore Chateau in June, July, and August. Guests get to sit back, relax, and enjoy talented musicians playing while taking in the splendor of Devil’s Lake.

Natural & Human History & Interpretation

Birdwatching Events

We have supported birdwatching events, including Birds and Bagels and Birds and Brats. Open to all Park guests, Park Naturalist, Susan Johansen-Mayoleth, leads bird enthusiasts in “lawn chair” birdwatching activities at Steinke Basin. The Friends lends volunteer support and provides refreshments for participants to enjoy while watching our local flying and flapping friends.

Fox of the River Voyageur LLC Tours

The Fox of the River Voyageur tour includes a trip across Devil’s Lake in a fur trade era replica 28-foot wooden handmade canoe. Participants learn about the “Voyageur way of life,” in a hands-on experience while paddling the canoe with other participants. The experience is free to the public due to sponsorship from the Friends.

Geology Field Trip

In May 2018, the Friends sponsored a Geology Field Trip, led by Friends member and professional geologist, Bernadette Greenwood. This members-only trip ventured to three famous geological landmarks in the Baraboo area:

Halloween Extravaganza

In October, the Friends sponsor an annual Pumpkin Carving Contest followed by a Torchlit Hike. Pumpkin carving stations are set up near the Rock Elm Shelter in the afternoon. Participants are greeted by Friends volunteers who set them up with carving supplies and a pumpkin. Pumpkins illuminate the start of the hike, sending off hikers to enjoy a one-mile torch-lit hike through the Northern Lights Campground. A campfire and refreshments greet returning hikers. The Friends provide volunteer support, refreshments, and campfire entertainment for guests during the event.

Torchlit Hikes

During a Torchlit Hike, participants take a self-guided, 1-mile hike beginning at Rock Elm Shelter and meandering through a candle-lit winter wonderland. The trail is paved and relatively accessible. Weather depending, bring your own snowshoes or borrow ours! Following the hike, enjoy refreshments by the campfire. There may be music! Hikes are in December, January, and February.

Sport

Devil’s Challenge Triathlon

The Friends help recruit volunteers for the event. We may help park cars and occasionally help with race logistics. Event sponsors donate to the Friends to thank us for the support. Learn more.

Yoga in the Park

Join Kingfisher Yoga Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day for free Yoga in the Park! 9 am, BYO mat. Meet at the South Shore.

Volunteer Work Days

Second Saturday Workdays

Join us second Saturdays for a workday, 9 am - 12 pm. Activities and locations change! Contact us for more info.

Work *Play* Earth Day

This annual event is part of a state-wide effort by Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to celebrate Earth Day while helping out and enjoying a Wisconsin State Park System property. Over 30 park properties participate, including Devil’s Lake State Park. Specific dates vary year-to-year, but this event is always close to Earth Day.

Volunteers can join DNR staff, Friends, and people from nearby communities to help repair and enhance park, forest, and trail properties.

Activities on Work Play Earth Day have included installing benches, removing invasive plants, painting picnic tables and other structures, raking and cleaning up leaves, and picking up litter.

Do you have an idea for event or are you interested in helping put together an event? Let us know!