Although Wisconsin doesn’t have any national parks, it boasts an abundance of remarkable state parks offering various outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping throughout the year, allowing visitors to delve into the region’s rich biodiversity. Located not too distant from the southern coast of Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin is Amnicon Falls State Park. This compact, approximately 823-acre park primarily draws attention with its cascading series of minor waterfalls and rapids found along the Amnicon River. However, besides these picturesque falls, the park features a notable historical covered bridge which links the mainland to a smaller island within the river area, providing yet another vantage point for observing additional waterfall sites.
Amnicon Falls State Park is only a short detour if you’re
road-tripping along the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway
. The park is a perfect place to stop for an hour or two to enjoy a picnic lunch along the waterway and see the falls, but you could easily spend a whole day hiking along the river and through the forest or learning about the area’s interesting geological features. There’s also a family-friendly campground if you want to stay overnight. For even more waterfalls, combine your visit with the nearby Pattison State Park, which boasts Wisconsin’s highest number of falls. Or continue along State Highway 13 for another hour to
Siskiwit Falls, Wisconsin’s beloved waterfall haven
in the small town of Cornucopia.
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Waterfalls Worth Hiking To At Amnicon Falls State Park
Amnicon Falls State Park is best known for its incredible natural scenery with its waterfalls and lush pine and cedar forests, yet the park is developed enough to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The park’s namesake Amnicon River runs through the area along the Douglas Fault, providing the opportunity to witness hundreds of millions of years of geological history in one area. Around 500 million years ago, a series of earthquakes created a massive crack in the ancient basalt bedrock, forming the falls you can see in the park today.
You have the option to see the park’s principal trio of cascades—the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Snake Pit Falls—by following a 0.6-mile circular path starting at the carpark, crossing over the Horton Covered Bridge, and circumnavigating the island within the river. Both the Upper Falls and Lower Falls lie alongside the primary stretch of the river, plunging roughly twenty feet into an extensive, sandstone gorge below. This route leading up to the covered bridge features multiple vantage points for viewing these natural wonders; notably, it is fully paved. Though many come specifically for the captivating waterfall views, the historic covered bridge itself stands out as another must-see attraction. Spanning fifty-five-feet-long, allowing glimpses directly onto the Lower Falls, this structure initially served as part of a highway before being relocated here in 1930 to facilitate easier visitor navigation to the central island area.
To see additional waterfalls and ponds, head over to a half-mile path located across from the river. This route will guide you up and down the rugged riverside terrain. Both these paths are rated as beginner-friendly and can be finished within one hour. For insights into the local plant and animal life at Amnicon Falls State Park, explore the Thimbleberry Nature Trail. Spanning 0.8 miles in length, this circular pathway follows alongside the riverbanks before venturing further inland among the wooded areas. You may collect a complimentary brochure for a guided exploration of regional trees, vegetation, avifauna, and wildlife. During wintertime visits, consider traversing the park’s 1.5-mile snowshoe track meandering through the woodland. The state park offers numerous picturesque locations ideal for picnics, complete with reserved shelters providing stunning vistas of the flowing waters.
How to Reach It and Additional Advice for Exploring Amnicon Falls State Park
Reaching Amnicon Falls State Park might pose a bit of a challenge, and you will most likely require a vehicle to get there. The park is within a short 30-minute drive from the area.
lesser-known city of Duluth, Minnesota
which is also home to the Duluth International Airport. But the closest major airport will be Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. From there, it’s about a three-hour drive to Amnicon Falls State Park.
To enter Amnicon Falls State Park, you will require a vehicle permit. You have the option of buying a daily pass for $16 or getting an annual permit for $38, which grants entry to all Wisconsin State Parks. Despite being compact, this park tends to attract quite a crowd, particularly during summertime. If your visit coincides with these warmer months, make sure to bring along your swimming gear since floating and swimming in the pools beneath the waterfalls might appeal to you when the river flow allows. However, remember that there’s no lifeguard present here, and actions like jumping or diving from the cliffs are prohibited.
The park features one basic campground equipped with 36 sites; however, these do not include electric hookups or showers. Bookings tend to be quite popular, so ensure you reserve your place early enough ahead of time. If all spots are taken, consider visiting Amnicon Falls State Park as an excellent stopover during the day to admire the impressive waterfalls, riverside scenery, and woodland vistas prior to delving into more exploration along Wisconsin’s beautiful Lake Superior coast.
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