While I understand why our state parks are packed with people from out of state all summer, I must also say we LOVE it when school starts again and we can get out without the big crowds and enjoy the parks, beaches and trails. One of our favorite places is Devil's Lake State Park. It is less than an hour drive from home, and has a nice big lake with amazing views of woods and rocky cliffs.
The boys love splashing and swimming in the spring fed lake, hanging out on the beach, and eating way too many popsicles from the concessions. This trip we spent a few hours at the north shore in the water, and then after cleaning up and changing into dry clothes, we headed to the south shore for some more fun.
The boys played at the playground, had lunch, ate more popsicles (!), and went back into the water...finding rocks to pile and skip and toss is just too much fun. Having pretty much the entire beach to ourselves was pretty cool too.
After yet another change of clothing, we wandered the boardwalk - looking at funky fungus, driftwood, dense green forests and enjoying a beautiful pastel hued evening sky.
The trip home was quick, and even though we cleaned ourselves up several times we still had sand stuck in every corner. We can't wait to go back up again as the leaves begin to change - definitely a great spot for fall hikes and leaf watching!
12 comments:
Looks like a magical place, especially to have all to yourself :)
That water is so clear-gorgeous! We're headed to the beach today. I can't wait.
Hello from a former Madisonian! I came across your blog some time ago and love getting a glimpse of what's happening in a place very dear to me. Devil's Lake is amazing -- we used to climb the trails, see scuba divers in the "bottomless" lake and dream about rock-climbing. What a great place for unschooling adventures.
Oh! We didn't make it out to Devil's Lake this summer...but there's still time! Have you checked out Governor Dodge State Park? It also is very nice (swimming, walking to a pretty waterfall, etc).
Looks like a great time! We always choose weekdays when the park is quiet as well.
Wow, how nice to have the entire beach mostly to yourself!
One of our favorites, too. I love it up there in the fall.
Glad you had such a great day!
Looks like a wonderful spot to spend the day.
We got there on our trip home in august, and it was by far the most beautiful lake swimming we've done in a long long while - even with all the tourists! the water was clear, the sand was soft, the stones beautiful, smooth....ah, missing it already.
Hey Denise!
I echo your sentiments. Nice to come here and catch up.
Sending my love.
~Lizz
it looks like an amazing spot! and your photos are truly beautiful, thanks for sharing!
it sounds and looks AMAZING!
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