6 Top Spots for Waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin

Whether they’re roaring, rushing or rippling over rocks, Wisconsin’s waterfalls offer exciting adventures in the great outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden gems amid big, beautiful forests.

Making your way to our state’s most spectacular waterfalls can be a day activity or weekend trip (or longer!) – so put on your hiking boots, pack a picnic and get ready to snap that perfect, Instagram-worthy shot of the falls. Check out these top picks for waterfall watching in Wisconsin.

Pattison State Park – Superior

Amnicon Falls State Park - South Range

Amnicon Falls State Park in the town of South Range presents you with a series of waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River, and there’s a 55-foot-long covered footbridge that’s as picturesque as the falls themselves. 

Local-favorite falls: The Snake Pit Falls, on a narrow branch of the Amnicon, drop 25 feet with a dramatic turn halfway down.

While you’re there: Point out the dark basalt at the Upper Falls and the sandstone at the Lower Falls to your friends and family. The basalt is from lava that flowed a billion years ago, and the sandstone is from streams that flowed here millions of years ago!

Copper Falls State Park – Mellen

Copper Falls State Park, on the celebrated North Country National Scenic Trail near Mellen, boasts breathtaking waterfalls, cascades and deep gorges.

Local-favorite falls: The Copper Falls, of course, which drop a total of 40 feet.

While you’re there: Admire bridges constructed in the 1920s by returning First World War veterans, as well as log buildings constructed in the 1930s. For an extra adventure, bring your mountain bike along and try out one of the three trails that attract cyclists from all over the country.

Iron County

Northwest Wisconsin's Iron County features a dozen gorgeous waterfalls among the Potato, Montreal, Turtle and Forks rivers.

Local-favorite falls: The Upper and Lower Potato River Falls in Hurley drop a total of 90 feet into the Potato River, and waterfall fans consider them some of the most beautiful in the Midwest.

While you’re there: Snap a group photo with the 16’ fiberglass “Claire d’Loon” in Mercer, the self-proclaimed Loon Capital of the World.

Marinette County

Marinette County, also known as Wisconsin’s Waterfall Capital, offers a self-guided Waterfalls Tour for easy adventuring. Give yourself two or three days to take in all of the falls – or choose one of the mini-tours for a good sampling.

Local-favorite falls: The Long Slide Falls in Morgan Park, Pembine, cascade down 50 feet of stunning rock formations.

While you’re there: Explore even more falls in the area by making the thirty-minute journey south to Breakwater Falls in Florence, a 60-foot, 3-tiered waterfall that flows over 2-billion-year-old bedrock.

Willow River State Park - Hudson

 Just 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities, enjoy the impressive set of cascading falls at Willow River State Park in Hudson. Take in the views from the bridge spanning the tops of the falls, or (when the weather and water conditions permit) hike down to wade among the refreshing steps of the falls.

While you’re there: Hike the multiple trails at the state park and head down to Little Falls Lake for beach swimming, kayaking or canoeing — rentals are available seasonally.

Be prepared to do some hiking through the woods, and be safe. With uneven surfaces and slippery rocks, the areas around waterfalls call for special care. Stay back and watch your footing while you’re seeking out the perfect view.

Looking for more waterfall adventures? Check out these picnic-perfect waterfall spots in Wisconsin!