Dells of the Eau Claire, Marathon County Park, near Hatley, Wisconsin
On Monday, I visited Dells of the Eau Claire, a 190-acre park in Marathon County, Wisconsin. Here in the north-east part of the state, the Eau Claire River runs through a jumble of hard granite and creates an incredibly scenic area.
Unsurprisingly, traditional Democratic Party policy played a role in creating this park.
"The forces of nature were not the only influence on the park. The forces of economic hardship during the Great Depression led to the formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs. The CCC boys came to the park to build hiking trails, the shelter building and a bridge across the Eau Claire River. The CCC program was the beginning of the transformation, development and growth of the park." (Source)
The local granite provided materials for everything from the park sign, to shelters, to bridges and the steps down to the falls.
The myriad of waterfalls and rapids keeps the air moist. Mosses find a foothold wherever they can.
So do trees!
The tumbling water courses powerfully through the granite, even in low water conditions.
A "bowl" in the granite, smoothed by centuries of running water.
Some of the trails are primitive ...
While others are an easy stroll ....
All in all, it was just another spectacular day in Wisconsin.
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The fall colors, and of course, all the water, just look wonderful to my eyes!
Weren't we so lucky to have Roosevelt start up the CCC that created this park? I don't think it would happen now...
Thank you for sharing the beauty today!
When I lived in Wisconsin this was one of my favorite destinations for a short day trip. The county roads in that area are excellent for motorcycle riding, and the Dells was a beautiful place to stop and take a break. Just a little south of the park is a large hill with a black top road running straight down. If you knew your bike, and topped the hill at the right speed, the front end would float about half way down the hill. My wife would get impatient with me after the fourth or fifth time, so I would have to stop making u turns to do it again.
After arriving at the park, it was time for a nice cold soda and a walk along the top of the bank to the bridge. When you looked down at the water you could usually see fish swimming. Sometime there would be children jumping off the rocks into the water. I was always concerned for their safety, but never did see any get hurt. This is indeed one of Wisconsin's jewels. Thanks for the excellent pictures. They bring back many pleasant memories.
Thank you!
