Big Manitou Falls
Wisconsin • 165 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Big Manitou Falls
Big Manitou Falls, located in Pattison State Park in Wisconsin, is the tallest waterfall in the state, standing at an impressive 165 feet. It is a stunning natural feature surrounded by lush forest and offers breathtaking views year-round.
The Setting
Big Manitou Falls sits at 958 feet within Pattison State Park, in the foothills of Wisconsin. At 165 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wisconsin.
Height: 165 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Little Manitou Falls (31 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the south.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Big Manitou Falls is well-maintained and features a loop that provides multiple viewpoints of the waterfall. The path is relatively flat and suitable for most visitors, including families with children.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 165 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Manitou Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $8.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Manitou Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and observation areas, as the terrain near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Exercise caution near the edges of cliffs.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Nemadji River, 6.8 miles away, not on Big Manitou Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
106 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 52 years of record
4.58 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NEMADJI RIVER NEAR SOUTH SUPERIOR, WI (11 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
106 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
110 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
99 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
97 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
122 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
115 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Oliver hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Manitou Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Big Manitou Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 34°F to 20°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 126 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wisconsin.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 131 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The full 165 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 200 feet. The ground at the falls is roughly 962 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 165 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 962 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 131 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Manitou Falls is located within Pattison State Park, approximately 13 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. The park is accessible via Highway 35.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available within Pattison State Park near the visitor center and designated trailheads.
Elevation
958 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.536052° N, -92.121304° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections of the trail may be uneven. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Willard Munger Inn
Super 8 by Wyndham Superior WI
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Superior by IHG
Comfort Inn Duluth West
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Little Manitou Falls, another waterfall within Pattison State Park, is located nearby. The city of Superior offers additional dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot wildflowers and other native plants along the trails.
Cities near Big Manitou Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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