The Potsdam Sandstone that makes the beautiful formations we find in the Wisconsin Dells was formed 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Era when this area was the sandy shore of a vast inland sea. 15,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, the glaciers came within 4 miles of The Dells but never quite got there, making this the edge of what is called The Driftless Region (the part of Wisconsin which evaded glaciation). When the Ice Age started to end, the meltwater formed a massive lake known as Glacial Lake Wisconsin. When the ice dam that held the lake back finally collapsed, it unleashed a massive flood which carved the gorges of the Wisconsin Dells in a matter of days or weeks. We get the word ‘Dells’ from the French word ‘dalles’ which means slabs of rock.
Human history in the area stretches back thousands of years, but the modern era of The Dells as a tourist draw can be traced to legendary photographer H.H. Bennett. Bennett took up photography after the Civil War but became frustrated that he could not capture moving objects on film without them blurring. He built his own camera which he referred to as a “snapper” and took a famous photo of his son jumping to Stand Rock. This photo circulated around the country and then the world and people had to come and see these Dells for themselves. The Dells became quite a mess with all of the attempts to capitalize on this beautiful natural area’s popularity (think Niagara Falls), but thankfully it has been designated a State Natural Area which is overseen by the State of Wisconsin. The weird tourist traps which have persisted are thankfully out of view of The Dells themselves.
I came to The Dells a few times when I was a kid and always remembered it as a beautiful place. I was happy to find I still thought that after many years away and having visited a lot of beautiful areas in the interim. I took the Upper Dells boat tour and a DUCK tour of the Lower Dells while I was there and enjoyed both of them (although choosing between the two would be easy - the Upper Dells all the way). I was also lucky to have absolutely beautiful weather while I was there. I hope you enjoy these photos from my visit to the beautiful Wisconsin Dells.