Located just 30 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin, in the town of Baraboo, you’ll find a true geologic gem. Parfrey’s Glen was the first state natural area ever to be established in Wisconsin, in 1952, by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This scenic glen is part of Wisconsin’s 1.6 million year old Baraboo Range. Baraboo sits on the eastern edge of the Driftless Region, a unique area of Wisconsin untouched by glaciers of the last Ice Age. More about that below!
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Glacial History of Wisconsin – The Driftless Region
The last Ice Age occurred between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago. During this period, continental ice sheets covered a large portion of North America. As ice sheets advanced and retreated, melting glaciers receded northward through the Upper Midwest, sculpting unique landforms throughout the region. This pocket of Wisconsin is what we now know as the Driftless Region.
Driftless Topography
Wisconsin is a state of diverse landscapes including agricultural land, ancient river gorges, Great Lakes shoreline, and gently rolling prairies. The rugged terrain found throughout the Driftless Region includes bluffs, limestone ridges, deep river valleys and steep canyon walls. Additionally, sinkholes, springs, and the occasional waterfall are found in this region, shaped by millions of years of weathering and erosion. The map below from the Mississippi Valley Conservancy highlights the approximate boundary of the Driftless Region.
Topography of the Baraboo Area
The image below highlights the topography of Parfrey’s Glen and the surrounding area. Note the colored legend at right indicating elevation. (image credit Topographic-map.com)
Parfrey’s Glen Location/Directions
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is located on Highway DL in Baraboo, Wisconsin, 7 miles east of Devil’s Lake State Park. From Highways 113 and 78 in Merrimac:
- Drive West for 0.1 mile on Highway 113
- Drive North on Bluff Rd. (Baraboo Street) for 2.5 miles
- Drive West on County Highway DL for 0.3 miles to parking area (North side of DL)
Hiking the Glen
The trail is approximately 1.6 miles out and back. This is a non-strenuous hike. However, the terrain becomes steeper further into the glen, with stone steps, exposed tree roots, and rocky areas. Floods occurred in 2008 and 2010 that destroyed bridges and wooden boardwalks leading into the most scenic and section of the glen. As such, visitors must wade through the rocky creek to access the bluffs and waterfall at the end of the trail.
Personally, I could spend all day exploring this beautiful glen! Take your time to take in the beautiful surroundings, forested trail, sound of the rippling creek, and various native plants along the trail.
I’ve included a few photos from a Fall 2025 hike at Parfrey’s, a beautiful, sunny afternoon with sunlight that the filtered through the maples to illuminate the glen.
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area | Information and Hours
Hours: Parfrey’s Glen is open from 6am – 8pm daily, 365 days a year. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park. A small parking lot is located at the entrance to the glen on County Highway DL, with a small kiosk to purchase day passes. Spots fill quickly in the summer and fall; if the lot is full you can also park along the side of County Highway DL. Be prepared to walk along Highway DL to access the trailhead during the busy season.
Fees: Wisconsin residents: Vehicle passes are $28 for a 12-month pass, or $13 for a daily pass. Non-Wisconsin residents: Vehicle passes are $38 for a 12-month pass, or $16 for a daily pass. Self-service kiosks are available to purchase vehicle admission passes, or online through the Wisconsin State Park System.
Ice Age Trail Atlas/Trail Maps | Parfrey’s Glen Segment
As you enter the Parfrey’s trail from the parking area, you’ll notice a side trail with an Ice Age Trail and yellow blaze sign. At this point the Ice Age Trail intersects Parfrey’s Glen along the Devil’s Lake Segment, which connects the glen to Devil’s Lake State Park. The Devil’s Lake segment of the Ive Age Trail is 10.9 miles in length, traversing this beautifully scenic area of Wisconsin.
For detailed topographic maps, pick up a copy of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Atlas (hard copy or e-version) from the Department of Natural Resources Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters Office and Visitors Center, located at S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI 53119, or order a copy of the atlas online through the Ice Age Trail Alliance store.
Nearby Hiking | Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is a must while visiting Baraboo. Read more in my recent article about hiking trails and other recreational activities at Devil’s Lake: Experience Baraboo, Wisconsin’s Beautiful Scenery | Devil’s Lake State Park.
Nearby Adventures
Furthermore, consider a visit to New Life Lavender Farm. Located on E10766 County Road W, the lavender farm is just a quarter mile west of the Highway 12 bypass Exit 219 in Baraboo. Enjoy fields of aromatic lavender, 8 full acres of native wildflowers, farm tours, and lavender-themed treats! Read more HERE.
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Enjoy your visit to Wisconsin’s first state natural area – you won’t be disappointed!
-Erin