Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip To See Wisconsin’s Tallest Waterfall 2024

Get ready to explore Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall on this Amazing Waterfall Road Trip.

Wisconsin is home to more than 40 impressive waterfalls and numerous small waterfalls. A Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip is the ideal way to experience many of them.

Wisconsin’s waterfall include both man-made and fantastic natural waterfalls. This waterfall road trip includes a stop at Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall, which is 165 feet tall.

Wisconsin may not be the first place you think about when someone says chasing waterfalls, but with this many impressive waterfalls located in Wisconsin, it should be. On this road trip, you’ll experience these hidden gems, including Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall.

This is just one waterfall road trip we have enjoyed. This waterfall adventure will take you into the northern part of Wisconsin. In contrast, the other waterfall road trip we enjoyed included several waterfalls in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Marinette, Wisconsin.

You will have an amazing time discovering these hidden gems in Wisconsin’s backyard. Come along as we take you on the same Wisconsin waterfall adventure we took, where we will introduce you to 8 amazing waterfalls, including Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall.

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When planning this Wisconsin Waterfalls road trip, we saw that Iron County in northern Wisconsin is where you will find the most waterfalls. Several of those waterfalls are clustered in one area and within easy driving distance from each other. That is the main area where this waterfall road trip is going to take us.

Using Google Maps, I was able to map out a cluster for an upper Wisconsin waterfall tour that includes 8+ waterfalls and allows you to catch a glimpse of The Apostle Islands.

While you are visiting the waterfalls, you may want to cross a few quirky Wisconsin photo-ops off your list.

Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip Itinerary

This road trip is a two-day adventure that includes visiting Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall and several others. It includes 157 miles of waterfall adventure. It could be completed in one day, but why rush if you have time? Slow down and enjoy the journey and all of the amazing sights along the way.

Northern Wisconsin Waterfalls Map

We have saved this waterfall map on Google Maps. If you click on our upper Wisconsin waterfall map link, you will be taken directly to the saved map, which you can customize for your trip.

When traveling in upper Wisconsin, it’s wise to use Google Maps because you can download and use them even if you lose your signal.

Upson Falls, Upson, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Upson Falls

Upson Falls is a small 18-foot waterfall on the Potato River. You can access it by going through Upson Falls Campgrounds. This small waterfall is a great place to start and work your way up. It consists of several small drops, the largest about 6 feet.

The campgrounds will make you smile. It too, is small, with only a half dozen campsites. It is the perfect place to camp if you love the sound of rushing water.

This area has the most waterfalls in Wisconsin, including five of the state’s ten tallest waterfalls. You could spend a whole day chasing waterfalls in this area.

Saxon Falls, Saxon, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Saxon Falls

Saxon Falls is located on the Upper Michigan/Wisconsin border. Although technically Saxon Falls is in both states, it can only be safely accessed in Wisconsin. This is an impressive waterfall, but getting a good view of it may be hard. Saxon Falls is especially impressive during a wet spring or when Wisconsin gets a lot of rain.

Superior Falls, Saxon, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Superior Falls

Superior Falls is a beautiful 90-foot waterfall. There are various viewing options, each with different degrees of challenges. A trail leading off the parking lot will take you to the main viewing area. This area is easily maneuverable and gives you a nice clear view of the falls.

Another option is to walk to the bottom of the falls, which can be more challenging. You do have to go down a steep path, but a rope is provided for you to hang on to. Once at the bottom, it is only a short distance to the falls. For an added adventure, you can climb around on the rocks to get different views of the falls.

A well-marked trail will take you to a dam, where you can see a few smaller falls and the area’s layered rocks. Make sure you are prepared for this short day hike. The hike to the waterfall is a natural path with rocks and tree roots along the way.

Whichever way you choose to view Superior Falls, give yourself enough time to enjoy your surroundings and the adventure to the falls.

Potato Falls, Gurney, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Potato Falls

The next stop on our Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip is Potato Falls, one of several falls located in Iron County Forest, a county park. The park is easy to find and has a picnic area.

Potato Falls drops 90 feet into the Potato River, and although not the tallest waterfall, it is the most impressive. Have fun at this park; unlike in state parks, no signs are keeping you from dipping your toes in the water. We saw people climbing on the rocks and getting a unique view of the falls.

This complex waterfall consists of several drops, all going in different directions. It is amazing to sit and enjoy this waterfall.

Copper Falls, Mellen, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Copper Falls

Next is Copper Falls, located in Copper Falls State Park. A Wisconsin state park sticker is required to enter the park, but seeing this waterfall is well worth the price. Your Wisconsin state park sticker will get you into all Wisconsin state parks.

If you are looking for an impressive waterfall, you have found it. This 40-foot waterfall drops into Bad River, giving you a breathtaking and peaceful experience.

In addition to the waterfall, this park offers picnicking, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. Just off the parking lot, you will find picnic tables and a small playground for your little ones. Venture past the picnic tables and down a sidewalk to enjoy one of Wisconsin’s best hikes, Doughboy Nature Trail.

The trail is less than a 2-mile loop. Going at a slow, enjoyable pace, it will take about 2 hours to complete the loop. The trail is well-maintained and includes stairs, bridges, and boardwalk areas.

This trail took us past two different waterfalls, Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls.

Morgan Falls, Marengo, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Morgan Falls

Morgan Falls is hidden away in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Finding it can be a challenge; you have to drive through some long, twisting roads that don’t always match the map. However, the journey is well worth the drive.

Morgan Falls are narrow falls that weave through granite ledges cascading more than 80 feet to the bottom of a small pool. A 1.2-mile round-trip hike will take you to see Morgan Falls. This is an easy hike for almost everyone. The hike to the falls is beautiful and scenic during the summer and in the winter.

There is a second trail for the more experienced hiker. The trail has many elevation changes, rocks, and narrow areas to get over or around. The destination of the second hike is St. Peter’s Dome, a large granite outcrop. The view is amazing and well worth the hike. At the top, on a clear day, you can see Lake Superior.

Ashland, WI

After a long day enjoying Wisconsin’s North Wood Waterfalls, Ashland is the ideal place to stop and spend the night. This is a fun city to explore, get a bite to eat and rest up before tackling the last two waterfalls on your Wisconsin waterfalls road trip.

We suggest checking out the downtown murals in Ashland.

Ashland has several wonderful hotels to choose from.

Amnicon Falls, South Range, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Amnicon Falls

The start of our second day takes us first to Amnicon State Park. What a fun park Amnicon State Park is! Just after entering the park, you can go straight over a bridge leading to a camping area or take a right jog, which takes you alongside the river through some charming park-like areas.

This park is so beautiful. Enjoy your day and take a quick ride through the camping area before heading towards the falls.

Then, take your time as you drive through the park. You may find several places where you want to stop, take a few photos, and enjoy the sound of the cascading water.

At the end of a beautiful short drive through the park, you’ll reach a parking lot with waterfalls on both sides. This makes it really hard to decide which way to go first, but you can’t lose either way.

The Amnicon River split around an island and created several waterfalls.

A covered bridge divides the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The park is also home to the Now and Then Falls.

The view of the bridge from the Lower Falls is as beautiful as the Upper Falls.

Now and Then Falls is on the opposite side of the parking lot from the other waterfalls. Every which way you turn, there is beauty all around.

You could spend half a day exploring this park. There are paths, nooks, and crannies hidden everywhere.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy your day, or stay awhile and enjoy the sunset.
A great spot at Amnicon Falls to sit, relax, and enjoy the park.

Big Manitou Falls – Wisconsin’s Tallest Waterfall, Superior, WI

Getting There: Google Maps Link To Big Manitou Falls

There is no better way to end a two or three-day road trip than by going big! This stop is on our list of Hidden Gems in Wisconsin. Big Manitou Falls is located just south of Superior, Wisconsin, in Pattison State Park. You will need your Wisconsin state park pass to enter. At 165 feet, it is Wisconsin’s highest waterfall and the fourth-highest waterfall east of the Rockies.

In addition to being the location for Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls, Pattison State Park has a large camping area, an inviting swimming area and miles of hiking trails.

It’s a short hike from the parking area to hiking trails that take you to the waterfalls.

Your journey begins as your hike takes you through a tunnel under the highway, then along a path and over a bridge.

The pathway to Little Manitou Falls is paved and includes a section of crushed stone. The pathway to Big Manitou Falls is also paved. As a bonus for winter enthusiasts, the path to the Big Manitou Falls viewing area is kept clear.

The first waterfall you visit is Little Manitou Falls, a 31-foot twin waterfall. This waterfall is very impressive; you may initially think you have arrived at Big Manitou Falls. But after enjoying the breathtaking views of Little Manitou, continue down the path, up a slight hill, and then down some stairs, and you will get a view that takes your breath away.

The perfect viewing spot of Big Manitou is at the bottom of the stairs. From here, you can see the falls over the treetops. The falls beautifully drop into a narrow, heavily wooded gorge. This area was hard to leave. The sound of the falling water and the view are so relaxing that you may want to hang out there all day.

After viewing the falls, you will find an additional 19 miles of hiking trails in the park for your enjoyment.

Superior, Wisconsin, is a port city along Lake Superior and a vacation destination in itself. We recommend staying in Superior and checking out the coastal area sites if you have extra days. You may also want to consider taking your next road trip and exploring Superior, Wisconsin. These Things to do in Superior, Wisconsin, will help you plan your next road trip. Several hotels in Superior will make your stay relaxing.

More Northern Wisconsin Waterfalls

With more than 40 major waterfalls in Wisconsin and a major portion of them located in Iron County, Wisconsin, there are several other waterfalls you could add to your Wisconsin Waterfalls road trip if you have additional time.

These additional waterfalls add to Northern Wisconsin’s natural beauty and diversity, providing more outdoor exploration and enjoyment opportunities.

• Wren Falls – Florence County, Wisconsin
  Wren Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
• Lost Creek Falls – Cornucopia, Wisconsin (Bayfield County)
  Lost Creek Falls is a hidden gem tucked away in the forests near Cornucopia. It requires a short hike to be reached.
• Willow Falls – Willow River State Park, Wisconsin (St. Croix County)
  Willow Falls is located in the Willow River State Park.
• Long Slide Falls – Pembine, Wisconsin (Marinette County)
  Long Slide Falls is a scenic waterfall. It’s named for its long, cascading descent over rocks.
• Dave’s Falls – Amberg, Wisconsin ( Marinette County)
  Dave’s Falls is a beautiful waterfall. It’s a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
• Bull Falls – Ambery, Wisconsin (Marinette County)
  Bull Falls is a relatively smaller waterfall but offers scenic beauty and a peaceful environment.

Don’t let your Wisconsin waterfall adventures end here. Be sure to check out all of our adventures visiting northeastern waterfalls, in Marinette County, Wisconsin.

The Wrap-Up – Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip

A road trip through Wisconsin’s north woods is fun, relaxing, and romantic. With over 40 waterfalls, it’s easy to assemble a waterfall road trip that is ideal for your weekend.

Our first waterfall trip took us into the eastern part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet Nation Forest in Marinette, WI. Seeing the difference in the waterfalls between Eastern Wisconsin and northern Wisconsin was interesting.

We found this road trip to be especially enjoyable. We had so many opportunities to get out of the car and hike or explore, and with the waterfalls all in close proximity to each other, we were not in the car for extremely long periods. Each waterfall was unique, which made the excitement grow when anticipating our next stop.

A Wisconsin road trip that includes Wisconsin’s largest waterfall is a fun way for you to spend a getaway with your partner.