Wisconsin’s Spectacular Ice Formations

Winter transforms Wisconsin’s landscapes in a way that no other season can. Each year, ice builds up all season along shorelines, rivers and waterfalls, sculpting a variety of shapes, ranging from looming masses of jagged ice blocks to delicate, intricate ice structures.

Below are some amazing sites in Wisconsin for viewing these impressive ice forms, including wheelchair-accessible places in Door County everyone in your group can enjoy. 

And remember, this one-of-a-kind art gallery vanishes in the spring—so bundle up and enjoy it while you can!

Tour River Gorges and Touch Ice Walls

The breathtaking river gorge and falls at Willow River State Park in Hudson transform each winter into dazzling ice-covered spectacles you’ll never forget. Hike or snowshoe two miles of packed trails or bring your skis to the nine miles of groomed cross-country paths. However you and your group choose to explore, you can all warm up together in the Nature-Center-turned-warming-house on weekends.

In nearby Menomonie, cross-country skiers can view an impressive, 25-foot tall ice wall on Red Cedar State Trail. This fantastic formation is caused by water seepage through the sandstone cliffs and is truly a sight to behold.

On the other side of the state, “up north” near Hurley, don’t miss the interesting ice shapes that form along the rocky shores and rapids of the Potato River. Extend your adventure here on the Iron County Trail System to find many more magnificent frozen cascades.

Find Wonderous Frozen Waterfalls

With over 50 waterfalls throughout Wisconsin, it’s easy to plan a winter adventure that includes one of these spectacular sights. Gather friends and family for a trip to Copper Falls State Park, Pattison State Park or Amnicon Falls State Park, which all have impressive falls that become extra magical each winter. 

Pattison State Park features Big Manitou Falls. At a height of 165 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth-tallest east of the Rocky Mountains (its companion, Little Manitou Falls, is 31 feet in height). Both falls have parking lots nearby for easy viewing, and a groomed cross-country ski trail (the Blue Loop) leads you along the Black River to the smaller falls.

Amnicon Falls State Park features a series of waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River—its ice decorations can be viewed from a charming covered footbridge. Bring snowshoes along to explore a scenic 1.5-mile trail through an ancient river valley.

Explore Incredible Ice Caves

Normally, the red-colored sea caves along Bayfield’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are only accessible by boat – but when the ice is frozen solid and safe, these astonishing ice caves are also accessible by foot. Pillars of ice extend from the cliff tops to the base level, forming giant stalactites. From the cave ceilings hang thousands of glittering icicles.

Though conditions vary each year and the caves are not always accessible, great views of the exterior icicle formations can be seen from land, with best views spotted from the Lakeshore Trail. Check the National Park Service website for updates on when the caves become safe to access, and explore the nearby Red Cliff Ice Caves that freeze over every year!

Survey the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Frozen formations can be found all along the Lake Michigan shoreline, especially in Door County. Popular spots include North Bay State Natural Area, Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands, and Peninsula State Park, all of which are known for the interesting ice formations that build up along the coastlines. 

Perhaps the most impressive spot is Cave Point County Park near Jacksonport where intricate icicle structures are ever-changing, depending on the wind and current. Because this area rarely freezes over, water splashes and sprays over the rock edges, forming striking layers of ice and stalactites. 

Farther south, Whitefish Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan showcases a vast tumble of glittering ice formations along its beaches, which can be accessed from several winter trails.

Discover more incredible ice formations at these frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin.