Severson Dells

Here is a test.

What exactly is Severson Dells?

A) A forest preserve
B) A gorge
C) A nature center
D) All of the above

If you answered all of the above, give yourself a point. And here’s why D is the correct answer.
A) Severson Dells is a Winnebago County Forest Preserve. Fannie Severson gave the 369-acre property to the people of Winnebago County so they could enjoy and explore the nature wonders of what had been a private family retreat. The Severson Dells Forest Preserve was dedicated in November 1976.

B) The forest preserve is named after a geologic formation called a dells. While most people today associate dells with a Wisconsin vacation destination, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation says a dells is: “A gorge cut by the torrents of meltwater released by the melting glacier or draining glacial lakes.”
The dells at Severson Dells is along Hall Creek. Rushing water carved through limestone to form several dells along the creek, including one that is nearly 40 feet from the creek to the top of the limestone wall.

C) Severson Dells is a nature center. When Fannie Severson donated the property to the county, she asked that a nature center be established in a house in the woods they called “Deer Lodge.” Today, more than 15,000 people — about half of them school students — participate each year in programs run through the center, a non-profit organization that relies on memberships, donations and program fees for operating revenue.

Brian Leaf