It may have taken a little longer than we’re used to, but winter is upon us here in Wisconsin. But instead of hibernating and cursing the cold, may we suggest heading out to find some of the amazing natural beauty to be found all over the state? Waterfalls are one of the coolest looking things nature does, but they’re just as awesome looking in the middle of the freeze, where some of the water is still running. Here some of our favorite frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin to chase when temperatures fall.

1. Long Slide Falls - Niagara
Long Slide Falls, Niagara, WI 54151, USA
Flickr/Cindy
As the name implies, Long Slide Falls travels about 50 feet through the rocks. The terrain creates some amazing frozen falls.
2. Stephens Falls - Dodgeville
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Flickr/Nick Olejniczak
Located in Governor Dodge State Park, these falls are formed from a nearby natural spring. The steep face creates amazing formations as the water freezes.
3 (and 4). Little (and Big) Manitou Falls - Superior
Little Manitou Falls, Superior, WI 54836, USA
Wisconsin DNR/Facebook
It may be called "Little" Manitou Falls but it sure makes a big impression. Want to check it out? When conditions permit, Pattison State Park maintains 5.5 miles of classic cross-country ski trails ranging from beginner to moderate levels of difficulty. Three linked loops begin at the campground. A number of informal trails are also available for those interested in snowshoeing through a classic Wisconsin winter wonderland.

Of course, there's nothing like seeing Big Manitou Falls, the state's tallest waterfall at 165 feet, frozen. While its waters normally pour into the Black River, during a winter cold snap, they seem to freeze mid-air!
5. Hyde's Mill - Ridgeway
Hyde's Mill, 6829-6849 Mill Rd, Ridgeway, WI 53582, USA
Flickr/Nick Olejniczak
A favorite fall destination in Wisconsin, this is an 1850s mill on a stone dam with a wooden waterwheel. It's not a tall waterfall, but the clean edge creates an unusual frozen look.
6. Sauk Creek - Port Washington
Sauk Creek, Wisconsin, USA
Flicr/Nathanial Marciniak
The layers of rock below Sauk Creek changes the water flow and the partial freeze creates interesting looks.

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7. Granite Falls - Montello
GRANITE FALLS SUPPER CLUB, 36 W Montello St, Montello, WI 53949, USA
Flickr/Karen
There are actually four different waterfalls within Daggett Park. These four falls are part of an old, historic granite quarry. The water at the bottom stays warmer longer, creating a situation where the top layer is frozen, but there's still water running underneath.
8. Wequiock Falls - Green Bay
Wequiock Falls County Park, 3426 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
GoodFreePhotos.com
Wequiock Falls can actually sometimes dry up in the dry season but in the winter, the creek creates gorgeous frozen falls.
9. Parfrey's Glen - Merrimac
East Devils Lake State Park, E Devils Lake State Park, Lincoln City, OR, USA
GoodFreePhotos.com
Actually the state's first natural area, this is now part of Devil's Lake State Park. The area is constantly changing due to flooding. The walls are made of sandstone and quartzite and their pebbled texture helps create a breathtaking winter scene.
10. Apostle Islands - Bayfield
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA
Flickr/David Wynia
It's probably cheating a bit to use the Apostle Islands. There's no technical waterfall. Most people have seen the amazing ice caves that form in the area on Lake Superior.
Flickr/stpaulgirl
But there are also amazing areas that look like running water frozen in time.

The pictures themselves are pretty awe-inspiring, but this video is truly breathtaking.

Where are your favorite frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin?

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More to Explore

Frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin

Sarah M. | January 31, 2023

What are some other winter adventures in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has no shortage of wonderful places to discover, including wild waterfalls, expansive marshes, and scenic overlooks. When the leaves fall, the lakes freeze, and a blanket of fresh white snow covers the state, they take on a whole new seasonal beauty. Put on a warm coat and don’t forget your favorite winter travel essentials for these fun winter adventures in Wisconsin:

  • Ice Castles - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Built with thousands of lit-up icicles, the interactive Ice Castles display in Lake Geneva is an enchanting winter wonderland in Wisconsin. While Wisconsinites are no strangers to ice and snow, Ice Castles offers a delightfully different way to experience and embrace winter in Wisconsin. A highly anticipated seasonal destination, this illuminated ice kingdom features frozen slides, crawl spaces, ice caves, and frosted fountains beautifully built into an epic outdoor landscape. Part of the national Ice Castles festival, you can come and experience this wondrous winter event at the beginning of the calendar year.
  • Pewit's Nest - Sauk County, Wisconsin. This little gorge in Sauk County was formed by the retreat of the last glacier – it’s beautiful and tranquil in any season but especially so in the winter when the creek freezes.
  • Wyalusing State Park - Bagley, Wisconsin. You can see for miles in this 2,600-acre state park, which is in far western Wisconsin. It has 500-foot bluffs that flanks the Mississippi and in the winter you may spot a few bald eagles.
  • Devil's Lake State Park - Sauk County, Wisconsin. This sprawling 9,200-acre state park is located south of Baraboo and it’s one of the state’s most-visited parks. The biggest crowds arrive on summer weekends, but the winter is magical, when the lake begins to freeze and the trails are uncrowded.

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