Spirit of the Driftless is a short documentary that transports viewers on a serene yet powerful journey through the rugged landscapes, hidden underworlds, ancient archaeology, rare habitats, and vibrant wildlife of the unglaciated Driftless Region.
It immerses you in a landscape untouched by the last Ice Age—an ancient and rugged terrain of soaring cliffs above the Mississippi River, spring-fed trout streams, and subterranean realms of sinkholes and caverns. This timeless land shelters rare habitats, mysterious archaeological treasures, and a spectacular abundance of migratory birds and wildlife.
Two-time regional Emmy Award winners Tim Jacobson and the late George Howe of Sustainable Driftless, Inc., together with fellow Emmy winner Jonas Stenstrom and national TV host Rob Nelson of Untamed Science, created this new film to capture the beauty and essence of the Driftless Region’s natural wonders and archaeological heritage.
The film takes you on a breathtaking journey—soaring with raptors, hiking across rugged bluffs, paddling quiet waters, and venturing into the hidden underworld of caves and sinkholes. Experience this one-of-a-kind landscape through a film that will open both eyes and heart to the Driftless as never before. Discover ancient mysteries, encounter Ice Age survivors, and witness globally rare ecosystems in a stunning journey that embodies the Spirit of the Driftless.