Devil's Lake State Park Expands 100 Acres Permanent Protection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2026-04-02 Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Devil’s Lake Acquisition Grows Most-Visited State Park

Thanks to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and The Conservation Fund, the DNR will be able to open up more land for the public to enjoy. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that a deal has been finalized to permanently protect land that will expand Devil’s Lake State Park by 100 acres.

In 2025, the land, previously one of the largest privately owned parcels inside the park, was purchased by The Conservation Fund — which buys at-risk land with high conservation value — to save it from future development. And now, thanks to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, the DNR has acquired this land and will open it up for the public to enjoy.

"Devil’s Lake State Park is a gem that is unmatched, drawing nearly 2.3 million visitors in 2025," said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "This expansion, made possible by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, means that visitors can access even more breathtaking views."

Devil's Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities and year-round naturalist programs.

The park's hiking trails include parts of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail — a 1,200-mile footpath following the edge of a glacier that covered the area 15,000 years ago. This acquisition lays the groundwork for a potential future segment of this historic trail, where 2 million people hike every year.

"The State of Wisconsin is grateful for The Conservation Fund’s continued partnership in preserving cherished landscapes," said Steve Schmelzer, DNR parks and recreation management director.

Learn more about Devil's Lake State Park on the DNR’s website.

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