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All the United States Wisconsin Wisconsin Dells Lost Canyon

Lost Canyon

This steep-walled ravine contains animal-shaped formations made from sandstone.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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neon astrolabe
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Gorge inside the Lost Canyon   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Gorge inside the Lost Canyon   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Looking up from inside the canyon   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Eagle head, center, with outstretched wings   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Raccoon hiding out along the side of a gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
  neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
100 year old white pine tree barely hanging on to the gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
A bad storm several years ago knocked down several trees, forming natural bridges for wildlife across the gorge   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Exploring the canyon via horse drawn carriage   neon astrolabe / Atlas Obscura User
Beautiful dells!   timbercritter / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Some 19,000 years ago, glacial meltwaters cut through sandstone, leaving unique rock formations locals say are shaped like animals. An eagle with outstretched wings is widely remarked as the most recognizable naturally-carved sandstone shape. Other shapes include a dinosaur, an elephant, and an alligator.

Moss and ferns dot the sides of the sandstone, and gorges get narrower the further in you go, giving it a tunnel-like quality. Wildlife such as raccoons can be seen even during the day tucked away in the holes on the sides of the canyon.

This area is the furthest south in North America where the Eastern or Canadian Hemlock Pine can be found, its seeds having traveled with glaciers, and visitors can enjoy seeing its tiny pine cones.

Related Tags

Geology Rock Formations Canyons

Know Before You Go

The canyon is best experienced via horse drawn carriage because of nearby water runoff and large puddles covering some areas of the road.  The sandstone gorges are relatively cool, and overhangs can drip water on passersby, so recommend wearing a hat.

Community Contributors

Added By

neon astrolabe

Edited By

Collector of Experiences, timbercritter

  • Collector of Experiences
  • timbercritter

Published

August 30, 2023

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Sources
  • https://thegingerguy.com/blog/lost-canyon-wisconsin
  • Lost Canyon Tour taken 7/25/23
  • https://www.lostcanyontour.com/
  • https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2022/05/05/wisconsin-dells-things-to-do-water-parks-wineries-ducks/9615816002/
  • https://www.wisdells.com/blog-stories/What-Makes-Wisconsin-Dells-Unique?fbclid=IwAR2VlVeYKUlSpo5SLfY72-quniFkRZc_nAb49w7Mug1TJYmp-f7efMXNp1c
  • https://thegingerguy.com/blog/lost-canyon-wisconsin
Lost Canyon
720 Canyon Rd
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, 53913
United States
43.593869, -89.78068
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Wizard Quest

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

miles away

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miles away

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin

Places 3

Nearby Places

Wizard Quest

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

miles away

International Crane Foundation

Baraboo, Wisconsin

miles away

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin

Places 3

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