Discover Marinette County, the “Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin”

The great state of Wisconsin is home to over 100 waterfalls — some hidden and some of which are among the state’s most popular travel destinations. But Marinette County in Northeast Wisconsin is in a class all its own.

Marinette County is the undisputed “Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin,” home to over a dozen different waterfalls.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip destination, a scenic drive to take with your sweetheart, or a spot to enjoy a family picnic, the county’s waterfalls need to be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

A Wonderland of Waterfalls

Nestled against the southern part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and a sliver of Lake Michigan, Marinette County is a popular Wisconsin tourist destination for travelers.

With more than 230,000 acres of forest, more than 900 miles of streams and rivers, and nearly 450 lakes, the county is an outdoor paradise. Visitors can enjoy snowmobiling in the winter, fishing in the spring and summer, and hiking in the summer and fall.

Visitors of all ages can explore one, two, or all of Marinette County’s waterfalls on scenic, self-guided tours to enjoy breathtaking views and hear the familiar sound of rushing water.

NOTE: Many of the waterfalls are within the county park system and visitors can purchase a $5/per vehicle day pass for all of them.

Exploring Marinette County’s Waterfalls

With more than a dozen waterfalls spread throughout the county, there’s plenty of space and many options for visitors who love to go chasin’ waterfalls. Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy pair of shoes/boots on to make your exploring more comfortable.

Veteran’s Falls

Visitors can start their Marinette County waterfall adventure inside Veteran’s Memorial Park in Crivitz. Visitors will find Veteran’s Falls, a three-tier cascade over the Thunder River, best seen from a bridge that spans the falls or from a nearby viewing platform.

McClintock Rapids

Nestled within McClintock County Park in Athelstane, the rapids offer exceptional views and the pleasing sound of rushing water. McClintock is known as a “bridge park,” where visitors can traverse four wood bridges over the rapids on the Peshtigo River.

Strong Falls

Strong Falls is also on the Peshtigo River within Goodman County Park in Athelstane and is easily accessible for visitors who love waterfalls, taking pictures, and soaking up scenic views. Visitors can enjoy a scenic bridge, walkways, and a picnic area within the park. 

Twelve Foot Falls

A trip to 12 Foot Falls County Park in Dunbar allows visitors to see two waterfalls on the Pike River. While the park is also a hotspot for trout fishing and hiking, visitors can climb (carefully) over uneven terrain to reach the top of the falls. A viewing area near the parking lot is also available for those who can’t make the climb.

Eight Foot Falls

A five-minute walk through a camping area and along a stream brings visitors to Eight Foot Falls. The river tumbles over a rock-strewn ridge into a scenic, wide pool. If you’re camping at the park, keep your ears open because Eight Foot Falls can be heard in the background, offering the perfect ambiance for a camping trip.

Four Foot Falls

This four-foot waterfall near Dunbar is known for its quiet surroundings and visitors can enjoy the sight of the falls crashing over a rock ledge, especially in the spring when there’s higher water flow.

Eighteen Foot Falls

The largest of the county’s “foot” falls can also be found on the Pike River near Dunbar. As a “wild” waterfall, there aren’t many good vantage points, but a 10-minute hike through the woods brings hikers to the top of the falls for some scenic views.

Long Slide Falls

Of all the falls in the county, Long Slide Falls may be the most beautiful of the group. Located just north of Pembine, it’s certainly one of the most impressive in Northeast Wisconsin with a 50-foot drop where water tumbles over giant rocks into the Pemebonwon River.

Smalley Falls

Just a half-mile drive upstream from Long Slide Falls near Niagara, Smalley Falls is a short walk from the parking lot and captivates visitors with a narrow 10-foot waterfall with multiple drops. Fair warning, not all the drops can be easily seen, so be prepared to move around a little bit.

Carney Rapids

Located on the Menominee River near Niagara, Carney Rapids is one of the most scenic falls in Marinette County, thanks to the powerful flow of water that crashes over ledges and rocks. This display of nature’s power is perfect for photos and scenic views and the surrounding forest makes for an almost indescribable scene.

Horseshoe Falls

One of the most unique waterfalls in the county is on the Popple River and is noted for its distinct horseshoe-shaped cascade — a result of water flowing over a scenic, curved rock formation. The falls are tucked away and reached via various trails, some of which are moderately difficult, so hikers are urged to use caution.

Bull Falls

Another can’t-miss waterfall on the Pike River, Bull Falls is located near Amberg and assessed from a parking lot via a short path down to the river.

Quiver Falls

Nestled on the Thunder River near Athelstane in the middle of the Marinette County Forest, Quiver Falls is a series of small, scenic drops in a forested setting. Getting to the falls takes a little bit of effort over rugged trails, but it’s perfect for travelers looking to escape into nature.

Dave’s Falls

Situated within Dave’s Falls County Park near Amberg, the falls are on the Pike River and broken up into upper and lower falls. The upper falls are smaller and more tranquil, while the lower falls are faster moving and cascade over rocky ledges.

Piers Gorge

The Menominee River straddles the Wisconsin-Michigan border and the rough and tumble section of the river known as Piers Gorge is a hotspot for whitewater rafting and a popular hiking spot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

While the gorge is technically located in Michigan, Wisconsinites can still follow the shoreline for beautiful views and photo ops.

Wander Your Way to the Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin

With more than a dozen cascades, Marinette County is one of the best areas in Wisconsin for waterfall enthusiasts. From scenic falls in the middle of the forest to bigger falls in county parks, each waterfall is unique, scenic, and ready for its close-up. With many of them nestled so closely together, visitors to Marinette County don’t have to travel far to see these awesome wonders of nature up close.