Wisconsin is full of lakes, rivers, and streams. With all that water it’s no wonder there are some fantastic waterfalls to visit. From waterfall hikes to beautiful falls in state and county parks, Wisconsin does not disappoint. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite waterfalls in Wisconsin for you to visit on your next RV trip.
Waterfalls in Wisconsin
1. Big Manitou Falls
2. Willow Falls
3. Lost Creek Falls
4. Copper Falls State Park
5. Cascade Falls
6. Twelve Foot Falls
7. Stephens Falls
8. Morgan Falls
9. Long Slide Falls
10. Amnicon Falls
Wisconsin Waterfalls
Take a look at the below list for our favorite beautiful waterfall hikes and parks with popular waterfalls in Wisconsin.
1. Big Manitou Falls
We’re kicking it off with the largest waterfall in Wisconsin, Big Manitou Falls. Located in Pattison State Park, this 165-foot waterfall is also the fourth highest waterfall in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Hike through the woods of Pattison State Park to the falls and the gorge. And once you’re here you can also hike to Little Manitou Falls, the 31-foot twin waterfall that’s also located in the park.
Things to do near Big Manitou Falls: Be sure to explore the rest of Pattison State Park. There are hiking trails that go through the forest and a 300-foot beach in the park where you can swim or fish. There’s a campground in the park, as well as several privately owned campgrounds nearby. You can also explore the town of Superior which is close by. We’ve got you covered with local RV rentals.
2. Willow Falls
Located in Willow River State Park, Willow Falls is a multi-level waterfall that’s almost 100 feet wide. It’s especially impressive after a heavy rainfall, when the water rushes down the falls of the Willow River. Getting to the waterfall is easy, with hiking trails in the park that lead to the falls. There’s also camping inside the park at the campground as well as RV parks nearby so you can spend a weekend enjoying the state park and the waterfall.
Things to do near Willow Falls: Even though it’s located in western Wisconsin, just north of Hudson, it’s very close to Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota, making it a popular destination for visitors and giving you plenty of places to explore. Here are some great local RV rentals to consider.
3. Lost Creek Falls
In northern Wisconsin near Cornucopia and Lake Superior is a trailhead that leads to Lost Creek Falls. The trail is just over 2 miles long and leads through the forest to the falls. The waterfall is an eight foot drop onto a rock platform and flows into a pool. You can even walk behind the waterfall! It’s a small but scenic waterfall with several RV parks nearby to stay in for the week or weekend.
Things to do near Lost Creek Falls: Northern Wisconsin is full of outdoor activities, and Lake Superior is just around the corner. Visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for scenic beaches, sea caves, historical lighthouses, and plenty of kayaking and fishing opportunities.
4. Copper Falls State Park
Another great state park located in northern Wisconsin, Copper Falls State Park is actually home to three worthy waterfalls. Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and Red Granite Falls are all within the park and can be reached by two of the 17 miles of hiking trails. Take the Waterfall Trail to Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, and the Red Granite Falls Trail to the waterfall of the same name. Copper Falls State Park has two camping areas with some sites that have electrical hookups. There are also private campgrounds outside the park.
Things to do near Copper Falls State Park: Explore the natural beauty in the rest of Copper Falls State Park, then head up to Ashland, WI on Lake Superior for lakeside activities. We’ve put together a guide of the state park and have you covered when it comes to local RV rentals.
5. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Osceola in northwestern Wisconsin. The falls themselves are incredibly easy to get to, as they’re right off the main road of this small town along the St. Croix River. A set of stairs leads down to the base of the 25-foot falls and to a hiking trail to the river on border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Things to do near Cascade Falls: The city of St. Croix Falls is just to the north where you can visit the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and Interstate State Park. You’re also less than 50 miles to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. We’ve got a great selection of local RV rentals for you.
6. Twelve Foot Falls
If you can guess from the name, Twelve Foot Falls is a twelve feet tall waterfall in a county park. Twelve Foot Falls Park in Dunbar, Wisconsin is actually near 3 different waterfalls of varying height. Start with Twelve Foot Falls, which can be accessed via a walking trail and enjoy the fishing and camping areas of the park. Then take a quick walk through the camping area to get to a smaller waterfall, Eight Foot Falls. And if you want to see a larger waterfall, head a mile down the road to Eighteen Foot Falls.
Things to do near Twelve Foot Falls: It’s pretty remote in northeastern Wisconsin, but there are plenty of things to explore! Just over 50 miles southeast is Marinette, a town located on the Green Bay. Or head to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to hit the beaches of Lake Michigan, which is just over 60 miles away.
7. Stephens Falls
Another great hike to a waterfall is Stephens Falls in Governor Dodge State Park. Situated in Dodgeville in the south central part of the state, this state park is one of the largest parks in the state and has fantastic hiking trails, two lakes, and of course an impressive waterfall. The half mile trail takes you through the woods to a 20-foot waterfall that cascades over a mossy rock into a forest pool. There’s camping and RV sites in the park, which makes it easy to stay and enjoy your time here.
Things to do near Stephens Falls: There’s no shortage of things to do at Governor Dodge State Park such as picnicking, canoeing, fishing, biking, hiking, and even cross-country skiing if you visit in winter. And if you’re a lover of architecture, be sure to stop by Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, Taliesin, which is located nearby. Need an RV to get there? We’ve got a great selection of local rentals.
8. Morgan Falls
This next waterfall is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. Morgan Falls is a 70-foot-tall waterfall that flows over a granite face and can be reached by a 1.2 mile trail round trip. Hike through the woods to this beautiful waterfall, then take the other trail to St. Peter’s Dome, a scenic overlook that provides sweeping views all the way to Lake Superior on a clear day. The trail to Morgan Falls is an easy and accessible hike, while the trail to St. Peter’s Dome is much steeper and more rugged.
Things to do near Morgan Falls: Explore the rest of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest – you can even camp there! You’re also less than 20 miles from the shores of Lake Superior and access to the Apostle Islands.
9. Long Slide Falls
Part of the Lake Michigan Watershed in northeastern Wisconsin, Long Slide Falls is a gorgeous 50 foot slide waterfall that’s worth the hike. The waterfall is located a few miles north of the town of Pembine and can be accessed by a short hike. The waterflows over boulder and rocks to make an impressive and beautiful slide waterfall in the woods. And if you want to see a bonus waterfall, you can hike a half mile trail to Smalley Falls – a miniature version of Long Slide Falls.
Things to do near Long Slide Falls: This area is pretty remote, but you’re surrounded by nature and other waterfalls! Another waterfall on our list, Twelve Foot Falls, is nearby. And about 50 miles east is Escanaba on the shores of Lake Michigan.
10. Amnicon Falls
Amnicon Falls in another gorgeous waterfall in a state park. In fact, the park is named for it! Amnicon Falls State Park is home to both the upper and lower falls, and makes for a fun afternoon of exploring and swimming. The upper and lower falls are about 100 feet apart, and crossed by a covered foot bridge between them, which offers a great viewing point. The upper falls have a 15 foot drop into a pool where swimming and wading are allowed. There are no lifeguards though, so use caution when swimming.
Things to do near Amnicon Falls: Spend some time exploring the rest of Amnicon Falls State Park. There are hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities in the stream, and camping in the park. There are rustic campsites in the park, and nearby private RV parks that offer full hook ups. If you need an RV, here are some great local options for rent.
Planning an RV Trip to Wisconsin
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the waterfalls in Wisconsin, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Wisconsin, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals. Happy camping!
