About Vertical Illusions-

Vertical Illusions was founded and presented by Easton Dreher in a college course taught during his junior year at Northern Michigan University. The following year, as his senior project, each weekend consisted of ten-hours of driving back and forth from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Wisconsin Dells as the “chosen place” not only for its influence on millions of visitors each year, but for its ability to adapt quickly to change and willingness to protect and promote the environment. Cliff environments, like those found throughout the Dells, are known for hosting nesting raptors, housing bat colonies, and supporting specialized and sometimes rare plant communities. The ancient Baraboo Bluffs, sandstone cliffs, and quartzite hills all create a unique concentration of a natural beauty not found anywhere else. (www.DellsStewards.com )

The name Vertical Illusions was established in reference to the rock formations that are common to this region. Some of the most interesting glacier formed rugged rock formations include Stand Rock, Balanced Rock, Cleopatra’s Needle, Chimney Rock, Blackhawk’s Profile, and Titanic Rock.

The Vertical Illusions logo:

Not unlike the unique rock formations found in the Dells, visual illusions are most well known and understood because vision often dominates the other senses. Far too often our lives are driven merely by visions of “climbing the ladder” and obtaining more. When we take the time, however, to get out and engage in the outdoors we can renew our sense of thinking, and improve our health and relationships. In nature we find a place where people of all different backgrounds,occupation, religious or political beliefs can come together. A place that is not about money, education or dress which win respect. In nature we find that everthing is connected and balanced and we have to live that way. The mountains, a wave, and the sun in the logo all illustrate this oneness with nature that Vertical Illusions supports and promotes.

Stop in for a free sticker!

The Mission

The mission behind Vertical Illusions is to guide a person into a lifestyle by using fun adventures to “Live Your World”- VI. This idea came to Easton his sophomore year while backpacking and studying Europe and international culture. Inspired by the hostel movement with its goal “to help all, especially young people, to a greater knowledge, love, and care of the countryside,” Vertical Illusions hopes to provide opportunities to be active, and escape the drug culture and consumerism of a generation raised on MTV.

The Start

Vertical Illusions was started with a van, trailer, five kayaks and a lot of help from family and friends. Family helped immediately to get the store up and organized, while friends traveled from all corners of the country driving their cars, riding bikes, paddling their kayak, car-pooling, or even hitch-hiking to get to Vertical Illusions to guide and live a summer of fun in the Dells!

The Future

The Future of Vertical Illusions has a lot in store. Vertical Illusions is working on building the first outdoor lighted climbing area in the midwest, along with numerous downhill mountain bike freeride trails, and an ice park in the near future. (www.chimneyrockadventurepark.com )

Last updated- May 2007

Stand Rock

Wisconsin Dells

Cleopatra's Needle

Devils Lake

Balanced Rock

Devils Lake

Great Stone Face

Devils Lake

Blackhawks Profile

Wisconsin Dells