Shawano County Discovery Area

Dells of the Eau Claire

 

A three-mile segment of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail travels along the Eau Claire River and through Dells of the Eau Claire Marathon County Park. The small park contains the Wisconsin State Natural Area of the same name. The State Natural Area protects a rocky gorge with waterfalls and volcanic bedrock palisades tilted nearly vertical. The river cascades over outcrops of Precambrian-age rhyolite schist, which splits along its cleavage planes to develop multiple stream terraces. The river ledges attract visitors each summer, as do campsites and a swimming area above a small dam. The water current here has also created several potholes. The Walking Bridge above the dells and the High Bridge below the dells, combined with the Ice Age and park trails, provide complete vistas of the gorge.

 

Any fees?: No

 

Accessible?: Yes

 

Dog Friendly?: Yes (on the trails), No (on the beach)

 

Time to Complete: 1 hour 

 

Distance: Less than 1 Mile

 

Difficulty: Easy

More Info: 

https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=109