Wisconsin Dells in Sauk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin Dells

Photographed by Keith L, May 14, 2007

1. Wisconsin Dells Marker

Inscription. The Indians believed that many years ago the Great Spirit, in the form of a snake, created the Dells when it forced its huge body through a narrow opening in the rocks. Geological studies, however, show that the Dells were formed some fifteen thousand years ago after a glacier turned the Wisconsin River into a new channel through the center of a sandstone plain. French-Canadian traders used their word “dalles”, meaning a trough or narrow passage, to describe this section of the Wisconsin River. Wind, weather and the river have combined to create the seven miles of chasms, cliffs, pillars and columns which form part of the many scenic features of the world-famous Dells.

Erected 1961 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 104.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list.

Location. 43° 37.585′ N, 89° 47.066′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Sauk County. It can be reached from State Highway 13/16 0.1 miles east

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of U.S. 12, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located uphill at the end of a side road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Madison.

It is also 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 walking distance of this marker: Stanton Peter Helland (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Dells (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kilbourn City (approx. 0.3 miles away); History of the Wisconsin Dells (approx. 0.4 miles away); Geology of the Wisconsin Dells (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Railroads (approx. 0.4 miles

Photographed by Keith L, May 14, 2007

2. Wisconsin Dells Marker

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

Also see . . . Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dells was founded as Kilbourn City in 1857... To make it easier for tourists to identify Kilbourn City with the natural landscape it was famous for, the name of the city was changed to Wisconsin Dells. (Submitted on July 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.)

Kilbourn Dam in Wisconsin Dells image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, July 27, 2007

3. Kilbourn Dam in Wisconsin Dells

Marker is near this location. Railroad bridge, highway bridge, hydroelectric dam shown. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company coordinates the operation of 25 hydroelectric plants on the river and operates 21 reservoirs.

Wisconsin River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, April 5, 2011

4. Wisconsin River

Photographed by M. Bowyer, April 6, 2011

5. Wisconsin River

Kilbourn Dam can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,300 times since then and 76 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on April 7, 2011, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.