Harry Ellsworth Cole's book is a fascinating snapshot of a place in transition. Published in 1914, it captures the Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, and Devil's Lake region just as it was being 'discovered' by tourists. Cole doesn't just give you dry facts; he acts as your personal guide, leading you down the river, pointing out cliffs, and telling you the ancient stories of the land.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters. Instead, the 'story' is the geological drama of the region. Cole explains, in clear and enthusiastic language, how the last Ice Age sculpted everything you see. He describes the massive glaciers that bulldozed the land, the powerful rivers of meltwater that carved the deep gorges of the Dells, and the creation of Devil's Lake. Woven into this natural history are the human stories: the Native American history of the area, the early settlers, and the birth of the steamboat tours and resorts that would define the Dells for the next century. It's part science lesson, part history book, and part travel brochure, all from a uniquely early 20th-century perspective.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this for the voice. Cole's passion for this corner of Wisconsin is contagious. He writes with the excitement of someone showing off his backyard treasures. Reading it today is a double adventure: you learn about the ancient forces that shaped the landscape, and you also get a peek into the minds of people over a century ago, seeing what they valued and how they explained the world. It makes you look at familiar places with completely new eyes. The old photographs and descriptions are like a portal, letting you stand beside Cole on a riverbank in 1910.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for anyone with a connection to Wisconsin, especially the Dells area. History buffs will love the primary source material, geology nerds will appreciate the clear explanations, and travelers will get a deeper appreciation for a place they might only know for its waterparks. It’s a short, engaging trip back in time that adds layers of meaning to a modern landscape. Just be ready for some old-fashioned phrasing—it's part of the charm.