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!
For your convenience, here is an editable version of this wine and waterfalls road trip map.
Shall we begin our trip to the best wineries and waterfalls on this Wisconsin road trip? Let's start adventuring!
Big Manitou Falls - Superior
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.
Amnicon Falls - South Range
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.
White Winter Winery - Iron River
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
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
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.
Bayfield Winery - Bayfield
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.
Potato Falls - Gurney
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
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.
Morgan Falls - Marengo
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.
Out of the Woods Winery - Hayward
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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