People flock to Europe and other continents because things are old there, and they are full of history. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the world, even Wisconsin, doesn’t have old features. You might not know that there is a 1.5 billion year old hill in Wisconsin. It’s at Rib Mountain. And you have to hike it so you can say you climbed something 1.5 billion years old.
Rib Mountain State Park is a 1,528-acre park.
Iulus Ascanius/Wikimedia
The hill on which it sits was made some 1.5 billion years ago.
RoyalBroil/Wikimedia
It is composed of quartzite covered with a syenite sheath.
Royal Broil/Wikimedia
Local legend claims that this is the burial site of Paul Bunyan.
Wisconsin DNR/Flickr
A lift to the top gives you stunning views of down below.
Wisconsin DNR/Flickr
There are over 15 miles of trails to explore this area.
Wisconsin DNR/Flickr
The overlook views are stunning, but the forest itself is pretty amazing.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
On the north side of the mountain, there is an area for downhill skiing and snowboarding during the winter.
Amy Bayer/Flickr
For even more spectacular views, check out this observation tower, and see the Wausau area and Wisconsin River like never before.
Amy Bayer/Flickr
Looking for more epic elevation in Wisconsin? Check out this list.
Iulus Ascanius/Wikimedia
RoyalBroil/Wikimedia
Royal Broil/Wikimedia
Wisconsin DNR/Flickr
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Amy Bayer/Flickr
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