Amnicon Falls State Park in Wisconsin, USA - map and visitor information
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Amnicon Falls State Park follows a waterfall-filled stretch of the Amnicon River near Superior, Wisconsin. Short river walks and the Horton Covered Bridge make a day visit possible without a long hike. Overnight stays require a different plan: the campground has basic facilities, no electrical hookups, and a park-wide ban on generator use.
Waterfalls, a covered bridge, and woodland trails
- Upper, Lower, and Snake Pit falls: see three main cascades from the short island trail.
- Horton Covered Bridge: cross the river near Lower Falls on a former highway bridge.
- Thimbleberry Nature Trail: explore woods, river views, and the site of a former brownstone quarry.
- Rustic camping: stay among tall trees with drinking-water faucets and vault toilets.
Plan a river walk or a basic camping stay
Fees, hours, and seasonal access
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle admission | A daily vehicle pass costs USD 13 for Wisconsin plates or USD 16 for out-of-state plates. The Wisconsin resident rate for people aged 65 and older is USD 3. A 12-month pass costs USD 28 for Wisconsin plates, USD 50 for out-of-state plates, or USD 13 for eligible Wisconsin seniors. Camping costs extra. Check the vehicle-pass rules and rates before purchase. |
| Opening hours | The park opens year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Seasonal access | Winter hiking and snowshoeing are available. The designated winter snowshoe trail is 1.5 miles long and does not reach the river. Confirm campground dates and water availability when reserving an offseason stay. |
Treat changing river conditions seriously
The river can change quickly as water levels and flows vary. Rocks can be slippery, and submerged rocks make depth difficult to judge. Diving and jumping into the river are prohibited. Swimming and wading are permitted, but the park has no designated beach or lifeguards. Supervise children closely near the water.
Read the park's river-safety and recreation guidance before entering the water. A calm-looking pool does not remove the hazards described for the gorge.
Keep pets controlled and protect the woods
Pets need a physical leash no longer than 8 feet. Clean up their waste. Wisconsin park rules exclude pets from picnic shelters, most picnic areas, and trails marked closed to pets; the rules provide an exception for service animals assisting people with disabilities. Check signs before taking a dog beyond a permitted route.
Use firewood that meets Wisconsin's transport restrictions. Moving wood can carry tree pests into the park. Hunting and trapping occur in designated areas during the applicable state-park seasons, so check the hunting map when planning a walk.
Reserve a campsite with the right equipment in mind
Use the reservation link on the official campground page to select a site. The campground has 36 sites, including one designated accessible site and two walk-in sites. The walk-in sites are 100 and 150 feet from parking.
There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump station. Generators cannot be operated anywhere in the park. Choose a setup that can work within those limits, and confirm site dimensions and seasonal services before booking.
Find the park east of Superior
The entrance address is 4279 South County Highway U, South Range, WI 54874, about 7 miles east of Superior's city limits in Douglas County. Use the official location information for the approach. The Wisconsin DNR's Madison address is an agency contact, not this park entrance.
Other state parks around Superior
- Pattison State Park: a separate road trip south of Superior, with its entrance on State Road 35.
- Jay Cooke State Park: across the state line in Minnesota, with its visitor entrance on Highway 210 at Carlton. It requires separate Minnesota park arrangements.
Choose a short falls walk or a woodland route
The 0.25-mile island trail gives views of Upper, Lower, and Snake Pit falls. Another 0.5 miles of river trail follows additional pools and cascades. These short walks suit a stop focused on the river rather than a full hiking day.
The 0.8-mile Thimbleberry Nature Trail offers a different outing through woodland. A spur reaches a pond in a former quarry. Use the official trail descriptions to choose your route.
Anglers can fish downstream of Lower Falls. A fishing license is required from age 16, and a trout stamp is needed when fishing for or keeping trout. Snowshoeing provides a winter alternative away from the river.
Basic campground facilities and access needs
The campground provides vault toilets and drinking-water faucets. Its accessible campsite is a specific camping option; it does not establish an accessible route along every waterfall trail. Ask park staff about the surface, distance, and toilet access that your visit requires.
Picnicking is another day-use option. Campers who need showers, power, or a dump station should account for their absence before choosing this campground.
About Amnicon Falls State Park
From quarrying and logging to park protection
Ojibwe people lived in the region before European arrival. Later activity included trapping, timber cutting, and brownstone quarrying. Douglas County established Bardon Park in 1932, and land transfers in the 1960s formed the basis of the state park.
The Horton bridge moved to its present location in 1930. Civilian Conservation Corps workers added its roof in 1939. Its earlier role as a road bridge explains its unusual structure beside the falls.
Forest animals and river habitats
Forest, fields, and flowing water support different wildlife. Deer, foxes, porcupines, and ruffed grouse occur in the park; beavers, mink, and otters use river habitat. Quiet observation may reveal tracks or feeding signs even when animals remain hidden. Ask at the office about borrowing binoculars or a bird guide.
Contact Amnicon Falls State Park
Call 715-398-3000 or email [email protected]. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the park. For camping reservation questions, call 1-888-947-2757.
Average weather in Amnicon Falls State Park
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| Jan | -6 °C 21 °F | -14 °C 7 °F | 2 mm 0.1 in | 14 cm 5.5 in |
| Feb | -5 °C 23 °F | -14 °C 7 °F | 3 mm 0.1 in | 21 cm 8.3 in |
| Mar | 3 °C 37 °F | -6 °C 21 °F | 20 mm 0.8 in | 19 cm 7.5 in |
| Apr | 8 °C 46 °F | -1 °C 30 °F | 56 mm 2.2 in | 21 cm 8.3 in |
| May | 16 °C 61 °F | 7 °C 45 °F | 99 mm 3.9 in | 4 cm 1.6 in |
| Jun | 22 °C 72 °F | 13 °C 55 °F | 90 mm 3.5 in | 0 cm 0.0 in |
| Jul | 25 °C 77 °F | 17 °C 63 °F | 93 mm 3.7 in | 0 cm 0.0 in |
| Aug | 24 °C 75 °F | 16 °C 61 °F | 95 mm 3.7 in | 0 cm 0.0 in |
| Sep | 21 °C 70 °F | 13 °C 55 °F | 90 mm 3.5 in | 0 cm 0.0 in |
| Oct | 12 °C 54 °F | 6 °C 43 °F | 69 mm 2.7 in | 3 cm 1.2 in |
| Nov | 4 °C 39 °F | -2 °C 28 °F | 29 mm 1.1 in | 14 cm 5.5 in |
| Dec | -3 °C 27 °F | -9 °C 16 °F | 11 mm 0.4 in | 32 cm 12.6 in |
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