Wisconsin’s Most Easily Accessible Waterfall Is Hiding In Plain Sight At Governor Dodge State Park

The Dairy State has some gorgeous waterfalls, but some can only be reached by long hikes over rugged, rocky terrain. Fortunately, there are breathtaking waterfalls that offer incredible beauty without an epic hike. In Governor Dodge State Park, a wonderful waterfall is a short stroll from parking areas - it’s a beautiful and accessible oasis in Wisconsin that beckons visitors. It’s called Stephens Falls - read on to see why it’s so amazing.

You’ll find Governor Dodge State Park in Iowa County, in southwest Wisconsin. It’s located just four miles from the community of Dodgeville.

The park is named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory. It was founded in 1948.

The park is huge – it covers more than 5,200 acres and it includes rugged geologic features that are typical of the Driftless area of Wisconsin.

There’s a lot to do in the park – it has two lakes, Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake, and they are popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has some nice trails that are used for hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and equestrian riding.

One of the shortest trails in the park is the most spectacular. The walk to Stephens Falls is just 0.3 miles and it’s partially paved. It passes an old spring house and will take you to a staircase that leads to the falls.

The flow of the falls varies by the season, but it’s always a tranquil and beautiful spot. Generations of nature lovers have been drawn to this place – when you see the falls, you’ll know why.

Stephens Falls is a very popular waterfall so you might want to start your walk early to avoid the crowds. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Learn more about waterfall on the park's website and to see more wonderful Wisconsin waterfalls, take this scenic road trip.