LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Sturgeon Falls (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Sturgeon Falls (historical)
Sturgeon Falls, located in Wisconsin, is a historical waterfall site that was once a prominent feature of the Menominee River. The falls were submerged following the construction of a hydroelectric dam, and the area is now part of a reservoir. While the original waterfall no longer exists in its natural state, the site remains of historical and geographical interest.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sand Portage Falls (5 ft) lies 5.0 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no specific trail to Sturgeon Falls as the original waterfall no longer exists. Visitors may explore the surrounding area near the reservoir or dam, but hiking opportunities are limited.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect to see the reservoir and dam that replaced the natural waterfall. The area may offer scenic views of the river and surrounding forest, but the original falls are no longer visible.
Accessibility
Accessibility may be limited depending on the access point. Visitors should check with local authorities for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sturgeon Falls (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sturgeon Falls (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The site can be visited year-round, but spring and summer may offer the best weather for exploring the surrounding area.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the reservoir and dam. Water levels and currents may be unpredictable, and swimming or wading may be unsafe. Follow all posted signs and guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Menominee River, 0.4 miles away, not on Sturgeon Falls (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,480 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 38 years of record
5.43 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MENOMINEE RIVER NEAR VULCAN, MI (1 km away).
Today
Low
1598 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
1811 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
1619 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
1530 cfs
6/10Sun
Barely Flowing
1480 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
1574 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
1540 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Norway hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Sturgeon Falls (historical) Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Sturgeon Falls (historical) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1540 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 59 feet through Sturgeon Falls (historical) over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 803 feet.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 89 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 803 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 59 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sturgeon Falls is located along the Menominee River near the Wisconsin-Michigan border. The site is accessible via local roads, but specific directions depend on the desired access point to the reservoir or dam area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability may vary depending on the access point. Visitors should check with local authorities or the hydroelectric facility for parking options.
Elevation
801 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.742182° N, -87.864846° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check with local authorities or the hydroelectric facility for access policies and parking information. Bring a map or GPS device as the area may have limited signage.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Mountain Host Motor Inn
Four Seasons Island Resort
Motel 6 Norway MI
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
The Menominee River offers other scenic spots and recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating. Nearby towns may have historical sites or local parks.
Wildlife
The area around the reservoir may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and small mammals.
Cities near Sturgeon Falls (historical)
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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