Wisconsin Waterfalls: Complete Explorer’s Guide

Stephens Falls Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville

Wisconsin harbors more than 40 accessible waterfalls scattered across its northern forests and central valleys, with the vast majority concentrated in the state's rugged Northwoods. The big story for waterfall hunters: Marinette County claims the title of "Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin" with 15 falls accessible via self-guided driving tours, while Pattison State Park boasts Big Manitou Falls—at 165 feet, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth-highest east of the Rocky Mountains. Families will find exceptional variety, from wheelchair-accessible overlooks at Big Manitou to natural swimming holes at Amnicon Falls, though southern Wisconsin visitors should know that waterfalls become genuinely rare south of Wausau.

This guide covers every notable waterfall in the state, organized by region with practical trip-planning details for families with children of all ages.

Northern Wisconsin: Where the giants live

Northern Wisconsin contains the state's most impressive waterfalls, concentrated around the Lake Superior basin where ancient volcanic rock and major river systems create dramatic drops. Three state parks anchor the region: Pattison, Copper Falls, and Amnicon Falls.

Pattison State Park: Home of Wisconsin's tallest waterfall

Location: Douglas County, 10 miles south of Superior on Highway 35

Big Manitou Falls plunges 165 feet down a basalt gorge on the Black River, making it Wisconsin's undisputed champion and the fourth-highest waterfall east of the Rockies. The Ojibwa called it "Gitchi Monido" (Great Spirit) and believed they could hear the spirit's voice in the roaring cascade. The falls are wheelchair accessible via paved paths leading to multiple overlooks—one of the best accessible waterfall experiences in the Midwest.

Detail Information Height 165 feet (cascading plunge) Trail distance 0.5 mile via Big Manitou Falls Trail Difficulty Easy—paved portions, stairs to additional viewpoints Accessibility Wheelchair accessible to overlooks; tunnel under Highway 35 connects parking to falls Dogs allowed Yes, on leash (8 ft max) Swimming Not at falls; 300-foot sandy beach at Interfalls Lake Best season Spring for peak flow; fall for foliage; winter for ice formations Fees Wisconsin State Park pass ($13/day resident, $16 non-resident; $28/$38 annual)

Little Manitou Falls (31 feet) lies 2.5 miles upstream via the Beaver Slide Nature Trail. This twin-stream cascade offers a more intimate experience where visitors can wade in the shallow basin at the base—excellent for children who want to explore rocks and splash.

Photography tip: Big Manitou offers multiple viewing platforms on both sides of the gorge. Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and catch softer light. A tripod enables stunning long-exposure shots of the cascading water.

Nearby attractions: Amnicon Falls State Park (30 minutes), Fairlawn Mansion in Superior, Brule River State Forest.

Copper Falls State Park: Three waterfalls on one trail

Location: Ashland County, 2 miles from Mellen

Copper Falls State Park delivers exceptional waterfall density along the 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail loop, which passes three distinct waterfalls carved through billion-year-old volcanic basalt. The iron-rich water creates distinctive reddish-brown coloring unique to this area.

Copper Falls drops 29-40 feet in multi-tiered cascades on the Bad River. Brownstone Falls (30 feet) tumbles from the Tyler Forks River and merges with the Bad River just downstream. The Tyler Forks Cascades add additional rapids along the loop. For a fourth waterfall, the Red Granite Falls Trail extends 2.5 miles to the park's southern section.

Critical dog information: Pets are NOT allowed on Doughboy's Nature Trail or the CCC 692 Trail. However, dogs ARE permitted on the Red Granite Falls Trail and Vahtera Trail, making this a partial option for dog owners.

Detail Copper Falls Brownstone Falls Height 29-40 feet 30 feet Type Multi-tiered cascade Cascade Accessibility Partial—0.5-mile section graded for wheelchairs Accessible viewing deck Swimming Not at falls; Loon Lake beach available N/A

Family suitability: The Doughboy Trail involves rocky steps, steep inclines, and narrow bridges—best for children ages 6+ who are comfortable with uneven terrain. The park's 65-foot observation tower (142 steps) offers panoramic views for older kids and teens.

Best season: Fall delivers spectacular hardwood colors (reds, oranges, golds). Spring and early summer provide peak water flow after snowmelt.

Amnicon Falls State Park: Best for swimming and easy exploration

Location: Douglas County, 15 miles east of Superior on County Road U

Amnicon Falls packs four waterfalls into a compact 828-acre park, connected by a 0.6-mile loop trail that families can complete in under an hour. The park's signature feature: a 55-foot covered wooden footbridge that spans the river between the Upper and Lower Falls—perhaps the most photographed waterfall scene in Wisconsin.

Swimming and wading are permitted at both Upper and Lower Falls areas when water levels allow. The water reaches comfortable temperatures by July, making this the top family swimming destination among Wisconsin's waterfall parks.

Waterfall Height Notable Feature Upper Falls Multi-drop cascade Swimming area below Lower Falls Multi-drop cascade Accessible from covered bridge Snake Pit Falls Two separate drops On main loop trail Now and Then Falls Seasonal Best after rain

Accessibility: Paved paths reach some overlooks and one side of the covered bridge. Not fully wheelchair accessible throughout.

Geology highlight: The Douglas Fault, formed 500 million years ago, created these falls. Dark basalt from billion-year-old lava flows (Upper Falls) sits beside Lake Superior sandstone (Lower Falls)—a visible timeline of Earth's history.

Camping: 36 rustic sites (no electricity, no showers)—excellent for a budget family camping trip combining swimming and waterfall viewing.

Iron County: The waterfall-richest county in Wisconsin

Iron County in Wisconsin's far north claims more waterfalls than any other county in the state, with 14+ documented falls along rivers draining toward Lake Superior.

Potato River Falls (near Gurney) features two dramatic waterfalls—Upper Falls (40 feet, multi-directional drops) and Lower Falls (50 feet tall, 100 feet wide)—within a free Iron County park. The catch: reaching them requires descending 130-190 stairs with handrails and rest platforms. Not wheelchair accessible, but manageable for most families willing to climb.

• Camping: 5 free rustic sites (first-come, first-served, up to 2 weeks)

• Swimming: Possible at river level below the falls

• Dogs: Allowed on leash

• Best season: May-July for peak flow; fall for spectacular foliage

Superior Falls (90-110 feet) marks the Wisconsin-Michigan border where the Montreal River plunges into Lake Superior through a dramatic gorge. The upper viewpoint offers easy access; reaching the base requires a steep, cable-assisted descent unsuitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors. Free admission (maintained by Xcel Energy).

Saxon Falls (90 feet) cascades through one of the Midwest's deepest gorges. Access requires climbing and is not family-friendly, but the dramatic scenery rewards adventurous teens and adults.

Apostle Islands area: Hidden gems near Lake Superior

The Bayfield Peninsula offers several lesser-known waterfalls that combine beautifully with Apostle Islands exploration.

Siskiwit Falls (near Cornucopia) functions as a natural waterslide—locals actually slide down the 10-foot main cascade using inflatables or cushions. The falls are free (Bayfield County property), require minimal walking from parking, and allow dogs. Best family swimming waterfall in the region when water conditions permit.

Lost Creek Falls (1.5 miles one-way hike from Cornucopia) drops 8-15 feet and allows visitors to walk behind the falls for a unique experience. The 3-mile round-trip trail features boardwalks and gravel sections suitable for older children. Wear water shoes to explore behind the falls.

Morgan Falls (Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest) earns distinction as one of the region's most accessible waterfalls—the trail was reconstructed in 2002 specifically for wheelchair accessibility. A 70-100 foot elegant cascade drops down a granite face, reached via a 1.2-mile round-trip graveled, flat-slope trail with boardwalks. $5 U.S. Forest Service day-use fee.

The Morgan Falls trail continues to St. Peter's Dome (3.6 miles round trip total), the highest point in the national forest with panoramic views of Chequamegon Bay and the Apostle Islands—an excellent challenge for teenagers.

Marinette County: Wisconsin's waterfall capital

Marinette County in northeastern Wisconsin contains 15 officially recognized waterfalls along three river systems (Pike, Peshtigo, and Thunder Rivers), earning its "Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin" designation. The county offers four self-guided waterfall tours totaling approximately 102 miles of driving.

Fees: $5 day pass or $25 annual pass for all Marinette County parks. Discounts available for veterans and seniors.

The essential Marinette County waterfalls

Long Slide Falls is Marinette County's tallest at 50 feet, sliding dramatically through distinctive rock structures on the Pemebonwon River. The overlook requires an easy 0.25-mile walk; reaching the base demands a challenging 30-40 foot scramble down rocky terrain—best photos come from the difficult descent. Watch for poison ivy.

Dave's Falls (near Amberg) offers the best combination of accessibility and swimming. The upper falls (6 feet) and lower falls (10 feet) on the Pike River feature a large wading pool where families can splash safely. Facilities include a playground, restrooms, picnic tables, and a walking bridge over the river.

Veteran's Falls (Veterans Memorial Park near Crivitz) provides a three-tier cascade with a wooden bridge directly over the upper waterfall for dramatic overhead photographs. The park offers 15 electric campsites and a wading area where one waterfall can actually be slid down or jumped off—the most adventure-friendly option for older kids and teenagers.

Twelve Foot Falls plunges into a pool popular for swimming. Combined with nearby Eight Foot Falls (5-minute walk through the campground), this makes an excellent half-day destination. 12 rustic campsites available May-October.

Complete Marinette County waterfall reference

Waterfall Height Difficulty Swimming Family Rating Long Slide Falls 50 ft Easy to overlook; difficult to base Possible at base Teens+ for full experience Dave's Falls 10 ft (lower) Moderate Yes—upper pool ★★★★★ Veteran's Falls 10-15 ft Moderate (stairs) Yes—wading, jumping ★★★★★ Twelve Foot Falls 12 ft Easy Yes ★★★★★ Eight Foot Falls 8 ft Moderate Limited ★★★★ Strong Falls (Goodman Park) Series of cascades Easy-moderate Check conditions ★★★★ McClintock Falls Rapids/series Moderate No ★★★★ Smalley Falls Chute falls Difficult No Experienced hikers Horseshoe Falls Horseshoe-shaped cascade Moderate Check conditions ★★★★ Eighteen Foot Falls 18 ft Difficult Yes—pool at base Older kids/teens Bull Falls Scenic cascade Difficult—no trail No Adults only Four Foot Falls 4 ft Moderate Limited ★★★★ Carney Rapids Small falls Easy—visible from road No ★★★★★ Piers Gorge Class IV-V rapids Moderate (trail) No—dangerous ★★★ (viewing only) Quiver Falls Roaring stretch Easy No ★★★★

Piers Gorge deserves special mention—while not a traditional waterfall, its Class IV-V rapids through 200-foot cliffs on the Menominee River create one of the Midwest's most dramatic whitewater scenes. Commercial rafting operators (Kosir's Rapid Rafts, True North Outpost) offer guided trips. The 3-mile round-trip viewing trail on the Michigan side is family-accessible.

Best strategy: Plan 2-3 days to thoroughly explore Marinette County waterfalls. All locations are dog-friendly.

Central Wisconsin: The Dells of the Eau Claire

Central Wisconsin offers limited waterfall options, but one destination stands out as potentially the best family water destination in the state.

Dells of the Eau Claire County Park

Location: Marathon County, 25 minutes east of Wausau

This isn't a single waterfall but rather a spectacular series of cascades, rapids, and potholes carved through 1.8-billion-year-old volcanic rock—some of the oldest exposed bedrock in North America. The Precambrian-age rhyolite schist has been tilted to near-vertical positions, creating dramatic formations.

Why families love it: The combination of rushing water, carved potholes, and large flat rocks creates a natural water playground. Children can wade in shallow pools, explore rock formations, and picnic on smooth stone surfaces. A designated beach above the dam provides traditional swimming.

Detail Information Trail loop 1.5 miles (mostly flat) Difficulty Easy—well-maintained, some stairs Swimming Yes—designated beach above dam; NOT in gorge area (dangerous) Dogs Allowed on leash (not at beach or picnic areas) Camping 28 sites (16 electric), open May-October Recognition Listed on National Register of Historic Places (2016)

Distance from Milwaukee: Approximately 180 miles (3+ hours). Worth combining with a camping trip rather than as a day trip.

Southern Wisconsin

Waterfalls are genuinely rare in southern Wisconsin. Families based in Milwaukee or Madison will find the best options clustered around the Baraboo Hills and Driftless Area.

Pewit's Nest State Natural Area

Location: Sauk County, 2 miles southwest of Baraboo (2 hours from Milwaukee, 45 minutes from Madison)

A 30-40 foot deep sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek, featuring a series of potholes and low waterfalls. The main cascade drops into a turquoise-colored pool where swimming is permitted—but cliff jumping carries a $175 fine due to serious injury history.

• Trail: 0.4-mile out-and-back (10 minutes)

• Parking: Small lot (~20 cars) fills quickly on nice days

• Dogs: Not allowed

• Best view: Requires wading into the creek

• Fees: Wisconsin State Park pass required

Family caution: The gorge walls are steep and the area requires supervision. Waterproof shoes essential for the best waterfall views.

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

Location: Within Devil's Lake State Park boundaries, Sauk County (separate entrance near Merrimac)

Wisconsin's first designated State Natural Area (1952) features a 100-foot-deep sandstone gorge ending at a delicate "lacy waterfall." The unique "plum pudding stone" walls contain embedded quartzite pebbles.

• Trail: 1.6-1.7 miles round-trip through the streambed

• Difficulty: Moderate—rock scrambling, boulder hopping, creek crossing required

• Dogs: Strictly prohibited

• Swimming: Must remain within 20 feet of creek bed

Best for: Older children comfortable with uneven terrain and wet conditions.

Stephens Falls at Governor Dodge State Park

Location: Iowa County near Dodgeville (1.75 hours from Milwaukee, 1 hour from Madison)

This 20-foot spring-fed cascade drops over a mossy cliff into a small pool. Unlike seasonal northern falls, Stephens Falls flows year-round due to its spring source.

• Trail: 0.3-0.5 miles to falls (paved trail to overlook)

• Accessibility: Paved 0.25-mile trail to overlook is wheelchair/stroller accessible; stone steps to base are not

• Dogs: Allowed on leash on designated trails

• Best season: Spring for flow; winter for spectacular ice formations

Bonus: Governor Dodge's 5,270 acres include 40+ miles of trails, two lakes for swimming and kayaking, and camping—making this an excellent multi-day family destination.

Fonferek's Glen: The frozen waterfall destination

Location: Brown County, 15 minutes from Green Bay

A 30-foot waterfall over dolomite cliff along the Niagara Escarpment, featuring a natural stone archway. The falls often run dry during mid-summer, making spring (or heavy rainfall) essential for water viewing.

Winter highlight: Fonferek's Glen transforms into one of Wisconsin's best frozen waterfall destinations—visitors can carefully walk behind the ice formations.

• Accessibility: Gravel trail to overlook IS wheelchair and stroller accessible

• Fee: Free

• Dogs: Allowed on leash

• Hours: 8 AM to sunset (gate closes automatically)

Willow Falls: Western Wisconsin's showpiece

Location: Willow River State Park, St. Croix County, near Hudson (4.5 hours from Milwaukee, 3 hours from Madison)

While technically in western Wisconsin rather than the south, Willow Falls ranks among the state's most photogenic waterfalls—nearly 100 feet wide with multiple cascading tiers dropping through a 200-foot gorge.

• Trail: 1.3-1.5 miles from main parking via Burkhardt Trail

• Alternative: 0.3-mile steep shortcut from Willow Falls Hill Trail parking

• Swimming: Pools below falls "usually very swimmable" per park rangers

• Camping: 72 sites (high occupancy—book ahead)

• Annual visitors: 300,000+ (one of Wisconsin's most visited state parks)

Best season: Spring delivers maximum water power; winter creates stunning ice formations blending with running water.

Milwaukee-area waterfalls

For local options requiring no major travel:

Lake Park Waterfall (Milwaukee) is a restored 30+ foot Lannon stone waterfall designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (Central Park designer)—the highest waterfall in southeastern Wisconsin, though man-made.

Wehr Nature Center (Franklin) offers a gentle waterfall on a 3/4-mile stroller-friendly boardwalk trail with a Nature Play Space.

Kletzsch Park Dam (Glendale) provides a scenic cascade on the Milwaukee River along the Oak Leaf Trail.

Quick reference: Waterfalls by category

State parks with multiple waterfalls

Park Number of Falls Best For Copper Falls State Park 4 Fall colors, geology Pattison State Park 2 Wisconsin's tallest, accessibility Amnicon Falls State Park 4 Swimming, covered bridge photography Willow River State Park 1 major Width, swimming

Best waterfalls for swimming and wading

1. Dells of the Eau Claire (Marathon County) — Natural pools and potholes

2. Amnicon Falls (Douglas County) — Pools below Upper and Lower Falls

3. Siskiwit Falls (Bayfield County) — Natural waterslide

4. Dave's Falls (Marinette County) — Upper falls wading pool

5. Veteran's Falls (Marinette County) — Wading area, jumpable falls

6. Twelve Foot Falls (Marinette County) — Pool at base

7. Little Manitou Falls (Douglas County) — Shallow basin for splashing

Dog-friendly waterfall hikes

All Marinette County waterfalls (15 total) allow leashed dogs. State park dog policies:

Park Dogs Allowed? Restrictions Pattison State Park ✅ Yes Leash required (8 ft max); not at beach Copper Falls State Park ⚠️ Limited NOT on Doughboy's Trail; YES on Red Granite Falls Trail Amnicon Falls State Park ✅ Yes Leash required Willow River State Park ✅ Yes Designated pet picnic area Governor Dodge State Park ✅ Yes Has separate pet swim area at lake

Accessible waterfalls (wheelchair/stroller-friendly)

Waterfall Accessibility Level Big Manitou Falls ✅ Excellent—paved paths to multiple overlooks Morgan Falls ✅ Excellent—purpose-built accessible trail Fonferek's Glen ✅ Gravel trail to overlook Stephens Falls ✅ Paved trail to overlook Little Manitou Falls ✅ Paved path from parking Copper Falls/Brownstone ⚠️ Partial—0.5 mile section accessible Carney Rapids ✅ Visible from road bridge

Scenic drives with minimal hiking

• Little Manitou Falls — Parking lot nearby, paved path through pines

• Cascade Falls (Osceola) — Downtown location, park on highway

• Carney Rapids — Visible from roadway bridge

• Dave's Falls — Steps from Highway 141

• Siskiwit Falls — Short walk from parking

Tribal lands: Access requirements

Wolf River Falls on Menominee Indian Reservation includes Big Smokey Falls, Sullivan Falls, Lower Dells, and Tea Kettle/Upper Dells. Single-use permits required through the Menominee Tribal Licensing and Permit Department for any rafting or kayaking. Note: This is Class IV expert-level whitewater, not casual viewing.

Bad River Reservation encompasses 16,000 acres of wetlands including Bad River sloughs. Tribal permission required to hike, explore tribal lands, or navigate tribal waters. Contact the Bad River Tribal Office in advance.

Menominee River State Recreation Area (including Quiver Falls and Pemene Falls) is NOT tribal land—managed by Wisconsin/Michigan DNR and open to the public without special permits.

Seasonal planning guide

Spring (April-June): Peak waterfall season

Spring snowmelt creates the most dramatic waterfall displays. Saxon Falls and Superior Falls in particular require spring visits or heavy rainfall to show their full multi-level flow. Northern trails may be muddy; swimming water is too cold and fast. Mosquitoes emerge late spring—bring repellent.

Summer (July-August): Swimming season

Water volume decreases significantly; some falls slow to a trickle. Best for swimming destinations like Dells of the Eau Claire, Amnicon Falls, and Siskiwit Falls. Expect crowds and higher campsite prices at popular parks.

Fall (September-October): Photography season

Fall foliage dramatically enhances waterfall scenery, particularly at Potato River Falls and Copper Falls State Park. Water flow remains moderate, crowds thin, and temperatures are ideal for hiking.

Winter (November-March): Ice formation season

Wisconsin's waterfalls transform into frozen spectacles:

• Big Manitou Falls — 165-foot frozen cascade

• Willow Falls — Blend of ice and running water

• Fonferek's Glen — Walk behind frozen falls

• Stephens Falls — Spring-fed, dramatic ice formations

• Parfrey's Glen — Ice crystals on sandstone walls

Many state park trails remain open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Family-friendliness guide by age group

Best for toddlers (ages 1-4)

Short, safe trails with enclosed viewing areas:

1. Little Manitou Falls — Paved path, can splash in shallow basin

2. Amnicon Falls — 0.6-mile loop, covered bridge, multiple platforms

3. Cascade Falls (Osceola) — Downtown, no hiking required

4. Stephens Falls — Paved trail to overlook

Best for elementary-age children (ages 5-11)

Longer trails with exploration opportunities:

1. Copper Falls State Park — 1.8-mile Doughboy Trail, multiple waterfalls

2. Dave's Falls — Upper falls wading pool, playground

3. Dells of the Eau Claire — Natural water playground

4. Marinette County waterfall tours — Multiple falls, varying difficulty

Best for teenagers

Instagram-worthy falls and challenge hikes:

1. Big Manitou Falls — Wisconsin's tallest, dramatic photography

2. Morgan Falls + St. Peter's Dome — Challenge hike to panoramic views

3. Lost Creek Falls — Walk behind the falls

4. Piers Gorge — Dramatic Class IV rapids viewing (or guided rafting)

5. Saxon Falls — 90-foot drop through Midwest's deepest gorge

Three-day waterfall road trip itinerary

Day 1: Marinette County (Waterfall Capital)

• Morning: Veteran's Falls (swimming/wading)

• Late morning: McClintock Falls and Strong Falls (Goodman Park)

• Afternoon: Twelve Foot Falls and Eight Foot Falls

• Evening: Camp at Twelve Foot Falls or Goodman Park

Day 2: Iron County to Ashland

• Morning: Long Slide Falls and Smalley Falls

• Drive to Iron County

• Afternoon: Potato River Falls (upper and lower)

• Late afternoon: Drive to Copper Falls State Park area

• Evening: Camp at Copper Falls State Park

Day 3: Copper Falls to Pattison

• Morning: Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, Tyler Forks Cascades via Doughboy Trail

• Lunch: Mellen

• Afternoon: Drive to Pattison State Park

• Late afternoon: Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls

• Optional: Amnicon Falls State Park (30 minutes from Pattison)

Total waterfalls: 15+ | Total driving: ~200 miles over 3 days

Essential gear checklist

• Sturdy hiking shoes (waterproof recommended—rocks are slippery)

• Bug spray (mosquitoes prevalent near water, especially spring/summer)

• Cash for county park passes ($5 Marinette; varies elsewhere)

• Offline maps (limited cell service at many northern locations)

• Water shoes for wading and swimming

• Tripod for waterfall photography

• State park pass ($28-38 annual covers all Wisconsin state parks)

• Towels and change of clothes for water play

• Picnic supplies (many falls have excellent picnic areas)

The bottom line for families

For day trips from Milwaukee: The Baraboo area (Pewit's Nest, Parfrey's Glen) and Governor Dodge State Park (Stephens Falls) represent your best options within 2 hours.

For weekend trips: Marinette County delivers unmatched waterfall density—15 falls accessible with a single $5 day pass, all dog-friendly, with swimming at multiple locations.

For the ultimate waterfall experience: Plan a 3-4 day trip through northern Wisconsin hitting Pattison State Park (Wisconsin's tallest), Copper Falls State Park (best fall colors), and the Apostle Islands area (swimming at Siskiwit Falls, walking behind Lost Creek Falls).

The best time to visit any Wisconsin waterfall is late April through June when snowmelt creates maximum water volume—though summer offers the best swimming conditions and fall delivers unmatched photography opportunities among the hardwood forests.