The One Place In Wisconsin That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

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 was supremely incredible rock formations along the western part of the state. 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 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.

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.

The ridges in the stones here are quite impressive. Could these be remnants of long-ago dwarf mining projects? As you walk among the boulders, there is a fair amount of water. 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.

A lot of people (and hobbits, probably) climb into this 30-40 foot deep gorge to swim.

Others simply walk through the water.

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.

When you visit Wisconsin's Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area, 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 more of our favorite incredibly beautiful places in Wisconsin! Hoping to do some hiking and want to step up your hiking game? Check out the awesomeness that is AllTrails Plus. We don't know what we would do without it.