Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park sits in Douglas County in northwestern Wisconsin, about 13 miles south of Superior along State Highway 35. The park’s defining feature is Big Manitou Falls, a 165-foot drop on the Black River that ranks as the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth tallest east of the Rocky Mountains. That distinction draws visitors from across the region, but the park also offers a quiet lake, forested trails, and a well-developed campground that makes it a practical base for exploring the Lake Superior shoreline.

Big Manitou Falls

The falls are the reason most people come, and they deliver. The Black River cuts through ancient sandstone and basalt before plunging in a wide curtain into the gorge below. A short, paved path from the main parking area leads to the primary overlook, which is accessible and suitable for all ages. For a closer and more dramatic perspective, the Big Manitou Falls River Trail descends to the Black River about 0.25 miles downstream of the falls along a steeper route with uneven terrain. Signage and railings are in place at the main overlook, but hikers going below should use caution, particularly when the path is wet. A second, smaller waterfall called Little Manitou Falls is located upstream and can be reached by trail. At roughly 31 feet, it is modest compared to its neighbor, but the surrounding forest and the quieter section of river make it worth the walk on its own terms.

Trails Through the Black River Forest

The park has over 7 miles of marked trails that range from easy riverside walks to moderate woodland routes. The trail system along the Black River is the most traveled, connecting the two waterfalls through a forested corridor of hemlock and hardwoods. A separate trail system loops through upland areas around Interfalls Lake, offering softer terrain and broader views across the water. Trail surfaces vary from packed dirt to rocky outcroppings, and some sections can be muddy after rain. Winter use is permitted on most trails, and the park maintains select routes for cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow.

Interfalls Lake and Summer Recreation

Interfalls Lake, formed by a dam on the Black River between the two falls, provides the park’s swimming, paddling, and shoreline recreation. A 300-foot sand beach is open for swimming during summer months, though it is unguarded. The lake is a flowage, and water depths can change after rain, so families should watch children closely near the water. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the access point near the beach. Fishing opportunities in the park are limited. The lake does not support a sport fish population, though the Black River below Big Manitou Falls is occasionally fished. Anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license, and trout fishing requires a trout stamp.

Camping at Pattison

The campground offers around 59 sites with varying levels of amenity. Eighteen of those sites have electrical hookups, and several are positioned close to the lake. Flush toilets, showers, and a dump station are available in season, making the campground comfortable for tent campers and those with RVs. Three backpack sites, about 1.6 miles from the parking area, offer more separation from the main loops. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends, particularly from late June through August, so advance reservations are required.

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome in most areas of the park, including most trails and the campground. Pets are not permitted on the beach or in the designated swimming area. The leash must be no longer than 8 feet. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears are present in the park and surrounding forest, and sightings near campsites and along trails are most common during summer and fall when bears are actively foraging. Store all food, coolers, and scented items in your vehicle or a hard-sided container and never leave food unattended at your campsite. If you encounter a bear on a trail, remain calm, do not run, and give the animal space to move away on its own.

Venomous rattlesnakes are not a concern at Pattison State Park. Wisconsin’s timber rattlesnakes are associated with the rocky bluff country of western and southwestern Wisconsin, far from Douglas County. Visitors may still encounter nonvenomous snakes and other reptiles around rocks, sunny trail edges, and wetland margins. Stay on marked trails, watch where you step and place your hands, and give any snake you spot a wide berth.

Ticks are active throughout the forested and brushy sections of the park from spring through fall. Deer ticks in this region can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking, apply repellent, and do a full body check after every outing. Remove any attached tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.

Practical Information

Pattison State Park is located at 6294 State Highway 35, Superior, Wisconsin. The park is approximately 13 miles south of Superior on WI-35. Coordinates are approximately 46.5373, -92.1186. The nearest city with full services is Superior, where gas, groceries, and lodging are all available.

Daily vehicle admission passes are $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin plates, $3 for Wisconsin residents age 65 and older with Wisconsin plates, and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. A 12-month vehicle pass is $28 for vehicles with Wisconsin plates and $50 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Admission is required only for motor vehicles. Camping fees are separate and charged per site per night.

The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Seasonal water systems, including flush toilets, showers, drinking fountains, and dump stations, are weather-dependent and typically unavailable from around October 1 through May 15. Camping reservations can be made through the Wisconsin State Park System at wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling 1-888-947-2757. There are no first-come, first-served campsites at Wisconsin state parks, so reservations should be made before arrival.