Things to Do in Merrimac, Wisconsin: A Local's Guide to Lake Wisconsin, Devil's Lake, and Beyond
From the free Merrimac Ferry to the Devil's Lake bluffs, Wollersheim Winery, and the best of Wisconsin Dells just up Highway 12 — a local's-eye guide to Merrimac for groups, families, and weekend escapes.
At a Glance
The best things to do in Merrimac, Wisconsin are riding the free Merrimac Ferry across Lake Wisconsin, hiking the bluffs at Devil's Lake State Park, exploring Parfrey's Glen, tasting at Wollersheim Winery, and skiing or golfing at Devil's Head Resort. All sit within a 15-minute drive of downtown Merrimac in Sauk County.
In This Guide
- The Free Ferry Ride That Defines Merrimac
- Devil's Lake State Park and the Baraboo Bluffs
- Hidden Outdoor Gems Within 20 Minutes
- Where to Eat In and Around Merrimac
- Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries Worth the Drive
- Day Trips to Baraboo, the Dells, and Beyond
- Best Time to Visit Merrimac
- Where to Stay in Merrimac
- Frequently Asked Questions
Merrimac is the kind of small Wisconsin town that surprises people. On the surface it's a village of about 460 people sitting on the north shore of Lake Wisconsin. Underneath that, it's a launchpad — a free state-run ferry slides cars across the lake every fifteen minutes, the most-visited state park in Wisconsin is nine minutes west, the oldest winery in the state is twelve miles south, and Wisconsin Dells is a twenty-minute drive up Highway 12. Locals know all of this. Most travel guides barely scratch the surface.
If you're planning a Sauk County weekend — or already booked into our Merrimac barnhouse for a family reunion, bachelorette trip, or corporate retreat — this is the local's-eye view of what to actually do. Hidden gorges, lakeside dive bars, a winery that's been operating since the 1840s, and the one stretch of road in the country where you still have to take a free ferry to get across.
The Free Ferry Ride That Defines Merrimac
You can't write a Merrimac travel guide without leading with the ferry. The Colsac III is the last free ferry on Wisconsin's State Trunk Highway System, and one of the last of its kind in the country. Highway 113 literally pauses at the shoreline, you drive onto a small steel-deck boat, and seven minutes later you're across Lake Wisconsin in Okee. It runs from mid-April through November, 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Merrimac Ferry (Colsac III) · Free state ferry · 4.7★ · operating since 1844
The current ferry was launched in 2003 at a cost of $2.2 million and replaced two earlier wooden boats — the original ferry route has carried travelers across this stretch of the Wisconsin River since Chester Mattson got the charter in 1844. It's free, it's quick, and on a summer evening it's the cheapest sunset cruise in the Midwest.
2-minute drive from the Merrimac barnhouse
The locals' move: park at the small lot on the Merrimac side, walk on as a foot passenger, ride across to Okee, grab an ice cream cone at the Ferry X-ing Bar & Grill across the street, then ride back. The whole loop takes about 30 minutes. It's a quiet, slightly ridiculous tradition that costs nothing and earns you Merrimac local status for the weekend.
Important to know: the ferry shuts down in winter (typically December through mid-April) when Lake Wisconsin freezes. During those months Highway 113 traffic detours around the lake — add about 25 minutes if you're driving in from Madison.
Devil's Lake State Park and the Baraboo Bluffs
Nine minutes west of downtown Merrimac sits the most-visited state park in Wisconsin: Devil's Lake. It's not a typo — this 9,200-acre park pulls more visitors per year than any other state park in the system, and most weekends in summer the parking lots fill before noon.
Devil's Lake State Park · State park · 4.8★ · 12,994 reviews
A 500-foot deep glacial lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs. Two sandy beaches on the north and south shores, 29 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing in winter. The East Bluff Trail past Devil's Doorway is the most famous hike — about 1.6 miles, moderately strenuous, and worth every step for the views.
9-minute drive from the Merrimac barnhouse
If the main parking lots are full, locals know to head to the north shore via Highway DL — it tends to clear out earlier in the evening and has the better swimming beach. Bring a state park sticker ($13 for a day pass, $28 for an annual) — they no longer accept cash at the gate kiosks.
Devil's Doorway · Iconic rock formation · 4.9★
The most-photographed spot in Devil's Lake — a natural quartzite arch on the East Bluff with a 200-foot drop behind it. Sunrise is the best light, sunset draws the biggest crowd. The hike up is short but it's a 500-foot climb up rocky steps, so reasonable shoes matter.
15-minute drive plus 30-minute hike from the property
Devil's Head Resort · Ski & golf resort · 3.9★
Two miles from Devil's Lake, this 1,200-acre resort runs 30 ski runs in winter and two top-25 Wisconsin golf courses in the warmer months. The mountain isn't huge by Western standards, but it's the closest serious skiing to Madison and Milwaukee. Lift tickets run about $59–$85 depending on the day. Locals come for the long, gentle Pine Hill run more than the short black diamonds.
11-minute drive from the property — ideal for ski groups
After a full day of hiking the East Bluff or skiing Devil's Head, the move at the barnhouse is the sauna and hot tub — the property has both, plus a basement beach to keep kids occupied while the adults defrost.
Hidden Outdoor Gems Within 20 Minutes
Devil's Lake gets the crowds. These three spots are where Sauk County locals go when they want the same beauty without the traffic.
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area · Gorge & waterfall · 4.8★ · 1,518 reviews
Wisconsin's very first State Natural Area, designated in 1952. The trail is short — under a mile each way — but it ends at a hidden gorge with a small waterfall and walls covered in pudding-stone conglomerate that's hundreds of millions of years old. Best after rain when the stream is running. Sturdy shoes only; the rocks get slick.
15-minute drive from the barnhouse
Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area · Cliffside overlook · 4.9★
A 200-foot sandstone bluff with one of the best Lake Wisconsin overlooks in the county. The drive in is gravel and the trailhead is unmarked — most visitors miss it. Go at sunset and you'll usually have the cliff edge to yourself. Park at the small lot on Gibraltar Rock Road; the trail to the top is under 15 minutes.
14-minute drive from the property
Pewit's Nest · Hidden gorge · 4.5★ · 1,103 reviews
A 40-foot sandstone gorge with a small waterfall and a few deep pools that locals used to jump into before the DNR closed swimming for safety. Even without the swimming, it's one of the most photogenic spots in south-central Wisconsin. Short walk in (about 10 minutes), often crowded on summer weekends, almost empty on weekday mornings.
25-minute drive from the property (just south of Baraboo)
Ice Age Trail — Merrimac Segment · Long-distance trail · 4.7★
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs 1,200 miles across Wisconsin tracing the edge of the last glacier, and the Merrimac Segment links the ferry crossing to Devil's Lake. About 9.5 miles of mostly wooded ridgeline trail — you don't have to hike the whole thing. Even a one-hour out-and-back from the Devil's Lake South Shore trailhead gives you a real sense of why people drive across the state to walk this trail.
Trailhead 9 minutes from the property
Where to Eat In and Around Merrimac
The village of Merrimac itself has a small handful of restaurants — but you don't have to drive far for excellent food. Within fifteen minutes you've got everything from a lakeside burger joint to one of the better pizza places in the county.
Ferry X-ing Bar & Grill · Lakeside pub · 4.5★ · 466 reviews
Sits right at the ferry landing. Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, and a deck that looks straight out at Lake Wisconsin. Burgers, wraps, fried cheese curds — Wisconsin pub food done right. Wait times can hit 45 minutes on summer weekends; sit at the bar instead.
2-minute drive from the property
Candy's Merrimac Cafe · Breakfast & lunch · 4.7★ · 82 reviews
The breakfast spot. Tiny dining room, old-school diner energy, scratch-made pancakes and homemade soups that change daily. Locals line up before 8 a.m. on Saturdays. If you're feeding a big group at the barnhouse, this is the spot to grab coffee and a couple dozen breakfast sandwiches before everyone heads out to Devil's Lake.
3-minute drive from the property
H's Place Pizzeria · Pizza · 4.7★ · 277 reviews
Hand-tossed pies in nearby Lodi, with a build-your-own structure that makes feeding a group of 20 actually possible. Carryout is fast; their hand-cut fries and beer-cheese soup are quietly excellent. Order ahead by phone — the online system can get backed up on weekends.
12-minute drive from the property
Fitz's On The Lake · Supper club · 4.2★ · 1,416 reviews
A classic Wisconsin supper club on Lake Wisconsin in Lodi. Brandy old-fashioneds, a Friday fish fry that runs five different fish preps, and the kind of dining room that hasn't changed much since the '80s — in the best possible way. Reservations strongly recommended for groups over six.
15-minute drive from the property
Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries Worth the Drive
Sauk County and the adjacent Prairie du Sac area punch well above their weight on the drinking front. The state's oldest winery is here. So is one of the most-loved craft breweries in southern Wisconsin and a distillery that won national awards before most of the country knew Wisconsin made whiskey.
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery · Winery & distillery · 4.8★ · 919 reviews
Founded in the 1840s, Wollersheim is the oldest continuously operating winery in Wisconsin and a National Historic Site. Tours run hourly, the limestone caves cut into the hillside still hold barrels of aging wine, and their Prairie Fumé is the bestselling white wine in the entire state. The distillery side puts out a quietly excellent bourbon. Cheese and charcuterie boards in the tasting room make it a long-afternoon kind of place.
17-minute drive from the property
Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen · Brewery & restaurant · 4.5★ · 1,122 reviews
A two-mile drive from the Devil's Lake south shore parking lot, Tumbled Rock is the post-hike spot. Twelve rotating taps of their own beer, wood-fired pizza, and a beer garden that opens up to bluff views. The Devil's Lake Lager is what they'll pour you first; ask for the Cherry Sour if it's on.
11-minute drive from the property
Vintage Brewing Co. — Sauk Prairie · Brewery & restaurant · 4.6★ · 1,819 reviews
The Sauk Prairie taproom of Madison-based Vintage. Bigger menu than the brewery itself — burgers, salads, schnitzel, plus a solid kids' menu. The shaded patio backs onto the Wisconsin River. Bring the group, the kids, the dog. It works for everyone.
18-minute drive from the property
Lewis Station Winery, Distillery & Kitchen · Winery, distillery, kitchen · 4.8★ · 261 reviews
In Lake Mills (about 50 minutes east) but worth the trip if you're putting together a winery day. Wood-fired pizzas, a long flight of estate wines, and a craft gin program that's developed a serious following.
50-minute drive — best paired with other Lake Mills stops
Day Trips to Baraboo, the Dells, and Beyond
Merrimac sits at the center of a half-hour radius that includes some of Wisconsin's most-visited towns. None of these are deal-breakers if you skip them, but each is worth at least one afternoon during a weekend stay.
Wisconsin Dells · Resort town · 20 minutes north
America's self-declared "Waterpark Capital of the World" — indoor and outdoor waterparks, the Original Wisconsin Ducks amphibious boat tours along the Dells of the Wisconsin River, mini golf, and more candy shops than any one town needs. Best for half-day trips so you don't burn out. We've covered the non-waterpark side in our guide to the Wisconsin Dells beyond the waterparks.
20-minute drive from the property
Circus World — Baraboo · Historic site · 4.6★ · 2,074 reviews
The original Ringling Brothers winter quarters from 1884 to 1918, now a museum on the National Register of Historic Places. Live circus performances in summer, the largest collection of antique circus wagons in the world, and big-top tent rides for kids. The summer Big Top show is what most people remember years later.
15-minute drive from the property
International Crane Foundation — Baraboo · Wildlife conservation · 4.7★
The only place on earth where you can see all 15 species of cranes in one location. The grounds are walkable in about 90 minutes; the daily keeper talks are surprisingly good. Quiet, educational, and almost entirely missed by tourists who go straight for the waterparks.
18-minute drive from the property
Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park · Outdoor art park · free admission
A 300-ton hand-built sculpture called the Forevertron — supposedly the largest scrap-metal sculpture in the world — sits in a field off Highway 12 between Baraboo and Sauk City along with dozens of smaller machine-art pieces. Free to visit, easy to spend an hour walking the grounds. Genuinely weird and worth the stop.
22-minute drive from the property
Mirror Lake State Park · State park · 4.7★ · 3,134 reviews
A quieter alternative to Devil's Lake. Mirror Lake is a narrow, calm-water lake perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding — no motorized boats on most of it. Sandy swim beach, easy hiking, and a fraction of the Devil's Lake crowds. Bring your own kayaks or rent on-site.
20-minute drive from the property
Best Time to Visit Merrimac
Merrimac is a four-season destination, but each season has a different personality. Pick based on what your group wants to do — and how much you mind crowds.
Summer (June–August) is peak season. Devil's Lake is at its best, the ferry is running 24 hours, Lake Wisconsin is full of boats, and every restaurant has a wait. Book accommodations at least three months out for July weekends. Daytime highs hit the low 80s.
Fall (September–October) is the secret season. The hardwoods on the Baraboo Bluffs turn brilliant in early October — peak color usually lands the second week. Cooler hiking weather, smaller crowds, ferry still running. Wollersheim's grape harvest happens in September and the winery hosts a public crush. This is the move for couples and small groups.
Winter (December–March) is for cold-weather travelers. Devil's Head Resort runs ski operations, Devil's Lake has cross-country trails, and the bluffs frosted in snow look like a different planet. The ferry shuts down, so plan on the Highway 12 / I-94 route in. Rates at most rentals (including ours) drop noticeably in January and February.
Spring (April–May) is shoulder season. The ferry restarts mid-April, the waterfalls at Parfrey's Glen and Pewit's Nest are at full flow, and you'll often have trails almost to yourself. Some restaurants run reduced hours through early May.
Where to Stay in Merrimac
Most lodging in the Merrimac area is built for couples or families of four — small B&Bs, lakeside cottages, the rooms at Devil's Head Resort. If you're traveling with a real group — multi-generational family reunions, bachelorette weekends, corporate retreats, friends' getaways with 15–24 people — the options thin out fast. That's the gap our barnhouse fills.
Stay Here
Big Sky Barnhouse — Merrimac — Merrimac, Wisconsin
Sleeps 24 · 5 bedrooms · 3.5 bathrooms · 6,000 sq ft across 4 floors · golf simulator, hot tub, sauna, tiki bar, arcade, pool table, sand volleyball, frolf (disc golf), firepit, indoor swings, turf patio
A converted barn-style build minutes from the Merrimac Ferry, Lake Wisconsin, and Devil's Lake State Park. The slide from the barn-loft straight down into the kitchen is the kind of detail kids talk about for months. Built for large groups — family reunions, bachelor and bachelorette weekends, corporate retreats, multi-family vacations — with nine queen beds, a twin, two double futons, and a fourth-floor loft. From $975/night.
If you've got an even bigger group or want to look at other Sauk County options, our Arena and Arena #2 properties are about 40 minutes south, and our Spring Green barnhouse sits in the heart of the Driftless. All five of our Wisconsin barnhouses are built around the same large-group framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Merrimac Ferry free?
Yes. The Merrimac Ferry (officially the Colsac III) is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as part of State Highway 113, and it has been toll-free since the state took it over in 1933. It's the only free ferry left on Wisconsin's State Trunk Highway System. It runs roughly mid-April through November, 24 hours a day, and carries up to 15 cars per crossing. The ride takes about seven minutes across Lake Wisconsin.
How far is Merrimac from Wisconsin Dells?
About 20 miles, or a 20- to 25-minute drive north on Highway 12. That makes Merrimac an excellent home base for a Dells trip without staying in the Dells itself — you skip the resort markups, the parking lots, and the late-night noise, but you can still be at a waterpark by 10 a.m. Most of our guests at the Merrimac barnhouse make at least one Dells run during a long weekend.
What is there to do near Devil's Lake besides hiking?
Plenty. The two beaches at Devil's Lake State Park have swimming, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and picnic areas. Outside the park: Devil's Head Resort runs ski and golf operations, Tumbled Rock Brewery is two miles from the south shore for post-hike beers, and the Circus World museum in Baraboo is 15 minutes away. Cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing are also options if you want something active that isn't just hiking.
Where can a large group stay in Merrimac, Wisconsin?
Hotels in Merrimac itself are limited — the village is small. For groups of 15 or more, the practical option is a large-format vacation rental. The Big Sky Barnhouse Merrimac property sleeps 24 across 5 bedrooms and is purpose-built for big groups, with a golf simulator, hot tub, sauna, sand volleyball court, arcade, and tiki bar all on site. Devil's Head Resort can also accommodate groups across multiple condos if you'd rather split into smaller units.
When does Lake Wisconsin freeze over?
Typically mid-December, and the lake usually stays frozen through mid-March. The Merrimac Ferry shuts down for the season when ice forms — exact dates change year to year, but the WisDOT site posts the current status. Once the lake freezes, ice fishing shanties start appearing within a week and ice fishing is a legitimate weekend activity through February.
Ready to plan your Lake Wisconsin weekend?
The Merrimac barnhouse sleeps 24 minutes from the ferry landing, Devil's Lake, and the Baraboo bluffs — built for family reunions, bachelor and bachelorette weekends, and corporate retreats that need more than a hotel block.
