Big Manitou Falls — 165ft Block in Wisconsin

Big Manitou Falls is a 165-foot block waterfall in Douglas County, Wisconsin, reached by drive-up access over 0.3 miles.

Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is Wisconsin's tallest waterfall — a 165-foot block waterfall on the Black River about 12 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. The falls and the surrounding state park were established in 1920 and named for Martin Pattison, a local lumber baron. The drive-up overlook is a few hundred feet from the parking area; multiple short trails extend the experience. Best in spring runoff (March-May) and after major rain events; in dry summers the flow is dramatically reduced.

What to expect

Drive into Pattison State Park (south of Superior, WI on Highway 35). Buy the Wisconsin state park admission sticker. Park at the falls lot. Walk a few hundred feet to the upper overlook — drive-up family-easy. The longer trail loop visits the smaller Little Manitou Falls (31 feet) and the Black River gorge below the main falls. Pair with the Lake Superior shoreline drive, Apostle Islands NLS (about 90 minutes east), or Duluth (45 minutes northwest).