On the heels of an - um - impressive winter, there couldn't be a better time to discover Wisconsin's many bubbling and breathtaking waterfalls. Most are located in or around Wisconsin's park system, so throw on your best pair of hiking boots, pack your camera and prepare to be amazed:
1. Big Manitou Falls (Superior) - Head to the top of the state at Pattison State Park in Superior for unbelievable views of Big and Little Manitou Falls. At 165 feet, Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin's highest waterfall. An absolute must-see.
2. Copper Falls (Mellen) - Copper Falls State Park is one of my favorite places in Wisconsin. Why? North Country National Scenic Trail is a hiker's dream with waterfalls, cascades and gorges around every turn. Take a few extra moments to take in Copper Falls and its 40 feet of splendor.
3. Fonferek Falls (Green Bay) - A gravel quarry, abundant agricultural fields and 15 acres of farmland-turned-restored-prairie. Add to that a dramatic 30-foot waterfall, and you have yourself a 74-acre geological gem that is Fonferek Falls in Ledgeview.
4. Long Slide Falls (Pembine) - I journeyed to Marinette County recently with the Discover Wisconsin crew to film our new episode on Wisconsin County Forests. My only regret? Not charging my phone ahead of time as I took dozens of photos. Regarded as Wisconsin's Waterfall Capital, Marinette County is home to Long Slide Falls and Smalley Falls, near Morgan Park, Dave's Falls, on the Pike River, Strong Falls, on the Peshtigo River and many more.
5. Potato River Falls (Hurley) - Another county well known for fantastic falls is Iron County in north central Wisconsin. My personal favorite is Potato River Falls near Hurley. The waterfall drops about 90 feet into the Potato River southwest of Gurney. P.S. Pack a lunch and enjoy the nearby picnic area.
6. Snake Pit Falls (South Range) - I know, the name is unfortunate. But the view? Anything but. Amnicon Falls State Park is another Wisconsin gem that boasts a series of waterfalls and rapids right along the Amnicon River. Be sure to snap some pics of the dramatic falls from the gorgeous covered footbridge.
Keep this article handy and make it a point to tour some of Wisconsin's best waterfalls. I promise you this: You're going to be blown away by the glory of Wisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. Big Manitou Falls (Superior) - Head to the top of the state at Pattison State Park in Superior for unbelievable views of Big and Little Manitou Falls. At 165 feet, Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin's highest waterfall. An absolute must-see.
2. Copper Falls (Mellen) - Copper Falls State Park is one of my favorite places in Wisconsin. Why? North Country National Scenic Trail is a hiker's dream with waterfalls, cascades and gorges around every turn. Take a few extra moments to take in Copper Falls and its 40 feet of splendor.
3. Fonferek Falls (Green Bay) - A gravel quarry, abundant agricultural fields and 15 acres of farmland-turned-restored-prairie. Add to that a dramatic 30-foot waterfall, and you have yourself a 74-acre geological gem that is Fonferek Falls in Ledgeview.
4. Long Slide Falls (Pembine) - I journeyed to Marinette County recently with the Discover Wisconsin crew to film our new episode on Wisconsin County Forests. My only regret? Not charging my phone ahead of time as I took dozens of photos. Regarded as Wisconsin's Waterfall Capital, Marinette County is home to Long Slide Falls and Smalley Falls, near Morgan Park, Dave's Falls, on the Pike River, Strong Falls, on the Peshtigo River and many more.
5. Potato River Falls (Hurley) - Another county well known for fantastic falls is Iron County in north central Wisconsin. My personal favorite is Potato River Falls near Hurley. The waterfall drops about 90 feet into the Potato River southwest of Gurney. P.S. Pack a lunch and enjoy the nearby picnic area.
6. Snake Pit Falls (South Range) - I know, the name is unfortunate. But the view? Anything but. Amnicon Falls State Park is another Wisconsin gem that boasts a series of waterfalls and rapids right along the Amnicon River. Be sure to snap some pics of the dramatic falls from the gorgeous covered footbridge.
Keep this article handy and make it a point to tour some of Wisconsin's best waterfalls. I promise you this: You're going to be blown away by the glory of Wisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.