Chapel Gorge: A Natural Escape in Wisconsin Dells?

Our relationship with nature in Wisconsin Dells has always been a bit complicated. It’s hard to imagine this is the version of the Dells that H.H. Bennett envisioned when he shared his iconic photos of this unique landscape. While the region boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural spaces in the Midwest, access often comes with a steep price tag. Even some Wisconsin State Natural Areas (SNAs) remain off-limits to the public. Heck, just getting to the Wisconsin River for a quiet paddle can be a challenge.

On the flip side, paddlers who venture onto the Upper Dells during the summer months do so at their own risk, weaving between tour boats and high-speed watercraft that dominate the waterway.

A Free Option: The Dells of the Wisconsin River

For those who can’t—or simply don’t want to—shell out a small fortune to experience the natural beauty of the Dells, The Dells of the Wisconsin River offers a budget-friendly alternative. This protected area is split into two main sections. Neither is particularly large, but each provides small pockets of scenic beauty and limited access to the river. Of the two, Chapel Gorge is by far the most popular.

What to Expect at Chapel Gorge

The 1.6-mile loop trail, an easy-to-moderate hike, winds through a quiet pine forest and leads to a small sandy beach framed by towering sandstone outcrops. For most visitors, reaching this secluded stretch of shoreline is the highlight of the experience.

In the summer, though, it’s anything but secluded. Chapel Gorge quickly transforms into a lively hotspot, filled with tourists, swimmers, and cliff divers eager to test their luck. Boats anchor just offshore, their speakers blasting music across the water. While cliff diving is technically not permitted, enforcement is nearly nonexistent. Instead, Chapel Gorge might hold the distinction of having Wisconsin’s largest single collection of “Closed Area” signs, which—ironically—seem to serve more as towel racks for those choosing to ignore them. (Check out our Facebook Story today!)

For those hoping to experience Chapel Gorge in a quieter, more natural state, the best time to visit is before or after peak summer. The trailhead is located along River Road in Wisconsin Dells, though parking is extremely limited, and ongoing road construction has made access even more difficult. From the trailhead, the path meanders through a pine forest where some of the trees have twisted and bent into mesmerizing shapes along the water’s edge. The trail skirts the rim of the gorge, though much of it is a closed area and difficult to see—especially when the forest is thick with summer growth.

The beach itself, however, is a different story. This time of year, it feels secluded, peaceful, and almost tropical—a far cry from the lively summer scene. The golden sand and sandstone formations create a stunning contrast, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a quiet day, it’s easy to imagine this is how the Dells once looked before commercialization took over.

The Bottom Line?

Chapel Gorge is worth a visit, but knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Learn More;
– Dells of the Wisconsin River SNA, Our content
– Dells of the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin DNR