This Scenic Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Hidden Wisconsin Gems That Are Truly Breathtaking

Ever wondered what it would be like to chase waterfalls without TLC’s disapproval?

Well, grab your hiking boots and a sense of adventure, because we’re about to embark on a watery Wisconsin wonderland tour!

1. Copper Falls State Park (Mellen)

Copper Falls: Where Mother Nature shows off her sculpting skills. This cascade could give Michelangelo's David a run for its money in the beauty department. — Copper Falls: Where Mother Nature shows off her sculpting skills. This cascade could give Michelangelo’s David a run for its money in the beauty department. Photo Credit: Brian Bucey

Kicking off our aquatic adventure is Copper Falls State Park, where Mother Nature decided to show off her artistic side.

The park’s centerpiece, Copper Falls, is a 29-foot cascade that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Bob Ross painting.

As you stand on the observation deck, you’ll swear you can hear the happy little trees whispering secrets to each other.

Talk about a rocky relationship! Copper Falls and its gorge have been going steady for millennia, carving out a scene more dramatic than a soap opera. Photo Credit: Julie

But wait, there’s more!

The park also boasts Brownstone Falls, a 30-foot beauty that’s giving its copper cousin a run for its money.

It’s like watching two divas compete for the spotlight, except instead of sequins, they’re draped in moss and ferns.

2. Amnicon Falls State Park (South Range)

Nature's own water park! Amnicon Falls tumbles over ancient lava flows, creating a spectacle that's part geology lesson, part "Splash Mountain" without the lines. — Nature’s own water park! Amnicon Falls tumbles over ancient lava flows, creating a spectacle that’s part geology lesson, part “Splash Mountain” without the lines. Photo Credit: RICHARD KOCH

Next up, we’re heading to Amnicon Falls State Park, where the water apparently couldn’t decide on just one way to fall.

This park is like a buffet of cascades, offering a smorgasbord of watery delights.

The star of the show is the Upper Falls, which splits around a sturdy island of rock like it’s trying to give it a hug.

Autumn magic at Amnicon Falls. The covered bridge looks like it's straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, only with more exciting water features. — Autumn magic at Amnicon Falls. The covered bridge looks like it’s straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, only with more exciting water features. Photo Credit: Jamey Kuhn

But the real scene-stealer here is the covered bridge spanning the Lower Falls.

It’s like something out of a romance novel, minus the shirtless Fabio.

Pro tip: Stand in the middle of the bridge and feel the mist on your face.

It’s nature’s way of saying, “Hey, you look a little dry there, buddy.”

3. Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area (Merrimac)

Parfrey's Glen: Wisconsin's first State Natural Area and nature's own vertical garden. It's like someone spilled Miracle-Gro on the side of a cliff! — Parfrey’s Glen: Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area and nature’s own vertical garden. It’s like someone spilled Miracle-Gro on the side of a cliff! Photo credit: Jacob Mankey

Parfrey’s Glen is Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, and boy, does it live up to the hype.

This hidden gem is tucked away like nature’s best-kept secret, complete with towering sandstone cliffs and a babbling brook that’s probably gossiping about all the visitors it’s seen.

Hidden treasure alert! Parfrey's Glen's waterfall plays hard to get, but the journey is half the fun. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out! — Hidden treasure alert! Parfrey’s Glen’s waterfall plays hard to get, but the journey is half the fun. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out! Photo credit: tifanyk1973

As you hike through the narrow gorge, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale.

The moss-covered rocks and delicate ferns create an atmosphere so magical, you half expect to see a unicorn taking a selfie by the waterfall at the end of the trail.

4. Willow River State Park (Hudson)

Willow Falls: Nature's own amphitheater. The roar of the water is more impressive than your neighbor's new surround sound system. — Willow Falls: Nature’s own amphitheater. The roar of the water is more impressive than your neighbor’s new surround sound system. Photo credit: Tom Diehl

Willow River State Park is home to a waterfall so impressive, it makes Niagara Falls look like a leaky faucet.

Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but Willow Falls is genuinely spectacular.

The multi-tiered cascade tumbles down a series of rocky ledges, creating a symphony of watery music that’s better than any playlist you’ve got on your phone.

Stairway to heaven? Nope, just the trail to Willow Falls. But with views like this, you might think you've died and gone to hiker's paradise. — Stairway to heaven? Nope, just the trail to Willow Falls. But with views like this, you might think you’ve died and gone to hiker’s paradise. Photo credit: Marty Dahlke

The park offers several vantage points to view the falls, each one more Instagram-worthy than the last.

Just remember, no matter how tempting it might be, resist the urge to yell “I’m king of the world!” from the overlook.

The other hikers will thank you.

5. Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area (Baraboo)

Pewit's Nest: Nature's own secret swimming hole. It's like finding a five-star resort in your backyard, minus the overpriced cocktails. — Pewit’s Nest: Nature’s own secret swimming hole. It’s like finding a five-star resort in your backyard, minus the overpriced cocktails. Photo credit: Edward Brunton

With a name like Pewit’s Nest, you’d be forgiven for thinking this place was home to a grumpy bird.

But fear not, feather-phobes!

This gorge is actually a stunning natural wonder, carved out by Skillet Creek over thousands of years.

It’s like the Grand Canyon’s adorable little cousin.

Emerald waters and towering cliffs make Pewit's Nest look like a miniature tropical paradise. Who needs the Caribbean when you've got this? — Emerald waters and towering cliffs make Pewit’s Nest look like a miniature tropical paradise. Who needs the Caribbean when you’ve got this? Photo credit: Sun Brothers

The waterfall here might not be the tallest, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in charm.

As you stand at the rim of the gorge, peering down at the emerald pool below, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret oasis.

Just remember, swimming is prohibited, so resist the urge to channel your inner mermaid.

6. Interstate State Park (St. Croix Falls)

Interstate Park: Where Wisconsin and Minnesota compete for the title of “Most Gorgeous Waterfall View.” Spoiler alert: Everyone wins! Photo credit: Dick Kruse

Straddling the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota, Interstate State Park is like the Switzerland of the Midwest, minus the chocolate and cuckoo clocks.

The park is famous for its potholes – and no, we’re not talking about the kind that eat your car tires.

These are glacial potholes, formed by swirling glacial meltwater and rocks.

St. Croix Falls: Nature's own fireworks display. No need to wait for the 4th of July when you've got this year-round spectacle! — St. Croix Falls: Nature’s own fireworks display. No need to wait for the 4th of July when you’ve got this year-round spectacle! Photo credit: Patrick McGivern

While the waterfalls here might not be as dramatic as some others on our list, the St. Croix River provides plenty of aquatic entertainment.

Plus, you can hop across the border to Minnesota without needing a passport.

It’s international travel for the commitment-phobic!

7. Fonferek’s Glen (De Pere)

Fonferek's Glen: Where water takes a 30-foot plunge with more grace than an Olympic diver. Perfect 10s across the board! — Fonferek’s Glen: Where water takes a 30-foot plunge with more grace than an Olympic diver. Perfect 10s across the board! Photo credit: servantsheart7 wilcox

Fonferek’s Glen is the dark horse of our waterfall tour.

This little-known county park packs a big punch with its 30-foot waterfall cascading over a dolomite cliff.

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It’s like nature decided to build its own version of a water park slide, minus the screaming kids and overpriced snacks.

Autumn at Fonferek's Glen: Mother Nature's confetti party. The falls provide the music, the leaves bring the color. You just bring the awe. — Autumn at Fonferek’s Glen: Mother Nature’s confetti party. The falls provide the music, the leaves bring the color. You just bring the awe. Photo credit: Amy Penokie

The glen itself is a geological wonderland, with rock formations that look like they were designed by a giant playing with building blocks.

As you explore, keep an eye out for the natural stone arch.

It’s nature’s version of a selfie frame, and it’s begging to be your next profile picture.

8. Dave’s Falls County Park (Amberg)

Dave's Falls: Proof that good things come in small packages. It's like nature's own staircase, only much prettier and less tiring to climb. — Dave’s Falls: Proof that good things come in small packages. It’s like nature’s own staircase, only much prettier and less tiring to climb. Photo credit: Jim Franzen

Dave’s Falls is proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages.

This compact park might not have the sprawling trails of some of our other stops, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

The falls themselves are a series of cascades tumbling over ancient bedrock, creating a soothing soundtrack that’s better than any white noise machine.

Front-row seats to nature's aquatic ballet at Dave's Falls. No formal wear required, but you might want to bring a raincoat! — Front-row seats to nature’s aquatic ballet at Dave’s Falls. No formal wear required, but you might want to bring a raincoat! Photo credit: Ashley Morrow

Legend has it that the park is named after a local logger named Dave.

Whether that’s true or not, I like to imagine Dave as a burly lumberjack who discovered the falls while looking for the perfect spot for a picnic.

Thanks, Dave, for sharing your backyard waterfall with the rest of us!

9. Lost Creek Falls (Cornucopia)

Lost Creek Falls: The reward at the end of a fairy tale forest hike. Cinderella's castle has nothing on this natural wonder. — Lost Creek Falls: The reward at the end of a fairy tale forest hike. Cinderella’s castle has nothing on this natural wonder. Photo credit: chrisandjess2017

Lost Creek Falls is the introvert of our waterfall family.

Hidden away in the Bayfield Peninsula, this 8-foot cascade requires a bit of a hike to reach.

But trust me, it’s worth the effort.

As you approach, the sound of falling water grows louder, building anticipation like the world’s most relaxing drum roll.

Crystal clear pool at Lost Creek Falls. It's like nature's own infinity pool, minus the pretentious resort crowd and overpriced umbrella drinks. — Crystal clear pool at Lost Creek Falls. It’s like nature’s own infinity pool, minus the pretentious resort crowd and overpriced umbrella drinks. Photo credit: Brenda Barnum

When you finally reach the falls, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden.

The water tumbles over a rock ledge into a crystal-clear pool below, surrounded by lush greenery.

It’s the perfect spot for a moment of zen, or to practice your best Tarzan yell.

Your choice.

10. Morgan Falls and St. Peter’s Dome (Mellen)

Morgan Falls: Where water does its best impression of a bridal veil. Something old (the rocks), something new (the constantly flowing water), something borrowed (the sunlight), something blue (the sky). Photo credit: Jamie M

We’re ending our tour with a two-for-one special!

Morgan Falls is a 70-foot cascade that seems to appear out of nowhere, like nature’s version of a magic trick.

The thin ribbon of water tumbles down a rocky cliff face, creating a misty veil that’s both beautiful and slightly eerie.

But wait, there’s more!

St. Peter's Dome: On top of the world, or at least on top of Wisconsin. The view is more breathtaking than trying to eat a whole cheese curd in one bite! — St. Peter’s Dome: On top of the world, or at least on top of Wisconsin. The view is more breathtaking than trying to eat a whole cheese curd in one bite! Photo credit: HTCWI

If you’re up for a challenge, continue on to St. Peter’s Dome.

This isn’t a religious site, but the view from the top is nothing short of divine.

On a clear day, you can see all the way to Lake Superior.

It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your waterfall journey and plan your next Wisconsin adventure.

There you have it, folks!

Ten of Wisconsin’s most spectacular waterfalls, served up with a side of natural beauty and a sprinkle of adventure.

Fuel your wanderlust!

This map has all the directions you need to make every stop a memorable one.

Now get out there and make a splash!

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