Top 11 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Wisconsin
Imagine walking the majestic trails of Wisconsin or strolling around a sparkling river, hearing the murmur of water, and then suddenly arriving at a beautiful ... read more...waterfall. There is no denying that Wisconsin is always filled with natural beauty in every corner of the state, Wisconsin's natural attractions are like true gems, stimulating the curiosity and discovery of nature lovers. In this article, Toplist would like to introduce to readers a list of Waterfalls in Wisconsin. These 11 waterfalls range from large to small with varying accessibility but all deserve to be listed as the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin that readers need to know.
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On the Black River, a branch of the Nemadji River, there is a waterfall called Big Manitou Falls. The falls are situated 13 miles south of Superior in Wisconsin's Douglas County's Pattison State Park. Big Manitou Falls is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, rising 165 feet. It is not only highly regarded in Wisconsin, but it is also regarded as the fourth-highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains in the country.
Big Manitou Falls has a unique gorge carved from both sandstone and basalt. Specifically, in the few thousand years since the last glacier receded, the river gradually eroded through layers of soft, clay sandstone and gradually formed a steep canyon. Beneath much of this area, however, is basalt, a powerful and enduring product of a deep volcanic activity that occurred more than a billion years ago. As a result, the river cannot erode the persistent lava rock, even though it has created a relatively easy path through the sandstone. Just like that, the water power was consumed downwards creating Big Manitou Falls.
Native Americans who lived nearby gave the falls the name "Gitchee Manitou" because they thought they could hear the voice of the Great Spirit in the noise of the falls. The falls were first surrounded by a state park in 1920, and they were given more protection in 2003 when they were made a part of the Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program.
In sum, Big Manitou Falls:
- Located: 6294 S. State Road. 35, Superior, Wisconsin.
- The highest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet and the fourth-highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
- Carved from both sandstone and basalt.
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Upson Falls is the second stop on the list of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Wisconsin. This waterfall is located right next to the small town of Upson and can be visited by entering the Upson Falls Campground. The waterfall is only 18 feet high, but it's a beautiful spot to explore. Even though it is not as tall as some other Wisconsin waterfalls, the breadth of these magnificent falls is frothy and enchanting, as if straight out of a fairytale.
A few beautiful pathways that run along the riverbank take us to a few spots where we may swim in the Potato River or just unwind while listening to the waterfall. In the nearby Upson Falls Campground, tourists may set up camp for the night if they wish to get away from Wisconsin's main tourist route. Because there are no special pathways built along the way to the peak, it is considered a natural camping and picnic area for everyone to enjoy together. The area is perfect for taking leisurely strolls or having a picnic in tranquil surroundings. The Falls region offers "first-come, first-served" camping spaces and is a great place to spend a few hours or even the night.
In short, Upson Falls:
- Located right next to the small town of Upson in Upson Falls Campground.
- 18 feet high waterfall with an impressive width.
- Not only relax and listen to the sound of waterfalls but also have Upson Falls campsite overnight.
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Morgan Falls which is a beautiful waterfall located between Mellen and Cable in Wisconsin is tucked away in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, yet despite its remoteness, it is not too difficult to find. The climb to the falls is only 1.2 miles round way, but we must first drive many kilometers on forest roads. The falls themselves are a very narrow stream of water that pours a total of 70 feet into a pool located at the base of the falls. This is one of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in northern Wisconsin thanks to its rugged, moss-covered rocks.
Morgan Falls is located about two miles south of Marquette. The falls are located at the confluence of Morgan Creek and the Carp River. Morgan Creek pours 20 feet into the Carp River and creates this small, unspoiled waterfall. Of the many waterfalls in Marquette county, this is one of the more accessible than the more impressive but difficult-to-reach Carp River half-mile away. The trailhead for hiking to the falls is also the access point for a beautiful fall hike to St. Famous Peter. This is a large granite outcrop that provides stunning views of the fall foliage and Lake Superior in the distance on a nice day. As Morgan Falls is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, visitors will have to pay a $5 daily use fee, or you can purchase a $30 year-round entry fee.
To conclude, Morgan Falls:
- Located about two miles south of Marquette, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in northern Wisconsin thanks to its rugged, moss-covered rocks.
- The trailhead for hiking to the falls is also the access point for a beautiful fall hike to St. Famous Peter.
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The multi-level Willow Falls is one of Wisconsin's most stunning and spectacular waterfalls. It is situated inside Willow River State Park in northwest Wisconsin, close to Hudson. This magnificent waterfall plunges 45 feet onto several ledges in a narrow limestone canyon along the Willow River. The waterfall is about 100 feet wide with a height of 5 to 15 feet. It is considered an extremely impressive sight, especially after heavy rains.
Getting to Willow Falls is fairly easy. There are several trails in Willow River State Park that lead us to the falls, including a short, quarter-mile paved trail that takes you into the canyon. This is one of the most magnificent and conveniently located waterfalls in the state. The falls have attracted a large number of tourists since the town was resettled in the mid-19th century. Today, the falls are part of Wisconsin's third most-visited state park in Wisconsin State Park.
In 1924, a dam was built here to divert water from the main falls and block the upper falls. However, in 1992, that dam was removed to restore the waterfall and its impressive gorges. Today, although most of the area of the waterfall has been restored to its natural state, visitors to Willow Falls still see some remnants of the old dam, such as the pipeline that diverts the water flow.
In sum, Willow Falls:
- One of Wisconsin's most stunning and spectacular waterfalls.
- Located inside Willow River State Park in northwest Wisconsin, close to Hudson.
- About 100 feet wide with a height of 5 to 15 feet.
- There are several trails in Willow River State Park that lead us to the falls.
- Have attracted a large number of tourists in the mid-19th century.
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In Pembine, Wisconsin, there is a spectacular mysterious waterfall that can be accessed with just a short walk in the woods. It is the Long Slide Falls and is considered a natural wonder in Wisconsin. The waterfall roars and rumbles through the dense forest, providing a great opportunity for hikers who want to see the power of nature to its fullest. This is why Long Slide Falls is one of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Wisconsin.
Long Slide Falls is the tallest waterfall in Marinette County. It is situated on the North Branch of the Pemebonwon River, a 10 km long river that empties into the Menominee River, not far from the Pembine hamlet in Marinette County. While not as impressive as the waterfalls that surround it along the famous Niagara Cliffs, Long Slide Falls, 50 feet (15 meters) high, consistently produce spectacular sound and fury in contrast to the serene forest around. The walking distance to the waterfall is not too long, just a few minutes after leaving the parking area you will hear the murmuring sound of the waterfall in the distance.
In short, Long Side Falls:
- The tallest waterfall in Marinette County with 50 feet (15 meters) high.
- Situated on the North Branch of the Pemebonwon River, a 10 km long river that empties into the Menominee River.
- Easy access to the falls by a short walking path.
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One of Wisconsin's most stunning waterfalls is Cascade Falls. It is located in the small town of Osceola in Wisconsin. This waterfall is not only beautiful but also easy to find as it is located right in the center of town along 35th Street.
Cascade Falls' main source of water is Osceola Creek, which flows through Osceola Mill Pond and then into the St. Croix (Wisconsin-Minnesota). At the base of the falls is a 69-foot-high surrounding lake formed by the fusion of Little Stony Creek and other springs, providing tourists with a wonderful setting to admire.
A very stunning snowy landscape is produced in winter as ice builds up along the 200-foot-high rock walls encircling the falls. The hike to Cascade Falls is about four miles long with two trails above and below. While the upper trail offers great views of the creek, the lower trail offers the most sweeping views of the falls. In addition to admiring the magical beauty of the waterfall, hikers can also discover a variety of rich flora and giant rocks along the two trails.Cascade Falls' main 25-foot waterfall is how and why the town of Osceola was founded here in 1886. Today, in this town there are still some original and very solid buildings that look like they were when they were first built. In addition, many people probably do not know that the waterfall was once the source of water for an Osceola brewery.
To conclude, Cascade Falls:
- Located in the small town of Osceola in Wisconsin.
- The main waterfall of Cascade Falls is the reason the town of Osceola was founded in 1886.
- Flows through Osceola Mill Pond and then into the St. Croix.
- The hike to Cascade Falls is about four miles long with two trails above and below.
- In addition to admiring the beauty of the waterfall, backpackers can also explore the rich diversity of flora and rocks along the two trails.
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The little hamlet of Gurney, Wisconsin is home to Potato River Falls, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Midwest. This is an extremely impressive waterfall that has been named one of the 10 spectacular waterfalls in the United States. Due to its location in a small county park, Potato River Falls is often obscured by Cooper Falls near it.
The towering waterfall, which plunges at a 90-degree angle into the Potato River, is divided into two distinct sections, the Upper Potato River Falls and the Lower Potato River Falls. There is a trail that leads up to the Upper Falls and ends at the observatory. From there you can observe the upper part of the waterfall. This is a complex waterfall consisting of many drops, each flowing in a different direction. Below the part visible from the observatory, the waterfall's water cascades down 20 feet in two different locations.
Potato River Falls is a great year-round attraction for those who are passionate about nature adventures. But there is no denying that the Falls are even more beautiful in the fall when they are surrounded by colorful foliage. that makes viewers seem to be immersed in a mysterious dream world. This makes it a real hidden gem. This is the right destination if you are tired of working and are looking for a large waterfall to be able to freely climb everywhere, risking your life and limbs, then this is the waterfall for you.
In sum, Potato River Falls:
- Located in the little hamlet of Gurney, Wisconsin.
- Plunges at a 90-degree angle into the Potato River with two distinct sections, the Upper Potato River Falls and the Lower Potato River Falls.
- A great year-round attraction for those who are passionate about nature adventures.
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Wisconsin's Lake Superior is a stand-alone natural wonder, but if you prefer seeing some of the greatest water vistas in the state, another option is the Superior Falls, which are close by. Superior Falls flows steadily on the Montreal River border of Wisconsin and Michigan in Iron and Gogebic counties, a few hundred meters from Lake Superior. Although it is geographically located in both states, it is easier to visit the falls from the Michigan side of the Montreal River.
The ideal time to view the falls is in the early spring. This waterfall is noteworthy since it has many drops and very steep gorge walls. As Superior Falls extends downstream, you will see numerous significant drop-offs. The overall dips of the falls plummet nearly 90 feet. Exercise caution when trekking to the location as there are cliffs surrounding the falls that are dangerous. Unfortunately, there is a dam just above the falls, and the majority of the water is redirected there to produce electricity. The power company is supposed to keep the water flowing over the falls at least 20 cubic feet per second.
In short, Superior Falls:
- Located on the Montreal River border of Wisconsin and Michigan in Iron and Gogebic counties, a few hundred meters from Lake Superior.
- The overall dips of the falls plummet nearly 90 feet with many drops and very steep gorge walls.
- The ideal time to view the falls is in the early spring.
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The Niagara Escarpment, which is responsible for much of the terrain in various sections of Wisconsin, generated Wequiock Falls, making it unique. The waterfall may be found in Brown County, near Green Bay, in the little Wequiock Falls Park. The waterfall's flow is most noticeable when there has been a lot of rain.
The Wequiock Creek, which is protected from development by The Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust, is the source of the Wequiock Falls. At the foot of the falls is a beautiful cave area that is likened to a historic part of the Niagara Cliffs. The Niagara Cliffs stretch across many states, including significant parts of Wisconsin. It adds to the distinctive beauty of famous sites in Northeast Wisconsin including High Cliff and other Wisconsin State Parks.
Wequiock Falls is easily accessible, and there are several ways to experience it. Wequiock Falls may be seen up close to the gorge by descending the stairs, or you can watch it from the bridge above. Since the waterfall slows down throughout the summer and warmer months, spring is the greatest time to view it when it is at its most magnificent. In spring, the flow from Wequiock Creek makes the waterfall a majestic landscape and gradually slows down during the dry summer.
To conclude, Wequiock Falls:
- Located in Brown County, near Green Bay, in the little Wequiock Falls Park.
- A beautiful cave area that is likened to a historic part of the Niagara Cliffs at the foot of the Falls.
- Spring is the greatest time to view it.
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When considering waterfalls, the Bayfield Peninsula may not be the first spot that springs to mind, but it is really home to numerous magnificent waterfalls, including Lost Creek Falls. Lost Creek Falls which is located in Wisconsin near Cornucopia, is a secret waterfall. This picturesque waterfall, whose name sounds like the movie title, deserves to be named one of the Most Beautiful Falls in Wisconsin. Water flows from the 8-foot-high waterfall into a lake below until it reaches a cascaded bed of rock.
Nestled in a small community at the northern end of the Cornucopia peninsula, Lost Creek Falls is quite remote to reach. But fortunately, there is a short, easy trail that leads directly to this majestic wonder. The road is 1.5 miles each way, making for a 3-mile round trip. They meandered through a wooded area and crossed two bridges. At the end of the trail, visitors will encounter a footpath leading directly down to Lost Creek Falls.
Lost Creek Falls is geologically identical to its close relative, Virgin Falls where the creek emerges from a sizable stream or cave that collapses at the top, descends down the falls at a 40-degree angle, and then vanishes. At 8 feet high, the waterfall may not be large but promises to be extremely beautiful. A large area at the foot of the falls allows visitors easy access and close-up views of the falls.
In short, Lost Creek Falls:
- Nestled in a small community at the northern end of the Cornucopia peninsula in Wisconsin near Cornucopia.
- Flows from the 8-foot-high waterfall into a lake below.
- Visitors can take a short 1.5-mile trail each way to access the falls.
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Montello Granite Quarry Falls is an integrated site of four unique waterfalls in Wisconsin. In the past, they were rapids along the banks of the Montello River that were used as a power source for the quarry's machinery. Now, they are beautiful waterfalls along the historic district in Wisconsin. The waterfall is accentuated by surrounding granite rocks.
Built-in 1992, this artificial waterfall empties into a pool of deep emerald water. Any time of year, but particularly in the winter after a thick covering of snow, the cascading waterfall is a very stunning sight. When viewing the waterfall, you will undoubtedly notice the distinctive granite rocks in the background that has a vivid red-brown hue. Color is not the only thing that makes granite special. Granite is extremely durable, at one time the hardest stone in the world. Locals think that it seems a divine hand has carved these granite cliffs that make them so hard.
Today, as the quarries are no longer in use, it is now a public park called Daggett Memorial Park or Montello Granite Park. Visitors can take a stroll around the park and learn about the town's history, quarries, as well as tranquil waterfalls. The waterfall is also not the only man-made addition to Daggett Memorial Park. If you look closely near the top of the falls, you will see a small church perched on a granite slab.
In sum, Montello Granite Quarry Falls:
- An integrated site of four unique waterfalls in Wisconsin.
- The waterfall is accentuated by surrounding granite rocks.
- Visitors can take a stroll around the park, and learn about the town's history, quarries, as well as tranquil waterfalls.