PARFREY'S GLEN STATE NATURAL AREA

If you plan a stay at Devil's Lake State Park, it's easy to lose sight of Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area over the tourist driven town of Wisconsin Dells or the small town charm of Baraboo. But Parfrey's Glen should not be missed. Finding it can be a little misleading as much of the literature on it indicates it is not accessible by vehicle. Don't let this deter you. There is a parking lot for the area and it's just a little hike to the waterfall. In the past, there was a boardwalk in place to make the hike a little easier. However in 2008 / 2010 the boardwalk was destroyed by a storm and has yet to be replaced. Not having a real trail is what makes getting to the waterfall part of the magic.

Five years after the State purchased the land in 1947, Parfrey's Glen became the first Natural Area declared by Wisconsin. In the 1840's, the area was primarily used for milling. In some areas, foundations to these mills can still be found. From 1846 to 1876, Robert Parfrey owned and operated one of the mills. After Parfrey left the area in 1876, it became a popular area for picnics and hiking. By the late 1800's the destination was so popular that developers were looking into building hotels - much like it had been attempted at Paradise Springs near Ottowa State Park. 

As you first approach the trail, it seems no different that any other trail. The trail points ahead through a small meadow with trees lining either side. Warblers and Goldfinches dart about the branches filling the air with their melodies. At first, there is no sign of any water. You may find yourself wondering if you are on the right path . . . you are!

Continuing onward, a small stream appears to the left. The path flows along the stream. Walking with the stream, you notice it becomes louder. Rocks begin appearing more frequently in the stream. Eventually, the rocks become boulders and the water is swirling over and around the rocks, causing the small stream to meander. At one point the path turns towards the stream. Where there once was a small bridge is now a series of large boulders in the water. The only way across is by hopping from stone to stone. Across the stream, the path becomes less obvious. in focusing on following the flow of what has now become a small river, you might not notice you are entering the gorge.

Before long you are now below the surface of the Earth. Above you, roots of trees break out of the sandstone that line the gorge. Water drips downward along the sandstone to create a mossy underworld. The path seems to come to an end and a sign warns to proceed at your own risk, but not to go beyond the waterfall. Surveying the river, you must choose wisely as to which stone you step on to get to the waterfall. High rains can submerge rocks, splashing water can make them slippery. Perhaps you should have been warned earlier to wear old shoes! You'll feel like Indiana Jones as you make your way to the waterfall. When you get there, the quest will be well worth it. While Parfrey'a Glen is by no means the biggest waterfall in the state, it has a beauty of it's own. The glen is home to many plant and bird species that are not typically native to the area, but have thrived due to the unique temperatures and conditions. 

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area - DNR Website

AZTALAN STATE PARK

Aztalan State Park may be one of Wisconsin's most mysterious locations. A giant primitive barricade  meanders throughout the park. It winds and twists over the land. Within the borders of some of the barricade and giant mounds.

The mystery of Aztalan dates back to the year 900. During this time, the land was inhabited by a group of people belonging to a culture that reigned North American from the Great Lakes all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. This network of groups was referred to as the Mississippian Culture.

Tribes flourished and created advanced settlements. From 900 to 1300, these groups of people built complex settlements. They also shared an advanced trading system with nearby villages as well as those in the Gulf of Mexico. Three giant mounds remain on the Park grounds. There are many theories on the purpose of the mounds. Suggestions include ceremonial, defensive, storage and even include theories involving astrological study. Just as mysterious as the structural design of the mounds and the stockade fence, was the fate of the people who colonized this land.

The ruins of Aztalan were discovered in 1835. Upon discovery and subsequent research of the land, it was estimated that the people who once thrived here left the area between 1200 - 1300. However the reasons were unclear. One theory points to the famous Aztec tribes of Mexico. These tribes retell tales of their ancestors coming from the North. Based on similarities between the construction of the mounds between those found here and those in early Mexican Indian cultures, the land was named Aztalan. Based on artifacts found on Atzalan's grounds which show the items received in trade from the Gulf Of Mexico, a  migration from the Great Lakes Area to Mexico is not out of the question. But the question of why still remains.  Speculation centers around threats from other tribes or even a period of extreme cold that drove the people to warmer land.

The preservation of the area was not an easy task. In 1836 the land was surveyed and requests were made to preserve the land. However the government did not see the need for preservation and sold the land. Many mounds were destroyed. Artifacts found were recycled. Most of the land was turned into farmland. In 1850 the stockade still remained and again interest in preserving the land went ignored.

It was not until 1921 that preservation truly began. During this time, the Wisconsin Archaeological
Society acquired some of the land. In 1952 Aztalan became a State Park. Within the following decade it would be registered as a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register Of Historic Places.

The park is well maintained. The stockade has been replicated in areas that were in disarray. The mounds are neatly trimmed and a staircase allows you to venture to the top. While this park does not allow camping, it provides wonderful trails the run along the river. If you get the chance to visit, sunsets at Aztalan State Park are stunning!

Aztalan State Park - DNR website

NEW GLARUS WOODS STATE PARK

Nested between rolling hills and flourishing meadows, the 431 acre New Glarus Woods State Park is a quaint park with access to trails, playgrounds and campsites.

In 1934, the New Galrus Woods was designated as a State Park. The park has several trails for hiking, biking and enjoying nature. The Sugar River State Trail runs through the park giving bikers 24 miles of pure Wisconsin beauty. 

Campsites in the park are perfect for tents and small RVs. Water filling & dump stations are not available.

The park has beautiful facilities for cookouts and gatherings. The picnic area has plenty of tables, shelter area and playground equipment to keep everyone happy. 

Right around the corner from the park is the quaint little town of New Glarus. Swiss influence is prominent throughout the town. It is most obvious in the chalet style architecture. Throughout the area you will find all sorts of Wisconsin staples from cheese to beer. The New Glarus Brewing Company is just 3 minutes from the park office.

There are several charming Wisconsin towns throughout the area. Monticello, Argyle and Monroe are some of the nearby towns with plenty of local businesses to keep you busy. 

New Glarus Woods State Park - Wisconsin DNR Site