Northern Wisconsin's stunning waterfalls await

Northern Wisconsin has always been best-known for its miles of forests and legendary Friday fish fries, but the region has another claim to fame – its stunning waterfalls. There are over 40 throughout the Badger State located within a two-hour span of each other. Here is a long weekend itinerary for some spectacular waterfall chasing:

Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls

Superior

Two main attractions bring visitors from miles around —– Big Manitou Falls, the highest waterfall in Wisconsin with its 165-foot vertical drop, and Little Manitou Falls, equally splendid with its smaller 35-foot drop. Located in Pattison State Park, both waterfalls have accessible trails and scenic overlooks. Big Manitou has north and south year-round overlooks that provide different viewpoints, while Little Manitou has a trail close to the top that’ll give you a front-row seat.

In spring, after the snow melts, the waters rush even more, making for dramatic sights. In autumn, you can’t beat the blazing colors. “When people visit Pattison State Park, they can expect to find a beautiful park with hiking trails, waterfall viewing, camping, swimming, picnic areas and, in the winter months, cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing,” says Gervase Thompson, natural resources property supervisor for Pattison State Park, and Amnicon Falls State Parks and the Brule River State Forest.

Where to stay: Superior & Sage Hotel and Cobblestone Hotel & Suites are pet-friendly.

Where to eat: For a dose of Southern grub, look no further than Superior’s farm-to-table focused Mama T’s Smokin’ Eats.

Amnicon Falls State Park

South Range

This 828-acre state park boasts four waterfalls – Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Now and Then Falls and Snake Pit Falls – but since it’s a smaller state park, Park Manager Ken Bassett says that “we don’t see the heavy traffic volumes that some of the larger parks receive,” something that bodes well if you prefer quieter hikes. All the trails leading up to the waterfalls are accessible to people with mobility issues.

While “anytime is a good time to visit the falls, the best time to see the raw power of the waterfalls would be in the spring around April,” Bassett says. “You’ll likely see Now and Then Falls in all its glory since, as its name implies, it only flows “'now and then.’”

Where to stay: The quaint Sleepy Hollow Motel, built in the 1950s, brims with timeless charm, and it’s a five minute drive from the park.

Where to eat: For the real-deal Wisconsin supper club experience, don’t miss Dreamland Supper Club and its classic prime rib.

Morgan Falls

Marengo

The gorgeous Morgan Falls are unique among these falls because they are nestled within the 858,400-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The hike to the falls is a 1.2-mile loop from the parking lot, and along the way, you’ll spot the babbling tributary of Morgan Creek.

Standing at over 70 feet and surrounded by exposed rock enveloped in moss and lichens, the falls just might be best visited in the spring. Karen Katz, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest recreation program manager, points out that the forest around Morgan Falls is known for its “spring wildflowers and birdwatching.”

Where to stay: Only 15 minutes from Marengo, you’ll find Ashland’s Blue Wave Inn, a micro resort made up of five lakeside suites.

Where to eat: The casual brewery Deep Water Grille or The Landing, where you can eat outside and dine on locally caught Lake Superior white fish.

Copper Falls State Park

Mellen

Featuring three waterfalls with accessible trails – the 24-foot Copper Falls, 30-foot Brownstone Falls and 12-foot Tyler Forks Cascades – each waterfall has its own unique vibe. Park Ranger James Enigl says that the Tyler Forks Cascades, known for their ethereal beauty, tend to be photographed the most, particularly when snowmelt and spring water flow from the Penokee Range Snowbelt. The water results in numerous small falls, framed by cedar trees that line both sides.

Most visitors go from June through September, before the waters slow in August. “The most powerful views typically occur during the spring snow melt, usually in April and even early May,” Enigl says.

Where to stay: Wildwood Haven Resort & Campground is 10 minutes from the park and is outfitted with cabins and glamping in a picturesque locale.

Where to eat: Ashland’s Black Cat Coffeehouse serves vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and locally- sourced coffees and ciders.