WISCONSIN DELLS

scenic region and city along the Wisconsin River, in Columbia and Sauk counties, south-central Wisconsin, U.S. The city of Wisconsin Dells is located 45 miles (72 km) northwest of Madison. The dells were formed by a strong current that cut a channel as much as 150 feet (45 m) deep through the sandstone and, in the process, carved unusual rock formations along a 15-mile (24-kilometre) stretch of the Wisconsin River. Early rivermen gave the dramatic shapes descriptive names such as Black Hawk's Head and Chimney Rock. The most famous rock formation is Standing Rock, with a natural amphitheatre where the Indian Ceremonial (dance) takes place during the summer. A dam divides the Wisconsin River into the Upper and Lower Dells, which may be viewed from the river and are accessible by footpaths from boat landing sites. The city, called Kilbourn until 1931, has developed as a tourist centre for the area and has a number of other attractions, including Storybook Gardens, Fort Dells (a frontier-town amusement park), and Wisconsin Deer Park. Pop. (1990) city, 2,393.