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All the United States Wisconsin Devil’s Punchbowl
AO Edited

Devil’s Punchbowl

As the glaciers retreated out of northern Wisconsin, this unique natural wonder was crafted.

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Added By
Denver Applehans
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Devil’s Punchbowl   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
Devil’s Punchbowl   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
  sharonrose979 / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
Creek bed running to the left of the bowl   michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  sharonrose979 / Atlas Obscura User
Trailhead for the Devil’s Punchbowl   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
Wall of the punchbowl.   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
Sign for the Devil’s Punchbowl Nature Preserve   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
Upper trail, above the falls.   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
Devil’s Punchbowl   DenverApplehans / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Devil’s Punchbowl was carved out of the sandstone that lines the Red Cedar River just outside Menomonie, Wisconsin. Featuring a wide-open area surrounded by 30-foot cliffs all around, a waterfall on the western end, a small creek running through the center, and an underground spring, this location is the perfect place for a quick trip into nature.

Currently designated a "Scientific Study Area" and owned by the West Wisconsin Land Trust, the Devil’s Punchbowl is open to the public year-round and accessible via a wooden staircase built into the side of the Punchbowl. Visitors can also take a short staircase to the top of the falls and look down into the punchbowl from above.

Originally named Black’s Ravine in reference to Samuel Black, the land's first owner, the Punchbowl has also been known as Paradise Valley. The road leading to the Punchbowl is still named Paradise Valley. Eventually, the name changed to the Devil’s Punchbowl, most likely in reference to the “Blue Devils” mascot of the University of Wisconsin Stout in nearby Menomonie.

The Punchbowl even inspired a story in a 1913 Menomonie High School literary magazine about fairies and princesses, later remade into a very short steampunk graphic novel.

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Natural Wonders Natural History Geology

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The trails are good, but require climbing multiple sets of stairs which can get slippery both in summer and winter. No rock climbing is allowed to preserve the fragile soils and plants that cover the Devil’s Punchbowl.

From Highway 29 turn left on County Road P after crossing the Red Cedar River. Turn left on 410th Street and follow for approximately two miles to a parking area on the left. 

Community Contributors

Added By

DenverApplehans

Edited By

michaelnhartman, sharonrose979

  • michaelnhartman
  • sharonrose979

Published

September 27, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/devils-punchbowl-wi/
  • https://landmarkwi.org/devils-punchbowl/
  • http://stoutonia.com/devils-punchbowl/
  • https://www.wpr.org/uw-stout-professor-breathes-new-life-old-folk-tale-illustrations
Devil’s Punchbowl
410th St
Menomonie, Wisconsin, 54751
United States
44.849862, -91.952433
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Nearby Places

Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater

Menomonie, Wisconsin

miles away

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miles away

Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin

Wisconsin

United States

Places 182
Stories 29

Nearby Places

Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater

Menomonie, Wisconsin

miles away

Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park

Menomonie, Wisconsin

miles away

Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin

Wisconsin

United States

Places 182
Stories 29

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