Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area

OK, so we stuck a destination into the mix that is not officially within “Ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin,” but this site is worth including if you are visiting Devil’s Lake.  The last Wisconsin glacier actually lay on top of Parfrey’s Glen and butted up against the east side of Devil’s Lake.

One of the unique treasures of the Baraboo Hills is Parfrey’s Glen, a beautiful protected area that is connected to and managed by Devil’s Lake State Park.  Walking into Parfrey’s Glen is a walk into geological history.  An open meadow/river valley near the parking area off of County DL quickly morphs into a narrow forested gorge upon entry into the Glen.  On a warm summer day, the temperature cools and the light becomes limited as you enter the gorge.  You are in the Glen…and you’re in for a treat.

Parfrey’s Glen was designated as Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area in 1952 due to its unique geological characteristics and rare flora and fauna.  This gorge was cut by erosion into the sandstone conglomerate on the south side of the Baraboo Hills.  The visitor will quickly observe the multiple layers of different sized pebbles and boulders embedded in the sandstone walls of the glen (ravine).  The moisture seeping from the cool shaded porous walls supports a diversity of ferns, liverworts, mosses, other moisture-loving species and a handful of rare wildflower species.  The cool glen supports tree and shrub species found in more northerly locations, such as yellow birch and mountain maple.  Woodland species of birds nest in the Glen, including the rare cerulean warbler and Acadian flycatcher.

Parfrey’s Glen Creek is a fast cold hard-water stream that originates in the Glen; several rare aquatic insects inhabit this creek. The creek draining the narrow gorge regularly overflows its banks.  The fast-flowing turbulent floods of the past have moved enormous boulders, uprooted trees and destroyed several constructed footpaths into the Glen.  Following a recent flood that completely eliminated the walkway, DNR made the decision not to rebuild the trail.

It’s hard to believe that the creek was once dammed and the small mill pond powered a sawmill long ago.  The site is being restored and managed for protection of its unique flora and fauna.

Please help protect the rare cliff plants; do not climb up the walls and stay on well-traveled pathways to avoid erosion of this delicate landscape.  Observe all posted signs.

A park sticker is required to park in the parking area or on the road.  The site is accessible by foot from the east end of Devil’s Lake State Park (off Hwy 113) via a section of the Ice Age Trail.  This iconic natural area is located approximately two miles east of  the south entrance to Devil’s Lake (South Lake Drive and Hwy 113), on Co Hwy DL.