When I realized we could hit Pattison State Park just outside of Superior on our way to the pizza train, I added it to the list. Pattison State Park is home of the largest waterfall in Wisconsin. It would be another state park that we can check off as well.
Pattison Sate Park is about 20 minutes south of Superior on WI-35. It is open 6 AM - 11 PM daily and requires a park pass to enter.
The biggest highlights of Pattison State Park are the waterfalls -- Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls.
We visited Little Manitou Falls first. There is a parking lot near the falls. The trail leading down to Little Manitou Falls is part of the North Country Trail. We walked bits and pieces of it all trip.
Little Manitou Falls can be seen from an overlook on the trail.
However to get a really good look at it, follow the side path down a set of stairs and view it from the bottom. It is much more spectacular. However, do not do that in flip flops. I was seriously worried about tripping and falling.
We then drove back to Upper Manitou Falls. Due to time and physical ability we did not take 4 mile loop between the two falls. Maybe one day I will tackle that.
We parked in the parking lot on Hwy B across from the picnic shelter and walked to the overlook. You can also park by the visitor center and take the tunnel (slippery when wet) to view it from the ground.
Big Manitou Falls is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin. At 165 feet, it is also the 4th highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. It was pretty and sure to be more impressive in spring with the spring run off.
I thought Little Manitou Falls was the prettier of the two waterfalls.
If you like chasing waterfalls, definitely check out Pattison State Park to view Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls. It is worth the drive. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy nature while you are at it.
