Rockbridge in Richland County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rockbridge

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

1. Rockbridge Marker

Inscription. One of the largest natural bridges in Wisconsin, Rockbridge is 20 feet wide and 10 feet high. Archaeological investigations have revealed that the bridge's sandstone overhang was once used as a shelter by Native Americans. Through the efforts of local citizens, Rockbridge was made a public park in the early 1920s.

The West Branch of Pine River flows under Rockbridge, joining the Pine River a few hundred feet to the east. Long ago, however, the West Branch of the Pine River flowed south in its own river valley on the other side of this sandstone ridge. Like most rivers, the West Branch of the Pine River and the Pine River shifted back and forth, gradually scouring away, grain by grain, their sandstone river bottoms. Eventually these rivers undercut their valleys along the east and west sides of the sandstone ridge and created the cliff overhang and natural bridge opening here. Spilling under Rockbridge, the West Branch of the Pine River merges with the Pine River to flow south towards the Wisconsin River.

Erected 1998 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 381.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities

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• Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list.

Location. 43° 26.719′ N, 90° 21.794′ W. Marker is in Rockbridge, Wisconsin, in Richland County. It can be reached from State Highway 80 north of County Highway D, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in Pier Natural Bridge Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richland Center WI 53581, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pier Park (here, next to this marker); Troop Encampment (a few steps from this marker); The Little Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Patrick's (approx. 5 miles away); Krouskop Park (approx. 7.2 miles away); Wisconsin Purple Heart Memorial Highway (approx. 7.2 miles away); Vernon W. Thomson (approx. 7.2 miles away); Ada James (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockbridge.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of GTE (was approx. 7.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Wisconsin Underground. (Submitted on May 8, 2009.)

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

2. Rockbridge Marker

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

3. Rockbridge

Here, the West Branch of Pine River flows under the 60-foot high sandstone bluff.

Nearby Tunnel (east entrance) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

4. Nearby Tunnel (east entrance)

Walk Bridge to Tunnel (west entrance) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

5. Walk Bridge to Tunnel (west entrance)

Photographed by Greta Schassler, October 25, 2025

6. Rockbridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,678 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on October 25, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.