Discover the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Wisconsin

Location:

South Range, WI

Highlights:

If you're looking for a short drive to a stunning set of waterfalls, Amnicon Falls State Park is a gem. Just 25 minutes from Duluth, these cascading falls are perfect for a peaceful day of nature, photography, and a splash of adventure.

Recommended For:

Waterfall enthusiasts, families, hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a scenic stop near the Twin Ports.

What we Love:

A quartet of beautiful waterfalls, a rustic bridge with history, and shady riverside trails that make you forget you’re near a city.

• See the upper and lower Amnicon Falls, both around 15 feet tall—the upper a plunging drop, the lower a scenic 15-foot slide over 30 feet of riverbed.
• Stroll across a historic covered bridge that spans the river between the two main falls—it's a photo favorite!
• Explore additional waterfalls including seasonal Now and Then Falls and the dramatic Snake Pit Falls on side trails.
• Relax along short wooded hikes and enjoy quiet picnic spots right beside the water.

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 54874
Phone: 715-398-3000

Location:

Superior, WI

Highlights:

If you want to feel the power of nature up close, Big Manitou Falls is an unforgettable stop. Just 25 minutes from Duluth, this legendary waterfall plunges 165 feet—making it the tallest in Wisconsin and one of the most awe-inspiring in the Midwest.

Recommended For:

Waterfall seekers, nature photographers, history lovers, families, and anyone chasing iconic views in northern Wisconsin.

What we Love:

A thundering drop fed by the Black River, Native American legends that surround it, and scenic trails in a state park dedicated to protecting its beauty.

• Witness Big Manitou Falls, a dramatic 165-foot cascade with a 10-foot crest—the highest waterfall in the state.
• Learn about the spiritual significance of “Gitchee Manitou,” the name given by Native American tribes who believed the falls echoed the voice of the Great Spirit.
• Explore the trails and scenic overlooks at Pattison State Park, founded in 1920 and expanded for preservation in 2003.
• Enjoy a peaceful picnic, camping opportunities, and access to the nearby Little Manitou Falls for a gentler trail experience.

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 54880
Phone: 715-399-3111

Romantic Waterfalls

Location:

Keshena, WI

Highlights:

If you’re after an off-the-beaten-path adventure with a side of power and culture, Big Smokey Falls delivers. Just over an hour from Green Bay, this rugged cascade on the Wolf River is both beautiful and humbling, especially when the water’s roaring.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, tribal history buffs, river rafters, and hikers who don’t mind getting their boots muddy.

What we Love:

The raw power of the Wolf River pouring around a midstream island, the footbridge that lets you stand above the falls, and the cultural significance of visiting Menominee land.

• View the 20-foot cascading drop of Big Smokey Falls, divided by a rocky island and surrounded by forested riverbanks.
• Walk across the bridge above the falls for an up-close look and photo ops—note there's a small seasonal fee to cross.
• Explore Wolf River Dells, about a mile upstream, where narrow gorges and ledges offer more scenic views and calmer picnic spots.

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 54135
Phone: 877-209-5866

Location:

Mellen, WI

Highlights:

If dramatic gorges and hidden waterfalls are your thing, Brownstone Falls won’t disappoint. Just 90 minutes from Duluth, this photogenic cascade is tucked into one of Wisconsin’s most rugged and scenic state parks.

Recommended For:

Hikers, geology buffs, waterfall chasers, and anyone looking for a full day of scenic views and forested trails.

What we Love:

The rich reddish-brown rock surrounding a 30-foot waterfall drop, the roaring convergence of two rivers, and nearby trail access to other park waterfalls like Copper Falls.

• Admire Brownstone Falls as it plunges 30 feet from Tyler’s Fork into the Bad River Gorge, framed by colorful rock walls.
• Explore the Doughboys Nature Trail for the best overlook points—though access into the gorge itself is restricted for safety.
• Discover other nearby waterfalls like Copper Falls and Red Granite Falls within this 3,000-acre park filled with scenic hiking loops.
• Enjoy picnic areas, wooded campsites, and bridges that crisscross over lively river rapids.

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 54546
Phone: 715-274-5123

Waterfalls for Families

Location:

Osceola, WI

Highlights:

If you love charming small towns with big scenic payoffs, Cascade Falls in Osceola is a hidden gem. Just an hour from Minneapolis, it’s the kind of quick nature escape that blends waterfall views with village strolls and river walks.

Recommended For:

Families, casual hikers, photographers, history lovers, and road-trippers exploring the St. Croix River Valley.

What we Love:

An easily accessible 25-foot waterfall right off the main road, a shaded stairway leading to a riverside trail, and the small-town charm of Osceola.

• Visit Cascade Falls, a 25-foot drop with a 30-foot crest that tumbles into a deep gorge carved by the St. Croix River.
• Descend the staircase off Route 35 to reach the base of the falls and continue along a trail to the riverfront.
• Learn about the town’s history—Cascade Falls helped power a 19th-century mill and brewery, around which the village grew.
• Enjoy nearby cafés, local shops, and scenic views along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

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, Wisconsin

Location:

Mellen, WI

Highlights:

If you're craving a big dose of rugged beauty and rushing water, Copper Falls is the place. Just 90 minutes from Duluth, this double-drop waterfall is the heart of one of Wisconsin’s most scenic state parks—and it’s easy to access, too.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, families, and accessibility-minded visitors looking for dramatic waterfalls and wild Northwoods scenery.

What we Love:

A split waterfall plunging through rocky terrain, scenic overlooks on accessible trails, and the peaceful power of the Bad River slicing through ancient gorges.

• See Copper Falls cascade in two sections around a central rock, with the flow depending on seasonal rainfall for its volume and roar.
• Stroll the Doughboys Nature Trail for multiple viewpoints—this loop is partially wheelchair-accessible and offers great photo ops of both Copper and nearby Brownstone Falls.
• Explore Copper Falls State Park’s forested trails, river bridges, and picnic areas, all set in a gorgeously carved landscape.
• Discover the confluence of the Bad River and Tyler’s Fork just below Brownstone Falls, where the gorge narrows and the views become even more dramatic.

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 54546
Phone: 715-274-5123

Falls For Photographers

Location:

Amberg, WI

Highlights:

If you’re road-tripping up north and want a quick scenic stop with big payoff, Dave’s Falls is a winner. Just over an hour from Green Bay, these compact but lively waterfalls are a favorite for rock-hopping, photo ops, and soaking in the sounds of the rushing Pike River.

Recommended For:

Families, road-trippers, photographers, waterfall collectors, and anyone who loves scenic picnic spots with a side of adventure.

What we Love:

Upper and lower cascades you can scramble around, rugged riverside boulders, and easy access just off US 41 make this an ideal stop on the go.

• See the upper falls—a broad 6-foot sliding cascade—and the lower falls, which funnel through a narrow chute and drop about 10 feet.
• Explore the rocky riverside terrain to find the perfect viewpoint or snap the ultimate waterfall shot.
• Relax with a picnic in the surrounding forest or dip your toes in the water on a warm summer day.

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, Wisconsin

Location:

Dunbar, WI

Highlights:

Looking for a true backwoods adventure with a waterfall payoff? Just 90 minutes from Green Bay, Eighteen Foot Falls is the wildest of Marinette County’s "Foot Falls"—worth every step of the rugged hike.

Recommended For:

Adventurous hikers, waterfall lovers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to get off the beaten path.

What we Love:

A quiet, unspoiled trail leading to one of the county’s tallest natural cascades, surrounded by forest and the flowing Pike River.

• Find Eighteen Foot Falls at the end of a 10-minute hike through uneven woodland terrain—it’s the largest of the “Foot Falls.”
• Start your journey from Twelve Foot Falls Park and follow signs north along Twelve Foot Falls Road to a small parking area.
• Admire the 18-foot drop as the Pike River tumbles over a rugged rocky ledge in the middle of dense Northwoods scenery.

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 54119
Phone: 800-236-6681

Waterfalls for Hikers

Location:

Brown County, WI

Highlights:

If you're looking for a quick natural getaway just outside the city, Fonferek Falls delivers charm and geology in equal measure. Only 15 minutes from Green Bay, it’s a peaceful escape with a 20-foot waterfall and a hidden gorge worth discovering.

Recommended For:

Casual hikers, families, local explorers, photographers, and anyone in need of a scenic break close to town.

What we Love:

A striking glen with 50-foot limestone walls, a naturally sculpted stone arch, and a waterfall that flows best after rain—plus plenty of legends and peaceful farmland surroundings.

• Visit Fonferek Falls, a 20-foot drop along Bower Creek nestled inside a dramatic limestone gorge.
• Wander through Fonferek Glen, a hidden gem featuring towering canyon walls and a mysterious natural stone arch.
• Relax with a picnic or enjoy a short walk from the parking lot into a scenic area that feels worlds away from nearby city life.

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, Wisconsin

Location:

North of Upson, Iron County, WI

Highlights:

If you’re craving a true wilderness experience with a waterfall at the end of the trail, Foster Falls is the spot. Just 90 minutes from Duluth, this remote 25-foot waterfall offers rugged beauty, zero crowds, and a refreshing dose of off-the-grid adventure.

Recommended For:

Experienced hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys wild, unspoiled waterfalls.

What we Love:

Two branches of the Potato River creating unique cascades, a wild setting with no railings or barriers, and a quiet trail that rewards your effort with serenity and scenic views.

• See Foster Falls split into two branches—one sliding gently and the other plunging steeply—framed by rugged rocks and dense forest.
• Hike a short but adventurous trail from Sullivan Fire Lane to a riverbank turnaround, where the path leads to the falls.
• Clamber across natural rocks for close-up views of the cascades—there are no fences or platforms, just nature at its wildest.

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, Wisconsin