Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area is a protected gorge carved through sandstone in the Baraboo Hills region of Wisconsin. The ravine spans 508 acres and features mixed forests with a seasonal stream flowing through the rock-lined valley.

The site became Wisconsin's first officially designated State Natural Area in 1952. This protected status marked an early step in the state's conservation efforts.

The glen bears the name of Robert Parfrey, an early settler whose family contributed to the agricultural development of the surrounding region.

Visitors hike a 1.6-mile round trip trail that follows the streambed in places where the boardwalk no longer exists. Wet rocks and slippery conditions are common, especially after rainfall.

The cold springfed stream supports rare northern monkshood flowers and adapted aquatic insects found nowhere else nearby. Few visitors realize they are walking through habitat for species of regional importance.

GPS coordinates: 43.41810,-89.64140

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42