BARABOO, Wis. — Nice weather across the state drew visitors to state parks this holiday weekend.
That includes Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, where many visitors crowded the North Shore Saturday.
Some came from across the country. Carl Ries visited from Maryland. He’s been traveling across the country for the past year, he said.
“Gorgeous up here,” Ries said. “The heat wave is finally gone, so we can get out and enjoy it a little bit.”
Many also came from nearby to spend the day. Kameng Thao and his family used the scenery of Devil’s Lake to celebrate more than one occasion.
“We are celebrating my son. He’s going to college, so kind of sending him off this way,” Thao said. “So, just kind of celebrating Labor Day, along with him to hopefully have a successful college [experience].”
A lot of work went into making sure visitors could enjoy the beauty of the park. Alongside the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park is a nonprofit organization that brings volunteers out to help maintain the park.
Seth Taft is the social media director. He said groups of volunteers have come out several times in the past few weeks for important maintenance projects.
“One in particular was putting mulch around the trees in the North Shore just to keep them well maintained and look nice and pretty because of some of the exposed soil,” Taft said.
In addition to landscaping and cleanup, the group also wants to educate people on the importance of maintaining Wisconsin’s State Parks.
Taft said the best way people can do that is to leave no trace.
“What you bring in, please take out,” he said. “If you see some trash, we strongly encourage you bring an extra garbage bag or two while you’re out in the trails and just do a good-faith effort of maintaining and cleaning these trails while you’re exploring.”
Thao and his family said they plan to take advantage of the natural beauty of Devil’s Lake, especially as fall approaches.
“The view is fantastic,” he said. “The weather’s nice, especially trying to enjoy the last of summer before summer ends.”