Dells of the Wisconsin River

The Dells of the Wisconsin River, also called the Wisconsin Dells (from Old English "dl", modern English "dale"), meaning "valley", is a 5-mile (8-km) gorge on the Wisconsin River in south-central Wisconsin, United States. It is noted for its scenery, in particular for its Cambrian sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons. The formations are divided into the "Upper Dells" and the "Lower Dells" by the Kilbourn Dam. The cliffs, some over 100 feet (30 m) tall, and side canyons are closed to the public to protect sensitive ecological features. Viewing the rock formations by water is a tourist attraction in the area. The nearby city of Wisconsin Dells is the center of summer tourist activity, much of it in the form of the theme parks unrelated to the river features. The Dells of the Wisconsin River is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It was established as a State Natural Area in 1994.