The cold winter weather has many effects on the Wisconsin landscape, but none are quite as stunning as Roger Nelson’s ice formations. Formed by Mother Nature, along with the help of some intricately placed pipes, the formations are both sporadic and spectacular! They only last as long as the cold weather, though, so don’t wait too long to visit.
This winter, when you’re craving some seasonal splendor, simply head to the town of Salem, which is where you’ll find about two dozen majestic ice formations.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo Collectively known as Nelson’s on Rush River, the frozen formations have been delighting locals, tourists, and passersby for about 20 years.
Though Mother Nature is greatly responsible for the ice formations, she’s not the sole creator.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Some credit goes to Roger Nelson. Not only does Nelson own the 420-acre farmstead on which the ice formations stand, but he’s the one who came up with a creative way to tap into the artesian aquifer situated 650 feet beneath his property.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Using a series of PVC pipes with holes drilled into them, Nelson is able to channel the readily available water from below the surface into frozen formations.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
The end result is a myriad of giant one-of-a-kind creations. The icicle-like formations vary in size and shape, with some as tall as 35 feet!
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Undeniably majestic, the frozen creations take on the form of everything from pre-historic animals, like the wooly mammoth, to a swarm of other creatures – it all depends on your imagination!
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Aptly described as “frozen fountains gone wild,” the ice structures continue to transform as the temperatures drop.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Only adding to the formations’ allure is the fact that they are constantly spewing water.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Though breathtakingly beautiful any time of day, there’s no denying that the frozen formations are absolutely spectacular at dawn and dusk, especially on cold days when steam rises from the ice, making for a mystifying sight.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Can’t make it during daylight hours? No problem; at nighttime, the wintry scene is illuminated with spotlights, which typically stay on until midnight.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
A few things to know before you visit. First, the path around the icy sculptures can get slippery, so be careful.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Secondly, there’s no charge for visiting Nelson’s on Rush River, but donations are accepted.
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Philip Schwarz Photography, Contributed Photo
Collectively known as Nelson’s on Rush River, the frozen formations have been delighting locals, tourists, and passersby for about 20 years.
Keep in mind that the formation of the icy structures depends solely on the weather. Usually, the best viewing time is between late-January and early-February. To get to Nelson’s on Rush River, take Wisconsin Highway 35 north to Maiden Rock. Then turn right on County Road A, which is just a short distance from Maiden Rock. The site is about 4 miles down County Road A.
So, did you know about Nelson’s mammoth ice formations? Ever seen them in person? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments.
This isn’t the only place for some icy fun. Read about another here.
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Address: Salem, WI 53168, USA
