One of the beautiful overlooks in Wildcat Mountain State Park is a great spot for a driftless sunset
Wildcat Mountain State Park in the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin is known for its several overlooks. The best one to see the sunset is the loop drive located in the campground. This makes it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
For those that do not know what the Driftless Area is, it is a geological term referring to the Ice Age. Most of Wisconsin was smoothed over and its terrain impacted by glaciers over 10,000 years ago and beyond. One area was never affected by large bodies of ice, and this region has been called the “Driftless Area.”
On a recent stay camping in the park, I noticed the sun starting to set as I relaxed by the campfire ready to start the blaze. I jumped in my car and within minutes I was parked in the loop parking lot and heading for the overlook.
I know this was not very adventurous as I could have walked the less than half mile walk, but I spent the day hiking the trails. Also, I was digesting several hot dogs roasted over the fire, so I decided to take the lazy route.
A driftless sunset at Wildcat Mountain State Park
For a half an hour, a few other visitors and I enjoyed the sun setting over the Kickapoo River Valley until it disappeared over the bluff. The sun shone its final rays on groves of trees, farmland, small villages, and the Kickapoo River, which could all be seen from the overlook.
Wildcat Mountain State Park Wisconsin
The bluff opposite the overlook is a win lose situation. It is beautiful to watch the sun disappear over it, but the bluff also hides some of the later pinks and reds from view.
Wildcat Mountain State Park Wisconsin
Wildcat Mountain State Park Wisconsin sunset
Close up of the sun disappearing behind the bluff
Wildcat Mountain State Park Wisconsin sunset
Almost gone over the Driftless bluff
The beautiful farmland, forests, and hills of the Drifless Region as the sun sets
TT
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Absolutely beautiful sunset! I imagine between that and dinner over the fire, it was perfection!
Erika recently posted..What’s in my pack: Pathfinder Outdoor Survival Guides
It definitely was nice considering that the night before I was sweating out thunderstorms on the Kickapoo.
Looks liek another fabulous place to visit in Wisconsin Ted.
Leigh recently posted..A Waterfall, Rock Art & Beauty on a Desert Hike in SW Utah
This area of Wisconsin is very under the radar and very beautiful. I need to spend more time there.
What a fantastic sunset, great job capturing it on camera!
Fiona recently posted..The Bed Edit: The Independente Hostel and Suites Lisbon
Thanks Fiona,
I had two digital cameras and an iPhone blazing away.
ah the sunset, seems like a lovely place to view it too.
stay adventurous, Craig
Yep,
I know you are a fellow connoisseur of the sunset Craig.
Dinner by the fire, a beautiful sunset – not too shabby, Ted! 🙂 I enjoyed learning about the “Driftless Area,” interesting facts.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Love padlocks in Seville
The Driftless Area is perhaps my favorite in Wisconsin. It may not be the most beautiful place or the wildest, but it is pretty enough and lacks the crowds.
Love those sunset pix!!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Interview with the Ultimate Global Explorer: Len Stanmore
Thanks Raul,
Glad you enjoyed it.
I’m gonna have to check out this park! Next year, of course 🙂 I love your last photo of the rolling green hills. It’s a beautiful setting for a spectacular sunset!
Francesca recently posted..Alamo Car Rental Free Class Upgrade (and $100 AmEx gift card giveaway!)
This would be a great area to bring the family Francesca. There are a lot of craft places and small towns that are really interesting.
Gorgeous sunset – that would be a fantastic evening!
Debbie recently posted..Wild Cat Species Of South Africa: Through Our Lens
Love love love the sunset! Thanks, Ted!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Baby, it’s cold outside – Photos of the Week
Thanks Mrs. O. Happy that you loved it!
What intense colors! I think ocean sunsets are overrated and prefer mountain/hill sunsets. Perhaps I’m a bit biased being from the Rocky Mountains though…
John recently posted..A Weekend In Hawaii: What To Do With 48 Hours On Oahu
The one nice thing about the ocean sunsets is the best part is the haunting colors that continue long past the sun has actually set. Mountain sunsets cover these amazing colors, but while the sun is up, I would rather see it disappear over a mountain than over the horizon of a body of water. It is an interesting comparison.
Nice sunset! I have been to Wildcat Mtn SP once and thought at the time (it was later confirmed at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago)that it is one of the greatest places for stargazing! If you get a clear night with no moon, it is phenomenal! I am not surprised that our local star looks so great there too!
Thanks Kevin,
I will have to check out a starry night at Wildcat Mountain sometime. It would be great to get up there for a meteor shower.
Wow! Great colors! Sunsets are a favorite of mine, and these photos capture exactly why I feel this way. You are really convincing me to get out to Wisconsin!
The World Wanderer recently posted..Wine Tasting: South African Style.
Wisconsin is a great place to be Erin. I can’t deny it 🙂
Not only are these beautiful pictures, I learned a lot about what Wisconsin has to offer. I also didn’t know what the Driftless Area referred to and that makes it even more incredible to be apart of. The overlook you found got some incredible shots of the sunset, one of those villages down there seems like a cozy place to just live!
Good point about the towns in the area Joel. All of the small towns in the area are very cool. I would love to spend more time in them on my next trip.