Wisconsin is home to a myriad of lakes, rivers, and beautiful waterfalls, some of which have enormous cascading drops and tumbling slides, while others are a just a series of smaller rapids and rises. I chose some because of their fascinating history and others because they break records. Some of the waterfalls actually form the border between Wisconsin and Michigan.
Best Waterfalls
1. Amnicon Falls - 25 minutes from Duluth
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
South Range, WISummary:
Located in Amnicon Falls State Park, after which they are named, Amnicon Falls are one of a set of four waterfalls in the park, namely the upper and lower Amnicon Falls, seasonal Now and Then Falls, and Snake Pit Falls. The river that feeds the falls and on which they are situated has several small drops above central Amnicon Falls as well as several forks to the left. The main drop of Amnicon Falls is around 15 feet, while the lower falls are a 15-foot slide that drop about 15 feet over 30 feet in length. The upper and the lower falls lie about 100 feet apart with an impressive old bridge that crosses the river between the two falls. I wasn't sure I wanted to cross the bridge but I made it!Cost:
$8 daily park admission for Wisconsin residents; $11 for out-of-state vehicles.Best time to visit:
Late spring for full flow, summer for wading and picnicking, or fall for colorful foliage and crisp air.Local tips:
Bring water shoes if you plan to get close to the falls—many visitors enjoy wading around the rocky shallows in warmer months.Distance:
25 minutes from Duluth, MN.How to Get to Amnicon Falls State Park:
From Duluth, take US-2 East toward South Range. Turn right onto County Road U and follow signs to Amnicon Falls State Park. The entrance and parking area are well marked.Address:
Amnicon Falls, Amnicon Falls State Park: 4279 S County Road U, South Range, WI 54874Phone: 715-398-3000
2. Big Manitou Falls - 25 minutes from Duluth
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Location:
Superior, WISummary:
Big Manitou Falls are situated in the Pattison State Park, south of Superior Wisconsin, and are fed by the Black River, a tributary of the Nemadji River. The 165-foot falls have a crest of 10 feet and are the highest waterfall in Wisconsin. The waterfalls are shrouded in legend. The Native American tribes who settled near the falls believed they heard the voice of the Great Spirit coming from the falls and named it Gitchee Manitou. Big Manitou Falls became the center of Pattison State Park, which was built around the falls in 1920, and received further protection in 2003 when it was named as part of the Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program.Cost:
$8 daily admission for Wisconsin vehicles; $11 for out-of-state vehicles.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early fall for full waterfall flow and comfortable hiking weather.Local tips:
Head to the main overlook for the most dramatic views, and visit at sunset for great lighting on the falls.Distance:
25 minutes from Duluth, MN.How to Get to Big Manitou Falls:
From Duluth, take US-53 South toward Superior. Turn onto WI-35 South and follow signs for Pattison State Park. The park entrance is on your left, with well-marked access to the falls overlook and trails.Address:
Big Manitou Falls, Pattison State Park: 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880Phone: 715-399-3111
Romantic Waterfalls
3. Big Smokey Falls - 1 hour and 10 minutes from Green Bay
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Location:
Keshena, WISummary:
Located on the Menominee Reservation, which is situated 19 miles north of Shawano, Big Smokey Falls is fed by the Wolf River and a robust and complicated waterfall. While not very high or steep, the waterfall has a volume of water and is surrounded by rugged and slippery rocks. The Big Smokey Falls has a cascading drop of 20 feet with an island in the middle of the falls, and there is a bridge above the falls that takes you to the island. During the tourist season, the Menominee Reservation charges a nominal fee for crossing the bridge; however, it is not possible to reach the far side of the river from the island. Wolf River Dells is about a mile upstream, where the river drops over several small ledges and through some narrow gorges, which make for beautiful views.Cost:
Nominal bridge access fee during tourist season.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early summer when water levels are high and the river is flowing at its most dramatic.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes—the rocks near the falls are slippery. Be respectful of tribal lands and posted access guidelines.Distance:
1 hour and 10 minutes from Green Bay, WI.How to Get to Big Smokey Falls:
From Green Bay, take WI-29 West toward Shawano. Continue north on County Highway U through Keshena and follow signs for Big Smokey Falls. Parking is usually available near the access point.Address:
Big Smokey Falls, Menominee Reservation: Keshena, WI 54135Phone: 877-209-5866
4. Brownstone Falls - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth
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Location:
Mellen, WISummary:
Set within Copper Falls State Park, near Mellen, Brownstone Falls is a scenic waterfall with a 30-foot drop and a 10-foot crest. Situated where Tyler's Fork of the Bad River plunges into the Bad River Gorge, Brownstone Falls are surrounded by impressive rugged reddish-brown rocks, which create a lovely backdrop for the waterfalls. Access to the gorge is prohibited, so finding a viewpoint for the falls is challenging, but there are other waterfalls in the park to see, such as Copper Falls. There is a $10 entrance fee to visit the 3,068-acre park in which the falls are found.Cost:
$10 per vehicle for daily admission.Best time to visit:
Spring and early summer for peak water flow; fall for striking foliage and crisp air.Local tips:
Wear good hiking shoes—some trails have steep grades and rocky footing. Arrive early to enjoy the trails in quiet before the crowds.Distance:
1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth, MN.How to Get to Brownstone Falls:
From Duluth, take US-2 East to WI-13 South toward Mellen. Turn left onto Copper Falls Road and follow signs to Copper Falls State Park. Trail access to Brownstone Falls is well-marked within the park.Address:
Brownstone Falls, Copper Falls State Park: 36664 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546Phone: 715-274-5123
Waterfalls for Families
5. Cascade Falls Osceola - 1 hour from Minneapolis
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Location:
Osceola, WISummary:
Cascade Falls is set on the St. Croix River in the small village of Osceola in Polk County. Fed by the Osceola Creek, Cascade is 25 feet high with a 30-foot crest and is easy to visit due to its location along Route 35 in the middle of the village. The falls drop into a deep gorge carved out by the St. Croix River. There is a set of stairs to the right of the main road that leads down to the canyon and the base of the falls. The stairs lead to a trail that continues to the shores of the St. Croix, which boasts pretty views. The village was founded around Cascade Falls, which once supported a brewery and a mill.Cost:
Free access.Best time to visit:
Spring and early summer for high water flow; fall for foliage and festivals in town.Local tips:
The falls are lit at night—visit after sunset for a magical view. Wear good shoes for the steep stair descent.Distance:
1 hour from Minneapolis, MN.How to Get to Cascade Falls:
From Minneapolis, take I-94 East to MN-95 North, then continue on WI-35 North into Osceola. Look for the falls entrance near the center of town, just off Route 35.Address:
Cascade Falls, Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin6. Copper Falls - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth
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Location:
Mellen, WISummary:
Named after Copper Falls State Park, in which they are situated, Copper Falls is set within a scenic gorge that has been carved out by the Bad River and is surrounded by rugged rocky landscapes. The Copper Falls is divided into two plunges by a large chunk of rock in the middle of the river, both of which depend on recent rainfall, and there are several viewpoints from which to see different parts of the waterfall. The waterfalls can be viewed from a wheelchair-accessible trail, which also runs past Brownstone Falls, which is slightly further down the river and the gorge just below the point where Tyler's Fork and the Bad River meet. It is very picturesque, however, access to the ravine is prohibited.Cost:
$10 per vehicle for daily admission.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early summer for strong flows; fall for golden leaf canopies and cooler trail weather.Local tips:
Stay on marked trails—access to the ravine is prohibited for safety and preservation. Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the river.Distance:
1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth, MN.How to Get to Copper Falls:
From Duluth, take US-2 East to WI-13 South toward Mellen. Turn left on Copper Falls Road and follow signs into Copper Falls State Park. Parking and trail maps are available at the ranger station.Address:
Copper Falls, Copper Falls State Park: 36664 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546Phone: 715-274-5123
Falls For Photographers
7. Dave’s Falls - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Green Bay
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Location:
Amberg, WISummary:
Located in Marinette County, 1 mile south of Amberg, Dave’s Falls is fed by the Pike River and is one of many small waterfalls found in Marinette County. Situated off US 41, the falls are relatively easy to visit and are surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The 15-foot falls are divided into upper and lower falls, the lower of which are a narrow chute with a total drop of about 10 feet, while the upper falls are a broader slide with a 6-foot drop. The rugged rocks around the fall make them an attractive site to visit and explore by clambering around them to get the best views.Cost:
$5 suggested donation for park maintenance.Best time to visit:
Spring and early summer for peak flow; fall for colorful foliage and peaceful hiking weather.Local tips:
The rocks can be slippery—wear shoes with good traction. Early mornings are best if you want the place to yourself.Distance:
1 hour and 15 minutes from Green Bay, WI.How to Get to Dave’s Falls:
From Green Bay, take US-41 North toward Amberg. Look for signage about a mile south of town. Parking is available at the small county park entrance right off the highway.Address:
Dave’s Falls, Amberg, Marinette County, Wisconsin8. Eighteen Foot Falls - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Green Bay
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Location:
Dunbar, WISummary:
Located in the self-proclaimed Waterfall Capitol of Wisconsin – Marinette County – the Eighteen Foot Falls is a wild waterfall and the largest of the “Foot Falls” in the county. The Eighteen Foot Falls is reached by a relatively comfortable 10-minute hike along a rough and uneven trail, which can be found by first visiting Twelve Foot Falls. The best way to reach Eighteen Foot Falls is to leave Twelve Foot Falls Park, head north on Twelve Foot Falls Road, and drive or walk around half a mile to a small parking area. Follow the trail to the Pike River and look for the signs to Eighteen Foot Falls. The trail ends at the top of the falls.Cost:
$5 parking/day pass for county park access.Best time to visit:
Spring and early summer for best flow; fall for colorful foliage and crisp hiking weather.Local tips:
Wear good hiking shoes—trails can be slick and uneven. The viewpoint starts at the top of the falls, so take care near the edge.Distance:
1 hour and 30 minutes from Green Bay, WI.How to Get to Eighteen Foot Falls:
From Green Bay, take US-141 North to County Road C. Continue to Twelve Foot Falls Road and park at Twelve Foot Falls Park. Head north about half a mile to the trailhead parking for Eighteen Foot Falls and follow posted signs.Address:
Eighteen Foot Falls, 12 Foot Falls Rd, Dunbar, WI 54119Phone: 800-236-6681
Waterfalls for Hikers
9. Fonferek Falls - 15 minutes from Green Bay
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Location:
Brown County, WISummary:
Fonferek Falls and Fonferek Glen are found in Brown County, just south of Green Bay, and are surrounded by beautiful rolling farmlands. The 20-foot falls are fed by Bower Creek, which is best viewed after a good rainfall, however, they still offer an exciting place to visit due to the glen in which they are found. Fonferek Falls is set within the Fonferek Glen, which features 50-foot-high walls and a beautiful arch that was believed to have been created by a cow walking through part of the glen. Located off Dutchman Road, otherwise known as County Road, the falls can be reached from a parking area next to a farm, however, the glen is hidden from view from here.Cost:
Free admission.Best time to visit:
After recent rainfall to see the falls at full strength; early fall for crisp air and golden farmland views.Local tips:
The glen isn’t visible from the parking area—follow the trail in. Trails can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.Distance:
15 minutes from Green Bay, WI.How to Get to Fonferek Falls:
From Green Bay, head south on County Highway GV, then turn left onto Dutchman Road. Look for the small parking area next to farmland—trail signage for Fonferek Glen will guide you from there.Address:
Fonferek Falls, Fonferek Glen, South of Green Bay, Brown County, Wisconsin10. Foster Falls - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth
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Location:
North of Upson, Iron County, WISummary:
Located in a remote location, 6 miles north of Upson in Iron County, Foster Falls is 25 feet high and the tenth highest waterfall in Wisconsin. Fed by the Potato River and situated where the Potato River splits into two, with the western branch cascading down a gentle slope and the eastern branch sliding over a steep drop. The west branch of Foster Falls is the main drop of the falls and is wild with no barriers or fences of any kind and can be reached by clambering over the rocks. Foster Falls can be reached from Sullivan Fire Lane, down a short side road to the right that leads to a turnaround. The trail to the falls begins here and continues to the dead end at the river upstream of the falls.Cost:
Free access.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for easier trail access and steady river flow.Local tips:
This is a no-frills site—bring sturdy shoes, water, and let someone know you’re heading off the grid. No restrooms or facilities are nearby.Distance:
1 hour and 30 minutes from Duluth, MN.How to Get to Foster Falls:
From Duluth, take US-2 East to WI-122 South. Near Upson, turn onto Sullivan Fire Lane and look for a small side road to the right that ends in a turnaround. Park here and follow the trail to the river and upstream to the falls.Address:
Foster Falls, Sullivan Fire Lane, North of Upson in Iron County, WisconsinPlan Your Trip