State Parks of Wisconsin 



available, far more accessible to Wisconsin's population, and met in 

 a more marked degree the highest and most exacting requirements of 

 State Parks. Indeed, a vote either of the people at large or of park 

 experts could hardly fail to pronounce in favor of the Dells, as Wis- 

 consin's most characteristic and precious possession in the form of 

 natural scenery. They are unique. For picturesqueness, roman- 

 tic scenery, for alternative suggestions of mystery and majesty, the 

 Wisconsin River scenery at the Dells is seldom surpassed. The 

 features of interest are numerous and varied — The Narrows, Ro- 

 mance Cliff, Stand Rock, The Navy Yard, these and many other 

 rock features, richly clothed in verdure, surprise and charm the vis- 

 itor at every turn of the river. But after all these are details and do 

 not constitute the main contribution to our joy and refreshment — it is 

 the total scene, the broad appeal of out-door beauty to our emotions, 

 the quickening of our whole life as we move silently through this 

 wonderland. But this is what the Dells are today. What they 

 will be when the dam now under construction is completed, when 

 the water is raised permanently eighteen to twenty feet above the 

 present level, it is not easy to say. Will there be sufficient beauty 

 and interest remaining to warrant the State in making it one of the 

 permanent pleasure grounds of the people? It is hard to answer 

 this question with confidence and, in view of the uncertainty as to 

 what will remain, as well as its cost, it would probably be wiser to 

 postpone definite action on the Dells, taking steps, however, to pre- 



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