Dells of the Eau Claire County Park

VIEW OF DECK, LOOKING SOUTH - Eau Claire Dells Bridge, Spanning Eau Claire River (Eau Claire County Park), Plover, Portage County, WI
Map showing the location of

location in Wisconsin

Location Marathon County, Wisconsin, USA
Nearest city village of Plover[1]
Coordinates 45°00′20″N 89°20′16″W / 45.00556°N 89.33778°W / 45.00556; -89.33778Coordinates: 45°00′20″N 89°20′16″W / 45.00556°N 89.33778°W / 45.00556; -89.33778
Area 190 acres (0.77 km2)[1]
Governing body Marathon County
http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/RecreationOpportunities/Camping.aspx

Dells of the Eau Claire County Park is in the north-central Wisconsin village of Plover,[1] east of the city of Wausau. It is divided in two by the Eau Claire River.[1] The river flows through a rocky gorge to form cascades and waterfalls as it passes over and around weathered boulders, outcrops, and other formations. The depth of the river can vary depending on the time of the year. The park also has areas designated for camping, swimming, hiking, and picnicking.[1]

Although the park shares a name with the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that city is over 100 miles away to the west. Also, this park should not be confused with the Wisconsin Dells, an area with its own formations over 100 miles away to the south.

History

The Dells of the Eau Claire is part of the Marathon County Park System. It received designation as a State Natural Area in 1973.[2]

Geography

The river in Dells of the Eau Claire County Park runs through a rock gorge with waterfalls and rapids.[2] A portion of the Ice Age Trail passes through the park.[3]

Geology

Bedrock outcrops along the river have been dated around 1.8 billion years old.[3] Precambrian-age rhyolite schist, formed through metamorphosis, is the type of rock that lies flat and also stands upright at places in the gorge. Geological processes have tilted this rock to near-vertical positions, creating formations of varying heights. The northern edge of the gorge has the highest vertical tilts. The swirling action of sand and gravel in the water current has also produced potholes.[2]

Flora

The forested areas as well as the river banks and gorge feature a northern mesic forest of hemlock, sugar maple, mountain maple, yellow birch, and Canada yew.[2]

Climate

With an average annual snowfall of 52 inches in Marathon County, run-off from snowmelt creates higher water levels in the Eau Claire River during the springtime. In summer and fall, water levels in the Eau Claire River tend to be lower, with average rainfall seldom exceeding 4 or 5 inches per month.[4]

Recreation

Most of the developed recreational areas lie north of the Eau Claire River within the park’s boundaries. North of the river and west of a county highway that runs through the park are over 25 campsites (16 with electricity) and a swimming beach above a dam[1] approximately a half-mile from the river gorge. North of the river and east of the highway are a group campground, three shelters, and a playground area. There are a number of nature trails that wind north and south of the river throughout the park.[1][5]

Danger and tragedy

A sign along the gorge warns park visitors: “Danger. Use only developed beach. Rocks – Undercurrent deadly.” Between 1977 and 1995, four deaths were attributed to mishaps among the rocks and water of the gorge.[6][7][8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Marathon County C&I 1-06". Co.marathon.wi.us. p. 2. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Meyer, Thomas. "Dells Of The Eau Claire River (No. 109)". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Ice Age National Scenic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)". Nps.gov. 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  4. ↑ "Climate Data for Marathon County, Wisconsin". All About Wisconsin, Inc. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  5. ↑ "List of Parks--Dells of the Eau Claire Park". Marathon County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  6. ↑ "Mother's suit for $1 centillion stalled: Son died in swimming accident". Wisconsin State Journal. 6 July 1995.
  7. ↑ "Man drowns in Otter Lake Saturday". Ironwood Daily Globe. 28 August 1978.
  8. ↑ "Man drowns near Eau Claire". Wisconsin State Journal. 5 June 1978.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, May 10, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.