Van Hise Rock

Van Hise Rock is a rock formation in the Baraboo Hills displaying pink and purple quartzite with clearly visible geological layers. The exposed stone sits right along Wisconsin Highway 136, making it easy to see from the road and to stop for closer viewing.

Charles Van Hise used this rock formation in the 1890s to teach how rock structures change under pressure and heat, which changed how geologists understood Earth's interior. The quartzite layers themselves are about 1.6 billion years old.

Multiple generations of geology students and researchers from the University of Wisconsin have conducted field studies at this geological site since the nineteenth century.

A dedicated wayside parking area sits directly along the road, allowing visitors to pull off safely and walk up to examine the rock layers. The site is accessible year-round and requires no special equipment or permits.

The rock displays a clearly visible fold in its stone layers that formed over a billion years ago when Earth's crust buckled under immense pressure. This makes it one of the few places where visitors can see such ancient crustal movement with their own eyes.

Location: Excelsior

GPS coordinates: 43.48935,-89.91531

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53