Johnson's Shut-Ins is a very fascinating place to visit. If you just go there to see the site without knowing the history behind it you will still be impressed. But learning what created the Johnson's Shut-Inns, you will be amazed when you go there.

One and a half billion years ago, hot volcanic ash and gases spewed into the air, then cooled, forming igneous rock. Later, shallow seas covered the rock, depositing sedimentary rock. The land rose. The sea fell. The weather began tearing down the land, exposing the volcanic rock beneath it. Waters of the Black River became confined, or "shut-in," to a narrow channel. Water-borne sand and gravel cut deeply even into this erosion-resistant rock, swirling, churning…carving potholes, chutes and spectacular canyonlike gorges.

There is a 1/4 of a mile trail to walk to get to the shut-ins, but it is very scenic trip. The walk way is built alongside the river, and is canopied by beautiful trees. Once there the state park has built a wooden observation deck to overlook the shut-ins. There is even a few bench's to set at and listen to the water roar through the rocks.

This web site can give you directions on how to get to Johnson's Shut-Ins: http://www.mostateparks.com/jshutins/map.htm

Jodee
http://www.jrpublishers.com

My husband and I took a trip to Pattison State Park in 2003. It was a wonderful experience. We took the trip at the end of September so it was a little chilly, but at least there wasn't many other tourist, so it felt like the entire place was ours.

Pattison State Park features the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high, and Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high. We started off our day on the west side of the Big Manitou Fall. The sound of the fall was spectacular. It placed all the stress and frustrations of life to the back of our minds, and all we focused on was the power of mother nature.

As if the distant view of the fall wasn't enough, we hiked our way to the other side to stand at the top of the fall. The view was more amazing then I could ever put into words. We walked out onto a wooden deck that was built over a hundred feet into the air. You had to look down to view some of the trees! And being that close to the falling water was even more pleasing to the ear. If you want to know what a birds eye view is like, this would be it.

We then drove to the Little Manitou Falls. We couldn't get as close to them as the Big Manitou, but they were still very impressive. Watching the double falls was fascinating, it was as if they were dancing to their own song. They are very peaceful to watch.

Mother nature out did herself at Pattison State Park.

Jodee
http://www.jrpublishers.com