Saturday, September 5 · A day at the lake
Baraboo Hills, Wisconsin — 500-ft quartzite bluffs · 360-acre lake
Devil's Lake packs a lot into one shoreline — here's the birthday itinerary, no rock-climbing boots required.
Nearly 30 miles of trails climb 500-foot quartzite bluffs and dip through lakeside paths. Hit the classics — Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway — or take the East Bluff loop for the money views. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs right through.
Balanced Rock · Devil's Doorway · East BluffSkip the rocks — the North Shore's wide sandy beach is the spot to wade in and cool off. Two beaches, both swim-friendly, but this is the soft-sand, barefoot stretch of shoreline.
North Shore beach · sand, not stonesGas motors are banned here, so the water stays calm — perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or a stand-up paddleboard. Rentals run at both shores (roughly $15–35/hr), first-come-first-served.
Canoe · Kayak · SUP · rentals at both shoresLakeshore picnic areas with charcoal grills sit on both the north and south shores. Pack the cooler, claim a table, and make it a proper birthday cookout with the bluffs as a backdrop.
Charcoal grills · picnic tables · both shoresDevil's Lake State Park sits about 3 miles south of Baraboo, WI — roughly 45 minutes northwest of Madison. Parking permit required (Wisconsin State Park admission).