Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area
Baraboo, WI
A narrow sandstone gorge with moss-covered walls, Wisconsin’s first state natural area. Floods destroyed the boardwalk, so the last part of the 2.6 km round trip follows the rocky creek bed; no entry beyond the waterfall.
Parfrey's Glen is a wooded gorge and Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, near Baraboo in Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin. It was designated in 1952 and covers about 206 hectares. The gorge lies on the southern flank of the Baraboo Hills.
The walls are sandstone with embedded rounded quartzite pebbles and boulders, laid down by a Cambrian sea. The round trip into the gorge is about 2.6 kilometres. Floods destroyed boardwalks and bridges, which were not replaced, so you walk over the rocky creek bed and cross the shallow stream at one point. Only the first section is wheelchair accessible.
Rules protect the site: dogs, food and drink are not allowed, you stay on the trail, and a state park sticker is needed for parking. The car park is on the north side of County Highway DL. According to the Wisconsin DNR it is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; please check in advance.
- Nearest town
- Baraboo, WI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.4108, -89.6380
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp BrandenburgCampsite15 mi from Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area
- Cedar Hills CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Parfrey’s Glen State Natural AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- Token Creek County ParkCampsite22 mi from Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area · 43 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Mendota County Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area · 26 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowers
All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area?
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is in Baraboo, WI, at GPS 43.4108, -89.6380. It is about 16 mi from Wisconsin Dells.
Can you camp near Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Brandenburg, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area?
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Baraboo Hills and Wisconsin Dells.
What is there to see near Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area?
Places worth a stop nearby: Devil’s Lake State Park (5 mi), Circus World (6 mi), Mirror Lake State Park (14 mi) and Cave of the Mounds (29 mi).
When is the best time to visit Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)