User:K.1luck/Devil's Lake (Wisconsin)

Boating, fishing, and swimming
The lake offers two beaches where guests can swim and relax: the North Shore and South Shore. Each beach provides picnic areas with grills and picnic tables, communal shelters containing bathrooms and concessions, and playgrounds. There are also boat rentals, where visitors can rent pedal boats, paddle boards, and kayaks. During the summer months, kayaking tours of the lake are offered.

Recreational fishing is apparent on the lakeshore and on boat. Two boat launches are offered on the southwest and northeast sides of Devil's Lake. However, to protect water quality, only electric-powered motors are allowed. The clear waters and unique rock formations also attract scuba-divers to the area.

Name
Devil's Lake was so named because it is situated in a deep chasm that was thought to have no visible inlet or outlet. However, the Koshawago Spring, originating from the Koshawago Creek, provides an inlet to the lake on the southwest side. The term, Devil's Lake is a misinterpretation of the Ho-Chunk names Te Wakacakra or De Wakacak (Tawacunchukdah or Da-wa-kah-char-gra), which better translates to "Sacred Lake" or "Spirit Lake." Spirit Lake is highly significant in Ho-Chunk oral history, and voices of spirits were often claimed to be heard during the celebrations.

Changes: wrong information presented in this section. Devil's Lake has a visible inlet near the South Shore.

Wildlife
Devil's Lake is home to a diverse selection of wildlife. Naturally occurring fish include bass and panfish, while walleye, northern pike, and trout are stocked by the Wisconsin DNR. Depending on the season, many types of birds can also be seen on the banks of Devil's Lake. Some of the more likely seen birds include loons, herons, geese, and ducks. The northern water snake can also be spotted swimming around Devil's Lake. Although the snake is not venomous, it can be very aggressive if it feels endangered.

Water quality
Swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis) is a common problem at Devil's Lake, most apparent during the summer months. Seventeen species of snails are present in the lake, with three most commonly found snails - Physa skinneri, Gyraulus parvus, and Fossaria obrussa - hosting the parasite.

There have been reports of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooming in Devil's Lake. The park advises visitors to stay alert for algae blooms, which can appear discolored, streaky, or with floating scum or globs on the surface.

Water temperature
The water temperatures of Devils Lake varies significantly throughout a calendar year. The highest water temperatures are reported between July and August between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest water temperatures for the year are in January, with an average temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The lake freezes over in the winter, but ice thickness is unmeasured.