Discover Your Inner Adventurer in Beautiful Sauk County, Wisconsin

Sauk County is a scenic and awe-inspiring playground brimming with outdoor activities — from  breathtaking trails for hiking and biking to shimmering waters for skiing, tubing, and all the bass fishing your lures can handle.

Located just two and half hours from Chicago and a short drive from Sauk’s Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton, the area spans nearly 900 square miles and harbors more than 60 lakes and a thousand campsites. So, where does one start? Well, glad you asked. Ahead we’ve gathered the best places  to splash, bike, camp, and hike, along with some valuable tips to keep in mind.

Splash 

Suit up because Sauk County has water activities for days. Playing host to aquatic pursuits for all kinds of adventurers, from pro wave jumpers and seasoned slalomers to rookie paddlers, the area offers a wealth of lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams. 

Quick tip: Some lakes do not allow motorized watercraft, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Boating Lakes

For water-soaked thrills that include boating, waterskiing, tubing and Jet-Skiing, you’re going to want to launch your watercraft at one of the following lakes. And, yes, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing are also permitted, and encouraged.

• Lake Delton (rentals: Lake Delton Watersports, Schleef’s Boating & Pontoon)
• Lake Wisconsin (rentals: Lake Wisconsin Watersports)
  
• Lake Redstone
  
• Seeley Lake
  
• Wisconsin River (rentals: Rivers Edge Resort, Wisconsin Riverside Resort)

Quick tip: Those not familiar with the Wisconsin River might want to seek out a guide service. Try Vertical Illusions or the Wisconsin Canoe Company.

No-Wake Lakes

Sometimes the mood calls for a more serene undertaking on the water. We’re talking about a relaxing day fishing, a quiet morning of kayaking or peddle boating, or just plain lounging on a floaty. If a lake without all the noise is more your speed, hit up one of the following bodies of water.

• Mirror Lake (rentals: Dells Watersports, on-site)
  
• Devil’s Lake (rentals: The North Shore Chateau, on-site)
  
• White Mound Lake 

Creeks & Rivers

Meandering through lush landscapes, these creeks and rivers are enchanting arteries that offer their own unique sources of waterside fun. Canoers will appreciate a tranquil journey down the Baraboo, and birdwatchers will enjoy the canopy at Otter Creek. 

• Baraboo River
  
• Skillet Creek
  
• Dell Creek
  
• Otter Creek

Fishing Havens

Cast away worries at one of the following fishing holes: some are large lakes, others are more enchanting ponds, but all are an angler’s paradise. Plentiful fish species include northern pike, blue gill, catfish, and large-mouth bass. 

• Dutch Hollow Lake
  
• Long Lake
  
• Virginia Lake
  
• Blass Lake
  
• Lake Buckhorn 

Quick tip: More information about the area’s lakes, rivers, and ponds can be found at dnr.wisconsin.gov.

Bike

Navigating the best biking excursions in Sauk County is as easy as 4-0-0. Sauk’s 400 State Trail boasts 22 miles of legendary biking routes. But if off-the-beaten-path trails are more your vibe, we have plenty of those as well. Below, our favorite treks to forge on two wheels. 

• 400 State Trail: Features wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, and rolling pastures stretching across 22.3 miles along the river valley between Elroy and Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
• Great Sauk State Trail: A 10.5-mile route that begins at the base of an old railroad bridge on the south side of Sauk City and winds through two historic towns.
• Baraboo Riverwalk Loop: A 3-mile path that’s part of the national Ice Age Scenic trail.

Quick tip: Some trails are more challenging than others — read: bluffs — so know your trail before saddling up with the whole family. 

Camp

With more than 1,000 sites in the area, there’s no shortage of camping options around Sauk County. The hardest part is deciding on which size marshmallows to bring: mini or jumbo? Also, most of the grounds are equipped with electric hookups, drinking water, and restrooms. Some of our favorite spots are as follows.

• White Mound County Park: The sites are private, the lake is crystal clear, and the nearby playground is a brilliant distraction for the kiddos.
  
• Merry Mac’s Campground: The name is no joke when it comes to merriment. Read: miniature golf, gaga ball, a swimming pool, and much more.
  
• Wisconsin Riverside Resort: Elevates the camping experience with RV and tent sites, waterfront cabins, and a lagoon that features an inflatable sports park.
  
• Skillet Creek Campground: A tranquil haven for nature lovers that is surrounded by 70 acres of Baraboo hills; it also boasts a peaceful lake offering a relaxing escape.   

Quick tip: Each campground has its own rules and regulations, so do a little research before you pack up and head out. A prepared camper is a happy camper.

Hike

Conquer some of the best hiking trails in the country right here in Wisconsin. From state parks and river loops to hidden gems and nature preserves, every step is a new adventure painted with cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas. It’s cardio with a view. And the view is epic.

• Devil’s Lake State Park: Don’t miss the views up the East Bluff Trail (1.6 miles one way).
  
• Pewit’s Nest: Offers an easier hike that ends with views of a natural gorge cut by Skillet Creek.
  
• Mirror Lake State Park: Look for the Ishnala and Echo Rock Loop, where geology 101 is welcome enrichment.
  
• Nature Bridge State Park: Plays host to Wisconsin’s largest natural arch.
  
• White Mound County Park: You’ll find challenging treks, as well as bridle trails.
  
• Spring Green Preserve: Also known as the Wisconsin Desert and home to cacti, lizards, and dry bluff prairies.

Quick tip: Some of the area’s trails are paved in limestone making for an easier trek, but some feature rougher terrains. So check the park’s trail turf before lacing up your hiking boots.