A Guide to 6 of the State’s Natural Waterfalls

Prepare to be wowed by Wisconsin’s waterfalls! The Badger State contains dozens of hidden — and just as many not-so-secret — Instagrammable waterfalls. These cascading beauties are perfect for picnicking adjacent to, splashing in and providing an unforgettable adventure for anyone seeking to forge a deeper connection with Wisconsin’s geological and botanical treasures. 

A favorite among both locals and visitors alike are waterfalls where you can actually wade through the water. One that is bound to keep you and your crew returning time and again for fun water play is Willow Falls in Northwest Wisconsin, about five miles northeast of Hudson. After securing a state park admission sticker, you can hike the relatively easy gravel path along Willow Lake to the stunning layered falls. There is also closer parking to the falls if you don’t mind a steeper, but shorter, walk. 

Willow Falls is ideal spring through fall, since it is so much fun to actually get into the water — but it really is stunning year-round. In the fall, expect to be awed by the changing leaves, while the winter months delight visitors with partially frozen falls and a quieter, more meditative experience. The waterfall’s home, Willow River State Park, adds to the appeal. It’s an ideal spot for everything from hiking to fishing to exploring nature. 

Another enchanting waterfall that beckons visitors to splash around in its cascading water is Stephens Falls, a hidden gem within Governor Dodge State Park. After a quick hike through the picturesque, woodsy trail, visitors are rewarded with an elevated view of the falls — an ideal spot for picture taking. You’ll see a set of stone steps that encourages you to get up-close and personal with this natural wonder and its surrounding valley of green. In the colder months, this magical place freezes over, allowing visitors to walk behind the frozen falls to experience its beauty in a whole new way. Governor Dodge State Park is full of gorgeous trails, including a cave trail, and also has two lakes, making it the perfect place for a full day (or weekend) of exploration. 

More Waterfalls to Fall For Exploring

Copper Falls  

You could easily confuse photos of Copper Falls for paintings in a nature magazine, especially during the fall. Located about two miles northeast of Mellen in Ashland County, this is one of the most picturesque spots in the state. There are plenty of colorful trees, lava flows and lots of stairs along the Doughboy Loop Trail, which is just less than two miles long and leads the way to the two falls tucked into the landscape. For a wheelchair-accessible option, a half-mile out and back on the trail will provide a view of the falls. Out-of-state plates will need to pay a small access fee, and dogs are not allowed at this particular location. 

Big & Little Manitou Falls

Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall by about 65 feet — and at 165 feet, it’s only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. But, for all its impressive height, Big Manitou Falls is surprisingly easy for hikers to access. Located in Douglas County, 13 miles south of Superior, it’s super close to the parking lot so you barely need to hike at all, and leashed dogs are allowed to accompany you. If you want to make a day out of it, a four-mile loop around Pattison State Park leads around the Black River from the waterfall to a smaller, but just as scenic, waterfall called Little Manitou Falls.  

Dave’s Falls 

Fans of waterfalls (and who isn’t one?) won’t want to miss Marinette County, the Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin. In Dave’s Falls County Park, near Amberg, the Pike River snakes its way through dark rock, forming two falls. The lower one cascades through a narrow chute, while the wider upper falls spills into a large pool that is perfect for a cooling dip. Purchasing a day pass grants you access.  

Cascade Falls

The moderate-to-easy, well-marked trail to Cascade Falls traverses a boardwalk and steep wooden steps on the walk down to the falls. Close access to downtown Osceola and no entry fee add to the convenience of this waterfall trek. Cascade Falls is well worth the short hike. It flows straight down 25 feet of layered sandstone rock and offers a picnic table at the bottom of the falls, perfect for sharing a picnic near the water.