Dells of the Wisconsin River

43°38′34″N 89°47′19″W / 43.6428°N 89.7885°W / 43.6428; -89.7885

Dells of the Wisconsin River

The Dells of the Wisconsin River, also called the Wisconsin Dells (from Old English “dæl”, modern English “dale”), meaning “valley”, is[1] a 5-mile (8-km) gorge on the Wisconsin River in south-central Wisconsin, USA. It is noted for its scenery, in particular for its Cambrian sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons.[2] The formations are divided into the "Upper Dells" and the "Lower Dells" by the Kilbourn Dam.[3]

The cliffs, some over 100 feet (30 m) high, and side canyons are closed to the public to protect sensitive ecological features. The viewing of the rock formations by water is a tourist attraction in the area. The nearby city of Wisconsin Dells is the center of summer tourist activity, much of it in the form of the theme parks unrelated to the river features.

The Dells of the Wisconsin River is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It was established as a State Natural Area in 1994.[4]

  1. ^ "The Dells of the Wisconsin River" is generally used in the singular.
  2. ^ "Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. May 10, 2013. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  3. ^ Davenport, Don (May 2, 1999). "Wisconsin: The Dells". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  4. ^ "Dells Of The Wisconsin River (No. 283)". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 19, 2017.