Devil's Lake Through the Centuries

• Geology
• Prehistory
• Resorts
• State Park

Prehistoric Times

Prehistoric Indians once inhabited the park and constructed a number of effigy mounds in the shape of birds and animals. In more recent times, Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Indians had a summer fishing village along the north shore of Devil's Lake and a winter camp on the southeast shore.

The Resort Era

Resort hotels operated along the lakeshore from 1866 to 1904.

The Devil's Doorway and Devil's Lake in 1898.
Chicago and North Western Railroad Photo

Then as today, boating and fishing were popular.
DNR Photo

The State Park Era

Devil's Lake State Park, established in 1911, is one of Wisconsin's oldest state parks and was one of the first four areas landscape architect John Nolen recommended be set aside when he began planning the state park system in 1909.

Wisconsin State Park System History

There have been many changes over the years. At various times, the land within the present park boundaries included quarries, a golf course, a toboggan slide, and private cabins.

For many years, there was an often-crowded campground on the south shore.
DNR Photo

For more information ask:

Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd.
Baraboo WI 53913-9299
(608) 356-8301
(608) 356-8301 Fax