Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Big Manitou Falls is one of two waterfalls located in Pattison State Park. This waterfall on the Black River has the largest drop in the state of Wisconsin at 165 feet. It is also the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The water from the Black River cascades into a gorge made of both sandstone and basalt.

There are viewpoints of Big Manitou Falls on both the north and south side of the river. There are two parking areas for visitors to use to access the viewing areas. There is a large parking lot just past the entrance into the park that also serves the beach. From this lot head southwest past a shelter building and take the tunnel under Wisconsin Highway 35. The other smaller lot is just south of the entrance off County Road B. Cross County Road B to get to the viewing areas.

Since this waterfall is located in a state park, a fee must be paid to enter the park. A day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Day-Use Fee

Pros

Scenic Waterfall.

Cons

Can be crowded.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Family friendly
Shelters
Waterfalls
Geologically significant
Near lake or river

Location

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