Fern Dell Gorge State Natural Area
Fern Dell Gorge State Natural Area
Information:
888-936-7463
Fern Dell Gorge features a small but spectacular gorge cut into Upper Cambrian sandstone. The narrow mile long gorge is a tributary to the larger Mirror Lake gorge. According to geologic interpretations, Dell Creek eroded the Mirror Lake gorge after the creek was diverted northeastward to the Wisconsin River by the terminal moraine and outwash deposits of the glacier. Thus, the lower reaches of Dell Creek are post-glacial and geologically young, characterized by rock-walled gorges. The vertical cliffs are shaded and moss covered, but predominantly exposed and dry, with seepages along their bases. The moist, cool microclimate within the gorge is partly responsible for the rich diversity of both northern and southern plant species found within the site. The name "Fern Dell" is quite appropriate and derives from the great variety of ferns including bulblet, lady, fragile, Goldie's, interrupted, maidenhair, northern beech, oak, polypody, and silvery spleenwort. The cliffs and lower slopes along Mirror Lake gorge are forested with white pine and red pine. Blueberries, huckleberry, trailing arbutus, and moccasin flower comprise the understory with Labrador tea present on the ledges of east-facing cliffs. Red oak, basswood, and yellow birch dominate the valley floor; red pine, Jack pine, and white oak dominate the dry forest above and along Fern Dell. Fern Dell Gorge is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2003.
What's Nearby
Events
Places To Stay
Dining
1
Downtown Walking Tour
6/07/2025
Portage - 16.61 miles away
2
Canal Days
6/07/2025
Portage - 16.61 miles away
3
Art That Blooms
6/06/2025 - 6/27/2025
Portage - 16.72 miles away
4
Concert Series-Katie Dahl
6/07/2025
Portage - 16.72 miles away
5
Living History Tours at Historic Indian Agency House
5/31/2025 - 6/01/2025
Portage - 17.51 miles away
6
Archaeology Digs and Blacksmith Demonstrations
6/14/2025 - 6/15/2025
Portage - 17.51 miles away
7
Candlelight Ladies Concert
6/01/2025
Portage - 20.4 miles away
8
Gilbert Brown Classic Car Show
6/14/2025
Montello - 24.93 miles away