Category: Driftless Region Insights

The Driftless Area is a unique geographical region in the Midwestern United States. Here’s a breakdown of what it is:  

• Unglaciated Terrain:
  • The defining characteristic of the Driftless Area is that it escaped the last glacial period. This means it wasn’t flattened or covered with glacial deposits (called “drift”) like much of the surrounding Midwest.  
• Topography:
  • As a result, it features a rugged landscape with steep hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers. This creates a visually distinct and beautiful region.  
• Location:
  • The Driftless Area spans parts of southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and the northwestern corner of Illinois.  
• Key features:
  • It is known for its:
    • Karst topography, with caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.  
    • Cold-water streams that are excellent for trout fishing.  
    • Beautiful bluffs and scenic views.  
• Wisconsin specific information:
  • Southwest Wisconsin contains a large portion of the driftless area.  
  • The area is also known as “Coulee Country” in some parts of Wisconsin.

In essence, the Driftless Area is a geological anomaly that offers a distinct and beautiful natural environment.