Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake glimmers below a hiking trail.

Ancient 500-foot bluffs ring a spring-fed lake at one of Wisconsin's oldest state parks. Devil's Lake is one of nine units of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and contains ancient effigy mounds constructed by prehistoric Native Americans.

This nearly 10,000-acre state park has a wealth of flora and fauna; some 105 species of birds nest in the park. There are 30 miles of hiking trails, about 500 campsites and idyllic boating and fishing on Devil's Lake, which is stocked with brown trout, walleye and northern pike.

Bicycles are permitted on several trails, which double as cross-country trails in winter. The park has 22.4 miles of cross-country ski trails, with four different loops marked for beginner, moderate, or advanced classic-style skiers, along with a section for skate-skiing.