4.5Grandad Bluff(1.085 reviews) - Grandaddy of all bluffs Geologic Formations
At 590 feet, this area offers scenic views.See more..
4.5Cave of the Mounds(577 reviews) - Self paced tour through cave system Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations
The most beautiful cave in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, Cave of the Mounds lies just off U.S. Highways 18/151 in Blue Mounds, WI. The United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated Cave of the Mounds a National Natural Landmark because the site possesses "exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment". Curious tourists and budding cave enthusiasts have been enjoying an introduction to caving in the midwest for years while visiting Cave of the Mounds. Commonly referred to as the "jewel box" of America's major caves for the variety and delicacy of its formations, Cave of the Mounds is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest".See more..
4.5Parfrey's Glen(223 reviews) - This was probably a one time challenge... Canyons • Geologic Formations • Valleys
Did it on Saturday, May 8, 2021: This was a nice Saturday with many people of various ages at the Glen. I am 75yr old male. Losing balance. Fear of heights. Love biking, hiking and horseshoeing (the game). This Glen was a challenge for me. A major challenge. Glad I had my hiking pole. My feet spent many steps in the water. My pole answered my call many times to help me slowly make it along rocks of 5" and 3' on/in the creek, and thru 6' rocks on the path I would design. The pole never helped me walk on the branches that lie on the creek, but sorta helped me over on a couple. My movements were slow, but I had frequent concern for rapid tumble down from rocks I had crawled up. This was AN EVENT! I feel I accomplished something. I am not sure I should try it again. My body, mind and the clock require me to carefully consider challenges like this one. But I did it!See more..
4.5Baraboo Bluffs(27 reviews) - What a Great Way to Drive into the Dells-Baraboo Area. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
The Bluffs seen from Highway C is quite a view. One of the best thing about Wisconsin is that you can see so many types of landscapes. The Old Baraboo Range is not the Rockies but thes mountains were high enough to peak out over thousands of feet of glacial till. The Devil's Lake State Park is a good place to get a closer look at these ancient mountains. If you just go into the Dells from I94, you are missing a lot. See more..
At 520 feet high, this area offers scenic views of Trempealeau Mountain.See more..
5.0Pier Natural Bridge Park(2 reviews) - Very interesting geological feature Caverns & Caves • Parks • Geologic Formations
While larger geological formations in this part of the state are well-known (like Mill Bluff State Park, or Natural Bridge State Park), there are small gems hiding in the woods here and there. This one has a small stream flowing under the spot where two cliffs touch each other above the surface of the water. It also has a tunnel drilled through the sandstone rock, and a trail that goes at the bottom and top of the rock. It's also a great spot for the picnic.See more..
4.0Petenwell Bluff(1 review) - Little known bluff Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
This bluff is not well known or advertised anywhere. Rock climbers know about it, and use it, but they try to keep their best spots un-advertised, not to attract crowds. My understanding is that this is a Juneau County land. The bluff sits just south of Highway 21, sandwiched between Wisconsin River and 19th Ave. Turning from Hwy 21 south onto 19th, drive few hundred yards and you will see a parking lot on the left. There are no markings on it, but on the Google map it's called a parking for Big Hill Hiking trail. Indeed, there is a trail going towards the river, and then curving north and going around the bluff, with spurs going to the top. There is a great view out there.See more..
4.0Ship Rock Wayside(1 review) - Amazing geological feature, but defaced by graffiti Parks • Geologic Formations
This is yet another one of "buttes" or "mesas" as they are called in the West. Located on the rural highway, this place is a good lunch spot if you're driving through. Small trail leads around the rock. Amazing geological feature is made out of sandstone and survived an Ice Age, where glacier didn't flatten it as it came through. However, people managed to deface this rock with numerous graffiti. There are lizards that live right on the rock mid-height - and you don't find lizards too often in Wisconsin.See more..
4.0Powers Bluff County Park(1 review) - Winter activities and natural preservation Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
This park is mostly known for groomed trails in winter, suitable for skiing (including downhill), tubing and snowboarding. But in summer one may enjoy some natural scenes; the park has Scientific Preservation Area, also called Powers Bluff Maple Woods State Natural Area; there is a 1.5 mile self-guided Nature trail. Part of the park is a State Historical Site, that includes Native American dance rings and burial grounds.See more..
There is not much to this location, except if you like geological formations, this is one to stop at for lunch. Small trail goes around the rock - remnant of the former sandstone bedrock of Wisconsin, somehow not flattened by the glacier. The place has a parking lot, and there was picnic table(s) when I visited.See more..
