On our recent trip to Madison, Wisconsin we toured the beautiful state capital building, walked around the farmer’s market that occupies four sides of a large city block on which the capitol building stands (with hundreds of other people).
We visited Olbrich Botanical Gardens, ate at a few unique restaurants, and shopped a couple thrift stores. It was hot and humid, but we had a good time in spite of it. I have been to Madison many times, but Gary had never been there. He liked it.
On our way back to Minnesota, we stopped at Devils Lake State Park, a park near Baraboo WI, which is a half hour from Madison. Our friends knew of a unique trail there so we decided to take a hike.
It’s called Tumbled Rocks Trail. It was a narrow, winding, asphalt trail through humongous boulders…not “rocks” on each side of the trail. The trail followed Devils Lake and was scenic (although there was some haze from the wildfires burning in northern MN and Canada).
It was fairly easy walking on the water’s edge trail. The large boulders (Quartzite) created a natural cliffs as they tumbled down the hillside. I’m not sure where the boulders came from, or what made them stop where they did, and why they stay in place now, but it was an interesting hike. And it was pretty, with Devils Lake on one side and the boulders lining the western side of the lake. I like the name of the trail, although I do believe it should be named Tumbled Boulders Trail, not Tumbled Rocks Trail…although scenic, these are not your lovely, smooth rock piles.
We have been to many of Minnesota’s wonderful State Parks. Other than Interstate State Park we have not been to any Wisconsin State Parks. It was fun to finally see Devils Lake State Park, since for many years I have driven by the sign for it along the 90/94 Interstate through Wisconsin.
Our stop piqued my interest…maybe it’s time to start looking at other parks in Wisconsin: Mirror Lake State Park, Governor Dodge State Park…there are 50 of them in the state.
It has been so much fun to read about your trip to Madison and back home, especially your stop in Baraboo.
That is on our top two favorite places to visit. I was wondering if you were able to ride the ferry, a short distance south of Baraboo. That is always on our must do list of things to do when we’re there. I’m glad you enjoyed your time at Devils Lake State Park.
Fun to know you two like Baraboo and Madison. They are great places. I did not know about the ferry south of Baraboo. I will have to remember for our next visit to the area. I love being on the water.
You know how much I love Madison and my family who lives there. You make me want to hop in the van and head east right now. It’s always fun to talk with you about these shared places we love in Madison. We have not been to Devils Lake State Park. Yet.
Yes, we both agree Madison is a great place! 😉
If you do go to Devils Lake SP try to arrive before noon. It gets very busy.
There’s a nice beach Everette would enjoy.