The “Driftless Area” is a midwestern region of the United States in southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and the extreme northwestern corner of Illinois which escaped the flattening effects of glaciation during the last ice age.
As a result, the Driftless Area is often characterized by steep, forested ridges, deeply carved river valleys, and karst geology (a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum). Karst geology is characterized by spring-fed waterfalls and cold-water trout streams.
Ecologically, the Driftless Area's flora and fauna are more closely related to those of the Great Lakes region and New England than those of the broader Midwest and central Plains regions. The rugged terrain is due both to the lack of glacial deposits (drift), and to the inclusion of the upper Mississippi River and its tributaries into bedrock.
In Wisconsin, the Driftless Area is also associated with a “get back to the land” organic movement with many a sustainable family farm in the area; the now large Organic Valley Coop was founded here 30 years ago. With its apple orchards and arts and cultural attractions (ex: the American Players Theatre in Spring Green), the area has become a bit touristy as well. There is also a significant outdoorsperson draw due to all the recreational opportunities (kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, horseback riding, camping, hiking, hunting, and the abundance of state parks).
To Ed and me, the Driftless Area is an area of unsurpassed beauty; it is a place that we will be proud to call home.
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