It’s no secret that the area along Wisconsin’s northern border and Lake Superior is stunning, no matter what time of year. In fact, there are so many wonderful places up here, it would be nearly impossible to see and experience them all. While tourists flood ferries to head to Madeline Island or head out on the water to see the sea caves, make sure you put time in your schedule to head to the Houghton Falls Nature Preserve. It’s one of the most underrated, under-appreciated spots in the whole state. Locals are super-familiar with it, but somehow it seems to have escaped the notice of those of us away from Bayfield.

Located on a small horn of land on the west side of the mouth of Chequamegon Bay, this state nature preserve offers stunning shoreline views, but it's what you'll find on an easy hike inland that will leave you enthralled.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
The hike here is easy and just 1.5 miles, so the whole family can enjoy this trip.
Facebook/HoughtonFallsNaturePreserve
The rocks here are listed as pre-Cambrian, which means they date back to somewhere between the beginning of the Earth and 541 million years ago.
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Those millions of years of water erosion can be seen in the layers of sandstone throughout the preserve.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
The stream that runs through has created a gorge that eventually ends at Lake Superior with a gorgeous 60 foot drop.
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The inlets and coves here create a sort of protected spot for plants and animals and work as a natural fish hatchery and habitat.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
There are parts along the canyon dells that are private property, so please watch for signs.
Facebook/HoughtonFallsNaturePreserve
The craggy outcrops in the Echo Dells gorge look like something out of a fantasy novel, with unusual formations under a heavy canopy of trees.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
Knowing that there's hundreds of millions of years of history surrounding this area lends itself to the other-worldly feeling you'll have here.
Facebook/HoughtonFallsPreserve
You might not find a more picturesque hike in all of Wisconsin than this one.
Facebook/HougtonFallsNaturePreserve
The park is open from sunrise to sunset in the summer months and until 4:30 pm in the winter months.
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Houghton Falls Nature Preserve is located at 77240 S Houghton Point Rd, Washburn, WI 54891.

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