Big Manitou Falls is a 135-foot tiered waterfall on the Black River in Pattison State Park, Douglas County, Wisconsin, south of Superior. The river pours over ancient volcanic rock into a gorge, and overlooks on both sides of the falls are a short walk from the park's main picnic area.
The falls
The Black River drops in two horsetail tiers: a main fall of 120 feet into a pool, then a lower 15-foot tier where the river bends. Lidar measurements record 135 feet of cumulative drop, while state park records have long listed 165 feet. The river has cut its gorge through sandstone and basalt, and the falls exist because the ancient volcanic rock resists erosion.
Getting there
Pattison State Park is at 6294 S State Road 35, Superior, and is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. From the main picnic area, a pedestrian tunnel under Highway 35 leads to overlooks on both sides of the falls along a 0.5-mile overlook trail, with accessible viewing platforms. The separate River Trail descends a moderately steep 0.5 mile to the Black River about a quarter mile downstream of the falls.
A vehicle pass is required: $13 a day or $28 a year for Wisconsin vehicles, $16 or $50 for out-of-state vehicles, and $3 or $13 for Wisconsin residents 65 and older.
When to go
Flow is strongest in spring and after heavy rain. In winter, maintenance crews have cleared snow from the south-side parking area and the paved path to the falls. Work to rebuild the Interfalls Lake dam in early 2027 may affect the flow over the falls.
On site
The River Trail reaches the canyon downstream rather than the plunge pool. The gorge is a State Natural Area, and rock climbing is prohibited. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 8 feet, and the park has a designated pet picnic area at the falls.
History and name
The name derives from Gitchee Manitou, from the traditional belief that the falls carried the voice of the Great Spirit. In 1917 Martin Pattison bought the land to stop a proposed dam that would have destroyed the falls, and the park was dedicated on January 20, 1920. The gorge became a State Natural Area in 2003.
Nearby
Little Manitou Falls, also on the Black River, is about 1 mile away, and Copper Creek Falls is about 1.5 miles away. Amnicon Falls is about 12.1 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.