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All the United States Wisconsin Lake Delton Lost Canyon

Lost Canyon

This steep-walled ravine contains animal-shaped formations made from sandstone.

Lake Delton, Wisconsin

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Gorge inside the Lost Canyon   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Looking up from inside the canyon   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Eagle head, center, with outstretched wings   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Raccoon hiding out along the side of a gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
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100 year old white pine tree barely hanging on to the gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
A bad storm several years ago knocked down several trees, forming natural bridges for wildlife across the gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Exploring the canyon via horse drawn carriage   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Beautiful dells!   timbercritter / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Some 19,000 years ago, glacial meltwaters cut through sandstone, leaving unique rock formations locals say are shaped like animals. An eagle with outstretched wings is widely remarked as the most recognizable naturally-carved sandstone shape. Other shapes include a dinosaur, an elephant, and an alligator.

Moss and ferns dot the sides of the sandstone, and gorges get narrower the further in you go, giving it a tunnel-like quality. Wildlife such as raccoons can be seen even during the day tucked away in the holes on the sides of the canyon.

This area is the furthest south in North America where the Eastern or Canadian Hemlock Pine can be found, its seeds having traveled with glaciers, and visitors can enjoy seeing its tiny pine cones.

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The canyon is best experienced via horse drawn carriage because of nearby water runoff and large puddles covering some areas of the road.  The sandstone gorges are relatively cool, and overhangs can drip water on passersby, so recommend wearing a hat.

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August 30, 2023

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Sources
  • https://thegingerguy.com/blog/lost-canyon-wisconsin
  • Lost Canyon Tour taken 7/25/23
  • https://www.lostcanyontour.com/
  • https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2022/05/05/wisconsin-dells-things-to-do-water-parks-wineries-ducks/9615816002/
  • https://www.wisdells.com/blog-stories/What-Makes-Wisconsin-Dells-Unique?fbclid=IwAR2VlVeYKUlSpo5SLfY72-quniFkRZc_nAb49w7Mug1TJYmp-f7efMXNp1c
  • https://thegingerguy.com/blog/lost-canyon-wisconsin

Related Tags

Geology Rock Formations Canyons
Lost Canyon
720 Canyon Rd
Lake Delton, Wisconsin
United States
43.593869, -89.78068
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