Wisconsin is one of the most geologically interesting states. This is because it was greatly affected by the Ice Age some 12,000 years ago. Many ridges formed between two glaciers. The result: supremely incredible rock formations along the western part of the state especially. Some of the most beautiful parts of Wisconsin are right near Baraboo. But the most stunning is a little place known as Pewit’s Nest. Many people don’t know this place exists, and we kind of like it that way. It looks like something out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It’s magical, and it just doesn’t seem real. So you really need to check this place out.

Before you visit, you should know that this place is very natural - in other words, it is not maintained. It's wild like the untamed parts of Middle Earth, and you'll feel like an adventurous hobbit as you explore.
Archbob/Wikimedia
The fact that there are no handrails or any safety measures, the roughness of it, makes it seem like a magical place you stumbled upon in the forest.
Anne Marie Peterson/Flickr
The ridges in the stones here are quite impressive. Could these be remnants of long-ago dwarf mining projects?
Josiah Zacharias/Flickr
As you walk among the boulders, there is a fair amount of water.
Gregg MP/Flickr

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And when you reach the "nest," you will see how truly incredible it is. We expect you'll want to play around in it as if you were the sweet, carefree Merry and Pippin.
kenneth casper/Flickr
A lot of people (and hobbits, probably) climb into this 30-40 foot deep gorge to swim.
kenneth casper/Flickr
Others simply walk through the water.
kenneth casper/Flickr
This area is one of the last untouched areas in Wisconsin, and sometimes we doubt this place is even real. It definitely could have been ripped from the pages of a Tolkien novel and placed gently here in our beloved Wisconsin for everyone to enjoy.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr

Visit Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area at County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913. Plan to spend a whole day, because once you see how untamed and stunning it is, you won’t want to leave.

Want to see other beautiful, natural spots in Wisconsin? Check out this list.

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