Wisconsinites love to flock to Devil’s Lake State Park for a chance to cool off on a hot summer day. But have you ever stopped to think about the history these bluffs have to tell?
Devil's Lake State Park’s bluffs are part of the Baraboo Range, which scientists believe were formed 1.6 billion years ago.
The bluffs are made of quartzite rock, which is actually just grains of sand that are bonded together. The sand was deposited by rivers and seas that covered this area a billion and a half years ago. First the sand formed sandstone, and then, under great heat and pressure, became quartzite.
Part of this area was covered by the Wisconsin glacier about 15,000 years ago, but part of it wasn't. It lies right along the ridge where the glacier ended and the terrain changes because of it. Devil's Lake formed after this glacial period and is spring fed.
One of the most beautiful and interesting rock formations in Wisconsin is known as Devil's Doorway. Sitting high above Devils' Lake, it is believed to have been formed by water freezing and thawing in cracks in the quartzite.
The large "door" that opened up certainly gives a brilliant view to the valley below, but erosion has made it so there's a bit of a human form to one side that appears to be looking out over the lake.
Some daring folks like to climb into the doorway for the ultimate photo op. While I don't recommend that, I do love how this picture gives you an idea of the truly monstrous size of the rocks that make up the formation.
Devil's Doorway is as breathtaking as it is interesting, with layers and strata of rock jutting out of the bluffs. The bluffs rise 500 feet above Devil's Lake to give views of the whole Baraboo Valley.
This is definitely one of the most beautiful, captivating rock formations in Wisconsin. Have you visited? Were you brave enough to climb out there for a picture? Tell us about it in the comments!
