Driftless

Driftless, also called the Driftless Area, is a region in the upper Midwestern United States notable for its absence of glacial drift from the last Ice Age. Because it was not covered by the advancing glaciers, the area preserves a rugged, deeply carved landscape with high ridges, narrow valleys, and steep bluffs.

Geographically, the Driftless Area extends across parts of southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and a small portion of northwestern Illinois. The bedrock is predominantly limestone and dolostone from the Paleozoic era, and the landscape features extensive karst systems, springs, caves, and sinkholes. The lack of glacial deposition left soils generally shallow and rocky on uplands, with more fertile loess-influenced soils in some valleys.

Hydrologically, the region hosts a dense network of cold-water streams and rivers that support native trout populations and diverse aquatic habitats. Its topographic relief and sheltered valley corridors also sustain a variety of plant and animal communities, making the area a destination for outdoor recreation and nature watching.

Historically, humans have inhabited the Driftless Area since at least the Paleoindian period, and the region contains numerous archaeological sites. In modern times, agricultural use, small communities, and conservation efforts have shaped the landscape. Protected areas, state and federal lands, and regional initiatives work to preserve the region’s hydrology, karst features, and ecological integrity.