Dells of the Eau Claire County Park

Dells of the Eau Claire County Park is a county park centered on a rocky gorge where the Eau Claire River flows, forming cascades over weathered boulders. The site includes hiking trails, campsites, and several stone shelters distributed throughout the gorge area.

The park was established in 1923 when the Marathon County Park Commission acquired 60 acres around the dells as their fourth county park. This early acquisition shows how important it was to protect natural areas for public recreation.

The park's rustic stone structures were designed to fit with the gorge walls, using rocks sourced directly from the site during construction. This choice shows how people wanted to create spaces that felt like natural parts of the landscape rather than imposed on it.

The park provides around 25 campsites with electrical hookups, drinking water, and shelters for overnight stays. Visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes and take care on paths, especially during wet weather when rock surfaces become slippery.

The rock formations and boulders along the river consist of ancient stone formed hundreds of millions of years ago through geological processes. These old layers offer a window into early Earth history for visitors curious about geology.