15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Wisconsin That Defy Explanation
By Trent Jonas|Published December 28, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
With state and national forests, shorelines on two great lakes, thousands of inland lakes, and the Mississippi River along its western border, it’s not at all surprising that there are so many incredible natural wonders in Wisconsin. With such amazingly diverse topography, knowing where to look for all the best nature in Wisconsin is no simple task, so we thought we’d help out by making a few suggestions to get you started. These are 15 of our favorite natural wonders in the Badger State.
With many tumbling rivers and a considerable amount of landscape built upon limestone, sandstone, and other sedimentary materials, Wisconsin is home to several dramatic gorges and canyons, like Witch’s Gulch in the Wisconsin Dells. Along with Witch’s Gulch, this trio of canyons and gorges represents some of the most interesting natural attractions in Wisconsin.
Wow Factor: Longest and deepest “dry” canyon in the state.
Cost: Tickets are around $20 for adults and half-price for kids 4 to 11 years old.
Lost Canyon is a privately-owned attraction in the Wisconsin Dells area. It also happens to be the longest and deepest canyon in Wisconsin that doesn’t have a stream or river flowing through it. This means that you can explore it without waders - in fact, you don’t even have to walk. Canyon tours are conducted by horse-drawn wagons that traverse the curves and bends in this deep, winding gorge.
Wow Factor: A wild, narrow canyon along the Apple River, flanked by high cliffs, just upstream from its confluence with the St. Croix River.
Cost: There is no cost to visit this state natural area.
Apple River Canyon State Natural Area protects this a narrow gorge along a stretch of the clear, shallow Apple River in northwestern Wisconsin. The canyon ranges from 110 to 140 feet deep, is lined by steep cliffs, and is no more than 150 feet at its widest. While access is somewhat difficult - state natural areas typically lack amenities, such as designated trails - a glimpse of this canyon and its unique topography makes a visit entirely worthwhile. Learn more about this fascinating gorge on the Wisconsin DNR’s website.
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3. Copper Falls State Park
Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA
Wow Factor: Dramatic river gorge punctuated with water falls.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($8 residents/$11 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
Copper Falls State Park is located in extreme northern Wisconsin and near the state’s border with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In addition to its namesake falls, the park is home to a stretch of the Bad River where it rushes through its gorge on its way to Lake Superior. The canyon’s high rock walls and Northwoods setting combine with several waterfalls within the park to make this one of the most dramatic, beautiful, and best nature spots in Wisconsin.
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Best Caves In Wisconsin
In light of the aforementioned sedimentary geology in our state, you would be right to expect that there are some pretty incredible caves in Wisconsin. These are some of our favorites.
Wow Factor: Stunning mainland sea caves adjacent to the Apostle Islands.
Cost: There is no cost to visit these sea caves on your own, however a guided kayak tour is the best way to do so when the water is not frozen.
Located on the Bayfield Peninsula, near Cornucopia, the Meyers Beach Sea Caves are adjacent to a county park, as well as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. These caves were formed by the action of Lake Superior’s crashing waves against the sedimentary rock and sandstone that make up the lake’s southern shore. Kayaking, when weather permits, is the best way to reach the sea caves. Those who are not experienced with paddling on Lake Superior, as well as folks looking for more local knowledge about the water and the caves, should go with a guided tour. In some years, the water freezes solid enough that you’re able to walk out to the sea caves. Check with the National Park Service or local Coast Guard station before venturing out on the ice. Just remember, ice is never safe, and you should always wear traction devices and an immersion suit - and let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back - if you venture out.
5. Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds, Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, WI, USA
Wow Factor: One of the state’s National Natural Landmarks, this is the state’s most visited cave.
Cost: $22 for adults, $13 for children 4 to 12 years old. Younger children are free.
Cave of the Mounds is a popular natural attraction near Madison. This privately-owned cave is now a National Natural Landmark, in partnership with the National Park Service, to ensure its future preservation and protection. The cave’s many varieties of colorful speleothems are what make this natural wonder in Wisconsin particularly special.
Best Waterfalls In Wisconsin
As a state in the American Midwest, Wisconsin may not seem like an obvious state to go chasing waterfalls. But those of us from the Badger State know better. In fact, we’re aware of many dramatic cascades in Wisconsin, including some that are well over 100 feet tall. Here are a couple more places where, like Copper Falls State Park, you can find some scenic waterfalls.
6. Big Manitou Falls
Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Wow Factor: Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall located within Pattison State Park.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($8 residents/$11 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
Located a few miles south of Superior, one of Pattison State Park’s main attractions, Big Manitou Falls tumbles more than 165 feet from its precipice to the pool below. This makes it the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin - and the fourth highest east of the Rocky Mountains. But it’s not even the only waterfall in Pattison State Park! In addition to its cascades, you’ll also find a swimming beach, many ruggedly beautiful hiking trails, a campground, backpacking campsites, and a reservable log-and-stone picnic shelter in the park.
7. Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park, County Highway A, Hudson, WI, USA
Wow Factor: A rushing river with waterfalls and a scenic gorge in a popular state park.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($10 residents/$13 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
Thanks in part to its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Willow River State Park is one of the most visited parks in Wisconsin - which also explains why the daily fee is a little higher here than it is in most other parks. But it’s worth it! This stunning park is a hiker’s paradise with miles of rugged and scenic trails along the Willow River gorge, which are also well-suited for snowshoeing. You’ll also find one of the most scenic waterfalls in Wisconsin at this park in St. Croix County.
With so much natural beauty to see, sometimes a little perspective helps to take it all in, digest it, and enjoy it. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible overlooks and scenic vistas in Wisconsin that allow you to do just that. Here’s a couple of our favorites.
8. Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mound State Park, Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, WI, USA
Wow Factor: Amazing vistas from the highest point in southern Wisconsin.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($8 residents/$11 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
Blue Mound State Park is named for the highest point in southern Wisconsin, which also happens to lie within the park’s boundaries. As such, visitors to this year-round park are treated to sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. This makes it especially popular in the autumn when the fall colors are popping along the park’s 20 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. An easy drive from both Madison and La Crosse, Blue Mound State Park should definitely be on your Wisconsin bucket list.
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9. Nelson Dewey State Park
Nelson Dewey State Park, 12190 Co Hwy VV, Cassville, WI 53806, USA
Wow Factor: Sweeping views over the Mississippi River valley from the tops of towering bluffs and hiking trails through hardwood forests of the state’s Big Woods biome.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($8 residents/$11 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
Located along the Mississippi River, south of La Crosse and just north of the Illinois border, Nelson Dewey State Park is a 750-plus acre reserve that offers some of the most panoramic views in Wisconsin. From the bluffs above the river, visitors to the park can enjoy panoramic views up and down the Mississippi and across to Iowa, on the other side.
Best Rock Formations in Wisconsin
Not only does our state’s fascinating geology lend itself to incredible canyons, caves, and waterfalls, but it has led to amazing and dramatic rock formations in Wisconsin. There are many to see throughout the state, but we think these are some of the most iconic.
10. Devil's Doorway
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Wow Factor: Expansive state park near Madison, with a nature center and large recreational lake surrounded by hardwood forest, stunning quartzite formations, and Native burial mounds, as well as an Ice Age Trail interpretive area.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($13 residents/$16 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
The Devil’s Doorway at Devil’s Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable and iconic rock formations. This is due mostly to its presence within Wisconsin’s largest state park. At more than 10,000 acres, Devil’s Lake State Park is also the most visited park in the state - but you’ll also find many things to do and see at this amazing place. The hills in the park were formed from ancient quartzite, making its rocks and formations unique in both composition and in their pinkish hue (like Devil’s Doorway) - they also attract rock climbing enthusiasts. The park’s namesake lake, nature center and miles of hiking trails, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (now a National Park Service unit), add to its popularity as a year-round destination.
Wow Factor: Stunning, sometimes eerie rock formations along the Wisconsin River, near Baraboo and Madison.
Cost: The cost varies. You view parts of the Dells on your own with no charge. Commercial boat and paddling tours are also available for a fee.
The Wisconsin River Dells - which gives one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations its name - are a series of gorgeous rock formations along the Wisconsin River above and below the Wisconsin Dells. There are trails in the area that allow you to see the Dells from the river banks, but taking one of the many commercial boat tours from the area is really the best way to explore this magical part of Wisconsin.
12. High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park, N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
Wow Factor: The only state park on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, and Niagara Escarpment topography.
Cost: Admission requires a daily permit ($8 residents/$11 out-of-state) or an annual vehicle pass ($28 residents/$38 out-of-state).
High Cliff State Park is the only state-owned park on Lake Winnebago, which is the largest lake in Wisconsin (excluding the Great Lakes). The shoreline where the park is located is defined by the Niagara Escarpment. This ancient ridge runs northeastward from southeastern Dodge County, along Lake Winnebago, forming the Door County peninsula, Green Bay, the northern shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron, across southern Canada, and ends back in America at the Genesee River in New York. Niagara Falls is located where the Niagara River flows over the face of the Escarpment. Here, however, the escarpment creates many fascinating rock formations in a park that’s ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. A marina and a campground are also available.
Unique Natural Wonders in Wisconsin
Some of the most stunning, must-see nature in Wisconsin is found in places that are unique to the state, unlike just about anywhere else in America. The trio of wonders that we’ve chosen here are more regional, in that each area encompasses many amazing places, that taken individually would belong on this list, but as a collection are some of the most unique natural wonders in Wisconsin, if not in the Midwest or all of America.
13. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA
Wow Factor: A stunning National Park Service unit made up of more than a dozen islands in Lake Superior, characterized by sandstone cliffs and sea caves, Northwoods forests, and abundant wildlife.
Cost: No cost to visit the park, however we recommend hiring a local guide for water-based activities.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the Badger State’s few National Park Service units, but it sure is a stunning one! The national lakeshore includes the tip of the Bayfield Peninsula, along with its 21 namesake islands that dot this part of Lake Superior. You can enjoy the park from the mainland, but its best enjoyed from the water. Kayaking and sailing are popular in the area, as is fishing, hiking, and exploring the islands, where permitted. Those unfamiliar with navigating the lake’s often-violent and always cold waters, should go with a guide or an experienced local navigator.
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14. Horicon Marsh
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI, USA
Wow Factor: One of the largest marshes in America and a critical sanctuary for migratory birds and waterfowl.
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Not only is Horicon Marsh, as the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, an incredible place to visit on its own, its made even more amazing when birds numbering in the millions descend upon what’s now Horicon National Wildlife Refuge during their migration and nesting seasons. Trails and boardwalks take visitors right into the heart of the action or lead to solitude on a starkly beautiful landscape during the winter months.
15. Door County
Cave Point County Park, 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Wow Factor: The “Cape Cod of the Midwest” is characterized by dramatic Great Lakes scenery, charming villages, lighthouses, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and bucolic landscapes.
Cost: Varies by location. Fees apply for state parks and some county parks.
Because it would be almost impossible to select a single representative natural wonder in Wisconsin’s Door County, we thought it most appropriate to mention the whole peninsula - because, if you’re going to visit, you’re going to want to see more than one spot. Truly one of the natural wonders of Wisconsin, Door County was largely formed - and its geography is defined - by the Niagara escarpment.
Nowhere on the peninsula is the escarpment’s geology more apparent than at Cave Point County Park. There, you can see where the waters of Lake Michigan have carved stunning formations into the earth and rock of the escarpment. Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore these incredible formations. Other places in Door County that you won’t want to miss include Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park, the latter of which is the eastern terminus of the Ice Age Trail. Also, be sure to visit The Ridges Sanctuary, near Baileys Harbor, which is a national natural landmark that protects the area’s unusual karst topography, as well as some of the most unique lighthouses on the peninsula.
We think these 15 natural wonders in Wisconsin are some of the best examples of what makes the Badger State one of the most beautiful in America. How many of these places have you visited, and do you agree that these are some of the best nature spots in Wisconsin? Be sure to let us know!
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