Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin: Located in the northern part of the country United States, Wisconsin is a state with a capital city named Madison which is the largest city in Milwaukee. The state has a rich history & is also famous for cheese production that’s why it is also known as “America’s Dairy Land.”
Wisconsin is bordered by various lakes. It includes; Lake Michigan to the east, Lake Minnesota and Iowa to the west, Lake Superior and Michigan to the north & Lake Illinois to the south. Wisconsin is a famous place especially for its diverse geography as it includes various farmlands, forests, and numerous lakes. The state is often associated with various industries such as; manufacturing, dairy farming, & brewing.
The Wisconsin state has its own University in Madison. The university is famous for its research and academic programs. There are also many attractions such as; outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and natural landmarks. These include; Door County’s scenic peninsula, the Apostle Islands, & various state parks showcasing waterfalls, wildlife, & hiking trails present in the state as well.
But, the main attraction for the Wisconsin state is the waterfalls. There are numerous waterfalls small & big present in Wisconsin state. Each has its own importance & beauty. Visitors must visit some famous waterfalls to enjoy the mesmerizing view.
List of Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin
Wisconsin state is like a home to various beautiful waterfalls. Each waterfall is beautiful & unique in its own way. The waterfalls are the main attractions for the visitors here. Visitors should visit the Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin to enjoy their stay. The list of best waterfalls in Wisconsin is mentioned below
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1. Big Manitou Falls
Big Manitou Falls is the highest waterfall & one of the main attractions for the visitors in the state making it the Best Waterfall in Wisconsin. It is approximately 165 feet in height & is located in Pattison State Park, near Superior.
It is the tallest waterfall in the state formed by the Black River cascading over sandstone and conglomerate cliffs. Along with being the tallest waterfall it also offers various viewpoints and hiking trails for the visitors to enjoy the scenic view from different angles.
To enjoy the view at its best visitors should visit during the spring and after heavy rainfall. So if you are a fan of hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and photography the Big Manitou Falls is a must see place.
2. Little Manitou Falls
Near Big Manitou Falls, there is another waterfall called Little Manitou Falls. It is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin state & is also located within Pattison State Park, near Superior.
It is not tall as compared to the Big Manitou Falls but is very beautiful & is one of the main attractions in the state. It is approximately 31 feet in height also formed by the Black River. The Little Manitou Falls also offers hiking trails and viewpoints.
Both waterfalls are Wisconsin’s main attractions nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and tourists who seek to explore nature & beauty will be mesmerized visiting here.
3. Copper Falls
Copper Falls is one of the best waterfalls located in Copper Falls State Park near Mellen city, Wisconsin. The park contains a section of the Bad River as well. It has a hike of around 1.7 miles. The park is famous for its nature, hiking trails, Loon Lake, camping, etc.
The park was created in the year 1929 & in the year 2005 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a site with 10 contributing properties. Visitors can experience the rugged beauty of the surroundings and the beautiful view with various trails and viewpoints to explore its natural beauty & observe wildlife.
The park is one of the popular destinations for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers & photographers. It is a must-visit attraction to make your vacation more beautiful.
4. Amnicon Falls
Amnicon Falls or Amnicon Falls State Park is situated in the town of Amnicon, Douglas County, Wisconsin, United States. It has a 2.4-mile loop trail which takes almost 55 minutes to complete. The park is famous for dramatic rock formations, beautiful waterfalls & scenic hiking trails.
The Amnicon Falls is surrounded by many other waterfalls near the Amnicon River. Each waterfall is different in size and appearance, & has its own unique characteristics which are like a heaven to the nature lovers.
The Amnicon Falls has a total of four waterfalls Upper, Lower, Snake Pit, and Now & Then Falls. The main falls that are the most visited waterfalls are the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls which are smaller as compared to the Upper Falls.
The Amnicon Falls State Park has hiking trails for visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty, the river gorge, picnic areas, various bridges & viewing platforms. The park is best for the family visits, photographers & nature enthusiasts can visit here for the best experiences.
5. Stephens Falls
Stephens Falls is a 20-foot cascade over a mossy cliff into a small pool. It is a beautiful waterfall which is situated within Governor Dodge State Park, near the city of Dodgeville in south-western Wisconsin. It is one of the most popular and the most visited waterfalls in the state.
The waterfall is famous for its beauty and natural attractions. It is approximately 20 feet in height and the falls drop over Cambrian sandstone formations. The mostly area is surrounded by forest and rocks adding to its charm and natural allure.
It is easily accessible as the visitors can take a short hiking trail that leads to various viewpoints. The hiking trail is easy i.e., walking through the woods only. Visitors of different ages can easily hike the trail. Visitors here can go hiking, picnicking, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. It is one of the most visited places in Wisconsin.
6. Willow Falls
Willow Falls is Located 5 miles northeast of Hudson on County Road A at Willow River State Park. It is a multi-tier waterfall with a Gray trail of 0.4 miles. The Willow River State Park handicap accessible as the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail is wheelchair-friendly.
It is a beautiful waterfall & is famous for its scenic views, hiking trails, etc. Being a multi-tier waterfall it creates a beautiful effect as water flows through the rocky terrain especially after a rainfall or during the spring season.
Visitors can visit the Willow River State Park and can explore various things such as; nature, wildlife, and hiking trails through wooded areas. During summertime, the park is more like a picnic spot for family & friends gatherings. People here can enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming, etc. activities.
The Willow Falls is a heaven to hikers, nature lovers, and photography lovers. Visitors should visit here for once as it is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
7. Brownstone Falls
Brownstone Waterfall is situated in Copper Falls State Park, near Mellen, in northern Wisconsin. It is a beautiful waterfall with a height of 30 feet. The waterfall is called Brownstone Falls as the waterfall flows over brown sandstone ledges.
It is very famous for its stunning views, natural landscapes, several small waterfalls, rugged gorges, etc. The waterfall is easily accessible. Visitors can go and enjoy the beauty by giving an entry fee of $10 per day. There are numerous other waterfalls in the park.
Visitors can visit the waterfall through hiking trails & enjoy the scenic view on the way, with natural beauty and serene surroundings to enjoy the park & visit the viewpoints to see the waterfall from a height from different angles.
The Brownstone falls is one of the main attractions for visitors visiting Wisconsin state. Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, and nature lovers can also enjoy being here. It is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
8. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a series of small falls, in the small town of Osceola, Wisconsin. The source of the water is Osceola Creek. It was discovered by William Kent in the year 1884. It is one of the main attractions of Osceola.
Cascade Falls is also known for its natural views with a total height of 25 ft (7.6 m). The waterfall is easily accessible by the visitors making it a more popular destination. The park has various amenities such as; walking paths, picnic areas, and observation decks.
During the summer season, it is more of a picnic spot for families, picnickers, and nature enthusiasts to relax and have more quality time to spend. The Cascade Falls Park also hosts many events, attractions, and festivals throughout the year, making it the major attraction for the people visiting Wisconsin.
It is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin because of its easy accessibility and surrounding park amenities. Visitors should visit once during their stay in Wisconsin.
9. Long Slide Falls
Long Slide Falls is a 50-foot scenic slide with a hiking distance of 15 miles is one of the highest waterfalls located in Marinette County, Wisconsin. This waterfall is so beautiful and one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin which is famous for its unique sliding cascade.
Due to its height the water from above the rocks makes Long Slide Falls more beautiful and attractive to visit. These waterfalls offer hiking trails, picnic spots & nature observations which makes it a friends & family-friendly place. The hiking trails & picnic spots allow visitors a great look near the waterfall.
Due to its various amenities, it has become the favorite spot for visitors. Nature lovers, hikers, and photographers can visit there and enjoy in peace. During the spring season when the water flow is strong, the waterfall is more attractive. Visitors should visit here once during their stay.
10. Upson Falls
Upson Falls is an 18-foot waterfall surrounded by forests & rocks situated in Upson, which is a small community in Iron County, Wisconsin. This beautiful waterfall is part of the Potato River and is renowned for its beautiful serene setting and natural beauty.
Upson Falls has a series of cascades and drops over rock formations, which is a heaven to the sight. During the summer season, it served as a picnic spot for visitors. People can also hike here & enjoy the waterfalls from different points & views.
It is a peaceful spot where people go to relax. Due to the above reasons it is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin. The natural beauty and the sights and sounds of the rushing water are mesmerizing. It is one of the most visited places for the visitors.
11. Saxon Falls
Saxon Falls is a beautiful waterfall located 14 miles Northwest of Ironwood MI and Hurley WI near the town of Saxon in Iron County, Wisconsin. This waterfall is not as famous as others but the stunning natural attraction in the area is worth visiting.
The waterfalls also feature a series of cascades and drop approximately 90 feet over rocky terrain. It is also surrounded by forest & rocks. The source of the water in Saxon Falls is the Montreal River
It is easily accessible as there is a short hike along a trail that leads to various viewpoints to see such beauty from different angles. People here can hike, take pictures, picnic & spend time with their friends & family. This waterfall is not so famous but is very beautiful. Visitors seeking more of a quitter place should definitely visit here.
12. Lost Creek Falls
Lost Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a trail of 2 miles (3.2 km) out and back situated near Cornucopia in northern Wisconsin. This waterfall is more of a hidden gem covered mostly by the woods.
The waterfall is around 40 feet tall and falls over rock formations which create a beautiful view. This waterfall is not very famous that’s why it is more peaceful as compared to the other waterfalls. Due to this, it is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
The waterfall is easily accessible; the visitors should take a hiking trail which is mostly moderate winds through the woods enjoying the mesmerizing view. Visitors looking for a quieter place should visit here once during their stay. The peaceful ambiance, which is combined with the allure of the cascading waterfall, makes it a must-visit place.
13. Potato River Falls
Potato River Falls is situated just southwest of Gurney in Wisconsin’s Iron County in Wisconsin state. It is a beautiful waterfall with a 0.8 mile (1.3 km) out-and-back trail leading to various viewpoints to enjoy the scenes from various angles.
This waterfall is the part of Potato River & is very famous for its beauty and natural surroundings. It also consists a series of cascades & is approximately 90 feet in height. When the water flows from this height and drops over the rocks, the scene is very beautiful to watch.
The waterfall area is also open for photography, relaxation, picnic spots & natural observation for the visitors. The waterfall is further cherished by nature-lovers & those seeking a more quieter place & less crowded spot should visit here to spend some quality time with friends & family. Due to these amenities, it is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
14. Interstate and Peterson Falls
Interstate Falls and Peterson Falls are two separate waterfalls that situated near the town of Hurley in Iron County, Wisconsin. These waterfalls are part of the Montreal River & are very beautiful. These two waterfalls are near each other.
Interstate Falls
These waterfalls are very famous for their beauty and easy accessibility. It features a series of cascades with a height of approximately 18 feet. Visitors visiting here can use hiking trails to access various viewpoints to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. It is also one of the most popular spots for photography lovers in Wisconsin.
Peterson Falls
these waterfalls are located near Interstate Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall situated on the Montreal River. This waterfall is approximately 30 feet in height and is famous for its natural beauty. The area around these waterfalls also has hiking trails and viewpoints for the visitors so that they can enjoy the waterfall from different angles.
Both of the waterfalls are good for the visitors and offer various opportunities such as hiking, photography and a picnic spot as well. People looking for a peaceful place can visit here for sure making it the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
15. Wequiock Falls
Wequiock Falls is one of the smallest waterfall yet beautiful waterfalls in the state of Wisconsin. It contains a large ravine featuring a close-up inspection of the Niagara Escarpment rock formation. It is located near Green Bay in Brown County and is approximately 25 feet in height.
The waterfall drops over limestone ledges into a shallow gorge and visitors visiting here can enjoy its natural beauty, especially during the spring season i.e., during higher water flow due to the melting of the snow or during the rainfall season.
This waterfall is easily accessible as visitors can take a short trail that leads to various viewpoints & can view the beauty from different angles. There are various picnic areas to spend time with friends & family.
It might be not one of the largest waterfalls in the state but is very much appreciated and famous in locals and visitors due to its easy accessibility, and natural beauty making it one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
16. Fonferek Falls
Fonferek Falls is more of a unique waterfall that is situated in Ledge View Nature Center, near the town of Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin. It is a beautiful waterfall with approximately 30 feet of height.
It is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall making it unique. The waterfall drops approximately 30 feet over a limestone cliff into a deep ravine that is surrounded by rocks and forests.
There is a short trail which makes it easily accessible by the visitors. The short trails lead to various viewpoints so that the visitors can enjoy the scene from different angles. The area is also famous for sinkholes, caves, and other geological formations. Visitors here can hike, explore nature, can do photography as well making it one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
17. Twelve FootFalls
Twelve FootFalls is a waterfall where the name of the waterfall and its height match. The waterfall is approximately 12 feet in height. It is located in the Marinette County Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. The waterfall is part of the Pike River.
The waterfall, drops over rock ledges, surrounded by rocks and forests creating a beautiful cascade into a pool below. There is a hiking trail leading to various viewpoints making it easily accessible. Visitors here can enjoy the waterfall through different viewpoints.
People interested in nature observation, photography, and seeking a place for relaxation should visit here. Due to these amenities, this is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
18. Superior Falls
Superior Waterfalls are situated on Lake Superior. It is a beautiful waterfall located near the town of Hurley in Iron County, Wisconsin. It is quite famous because of its size mainly as it is approximately 90 feet in height.
The source of Superior Falls is the Montreal River. The water drops approximately 90 feet over a rocky ledge surrounded by forests and rocks and flows into Lake Superior making it a beautiful place for visitors.
Visitors should hike through a wooded area to access Superior Falls. These trails will lead to various viewpoints to watch various angles. The trail is mostly moderate in some areas.
Visitors who are interested seeking photography, outdoor adventures, and the chance to appreciate the natural beauty can visit here. Due to these things, this has become one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin.
Conclusion: Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin
The above-mentioned are just a few out of hundreds of waterfalls in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is like a home to waterfalls and each waterfall is unique and beautiful in its own way. Each of them gives a unique experience to its visitors. Most of the waterfalls are easily accessible while some might be moderate.
Visitors seeking a peaceful place surrounded by woods, lakes, and rocks to spend time with friends and family should visit Wisconsin. Marinette County is the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin. Most of the waterfalls are in Marinette close to each other.
FAQs
Q. What is the most visited waterfall in Wisconsin?
A. Big Manitou Falls is the most visited waterfall in Wisconsin state. It is approximately 165 feet in height & is located in Pattison State Park, near Superior.
Q. How tall is the Big Manitou Falls?
Ans. Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high. It is the tallest waterfall in the state formed by the Black River cascading over sandstone and conglomerate cliffs. While the Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high.
Q. How many waterfalls are there in Wisconsin?
A. Wisconsin is like a home to waterfalls. There are countless small and big waterfalls in Wisconsin. Out of them, there are more than 40 waterfalls that are considered “major.”
Q. Is Willow River State Park handicap accessible?
A. Yes, the Willow River State Park is handicap accessible & the trails are wheelchair-friendly. The park also offers accessible campsites and an accessible fishing pier.
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