Wisconsin has scores of scenic and tranquil parks, but some truly capture the imagination. A little town near Richland Center has a park with an amazing feature: a natural bridge, carved from rock. The bridge is not part of any road or trail, but it takes visitors on a journey of natural wonder. Here’s why you have to visit this bridge to nowhere at Pier Natural Bridge Park.
This unusual natural attraction is located in the Richland County town of Rockbridge. It’s in southwestern Wisconsin, just north of the city of Richland Center or about 90 minutes from Madison.
The 10-acre park is named for the Pier family, which donated the land to Richland Center so it could be preserved as a public park.
The land quickly became a popular attraction. It has a half-mile-long spit of sandstone that rises 60 feet above two adjacent valleys. The long rocky finger is covered with trees and shrubs.
River waters flow underneath this huge rock formation; the west branch of the Pine River meets the main branch, which forms the bridge.
The park has are a number of facilities that allow visitors to explore the imposing formation without climbing gear. There’s a man-made tunnel which allows visitors to walk through the rock formation to the West Branch of the Pine River. There are also stairs that lead up to the top of the natural bridge and signs that detail the history of the park.
The bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding area – it’s a beautiful region of the state that’s dotted with idyllic farms and lush hilltops.
If you want to spend a little time enjoying the park, you might consider making your visit a camping trip. The park has a small campground with six campsites, two shelters, picnic tables and grills, play equipment, and pit toilets. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis – camping permits are available for purchase at the park. Learn more on the park’s website. Wisconsin has a lot of natural wonders that are just waiting to be discovered. Here are seven incredible wonders you can see for free.
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