Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is one of the most gorgeous spots in all the state. This was Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, established in 1952. Though it’s located in Devil’s Lake State Park, it’s not accessible by car from the park.
One of the most visited spots in Wisconsin, this is also one of the places most in need of protection. Susceptible to flooding, waters washed away vegetation and mosses in 2008 and 2010. The walkways and boardwalks that have given access to Parfrey’s Glen often get washed out. But instead of sticking to the spots that are still accessible – walkways and the stream – folks are trampling the shores, denuding the area and compacting the mud, ruining the habitat and removing signs so future folks will continue to do the same.
This is a truly magical area with rock that dates back 500 million years. It would be a shame to ruin an area that has survived so much.
Here’s a look inside this gorgeous spot that we encourage you to visit, but also treat with kindness, as you do everywhere else in the state. This is a special spot and should be enjoyed, but with care and caution so that it can be around for millions more years to come.
Parfrey’s Glen is stunning gorge where the walls can reach over 10 feet and have been whittled away over hundreds of thousands of years by the river that runs through and washouts from floods. The craggy rock is sandstone that was once the floor of an ancient sea.
Flickr/Benet2006
Hiking through the glen makes you feel like you’ve entered another universe. It’s easy to pretend you’re in a fantasy novel or fairy tale.
TripAdvisor/JackieL
The glen is truly magical in spring and summer as the trees bloom. It’s amazing to see how determined everything is to grow, as roots push through rock looking for nutrients.
TripAdvisor/SunnyStark
They fight for space for sun and rain, growing at all angles, looking for their own patch of light.
Flickr/JoshuaMayer
Shaded and susceptible to seepage, when they haven’t been ravaged by floods, you’ll often find moss growing on the sandstone walls here. In the winter, the seeping water can freeze, creating some super interesting views.
TripAdvisor/RCTravelHounds
You can get up close and personal with the walls of the gorge, seeing thousands of years of rock and soil exposed.
Flickr/Heussner
You can find different types of rock and stone embedded, and these walls tell the story of many different eras of life here.
Flickr/E_bass
There’s something truly otherworldly and magical about this area, which is why it’s so important to preserve it. You can feel the history and immerse yourself in the beauty, and that’s something we need to preserve for generations to come.
Flickr/nlenburg
This trailhead is also the trailhead for the Sauk Point Segment of the Ice Age National Trail. This segment is a 4-mile walk from Parfrey’s Glen to Devil’s Lake State Park with a decent climb.
Flickr/BobbbyLight
You won’t regret visiting this gorgeous Wisconsin treasure, so make plans to add Parfrey’s Glen to your family’s to-do list.
Flickr/TonyHeussner
Parfrey’s Glen is located at 1377 County Rd DL, Merrimac, WI 53561. You can learn more about it on the state DNR website here. Vehicles require an $8 day pass or a $28 yearly pass. More information on state fees can be found here.
Flickr/Benet2006
TripAdvisor/JackieL
TripAdvisor/SunnyStark
Flickr/JoshuaMayer
TripAdvisor/RCTravelHounds
Flickr/Heussner
Flickr/E_bass
Flickr/nlenburg
Flickr/BobbbyLight
Flickr/TonyHeussner
Have you been to this gorgeous state location? What’s your favorite part? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know you can volunteer to help at Parfrey’s Glen and Devil’s Lake? Check out this link for more details on how to keep these spots beautiful for generations to come.
Looking for more Wisconsin sites that are out of this world? Amnicon Falls State Park is full of millions of years of history and feels like you’ve entered another world.
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