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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

The Underrated Lake Near Milwaukee That’s Perfect For A Summer Day

Published Aug 31, 2017

Written by 

E Jamar

Life in the big city is always fun, and summers are booming with outdoor activities. Nevertheless, it can be nice to get away from it all and enjoy the fresh air! This lake, roughly an hour outside of Brew City, is the perfect day trip for a summer day.

Welcome to Devil's Lake, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

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Joe Feyen / Flickr

Devil's Lake is the center attraction of Devil's Lake State Park, which brings over 3 million visitors each year.

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The lake was named Devil's Lake because there's no visible inlet or outlet.

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Jim Brekke / Flickr

It's also a misinterpreted Ho-Chunk translation meant to be "Spirit Lake," which we think is much more fitting for beautiful views like these.

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Joe Kirschling / Flickr
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Flickr / gbozik photography

The lake offers campgrounds, hiking trails, and this 369-acre body of water to fish, paddle, and swim on.

The hiking trails are unlike any other, and bring people from all over the state.

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Robin Davies / Flickr

Devil's Lake has nearly 29 miles of trails, including a section of the National Ice Age Trail.

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With so many trails to choose from, there's something for everyone's ability level.

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miss pior / Flickr

There's even a 1.5-mile trail that is ADA accessible.

Upon the Ice Age Trail, you'll find incredible naturally-made balancing rocks.

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Aaron Fellmeth Photography / Flickr

And the views are absolutely breathtaking....

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Tom Gill / Flickr

If you make it to the top, you'll find "Devil's Doorway."

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Len Hardy / Flickr

Quartzite, an element made from pressurized sandstone, has turned into this beautiful balancing structure.

It's said that these rocks have been here for over a billion years, created as a result of the Ice Age.

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Tom Gill / Flickr

They're also a nice place to hang out and enjoy the view after a long hike!

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Devil's Lake is one of Wisconsin's greatest marvels.

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Josh Haroldson / Flickr

Whether you're ready to hike, fish, or relax and enjoy the astounding views—this is one getaway from the city that you won't forget.

Devil's Lake State Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Fees vary for residents and non-residents, as do camping fees, features, and other rentals. For more information, visit their website here.

Devil's Lake State Park is located at S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913.

Where do you go to get away from it all? Share your experiences below!

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

You’ll Want To Plan A Day Trip To Milwaukee’s Magical Butterfly House

The Milwaukee Public Museum's Puelicher Butterfly Wing offers a warm, tropical escape with over 1,000 species of butterflies and moths.

Published Jan 26, 2018

Written by 

E Jamar

It can be hard to find fun and warm activities to do during Milwaukee winters. Thankfully, the Milwaukee Public Museum has it's very own butterfly wing! Check out this tropical habitat that will transport yourself to a new, colorful world.

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The Puelicher Butterfly Wing is located on the first floor of the Milwaukee Public Museum.

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

Once inside, you'll walk through a tropical environment made for butterflies.

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

It's always a balmy 80 degrees!

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

The learning opportunities are endless, just like the natural beauty.

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Matthew Berggren/Flickr

You can learn about how a caterpillar completely transforms into a lovely butterfly.

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

The museum is lucky to have a collection of over 1,000 different moths and butterflies.

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Trevor Owens/Flickr

Many species in this collection are donated, and it's constantly growing!

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

If you're lucky, you may even see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis!

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

Please note, watch your step!

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Jenn Turner/Flickr

While visiting the vivarium, you'll be surrounded by these beautiful creatures. It's not uncommon that will will land on—or under—you, so please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for these delicate creatures.

There's always something fluttering by in the vivarium.

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Milwaukee Public Museum / Facebook

The Puelicher Butterfly Wing is free with regular museum admission. The Milwaukee Public Museum is located at 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee (and admission to the museum is free every first Thursday of the month!). The butterfly vivarium closes at 4 p.m daily.

For more information about the Milwaukee Public Museum Butterfly Wing, as well as other awesome exhibits, check out their website here.

How do you spend the cold winter days in Milwaukee? Have you been to the butterfly vivarium yet? Let us know in the comments!

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

There’s A Wildlife Park Near Milwaukee That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip

Published Dec 29, 2017

Written by 

E Jamar

Most of us know that Milwaukee is full of greenery- we have over 150 parks! What you might not know is that there's a ton of wildlife right outside of the city, too. Check out this wildlife sanctuary just under an hour outside of Milwaukee in West Bend. It's fun for the whole family!

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Welcome to Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Shalom Wildlife started in the 1970s as a small sanctuary, and has grown into a zoo that's over 100 acres.

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

This wildlife park is bustling with animals from elk, to bison, to raccoons, and everything in between!

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Whether you're walking through the park, driving golf carts they have for rent, or driving through in your own car during the winter, there's so much to see!

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Shalom Wildlife also operates as a farm and truly cares about their animals.

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Just check out their mission statement: "To preserve the wilderness, while providing education, enjoyment, and wildlife encounters in a natural ecosystem."

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Throughout the park there are informational signs to learn from. Fun fact: donkeys are amazing protectors and often watch over the young ones!

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

The park often has animals that are born there! In 2014, Shalom welcomed these two bear cubs, Lewis and Clark.

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Their birthday is in January!

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Shalom Wildlife is well worth the visit any time of the year. This is one spot that the whole family will want to come back to visit the awesome wildlife over and over!

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Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary / Facebook

Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 1901 Shalom Dr., West Bend, WI.

Have you visited this wildlife park near Milwaukee? What was your favorite animal? Share your experience with us in the comments!

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