Exploring Waterfalls in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a great state for waterfall adventures. Put together here are some of the more prominent ones, separated by county, for those who wish to spend some time exploring the falls.

ASHLAND COUNTY

Three of Ashland County's waterfalls reside in Copper Falls State Park - Brownstone Falls drops 30 feet into the Tyler Forks River. A short distance upstream is Copper Falls, also 30 feet high. The last, Red Granite Falls, is more of a series of steep rapids than a waterfall, but still worth the look. The park also offers camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and more. To get there, take Highway 13 to the north side of Mellen and head northeast on Highway 169. Go about 2 miles and look for the park entrance on the left.

Morgan Falls is a very thin, but very high (about 70 feet) waterfall located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It's a little over a mile's hike roundtrip to see this fall.

BROWN COUNTY

Just a few miles south of Green Bay is 30-foot Fonferek Falls, located in Fonferek's Glen. Though the glen itself is beautiful, it's diffcult to catch the waterfall, which is located along Bower Creek, when it has a lot of water to it. The best chance of seeing it at full force is in the spring, preferably right after the melt. To get there from Green Bay, take Highway 43 towards Milwaukee to County MM, and make a right. Take MM to Memory Lane and turn right in the park entrance. From the parking lot, it's just a short walk to the waterfall overlook (follow the arrow markers).

Another waterfall that only has a lot of water after a snowmelt or heavy rain is the Wequiock Falls. Again, it's best to go in the spring. It's only 25 feet in height, but can be quite beautiful when there is a lot of water to it. The Wequiock Falls Park itself is worth the visit. From I-43, take exit #185 and head northeast on Sturgeon Bay Rd. (Highway 57) for about 7 miles, after which you will see a sign for the park.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Amnicon State Park houses four waterfalls - the upper and lower Amnicon Falls, Snake Pit Falls, and the Now and Then Falls. The upper Amnicon Falls is only 15 feet high, and the lower falls is more like the rapids. Both are worth the view, though. The Snake Pit Falls is about 25 feet in height, split into two drops of a little over 10 feet each, with several smaller drops above the falls. The Now and Then Falls are named for a reason - the best (and possibly only) time to view these is in the spring, as by the time the summer comes it is pretty dry. The park is about 10 miles southeast of Superior.

Douglas County has the honor of boasting the state's highest waterfall - Big Manitou Falls - which tumbles 165 feet into the Black River. Located in Pattison State Park, visitors also have the options to camp, hike, swim, boat, and fish. In the same park is Little Manitou Falls which, in spite of being a baby at 30 feet compared to the bigger drop, is very scenic. Pattison State Park is about 13 miles south of Superior.

IRON COUNTY

Iron County is probably the area that holds the most known waterfalls in the state. Many, such as the Foster Falls (5 miles north of Upson, along the Potato River), are in remote areas.

Gile Falls resides 2 miles southwest of Hurley, dropping 15 feet into the West Fork of the Montreal River. A short walk brings you to a bridge above the waterfall, or you can choose just to view from the road.

Lake of the Falls are just 10 feet high, but a day spent in Lake of the Falls County Park is worth the visit alone. The park is 6 miles west of Mercer, along the Turtle River.

Beautiful Peterson Falls drop 35 feet into the Montreal River. Just a few miles upstream from Saxon Falls, this area is said to be in a remote location but is not hard to get to at all. To get there, head west from Hurley about a mile (past the US 2/US 51 interchance) and look for a small Peterson Falls sign. Once you find it and park, it's about a 10 minute walk to the falls.

90-foot Potato River Falls is one of the most interesting and massive waterfalls in the state. Picnic and camping areas are also available in the park. Located in Gurney on Highway 169, the park is at the end of Potato River Falls Road.

Upson Falls is a pretty small, but interesting waterfall. Located in the Upson Community Park in the town of Upson. A picnic area and camping are also available.

MARINETTE COUNTY

Another great area for waterfalls is Marinette County. Dave's Falls is small, but easy to get to and worth the sight. Located a short distance south of Amberg on Highway 141 on the Pike River, in Dave's Falls County Park.

Long Slide Falls is a beautiful waterfall that drops about 50 feet through steep, slanted rocks. To get there, head north from Pembine on US 8/141. Follow the signs to Morgan Park, which will lead you to the falls.