The Dells
The way to see the Dells is by boat. Throughout the entire length of the narrow passage a fanciful nomenclature adds to the romantic character of the objects and places. Before the great dam was built at Kilbourn a number of peculiarly interesting points, now buried by the whirling waters, were exposed to view. The erection of the dam, although destroying these particular features, has added to the uniqueness of others, resulting as a whole in increased attractiveness for the Dells.
THE NARROWS, DELLS OF THE WISCONSIN
One hundred feet deep. The river seems almost to be running on its edge hemmed in by ponderous rocks.
Courtesy Wisconsin Geological Survey
The points of interest usually called to the attention of visitors by the guides follow:
Angel Rock on the right is a rugged projection, curiously shaped. The imagination will easily transform this lofty crag into a huge angel with outspread wings. It is sometimes called Marble Rock, from the rounded sandstone pebbles on the ledge and in the river.
The Swallow's Home is where the swallows live. During the nesting season thousands of these birds may be seen occupying innumerable holes in the side of the cliff.
The Jaws of the Dells, the entrance proper, are guarded by High Rock and Romance Cliff, two immense rocks standing as sentinels to the waterway.
Chimney Rock is one of nature's freaks, resembling a stick and mortar chimney of pioneer times. It was fashioned by the waters as they cut this wonderful gorge.
Echo cove is submerged.
Black Hawk's Head is another curious result of erosion.
Nothing but the site is left of the ancient and weathered Dell House, once a "wild, rambling old rookery." It was the first frame house built on the river above Portage, erected in 1837-38 by Robert V. Allen and used for many years as a tavern. Here the rivermen recounted their thrilling experiences in piloting their rafts through the Dells and told of the days in the pineries of pioneer Wisconsin.
Chapel Gorge is a beautifully shaped glen on the right, named for a peculiarly shaped rock at the entrance.
Boat Cave is submerged.
Circle Bend is a half-circle in the river, the cliff of solid masonry formed of rocks high and bold.
Sturgeon Rock resembles the fish by that name. It is located on the left at the entrance to the wild grandeur of the Dells.
The Navy Yard exhibits the geological formation of the Dells in the superlative degree. Huge vessels with prows and sides and ribs of solid stone, may be pictured without difficulty by the imagination, all warring with the waters of the narrows.
Opposite the Navy Yard is Eaton Grotto, a long deep opening in the face of the cliff.
Skylight Cave is submerged.
At the Narrows the river is only fifty-two feet wide, but over 80 feet deep. Here the stream runs on its edge, hemmed in by ponderous rocks. In 1850 Schuyler S. Gates built a bridge over the stream at this place, the first ever thrown across the Wisconsin River. After thousands of teams and passengers had paid toll, the high water of 1866 carried it away.
The Devil's Elbow marks the place where the stream makes a square turn as it enters the Narrows.
Black Hawk Cave on the left, so lingers a legend, is where the chief secreted himself after his disastrous war of 1832.
Notch Rock, near the water's edge, was the terror of raftsmen, more than one raft breaking up and more than one life being lost at this place.
Artist's Glen, on the right, is one of the most beautiful retreats of the Dells.
Sliding Rocks, at the edge of the water, are so named from their peculiar formation, apparently sliding inward and throwing the water to the center of the stream.
The Ancient River Bed is seen on the left. In an early day a portion of the river flowed through the now deserted channel, entering the main stream near the Dell House site and forming an island.
Coldwater Canyon is one of the grand features of the Dells. This is a rocky defile with frowning crags and perpendicular walls.
The Devil's Jug, thirty-five feet across at the bottom and seventy feet high, is a never-ending wonder.
The Devil's Arm Chair is submerged.
The Clam Banks are just above, a place in name only.
The Ruffle Rocks adorn the side of the stream.
Chameleon Cave, with beautiful changing mosses, is near Steamboat Rock.
Steamboat Rock, without smoke-stack and wheel-house, challenges attention.
Roods' Glen is on the right.
Honey Bee Spring is submerged.
Arch Cove gives a view of the river above.
Witches' Gulch is of rare interest and extends for three-quarters of a mile from the shore.
Above Witches' Gulch are the Hornets' Nest, Luncheon Hall, Stand Rock, Demon's Anvil, Louis Bluff and Elephant Back. All around is a panorama of beauty.