Winter Recreation

Trails are not maintained for winter use but are not closed. Trails may be snow and ice-covered, muddy and slippery during winter. When there is snow, the Steinke Basin Loop trail is periodically packed for easier travel -- it is open to all non-motorized users, including skiers, hikers and snowshoers.

In addition to skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, visitors also enjoy dog sledding, building igloos, geocaching and orienteering courses. The Nature Center is open on some Saturdays in winter.

Cross-country skiing

Skiers may travel anywhere in the park, though there are no groomed or tracked cross-country ski trails exclusively for skiers. The park does not rent or loan skis.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park, though most of the bluff trails are hilly or have steps, and not ideal for snowshoeing. The Nature Center has snowshoes available for free loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Call first to confirm availability and open hours.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing is popular at Devil’s Lake. In winter, savvy anglers catch brown trout, northern pike and other fish.

The lake freezes over for about three months each winter. Park staff do not monitor or measure the thickness of the ice on the lake's surface. Ice thickness can vary from day to day and from location to location.