Last week I finished my summer travel series to Minnesota's North Shore and now I'm going to share a few posts of our fall hiking adventures.
Every Sunday, weather permitting, we went hiking after church. We went to some familiar places, but we also found a few new places to hike like "The Devil's Punchbowl".
The Devil's Punchbowl is a nature preserve located in Menomonie, Wisconsin. The "bowl" was carved by water over the course of thousands of years. What you see at the bowl depends on the season, in the spring you could see water flowing over the edge into the bowl, and in the winter there are fabulous ice formations. We were there in fall, and there was no waterfall, but we could definitely see water seeping from the rocks.
There are two short trails leading to the bowl. The first one, gives you a view from of the bowl from the top. The second trail takes you right into the bowl.
This is the view from the first trail, looking down into the bowl.
Now it was time to descend a lot of stairs down into The Devil's Punchbowl.
The bottom of the bowl is very muddy. I did not bring appropriate footwear, so I stayed close to the stairs while hubby ventured further.
The punchbowl was deemed a "scientific study area" in the 1990's as it is basically a mini ecosystem with cliffs, waterfalls, underground springs, and other incredible natural features.
Have A Great Day! Amy
Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!
oh my, that's alot of stairs!
ReplyDeleteYes there are, ya need them to go down into the bowl.
DeleteThe Red Cedar Trail is our favorite biking trail, so we always go to the nearby Devil's Punch Bowl for a look-see. I went to college in Menomonie.
ReplyDeleteWe actually stopped there first for a picnic lunch then walked up to the trail to a peek at it. We're not bikers, so we've never been on it. What a small world that you went to college in Menomonie.
DeleteI really miss hiking! The boys sports kept us busy this fall and Sundays we have been resting. I am hoping for some hikes soon and maybe during the break if the weather is decent.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks neat.
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Oh hiking in the fall is just the best, but I remember when our kids were the same as yours, we were always busy with school activities and didn't have time for hiking. Luckily you have warm winters and can still go hiking then.
DeleteOh How cool is that!!!! What an amazing little world of its own!! and a LOT of stairs!!! good work out!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely cool!
DeleteLooks peaceful although I think they could have picked a better name for such a serene place. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 92. Shared.
ReplyDeleteOh, I so agree. We have noticed they tend to name a lot of natural beauty after the devil which really gets our ire up as the devil had nothing to do with it...God is the creator! We hardly ever see things named for God, although Zion National Park has quite a lot: "Angel's Landing", "The Three Patriarchs", "The Watchman", and "The Great White Throne" to name just a few.
DeleteOh very cute photos darling
ReplyDeleteHappy Day
Thanks.
DeleteBeautiful scenery and love the fall colors! There is a "Devil's Punchbowl" at Iowa's Wildcat Den State Park. I does make me wonder too how so many beautiful places are called a "Devil's something"....
ReplyDeleteIt sure is. I keep reading about a lot of cool places to see in Iowa. I need to check that state out more instead of driving so far away all the time. Yes, lots of places are named after the devil. It's ridiculous. He didn't create anything but trouble...people need to stop naming things after him. :)
DeleteThat looks like such a fun place to hike!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun!
DeleteFantastic Photos And So Pleased To See You Out And About - Stay Adventurous My Friend
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thank you! I will, "adventure" is my middle name. :)
DeleteLooks like a lovely hike.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was!
DeleteWhat a fun place to go to, hike and visit. It looks so beautiful and peaceful. We don't hike much but I'd love to do this one!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
Yes, it was a lot of fun. I'm sure you'll hike more when your boy is a little older.
DeleteSaw you at travel Tue - this is a beautiful place - they should find another name (even though it may be a treacherous climb/descent:))
ReplyDeleteYes it is! And I agree, I dislike the name. The sad part is this is the third time it was renamed. The first time they called it "Black's Ravine" in reference to its first owner Samuel Black. Then they renamed it "Paradise Valley". Finally it was changed to "The Devil's Punchbowl" most likely in reference to the "Blue Devil's" mascot of the nearby university. I prefer both the previous names to the current one. I wish it were never changed.
DeleteLove the photos and the autumn colours. So magical and amazing!! They certainly did a great job with the stairs, I really like the way you photographed it!
ReplyDelete-Soma
Thank you. Hubby is the photographer.
DeleteAmy, this was a great tour. Love going on virtual trips with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Merry Christmas Sweet friend.
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!
DeleteThis looks like such a beautiful and peaceful place! The stairs certainly make it safe and accessible for people to get down and back up. (I'm sure the upward climb is quite exhausting!) Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 45.
ReplyDeleteCarol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Yes it is, and I always appreciate it when they make trails accessible for everyone. You're welcome.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. Very nice. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDelete