The pandemic has brought about a lot of changes, including the closures of some of our favorite places. When taking note of which spots are closed, restaurants and bars are likely the first places that come to mind; however, they’re not the only types of business affected by the pandemic. Because of COVID, Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area has been closed for months – and that’s a real shame because it’s easily one of the most stunning spots in the state. Take a look:

Boasting lush greenery, giant rock formations, and a cascading waterfall, Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area in Merrimac is like a little piece of Heaven right here in Wisconsin.
Patrick Gray/Google
Typically, Parfrey’s Glen is open daily, from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. However, because of COVID, it’s been closed since April 10th.
Terri Reed/Google
Prior to its closing, Parfrey’s Glen was a lively spot, drawing visitors year-round.
Bunny & Norm Lenburg/Flickr
In fact, it’s billed as the “most visited state natural area outside of Devil’s Lake State Park” – and it’s easy to see why.
Adriane Bean/Google
Adventurers from near and far flock to Parfrey’s Glen to explore its 500+ acres of untouched beauty.
Dylan Wesenberg/Google
The natural area’s namesake glen is, of course, one of its best features. Nearly 100-feet deep in some places, its walls are comprised of sandstone embedded with pebbles and boulders of quartzite.
Aaron Carlson/Google

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A flowing stream, which meanders throughout the floor of the glen, only adds to its idyllic beauty.
E_Bass/Flickr
Thanks to a short 0.8-mile path, the natural area is rather easy to navigate.
E_Bass/Flickr
However, the trail won’t lead you to what is likely the natural area’s second most popular feature – a cascading waterfall.
Davin Anderson/AllTrails
Requiring a bit of effort, reaching the fall means navigating a stream and some rough stone.
Ronald Garcia/Google
It’s important to remember that, while visitors are allowed to hike the stream to the waterfall, the area around and beyond the falls is off limits.
Davin Anderson/AllTrails
Furthermore, Parfrey’s Glen is home to a variety of threatened plants and insects, and because of such, it’s imperative that visitors stay on the trail and avoid all prohibited areas.
Fuzzy Red Camera/Google

 

For more information and to stay up to date on the operating status of Parfrey’s Glen, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

So, did you know about this idyllic natural area? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Were you impressed by its immense beauty? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only site that boasts unbelievable beauty. Read about another here.

 

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Parfreys Glen, Merrimac, WI 53561, USA