State Natural Areas_Content Page_FernDell_407

Fern Dell

No. 407

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PPhoto by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR

 

Fern Dell features a small but spectacular gorge cut into Upper Cambrian sandstone. The narrow ¼ 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 site. The name "Fern Dell" is quite appropriate and derives from a 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 flowers 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 is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2003.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Except for Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45 [exit DNR]. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
  • Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].

Location

Within Mirror Lake State Park, Sauk County. T13-R6E, Section 31.

Driving directions

From the intersection of I-90/94 and State Highway 12 in Wisconsin Dells, go west on 12 0.5 miles, then west on Fern Dell Road 1.5 miles to the park entrance. Get a park map at the contact station.

The DNR's state natural areas program comprises lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.

Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.

Property Map [PDF]

Fern Dell is owned by: Wisconsin DNR