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Southern Wisconsin is full of peaceful gorges, easy family-friendly trails, and some truly stunning waterfalls. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip, looking for a short hike with the kids, or just want a quiet spot to enjoy nature, these waterfalls offer a refreshing escape close to home.
In this 2026 guide, you’ll find the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern Wisconsin—plus trail tips, parking notes, accessibility details, and the best times to visit. From popular spots like Stephens Falls to hidden gems tucked inside Milwaukee-area parks, here are the must-see cascades worth adding to your list.
After chasing waterfalls, check out our collection of outdoor Wisconsin experiences perfect for kids to keep the adventure going.
Quick List of Southern Wisconsin Waterfalls
- Pewit’s Nest (Baraboo) – Gorge + seasonal waterfall
- Stephens Falls (Governor Dodge State Park) – Easy hike, scenic
- Parfrey’s Glen (near Devil’s Lake) – Gorge trail + small falls
- Wehr Nature Center (Franklin) – Kid-friendly mini waterfall
- Lake Park Waterfall (Milwaukee) – Historic, 30+ ft drop
- Kletzsch Park Dam (Glendale) – Scenic river cascades
- Boerner Botanical Gardens (Hales Corners) – Rock-garden waterfalls
- Grant Park Mill Pond Dam (South Milwaukee) – Historic spillway
- Mill Pond Park & Plaza (Menomonee Falls) – Urban waterfall feature
Best Waterfalls in Southern Wisconsin (2026)
From quiet garden trickles to dramatic sandstone gorges, Southern Wisconsin has a surprising variety of waterfalls—most of them easy to reach and great for families. Here’s a simple, skimmable guide to each one, including trail difficulty, parking notes, and what makes each spot special.
Pewit’s Nest (Baraboo)
A narrow sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek with a small but beautiful seasonal waterfall.
Why it’s special: Dramatic rock walls, clear shallow water, and a quick, scenic hike.
Good to know: Parts of the trail are sometimes fenced for restoration, parking is very limited, and bugs can be heavy in warm months.
Best time to visit: Spring snowmelt or after rain.
Stephens Falls — Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville)
A peaceful cascade tucked into a mossy ravine, reached by an easy, family-friendly trail.
Why it’s special: One of the most photogenic falls in Southern Wisconsin with a short, rewarding walk.
Good to know: There’s a large parking lot nearby, and an observation deck makes viewing easy.
Parfrey’s Glen — Near Devil’s Lake (Baraboo)
Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, home to sandstone cliffs, a small waterfall, and a gorge that feels a little otherworldly.
Why it’s special: A hike through geologic history with striking rock formations.
Good to know: Expect some rock scrambling, muddy spots, and seasonal closures; dogs are not allowed.
Wehr Nature Center / Whitnall Park (Franklin)
A short kid-friendly trail leads to a gentle waterfall that flows into the Root River.
Why it’s special: Easy paths, stroller-friendly boardwalks, wildlife viewing, and a great Nature Play Space for kids.
Good to know: A small donation is suggested at the lot.
Lake Park Waterfall (Milwaukee)
A restored 30-foot waterfall in Milwaukee’s historic Lake Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Why it’s special: The height, the lannon-stone design, and the quick access from the pavilion.
Good to know: Short trails lead down through wooded ravines for great photos.
Kletzsch Park Dam (Glendale)
A scenic dam along the Milwaukee River Parkway with easy viewpoints.
Why it’s special: A peaceful stop along the Oak Leaf Trail with playgrounds nearby.
Good to know: Great for a quick nature stop or biking break.
Boerner Botanical Gardens (Hales Corners)
Trickling rock-garden waterfalls set among formal gardens and lush plantings.
Why it’s special: Quiet pathways, seasonal blooms, and Margie’s Garden (a great spot for kids).
Good to know: Admission is required; best in late spring through early fall.
Grant Park, Mill Pond Dam (South Milwaukee)
A historic spillway dating back to the 1840s, now part of the Milwaukee County Park system.
Why it’s special: A mix of local history and a peaceful place to wander.
Good to know: Picnic areas and wooded trails make it a nice add-on to a day at Grant Park.
Mill Pond Park & Plaza (Menomonee Falls)
A charming downtown park with the Lepper Dam spillway and a pretty riverside gazebo.
Why it’s special: An easy, accessible “urban waterfall” stop perfect for photos.
Good to know: Close to Village Park’s playground and bathrooms.
More Wisconsin Waterfalls Worth the Road Trip
If you’re ready to go beyond Southern Wisconsin, the state has some of the Midwest’s most breathtaking waterfall regions. These destinations require a longer drive but reward you with bigger drops, dramatic gorges, and some truly memorable hikes.
North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country Trail stretches through eight states and includes some of Wisconsin’s most spectacular waterfall views.
What you’ll see:
- Old-growth pine forests
- Rocky overlooks
- Small lake chains
- Dozens of creek crossings
- Some of the tallest falls in the state
Highlights:
- Pattison State Park: Home to Big Manitou Falls (165 feet), the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth tallest east of the Rockies. Nearby Twin Little Manitou Falls is a shorter but beautiful double drop.
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: Remote, peaceful, and home to two wilderness areas—Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake Wilderness.
- Juniper Rock Overlook: A short but steep half-mile hike with panoramic views of the Marengo River Valley.
Good to know:
Parking or park entry fees may apply depending on where you access the trail.
Copper Falls State Park
Located along the eastern stretch of the North Country Trail, this park is famous for its deep volcanic gorges and dark, rushing water.
Must-do trail:
- Doughboys Nature Trail (1.7 miles) — offers jaw-dropping views of Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Tyler Forks cascades.
Marinette County — The “Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin”
If you want a full weekend of waterfall hopping, Marinette County is the place.
Why it’s special:
- Over a dozen waterfalls
- Well-marked self-guided routes
- Easy pull-offs for families
Popular stops:
- Dave’s Falls
- Veteran’s Falls
- Eight Foot Falls
- Long Slide Falls (a fan favorite for photographers)
Grab the Waterfall Tour Map from Marinette County for a simple, family-friendly loop.
Lost Creek Falls (Cornucopia, WI)
A beautiful 8-foot waterfall with cascades above and below the main drop.
What makes it unique:
You can walk behind the waterfall, which is rare in this region.
Downtown Osceola Waterfall (Osceola, WI)
An easy stop right off Cascade Street, close to shops and the historic Chief Osceola statue.
Fun surprise:
At night, LED lights illuminate the waterfall in seasonal colors.
Willow Falls — Willow River State Park (Hudson)
One of Wisconsin’s most powerful and photogenic waterfalls.
Why people love it:
- Multi-tiered cascades
- Gorge walls
- Wide open viewing areas
It’s especially a showstopper in winter, when ice formations build up around the falls.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Southern Wisconsin might not be known for towering waterfalls, but the region has a surprising mix of peaceful cascades, scenic gorges, and easy trails that make it perfect for family adventures. Whether you’re exploring a quiet garden stream, walking through sandstone cliffs, or road-tripping to the state’s bigger falls, there’s always something new to discover.
If you’re planning your next outing, use this guide as a starting point—then dive into our related posts to keep the adventures coming. Happy exploring!
Related Wisconsin Waterfall Guides
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
