The Underrated Natural Wonder Every Wisconsinite Should See At Least Once
Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is a stunning natural wonder in Wisconsin worth visiting for its beauty and unique features.
Wisconsin has some incredibly interesting history. We’ve got old towns and cities and proof of the ice age right here within our state borders. It’s fun to learn about the history of Wisconsin’s settlers and people, but with so much land, it’s the nature that holds some of the best insight into the land before us. One of the coolest natural wonders in Wisconsin also happens to be absolutely beautiful. Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is marvelous to see, but it's often overlooked for some of our other spots. But, the trip is worth it to see one of the best natural wonders in Wisconsin.
Big Manitou Falls is one of the best reasons to visit this beautiful state park.
About 13 miles south of Superior, it's not entirely easy to get to. So, we recommend taking advantage of the camping here to really maximize your time.
While you can hear the falls even when you're not nearby, you won't be able to simply drive up to the visitor's center and view them.
Instead, you'll need to walk along the trail. Doing so affords the opportunity to see more than 200 different species of birds and 54 different mammals. You might even see a moose!
As you get close, the roar of the falls becomes louder.
And the sight is truly one the will instill awe in even the most jaded outdoors-person.
Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high, making it the fourth-tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
It's full of minerals, causing the water to be a mix of white, orange, and brown in color.
It's hard to take in the sheer size, but it's helpful to know that the height is the same as Niagara Falls.
Big Manitou is just much skinnier in appearance.
Once you've gawked at Big Manitou, take a detour to the more easily accessed Little Manitou Falls.
And then, head back to your campsite to enjoy another beautiful Wisconsin evening.
If you're coming from Milwaukee, you'll pass by Madison, then go northwest through Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. You'll head fairly far up Highway 53 until you get closer. This is where you'll veer off to the smaller, more local roads. The park itself can be found using GPS address 6294 S. State Road 35.
For 9 more natural wonders in the state of Wisconsin, click here.
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