Biggest Waterfalls in Wisconsin: A Guide to Nature’s Majestic Wonders

Biggest Waterfalls in Wisconsin: A Guide to Nature's Majestic Wonders

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.

Wisconsin is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the United States. The state’s natural beauty is highlighted by its cascading waterfalls, which attract visitors from all over the world. With a variety of waterfalls to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. In this article, we will explore some of the biggest waterfalls in Wisconsin and what makes them so special.

Biggest Waterfalls in Wisconsin: A Guide to Nature's Majestic Wonders

One of the most impressive waterfalls in Wisconsin is Big Manitou Falls. Located in Pattison State Park, this waterfall is the tallest in Wisconsin, standing at an impressive 165 feet. Visitors can take a short hike to the overlook to enjoy breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area. Big Manitou Falls is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscape.

Another noteworthy waterfall in Wisconsin is Amnicon Falls, located in Amnicon Falls State Park. While not as tall as Big Manitou Falls, Amnicon Falls is still an impressive sight to behold. The falls are made up of a series of cascades and drops, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. Visitors can explore the area by hiking along the river or taking one of the many scenic trails in the park.

Big Manitou Falls

Big Manitou Falls is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, dropping a spectacular 165 feet. It is located in Pattison State Park, which is about 25 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. The waterfall is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is known for its accessibility and stunning views.

Big Manitou Falls is located in Pattison State Park

Location

Big Manitou Falls is located in Pattison State Park, which is in Douglas County, Wisconsin. The park is situated on the Black River, and it is about 25 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. The park features many hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a day or a weekend.

Height

Big Manitou Falls is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, dropping a spectacular 165 feet. It is also the fourth tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. The waterfall is fed by the Black River, which flows through the park and provides many opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Park Facilities

Pattison State Park offers many facilities for visitors to enjoy. There are two campgrounds in the park, as well as many picnic areas and hiking trails. The park also features a nature center, where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the area. The park is open year-round, and it offers many activities in the winter, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

In conclusion, Big Manitou Falls is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Wisconsin. Its stunning height and accessibility make it a popular destination, and the park facilities make it a great place to spend a day or a weekend.

Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park is home to the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The park spans over 1,400 acres and features two waterfalls, Big Manitou Falls and Twin Little Manitou Falls. Big Manitou Falls is an impressive 165 feet high, while Twin Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high.

In addition to the waterfalls, Pattison State Park also has a lake with a beach, a nature center, camping facilities, and scenic hiking trails. Interfalls Lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine, while the nature center offers educational programs and exhibits about the park’s flora and fauna.

The park’s hiking trails are a great way to explore the area and take in the stunning scenery. There are over 7 miles of trails for hikers of all skill levels, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The trails offer views of the waterfalls, the lake, and the surrounding forests.

Visitors to Pattison State Park can also take advantage of the park’s selfie stand, located at the south overlook at Big Manitou Falls. This fully accessible stand offers a great spot for taking photos and capturing the park’s natural beauty.

Overall, Pattison State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty. With its impressive waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and recreational activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this stunning park.

Willow River Falls

Willow River Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in Willow River State Park in northwest Wisconsin. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.

Willow River Falls

Location

Willow River Falls is located in Willow River State Park, which covers an area of 2,891 acres. The park is situated in St. Croix County, about 5 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin. The waterfall is easily accessible by a short hike from the parking lot.

Height

Willow River Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with a total height of approximately 45 feet. The first drop is about 10 feet, the second drop is about 25 feet, and the third drop is about 10 feet. The waterfall is at its most impressive during the spring when the snow melts and the water flow is at its highest.

Park Facilities

Willow River State Park offers a variety of facilities for visitors. The park has a campground with 94 campsites, a picnic area with tables and grills, and a nature center with educational exhibits. There are also several hiking trails in the park, including the Willow Falls Trail that leads to the waterfall. The park is open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, and a vehicle admission sticker is required for entry.

In conclusion, Willow River Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Wisconsin. The waterfall’s natural beauty and the park’s facilities make it a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

100-things-reusuable-block

Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is a 2,891-acre Wisconsin state park located just 5 miles north of Hudson. The park is home to the spectacular Willow Falls, a powerful cascade in a 200-foot deep gorge. The falls are the highlight of the park and are a must-see for visitors.

The park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. There are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding area. The most popular trails are the Willow Falls Trail and the Burkhardt Trail. Both trails are well-maintained and offer easy to moderate difficulty levels.

In addition to hiking, the park offers several other recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There is a sandy beach on Little Falls Lake that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species available, including trout.

To enter the park, visitors are required to have a vehicle admission sticker. The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are also several volunteering opportunities available at the park for those who are interested.

Overall, Willow River State Park is a beautiful and unique destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Wisconsin.

Amnicon Falls

Amnicon Falls is a state park located in Wisconsin that features a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. The park is a place to picnic, camp, walk in the woods, and learn about the Douglas Fault, the geological formation that created the falls.

Amnicon Falls is a state park located in Wisconsin

Location

Amnicon Falls State Park is located in South Range, Wisconsin, which is about 15 miles east of Superior. It is situated in a scenic area of the state, surrounded by forests and rolling hills.

Height

The falls at Amnicon are not the tallest in Wisconsin, but they are still quite impressive. The park features a series of waterfalls and rapids that drop a total of about 300 feet over the course of the river. The tallest waterfall in the park is the Upper Falls, which drops about 30 feet. The Lower Falls, which are located downstream, drop about 15 feet.

Park Facilities

Amnicon Falls State Park has a range of facilities for visitors to enjoy. There are picnic areas throughout the park, as well as several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The park also has a campground with 36 sites, as well as restrooms and showers.

In addition to these amenities, the park also has a covered footbridge that offers a great view of the falls. Visitors can also learn about the geology of the area by visiting the park’s interpretive center, which has displays and exhibits on the Douglas Fault and the formation of the falls.

Overall, Amnicon Falls State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin.

Midwest State Park Adventures paperback, hardcover, and ebook
Check out our comprehensive guide on ALL Midwest State Parks!

Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is a 828-acre park located in South Range, Wisconsin, southeast of the city of Superior. It is home to a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. The park is a place to picnic, camp, walk in the woods, and learn about the Douglas Fault, the geological formation that created the falls.

Visitors can view the waterfalls from a covered footbridge or 2 miles of trails along the river. If you’re sure-footed, you can also view the falls from the rocky shore of the river. There are two main waterfalls, which are the best ones, but the park features four in total.

In addition to the waterfalls, Amnicon Falls State Park offers several activities and amenities for visitors. These include:

  • Camping: The park has 36 campsites, including 27 with electrical hookups. There are also showers and flush toilets available.
  • Fishing: The Amnicon River is home to brown and brook trout, as well as other species.
  • Hiking: The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
  • Picnicking: There are several picnic areas throughout the park, including one with a shelter.
  • Winter activities: The park is open year-round and offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Overall, Amnicon Falls State Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or just a place to relax and enjoy nature, this park has something for everyone.

Copper Falls

Copper Falls State Park is one of the most scenic parks in Wisconsin, featuring three different waterfalls: Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and Red Granite Falls.

Copper Falls Waterfall at Copper Falls State Park

Location

The park is located just north of Mellen, Wisconsin, in Ashland and Iron counties. It covers over 3,000 acres and is situated on the Bad River.

Height

Copper Falls is the largest waterfall in the park, with a height of 29 feet. Brownstone Falls, on the other hand, is a series of smaller waterfalls that cascades down a 40-foot drop. Red Granite Falls is the smallest of the three, with a height of only 18 feet.

Park Facilities

Copper Falls State Park offers a variety of facilities for visitors to enjoy, including:

  • Camping sites
  • Hiking trails
  • Picnic areas
  • Swimming beaches
  • Fishing areas
  • Boat rentals

The park is open year-round, with different activities available depending on the season. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, the park is a popular spot for swimming and fishing.

Overall, Copper Falls State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Wisconsin’s natural beauty.

a stone path in the woods

Copper Falls State Park

Copper Falls State Park is a 3,068-acre state park in Wisconsin. It is located in Ashland County, about 2 miles northeast of Mellen. The park contains a section of the Bad River and its tributary, the Tylers Forks, which flow through a gorge and drop over several waterfalls. The park was created in 1929 and amenities were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The park’s main attraction is the beautiful waterfalls that can be found along the Bad River and its tributaries. The park has a total of four waterfalls, and the largest of them is the Copper Falls. The falls are about 30 feet high and are surrounded by beautiful rock formations. Visitors can view the falls from several vantage points, including a bridge that spans the Bad River.

Apart from the waterfalls, the park has a lot to offer. There are several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. There are also three mountain bike trails to ride, including the Takesin, a single-track trail that offers glimpses of the Bad River through the tall pines.

The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, and boating in the park. The park also has a nature center that offers educational programs and exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Final Thoughts on the Biggest Waterfalls in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to some of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in the United States. From the towering Big Manitou Falls to the serene Morgan Falls, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore in the state.

Visitors to Wisconsin can easily access many of the state’s waterfalls through the numerous state parks and forests that protect them. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks, these parks offer a variety of ways to experience the beauty of Wisconsin’s waterfalls.

It’s important to note that while these waterfalls are certainly awe-inspiring, they are also powerful natural features that should be respected and admired from a safe distance. Visitors should always follow park rules and regulations, stay on designated trails, and exercise caution when exploring the areas around waterfalls.

Overall, Wisconsin’s waterfalls are a testament to the state’s natural beauty and a reminder of the power and majesty of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Wisconsin’s waterfalls are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Field of Flowers North Farm
Click on the picture to check it out

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wisconsin’s highest waterfall at 165 feet?

The tallest waterfall in Wisconsin is Big Manitou Falls, which stands at an impressive 165 feet. This waterfall is located in Pattison State Park in the northern part of the state.

How long is the trail to the Big Manitou Falls?

The trail to Big Manitou Falls is approximately one mile long and is considered to be an easy hike suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the Black River from 165 feet above, making it a must-see destination for waterfall enthusiasts.

Where is Big Manitou Falls?

Big Manitou Falls is located in Pattison State Park, which is situated in the northern part of Wisconsin. The park is about 15 miles south of Superior and approximately 25 miles southeast of Duluth, Minnesota.

What state park has the largest waterfall?

Pattison State Park is home to the largest waterfall in Wisconsin, Big Manitou Falls. The park also features Little Manitou Falls, which is another beautiful waterfall that visitors can enjoy.

What are some other waterfalls in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to many other stunning waterfalls, including Morgan Falls, which is located in the Morgan Falls Recreation Area and is regarded as the state’s second-tallest waterfall. Other notable waterfalls include Amnicon Falls, Copper Falls, and Willow Falls.

Is there a waterfall loop in Wisconsin?

Yes, there is a waterfall loop in Wisconsin that takes visitors to some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls. The loop includes stops at Pattison State Park, Amnicon Falls State Park, Copper Falls State Park, and Willow River State Park.

Other Wisconsin articles you may enjoy: