If you find yourself looking for waterfalls near me in Wisconsin, you're in luck, as it's home to a number of gorgeous waterfalls. But many of them require a little work before you can enjoy them. But that's not the case with Cascade Falls, which is located right in the middle of downtown Osceola. Just steps off of Cascade Street, you can take your time enjoying the beautiful waterfall before walking through the charming streets of this small town on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border.
There are a few trails that lead off from here, if that's something you're interested in, but one of the main appeals of this amazing little spot is how easy it is - no hiking required. You can go off and scramble up Eagle Bluff to get sweeping views of the St. Croix National Scenic Waterway, but you can also take it easy so that the only work you're doing that day is the set of stairs that leads you down into the glen and to Cascade Falls.
Cascade Falls was carved out by the much-larger St. Croix River. The river created a canyon which developed the Osceola Creek and the smaller Geiger Falls located in the same area. The power of the St. Croix created a gorge through here that's much more dramatic than the smaller creek now flowing might imply.
But it's the 25-foot waterfall that is precisely how and why Osceola was founded here back in 1886. When you head into town, you'll find some of the original buildings from that time still standing. The waterfall once supported a mill and a brewery. If you visit at dusk, you’ll see LED lights setting the water ablaze with different colors.
This waterfall is somewhat unique because not only is it so easy to get to right in the middle of town, but the smaller flow of Osceola Creek makes it easy to go right up to the waterfall without fear. You can even walk behind the water and examine the beautiful spot personally. While this isn't technically one of the best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin, since no hiking is required, it is still one of the most scenic.
You won't be able to miss the access point to the falls, as it's marked by a carving of Chief Osceola.
The falls create a picturesque escape from the "hustle and bustle" that you'll find in small-town Osceola. You won't be able to believe you're so close to so much when you descend down into this magical little glen.
The falls are stunning in the fall with the leaves changing colors and as the strength of the creek's flow picks up. If you go in the winter, you'll see the water frozen mid-stream, a dramatic and gorgeous sight. And of course, it's not too shabby in the spring or summer either.
From every angle, this is an amazing gem located right in the middle of town, making it easy for most everyone to visit and enjoy.
No hiking necessary - just a flight of stairs and you can visit this truly gorgeous geological wonder of Cascade Falls.
There are slight views of the waterfall from the top of the stairs, but to get the full effect, you have to make the climb down (and unfortunately, back up when you're done).
But the views are absolutely worth the small effort. You'll love feeling the spray of the falls and listening to the soothing sounds of the falling water.
These beautiful falls are accessible by a staircase that takes you down into Wilke Glen. From there, you can walk right up to Cascade Falls. The creek makes a 100-foot descent through the town of Osceola into the St. Croix, but this waterfall is the biggest single drop - and the most dramatic. If you are in the area and looking for waterfalls near me, this is a great choice!
Have you visited this charming little town and Cascade Falls? Tell us about it in the comments! For more information about this area, head to the website for the Village of Osceola.
If you're looking to do that extra work to see a waterfall, check out these hiking trails with waterfalls in Wisconsin.
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