You may not be a huge outdoor person or hiker, but even the most urban of folk can appreciate why it’s worth hitting the road to check out some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful waterfalls. From our tallest falls to one named among the best in the country, this trip will show you the very best of nature’s majestic possibilities. And for those casual outdoors folks, the trip also includes stops at three different wineries where you can rest your feet, relax and refuel before heading out to see more beauty. It’s basically the best of all worlds as you head out in Northern Wisconsin to discover the beauty and bounty of the state. There’s no better way to experience the greatest state of the northern midwest than a wine and waterfalls road trip in Wisconsin. Learn all about it below, and perhaps plan a trip or two of your own. This is easily an experience that should be revisited time and time again. If you decide you need more than a day, then be sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list before you hit the road!
As Wisconsin's tallest waterfall, this one crashes 165 feet into the Black River. It's the fourth-largest waterfall east of the Rockies and it really is massive in size - and in noise. Native Americans once thought they could hear the Great Spirit in its roaring water. It's actually as tall as Niagara Falls - just a whole lot skinnier. It is located in Pattison State Park and is the first stop on our wine and waterfalls road trip in Wisconsin.
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Amnicon Falls - South Range
Amnicon Falls State Park, 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874, USA
There are a number of waterfalls in this park along the Amnicon River. The falls are named for the river that forms them - the Amnicon flows through here and around an island, creating the different falls. The rock here is billions of years old and wandering around this park feels like a voyage into the past.
The folks at one of the best wineries in Wisconsin take advantage of the abundance of local fruit and honey to make award-winning wines and meads as well as brandy and hard cider. There's something for everyone here and you'll love sampling the wide array of flavors they offer up.
Siskiwit Falls - Cornucopia
88555 Siskiwit Falls Rd, Cornucopia, WI 54827, USA
These are a small slide falls where in warm months you may find folks using them like a waterslide. The rocks are slippery and well worn and it creates a sort of nature's water park for you to enjoy.
Lost Creek Falls - Cornucopia
Lost Creek Falls, Lost Creek Number One, Cornucopia, WI 54827, USA
This little beauty takes some work to find as it's off the beaten path and not necessarily marked, but it's well worth the small trek. Despite not being too far from civilization you'll feel like you're lost in a wooded wonderland. It's serene and gorgeous and basically perfect.
After all that work finding the last two falls, you'll need to fuel back up at Bayfield Winery. This gorgeous old barn is home to a great array of fruity wines that will make you happy you took the time to stop.
Named one of the 10 most spectacular waterfalls in the country, this one drops 90 feet into the Potato River southwest of Gurney. It's gorgeous and impressive and not nearly as crowded as some of the others. Gurney is on Hwy 169, about 12 miles northeast of Copper Falls State Park and about 3 miles south of US 2. The park is at the end of Potato River Falls Road, west of Hwy 169.
Copper Falls - Mellen
Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA
This waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin, and has carved deep gorges and flows over ancient lava into spectacular waterfalls over time. One of Wisconsin's most scenic parks, the activities here are endless and you'll even find log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
This area has been hammered by flooding in recent years, so may not always be accessible. Make sure you check ahead with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest before heading out. This one is about 80 feet and separates into a few different streams that flow over granite wall faces. It's gorgeous and worth the trek if it's accessible. You'll also be near St. Peter's Dome, if that's open.
Recently taken over by a new group and rebranded, this winery stocks all kinds of Wisconsin bottles and is the perfect place to sit back, relax and unwind at the end of your road trip. Celebrate a day well spent with a glass or two and then grab some to take home with you.
This is where we leave you, friends. It’s up to you now, to finish out what we’ve begun: take the best wine and waterfalls road trip in Wisconsin. We’re rooting for you!
If you love waterfalls, check out these Wisconsin waterfall hikes that you will simply not want to miss.
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wine and waterfalls road trip in Wisconsin
Meghan Kraft|July 01, 2020
What are the most beautiful hikes in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is rife with natural beauty, and its mountains and valleys lend themselves to some stunning, beautiful hikes throughout the state. Some noteworthy places include:
Devil's Lake and hike along the Ice Age Trail, which leads to 500-foot bluffs that overlook a grand and great chasm of lakeside beauty.
The Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area is located in the same area and takes hikers through pine, cedar, and red oak forests as the trail curves through sandstone cliffs.
The Scuppernong Trail
The Quincy Bluff
Wetlands State Natural Area north of the Dells
The trails throughout Madeline Island
What are the best outdoor adventures in Wisconsin?
There are all sorts of great outdoor adventure opportunities in Wisconsin. See how many you can cross off your bucket list:
Head to the beaches on Lake Michigan
Go chasing waterfalls in Marinette County
There's nothing like tubing on one of the many Wisconsin Rivers
Perhaps even kayak, if you're feeling adventurous
There are cliffside camping opportunities in Southwestern Wisconsin
Devil's Lake State Park remains one of the most visited and beautiful experiences in the state
Does Wisconsin have any natural wonders?
The natural wonders of Wisconsin tend to be forgotten, even though they are both awe-inspiring and almost unbelievable in their beauty.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an archipelago of 21 islands found on Lake Superior, and the windswept landscape is one of the most stunning in the state.
The Cave of the Mounds is a National Natural Landmark and boasts delicate calcite crystals and cave formations as one of the major caves in the United States.
Wisconsin is also home to the Horicon Marsh, which is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the nation.