In Richland County, the Gotham Jack Pine Barrens showcase a particularly distinctive landscape: they include the county’s largest and best-preserved remaining black oak and jack pine savannas. The 412-acre State Natural Area is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and lies within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. The combination of named savanna types and a protected area makes this landscape a distinctive nature theme for your trip.
Hills, Valleys and Distinctive Rocks
Richland County is in southwestern Wisconsin and features unglaciated hills and narrow valleys shaped by the Ice Age. The landscape also includes green valleys, wooded bluffs and hills, and historic family farms. These features describe both the terrain and the county’s rural character. The Ocooch Mountains is a name for Wisconsin’s unglaciated Western Upland, also known as the Driftless Region or Paleozoic Plateau. High hills, bluffs, and ridges define this broader regional landscape. Elephant Rock is another geological formation in the county.
Trails, Rocks and Waterways
At 350 acres, Ash Creek Community Forest is the largest park in Richland County. It has four miles of hiking and biking trails and also includes a three-mile stretch of Class 1 trout stream. The two distances describe different features: trails for hiking and biking on the one hand, and a section of stream on the other. Ash Creek can therefore be explored both for its trails and its waterway.
An unusual sandstone formation defines the landscape at Pier County Park. It is half a mile long and rises nearly 60 feet above the floodplain of two converging valleys. Beneath the formation, the West Branch and Main Branch of the Pine River meet; the Natural Bridge is located there. A man-made tunnel passes through the rock formation to the West Branch of the Pine River. Stairs lead up to the formation, offering views of the surrounding landscape. The tunnel and stairs thus provide different perspectives on the same rock formation: one passes through it to the river branch, while the other leads up onto the formation.
The rivers also offer different ways to get out on the water. Orion Boat Landing has parking for cars and boat trailers and provides access to the Wisconsin River for boats and canoes. Canoeing is possible on the Pine River. This keeps the two waterways distinct: an access point on the Wisconsin River and a canoeing opportunity on the Pine River.
Vineyards and Seasonal Activities
The grounds of Wild Hills Winery cover 80 acres of woodland, fields, and carefully tended vineyards. Experiences there include snowshoeing, walks through the vineyards, and hands-on activities; availability may vary by season. The varied landscape offers a range of activities.
Richland Area Farmers Market is a market for food and fresh flowers. Offerings include seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as baked goods, meat, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and preserved products. Seasonal offerings vary. Alongside nature and vineyard experiences, the market puts food and flowers in the spotlight.
A Glimpse into the History of Education
Akey School Museum houses hundreds of artifacts from many of the 110 one-room schools that operated in Richland County in the 1930s. Its connection to multiple schools draws attention beyond the collection to the county’s former school system. For your trip, this look at local history complements the landscape and nature themes with a tangible piece of the region’s past.
Discover more destinations: Richland Center, Marquette County, Vernon County, St. Croix County, Polk, Milwaukee, Lafayette County, Iowa County.
View the main travel guide: Wisconsin.
