Unbeknownst to many who travel the USA, the upper midwest is home to some spectacular natural attractions and the waterfalls in Wisconsin are no exception to this.
With vast areas of land given over to protected national forests and large areas of coastline following both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, it’s no surprise that the state of Wisconsin is a firm favorite for outdoor lovers.
There are so many waterways to explore, too: some of the state’s best hikes and outdoor adventures lead to the best Wisconsin waterfalls.
To inspire your next adventure, here’s our rundown of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin along with our tips for visiting them. We are Wisconsinites, after all.
Don’t leave home without: Moon Wisconsin: Lakeside Getaways, Scenic Drives, Outdoor Recreation (Travel Guide).
Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a map of our highlights for visiting waterfalls in Wisconsin. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version.
15 Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin
1. Big Manitou Falls
The biggest and arguably one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin is the impressively tall Big Manitou Falls. The waterfall is located within the protected surrounds of Pattison State Park, just a short journey inland from the vast lakeshore of Lake Superior and the town of Superior.
Big Manitou Falls rises to 165 feet. All through the year, it sends plumes of water crashing down into the pool below. The waterfall plunges into the Black River, and there are some exceptional hikes to various lookout points both above and below the falls.
Pattison State Park has many paved trails leading to this impressive waterfall that allows parents with strollers and anyone in a wheelchair to view this waterfall.
Make sure when you are visiting this popular waterfall in Wisconsin to listen closely because you never know what you may hear. The roar of this waterfall is incredible which was named after the Great Spirit, Gitche Manitou, by Native Americans who called this area home years ago.
They believed the roar of this waterfall concealed the voice of a Great Spirit. The history and the stories are endless about this area and should be something every visitor learns when visiting.
We grew up with this waterfall in our back yard and it doesn’t matter how many times we visit it, it’s as impressive as the first time we saw it. In terms of sheer size and power, you can’t beat Big Manitou Falls when you’re in Wisconsin!
For those looking for a hiking adventure, you can take the Beaver Trail that turns into the Little Manitou Falls Trail and visit the Little Manitou Falls another top waterfall in Wisconsin. This hike is 1.5 miles one way.
We suggest spending some time and checking out Superior, Wisconsin. This port city located on Lake Superior has a ton to offer visitors. It is also a great city to base yourself to visit this waterfall and the other waterfalls in the area like Amnicon Falls and the Lost Creek Falls.
Big Manitou Falls Quick Info
- Height: 165 Feet
- Location: 6294 S. State Road 35, Superior WI 54880
- County: Douglas
- GPS Location: 46.5360520°N 92.1213038°W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Year Round
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 2 Hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Superior Wisconsin
- Where To Stay: You can camp at Pattison State Park or we suggest staying in Superior Wisconsin at Barkers Island Inn Resort.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Manitou Inn Bar & Grill (We love their bloody marys and their burgers!)
- Additional Info: For park information, you can call 715-399-3111 or visit Pattison State Park.
2. Little Manitou Falls
Just over a mile down the road from Big Manitou Falls, you can find the smaller cousin of Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall, Little Manitou Falls.
Little Manitou Falls is just 30 feet tall, but it still packs a punch, especially given its width across the Black River. It’s possible to get a lot closer to Little Manitou Falls than Big Manitou Falls. You can even hike between the two cascades along a beautiful stretch of trail within Pattison State Park.
It is accessible by a close parking lot with a bathroom next to a large green space with plenty of picnic tables. This area is known as the site of camp Pattison that operated between 1938-1942 under company 3663 Civilian Conservation Corps.
For those looking for a good hike, you can take the Little Manitou Falls Trail for .5 miles on to the Beaver Trail for 1.0 miles along the Black River ending up at the Big Manitou Falls, the biggest waterfall in Wisconsin.
Little Manitou Falls Quick Info
- Height: 30 Feet
- Location: 6294 S. State Road 35, Superior WI 54880
- County: Douglas
- GPS Location: 46.52222N 92.12583W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Year Round
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 2 Hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Superior Wisconsin
- Where To Stay: You can camp at Pattison State Park or we suggest staying in Superior Wisconsin at Barkers Island Inn Resort.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Manitou Inn Bar & Grill (We love their bloody marys and their burgers!)
- Additional Info: For park information, you can call 715-399-3111 or visit Pattison State Park.
3. Amnicon Falls
In the same area of Northern Wisconsin, you can also find Amnicon Falls, the namesake of the wider Amnicon Falls State Park.
The waterfall is known for its unique geological history. Amnicon Falls was created by the Douglas Fault, a large fault line cutting across much of Wisconsin. At the waterfall, you can quite literally see the fault in action as the water rushes through a huge gap that has torn enormous rocks in half.
It’s a dramatic sight, with crashing water contrasted by the peaceful surroundings of the state park. You can hike along the river for two miles, enjoying different views of the forest and the waterfall.
Amnicon Falls State Park offers plenty of spots along the river where you can sit back and enjoy nature without being next to another visitor.
There’s also a wide set of little falls to dipping pools where visitors can get in the river to cool off. For those adventurous visitors, you can swim and play right in the rushing falls of the Amnicon Falls waterfall.
Plan your trip today to Amnicon Falls State Park with our local insider guide to this amazing park in Northern Wisconsin.
Amnicon Falls Quick Info
- Height: 15 Feet
- Location: 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874
- County: Douglas
- GPS Location: 46°36′50″N 91°53′58″W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Year Round
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 3 Hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Superior Wisconsin
- Where To Stay: You can camp at Amnicon Falls State Park or we suggest staying in Superior Wisconsin at Barkers Island Inn Resort.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Riverside Bar & Grill (We love their bloody marys/cold beer and their pizzas!)
- Additional Info: For park information, you can call 715-398-3000 or visit Amnicon Falls State Park.
4. Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls
Right on the edge of the small town of Osceola, you can find the beautiful Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls. The area is steeped in history: at the trailhead leading to the waterfall, you’ll find a carved figure of Native American Chief Osceola, for whom the town is named.
The waterfall flows into the St Croix River, not far from the plunge pool, which marks the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Keep traveling southwest and over the river, and you’ll reach Minneapolis-St Paul, the famed Twin Cities.
We love this area since there’s so much to do. There’s great kayaking and fishing along the St Croix River. If you are a bird lover pack a good pair of binoculars since birders come from all around the world to view birds along the river shoreline.
For those looking to do a little hiking, we suggest checking out the Eagle Bluff Trail and the Simensted Trail. Both are short trails that run no more than a mile but it takes you through some pretty amazing landscapes that are unique to Wisconsin in that short amount of time
Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls Quick Info
- Height: 25 Feet
- Location: 101 N Cascade St, Osceola, WI 54020
- County: Polk County
- GPS Location: 45.32056N 92.70472W
- Hours Open: 24 Hours All Year Round
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 1 Hour
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Osceola
- Where To Stay: Wildwood RV Park & Campground is one of the best spots for someone looking to camp. For those looking for a hotel, we recommend the famous Inn on the St. Croix River.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: The Watershed Cafe has an amazing deck that overlooks the river.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 715-755-3300 or visit Osceola Area Chamber.
5. Copper Falls
Not far inland from Lake Superior, you can find the famous Copper Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin hidden near the little town of Mellen.
Part of the Copper Falls State Park, where you can admire the natural beauty of the Bad River, which has carved mesmerizing gorges and canyons through the soft rock of Northern Wisconsin. Some visitors call it the Midwest Grand Canyon due to its similarities to the Grand Canyon found out West.
Copper Falls gets it name from the rootbeer hue of the water, caused by its high iron content which is normal for many of the rivers and waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin. Copper Falls crashes over the rocks, too, as it continues to change the landscape that it’s an enduring part of.
You can hike along the Bad River on the poplar 1.7-mile Doughboy’s loop trail to not just this poplar waterfall in Wisconsin but also Brownstone Falls, Tyler Cascades, and Devils Gate.
The Doughboy’s trail is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin and is easily accessible for all ages & abilities. We love Copper Falls State Park since there’s plenty of lookouts and spots along the river and its waterfalls where you can have it all to yourself.
This is unique and should be taken advantage of. So plan in a full day or multiple days like we did to truly experience the magic of this area.
We camp out in the national park for an exciting outdoor experience and it did not disappoint. This allowed us to explore this famous park in the early morning, enjoy camp in the mid-afternoon when it was busier and head back out later in the day when all the day-trippers blew through.
It also allowed us to explore many of the other Wisconsin waterfalls that are located just a stone’s throw away from Copper Falls State park like: Brownstone Falls, Potato River Falls, Foster Falls, and Upson Falls.
Keep in mind dogs are allowed in this state park but they are not allowed on the trails or near the falls.
Copper Falls Quick Info
- Height: 30 Feet
- Location: 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546
- County: Ashland County
- GPS Location: 46.37306N 90.63972W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 2 Days (Since it’s a good place to base yourself to visit many other waterfalls and parks).
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Mellen
- Where To Stay: Copper Fall State Park has two great campgrounds (We’ve camped there!) and for those looking not to camp we suggest staying at the Mellen inn or the Timber Lodge on Gordon Lake.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Mellen is extremely small but there are two places we can recommend from first-hand experience. The Copper Ridge is extremely popular and can be busy and also the Drop Tine Bar & Grill.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-274-5123 or visit Copper Falls State Park.
6. Lost Creek Falls
Just outside the town of Cornucopia, you can find the ominously named sight of Lost Creek Falls. Cornucopia is located along Lake Superior, within proximity to the famed Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, making this a popular day trip for travelers in the area!
Lost Creek Falls can be accessed by a two-mile-long roundtrip trail. Although it’s not the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, it’s still one of the most scenic in the state.
Lost Creek Falls only reaches a maximum height of 10 feet, but the beautiful surroundings of the forest and the creek more than makes up for a lack of height!
In the summertime this is a great spot to kick back and relax, you won’t see many other visitors. The Falls create a great area to cool off where you can stand right below it or even walk behind its falls.
Sometimes in the summertime, if it hasn’t rained in a while it will be no more than a little trickle.
In winter, the trail is popular for snowshoeing and is a great stop if you are vising the Lake Superior Ice Caves out of Meyers Beach. You might find the waterfall is iced over and frozen solid creating a unique Wisconsin experience.
If you are feeling adventurous you need to visit the Lake Superior sea caves and the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore.
Lost Creek Falls Quick Info
- Height: 10 Feet
- Location: Lost Creek Number One, Cornucopia, WI 54827
- County: Bayfield County
- GPS Location: 46.834185N 91.12056W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 2 hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Cornucopia
- Where To Stay: Camping is not allowed at the trailhead we suggest you stay at the Herbster Campground that’s located right on Lake Superior or stay at Fo’c’sle Inn.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: The Fat Radish and Little Nikki’s offer great food.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-373-6100 or visit the Bayfield County website.
7. Potato River Falls
Head to eastern Wisconsin, and you can marvel at the much taller sight of the Potato River Falls. This dramatic waterfall rises to 90 feet from a series of inclined cascades that form a longer, angled drop rather than a vertical plunge.
It’s a beautiful waterfall, with several different plunge pools and viewing points staggered along the Potato River. The falls are accessed from the nearby town of Gurney.
The Potato Falls are split into two sections the upper falls and the lower falls. The upper falls section zigs along the gorge in the upstream direction ending at a viewing platform that offers great views of the waterfall.
This path is a dirt path that has a few sets of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly.
The lower falls requires a little bit of hiking down a large set of stairs twisting and winding through a low area ending at a viewing platfrom below the waterfall.
If you continue downstream there’s a few good spots to go for a dip to cool off from the hot day. Keep your eye out for black bears since they seem to love this area, we were lucky enough to see one when we were hiking through the lower area.
This is also a great spot for camping since the parking area has bathrooms, a covered picnic area, and a fire pit. It’s rustic but you can beat walking up early and hike to the waterfalls before anyone else arrives.
Potato River Falls Quick Info
- Height: 20-30 Feet
- Location: Potato River Falls Rd – Gurney, WI 54528
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46.463442, -90.5291889
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 2 hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Gurney
- Where To Stay: Potato River Falls is located within an Iron County Park where there are a few spots for camping (One rustic one is right at this waterfall) otherwise we suggest staying at Copper Falls State Park. If your looking for a hotel you should stay in Ashland or Ironwood.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Saxon Pub & Archery is the closest place to get food besides Copper Ridge in Mellen. (We suggest if you plan on staying near here you should pack your own supplies.)
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-561-2922 or visit the Iron County WI website.
8. Superior Falls
Superior Falls is another spectacular waterfall found directly on the state border. Superior Falls is located on the Wisconsin-Michigan border because the border is formed by the impasse of the Montreal River.
The waterfall takes its name from the fact that it’s really not far from Lake Superior. Just a few miles after dropping over the 90 feet high Superior Falls, the river flows directly into the lake.
It’s a beautiful part of Wisconsin, and there are viewing platforms and walking trails on either side of the river (in both Wisconsin and Michigan) that you can use to reach and admire the waterfall.
The lower viewing isn’t for everyone since it’s hard to reach. You first must go down a large paved hill that has a 15% grade. Once at the bottom there are a few spots to sit back and enjoy the little beach that’s located right on Lake Superior.
Once you get your beath back follow the riverside that can get narrow and be slippery at times to a rocky area where you can see the Superior Falls from the bottom.
If you are into fishing don’t forget your rod! This is one of the best fishing holes on Lake Superior since many fish like to be where the warm water mixes with the cooler lake water.
Superior Falls Quick Info
- Height: 90 Feet
- Location: Highway 122 – Saxon, WI 54559
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46° 33′ 26.99″ N -90° 24′ 34.19″ W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 1-2 hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Saxon
- Where To Stay: There’s great camping right on Lake Superior at the Saxon Harbor Campground otherwise if your looking for a hotel you should look at Ashland or Ironwood.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: If your looking for food near this top waterfall in Wisconsin you should stop at the Saxon Pub.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-561-2922 or visit the Iron County WI website.
9. Saxon Falls
A few miles upstream from Superior Falls, you can find Saxon Falls. This is another interstate waterfall, as again, the falls are located on the Montreal River.
Saxon Falls is incredibly impressive after rain or when the snow is melting in spring. The volume of this 60-foot cascade is enormous when it reaches capacity.
Compared to the other waterfalls in Wisconsin, The Saxon Falls are some of the most difficult to reach being located over one of the deepest gorges in the Midwest But don’t let that discourage you from exploring this waterfall.
From the parking area, you will find a dam and power plant that’s is not accessible to visitors, please keep on the allowed areas since trespassers can make it so we all can’t visit this amazing waterfall in the feature.
To start your hike head to the right side of the dam where you will find a trail twisting and winding down ending at the waterfall
Along the hiking trails, you can find a few viewpoints on either side of the river, in both states, but you won’t be able to reach the plunge pools, as the river is far too dangerous here. There are no true viewing platforms and most of the views are obstructed by overgrowth.
Saxon Falls Quick Info
- Height: 90 Feet
- Location: Saxon Falls, Saxon, WI 54559
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46.53611N 90.37861W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 15 minutes to one viewing area or 2 hours to the bottom.
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Saxon
- Where To Stay: There’s great camping right on Lake Superior at the Saxon Harbor Campground otherwise if your looking for a hotel you should look at Ashland or Ironwood.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: If your looking for food near this top waterfall in Wisconsin you should stop at the Saxon Pub.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-561-2922 or visit the Iron County WI website.
10. Foster Falls
If you’re searching for one of the more remote and lesser-visited waterfalls in Wisconsin, take a trip to Foster Falls. Located along the Potato River, the water crashes over huge rocks as it carves a path through the forest.
You can easily reach the waterfall from the road where at times you’ll feel like you lost in the middle of nowhere but keep going till you see the Foster Falls signs.
From here park and make your way up a little rocky hill keep in mind there are no signs or trimmed trails around, so be careful. It’s an excellent place for a more wild and off-the-beaten-track exploration, though!
For those looking for a remote camping experience, we suggest camping right next to the falls. Nothing beets falling asleep to the thundering of a waterfall.
Foster Falls Quick Info
- Height: 25 Feet
- Location: Gurney, WI 54559
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46.4225N 90.4587W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 2 hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Saxon
- Where To Stay: There is remote camping allowed here otherwise we recommend staying at Whitecap Mountain Resort or Copper Falls State Park.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: We suggest packing supplies but if you are looking to eat out you should look towards Mellen where we suggest Copper Ridge and Drop Tine Bar & Grill.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-561-2922 or visit the Iron County WI website.
11. Brownstone Falls
Brownstone Falls is one of the many waterfalls that interrupt the fast flow of the Bad River in Wisconsin. Brownstone Falls is found within Copper Falls State Park, but it’s not as visited as the park’s namesake – despite being so close!
Brownstone Falls is 30 feet tall, but the canyons surrounding the river can rise to 100 feet in some places. It’s a dramatic place to hike, as you work your way through the forest and over the copper-colored rocks to reach the viewing areas.
We strongly suggest if you are hiking the Doughboy’s Trail to view this waterfall or the famous Copper Falls waterfall, that you take the spur trail marked CCC 692.
This trail is located just off the Brownstone Falls lookout. You can not miss it since it is well marked and don’t let the stairway up to it intimidate you. It is well worth that climb and the continuing climb up the 65-foot observation tower that overs incredible views on a clear day of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
While exploring this area you might notice a few iconic locations that you have seen before in a few major movies. The Copper Falls State Park and its waterfalls have part of many major films though-out the years and to this day still remains one of the most popular outdoor areas to film in Wisconsin due to its naturalness.
Keep in mind dogs are allowed in this state park but they are not allowed on the trails or near the falls.
Brownstone Falls Quick Info
- Height: 30 Feet
- Location: 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546
- County: Ashland County
- GPS Location: 46.3763385N -90.6410168W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 2 Days (Since it’s a good place to base yourself for visiting many other waterfalls and parks).
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Mellen
- Where To Stay: Copper Fall State Park has two great campgrounds (We’ve camped there!) and for those looking not to camp we suggest staying at the Mellen inn or the Timber Lodge on Gordon Lake.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Mellen is extremely small but there are two places we can recommend from first-hand experience. The Copper Ridge is extremely popular and can be busy and also the Drop Tine Bar & Grill.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-274-5123 or visit the Copper Falls State Park website.
12. Upson Falls
Another Potato River waterfall that you can visit in Wisconsin is the Upson Falls. The waterfall is just 18 feet high, but it’s a lovely place to visit.
There are a few great hikes along the riverside leading to a few areas where you can take a dip to cool or just sit back relaxing to the sounds of the waterfall.
You can camp out overnight in the nearby Upson Falls Campground if you’re looking to get away from Wisconsin’s main tourist trail.
The area is perfect for spending a relaxed day walking or simply picnicking in quiet surroundings. The campsites have power, water, and bathrooms.
Upson Falls Quick Info
- Height: 18 Feet
- Location: 9564 Upson Park Rd, Upson, WI 54565
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46.37009N 90.41133W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 30 Minutes
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Upson or Mellen
- Where To Stay: There are a few great campsites right at Upson Falls otherwise most people stay at Whitecap Mountain Resort or Copper Falls State Park.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Don’t blink, you’ll miss Upson. Mellen is extremely small but there are two places we can recommend from first-hand experience. The Copper Ridge is extremely popular and can be busy and also the Drop Tine Bar & Grill.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-274-5123 or visit the Copper Falls State Park website.
13. Morgan Falls
Another of the more remote waterfalls in Wisconsin is the tall Morgan Falls. Rising to almost 100 feet, Morgan Falls is an elegant drop that, in summer, is a light trickle, but after the snowmelt can be a fierce torrent.
The waterfall is located in the middle of a national forest; its position is relatively isolated compared to more popular waterfalls in Wisconsin. A short trail – less than a mile long – links the forest road to the waterfall.
Morgan Falls Quick Info
- Height: 70 Feet
- Location: Marengo, WI 54855
- County: Iron County
- GPS Location: 46.34722N 90.91611W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. (Only Day Use Allowed!)
- Entrance Fee: There is a $5 day-use pass for this recreation site. The Forest also has an annual pass available for $30 since this waterfall is located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- Recommend Time There: 30 Minutes
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Upson or Mellen
- Where To Stay: Copper Fall State Park has two great campgrounds (We’ve camped there!) and for those looking not to camp we suggest staying at the Mellen inn or the Timber Lodge on Gordon Lake.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: Mellen is extremely small but there are two places we can recommend from first-hand experience. The Copper Ridge is extremely popular and can be busy and also the Drop Tine Bar & Grill.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-362-1300 or visit the Chequamegon – Nicolet National Forest website.
14. Willow Falls
Willow Falls is one of the more unusual yet picturesque waterfalls in Wisconsin. Located within the Willow River State Park, the waterfall consists of multiple cascades that form a fantastically serene pattern as they slowly tumble down the rock through multiple plunge pools.
The largest such drop is just 15 feet high, but it’s the multitude of different drops add up to about 45 feet that really make this a special place to visit in Wisconsin. From here the Willow River spans over 100 feet wide.
This tiered waterfall is a great place to cool off during the summertime. For those looking to hike, we suggest checking out one of the two hikes offered in Willow River State Park.
The shortest that is about a quarter-mile long is one of the most popular hikes since it takes you down right into the gorge The longer hike is just over a mile long and isn’t as impressive.
Willow Falls Quick Info
- Height: 45 Feet
- Location: 1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016
- County: St. Croix
- GPS Location: 45.028343N -92.667339W
- Hours Open: 6:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
- Entrance Fee: Annual Vehicle Admission WI Resident $28 Annual Vehicle Admission Non-Resident $38 Daily Vehicle Admission WI Resident: $8 Daily Vehicle Admissions Non-Resident $11 (Check for discounts or price changes).
- Recommend Time There: 2 Hours
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Hudson
- Where To Stay: Willow Falls State Park offers great campsites if camping isn’t your thing we suggest staying at one of the many great Vrbo’s (St. Croix River Escape (Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired) that are located right on the St.Croix River.
- Closest Place to Grab Food: The Pier 500 has a great outside patio that overlooks the St.Croix River and if you are into BBQ you need to stop at Bi Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse which is one of the Nations best BBQ’s.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-715-386-5931 or visit the Willow Falls State Park website.
15. Montello Granite Quarry Falls
You don’t need to travel to remote corners of Wisconsin’s national forests to find beautiful waterfalls; in the town of Montello, you can find the Montello Granite Quarry Falls.
This beautiful place is literally in the middle of the town, so you can’t get lost, but it looks spectacular. The falls are surrounded by a lovely park and form part of Montello’s history trail.
Mantello Granite Falls Quick Info
- Height: 20 Feet
- Location: Daggett Memorial, 11-31 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
- County: Marquette
- GPS Location: 43°47.546N 089°19.664W
- Hours Open: 24 Hours
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommend Time There: 30 Minutes
- Best Of The Year To Visit: May – October
- Closest City: Montello
- Where To Stay: If you are looking to camp we suggest Buffalo Lake Camping Resort or staying one of the many great Vrbo’s offered that overlooks one of the many lakes or rivers. We love the Buffalo Lake Getaway w/ Boat Dock + Fire Pit!
- Closest Place to Grab Food: There’s plenty of great food options in Montello but one place we suggest that every traveler must visit is Todd’s Buffalo Lake Lodge and Drews Lakeside.
- Additional Info: For information, you can call 1-608-297-1000.
Tips for Visiting the Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin
- Make sure you have plenty of gas when exploring since many of the waterfalls are not near anywhere you can get fuel.
- We suggest packing supplies, snacks, drinks, and anything else you may want since options are low for supplies near many of them.
- Give yourself plenty of time to explore them, our recommend time is for those only looking to view the waterfalls. Many of these great waterfalls are in amazing parks that offer great hikes with endless opportunities for wildlife viewing so plan in extra time.
- If you do plan on hiking, please make sure you have the right gear and carry plenty of water.
- The bugs can be bad, pack plenty of bug spray.
- Watch out for poison ivy and poison oak, if you get into this you’ll be miserable. The best way to avoid it is to stay on trail.
- Always stay on the marked trails.
- Most of the trails leading to the waterfalls are natural trails, which means they are unpaved and dirt-covered. They can be uneven and muddy at times. Make sure you have the right shoes.
- Check the weather before going out to explore. Weather can change in the blink of an eye. Make sure you pack a rain jacket even if it looks like it’s going to be nice out.
- Pets aren’t allowed at some of the waterfalls so please check before you arrive.
- Drones aren’t permitted to fly near or around many of the waterfalls in Wisconsin since they are in protected parks. Don’t be that drone pilot who doesn’t abide by the rules.
- Always leave the place better than you found it. Always practice leave no trace.
- If you are planning on camping, make sure you have the right gear. It is also recommended to book your campsites in advance since they book up early.
- Many of the parking lots for the waterfalls cannot accommodate a large RV, so plan ahead.
- Always hide valuables and lock your car doors.
- You should never drink water right from the river of the waterfall without filtering it.
- Always view the waterfalls from a safe distance. Watch out for green-covered rocks, they tend to be slippery.
- Never jump off any ledges.
- Don’t disturb other visitors, understand many people exploring Wisconsin’s waterfalls are there to enjoy nature. Not put up with your children, listen to your music, and so on.
- Never feed or touch wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Wisconsin
Many of Wisconsin’s waterfalls are open year-round, this can be surprising to some people so here’s our Wisconsin insider’s guide to the best time to explore.
Spring
One of the best times to visit Wisconson waterfalls is during the Spring. This is when the waterfalls are gushing from snowmelt.
It is not the prettiest time of the year to be out and about nor the most comfortable since it can be cold, wet, and muddy but it can be one of the most rewarding times to visit them.
Due to cold nights, you can get half-frozen waters with gushing water. When visiting during the Spring please be careful since it is not safe to walk out on the ice or near muddy/slippery ledges.
Roads to a few of the more remote waterfalls will be snow-covered or muddy since they may be unmaintained logging roads. If you do plan to explore them you should have a 4×4 and expect you may not be able to make it to them.
Summer
The weather is the best in Wisconsin during summer but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to view the waterfalls. Water levels are normally low during this time of the year unless it’s a wet rainy summer.
That means most of the waterfalls won’t be as impressive as you may find them in other seasons. Many of them slow down to a trickle but this turns them into great swimming holes for cooling off on those hot summer days.
Watch out for slippery rocks during this time and pack lots of bug repellent. The mosquitos are next level in Wisconsin, trust us and make sure you are prepared or you might just get carried off by them.
Fall
Fall is a great time to head out exploring in Wisconsin and the waterfalls will be waking up a bit with fall rain. To us, this is the best time to visit them and one of the best times of the year to be out in nature in Wisconsin.
You can experience the best of what they have to offer in comfort due to cooler mornings and warm days. This is also when the bugs start to die off.
If you can experience the Fall colors, it’s truly a magical time of the year in Wisconsin since we get the oranges, reds, yellows, purples, and greens. For peak color, you’ll want to plan your visit at the end end of September and the beginning of October.
Winter
Don’t let the snow and cold stop you from exploring the waterfalls in Wisconsin. Many of them create this amazing iced-over look that’s unique to Wisconsin.
If you are visiting during this time of the year, please be careful around frozen waterfalls. We suggest staying off the ice and dressing warmly. Not all of the waterfalls are accessible during wintertime since they are located on unmaintained logging roads.
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- 28 Amazing Things to Do in Minnesota
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I lived in Wisconsin for a couple of years and had no idea it had this many beautiful waterfalls. I hope to get back soon.
Wisconsin is sneaky beautiful in so many ways!