Right now
Right now as of Nov 11, 2026
- Permit Vehicle admission sticker.
Status note (Nov 11, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (checked Nov 11, 2026). The Wisconsin DNR says the campground is closed through May 27, 2027 for road maintenance. It says the road to the falls and covered bridge, and all trails, remain open. What the status labels mean
Amnicon Falls State Park is about 7 miles east of the Superior city limits, per the Wisconsin DNR. A 0.25-mile island trail shows its three main falls: Upper, Lower and Snake Pit. A covered bridge spans the river at the Lower Falls. A vehicle sticker is required, and the park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
About Amnicon Falls
Amnicon Falls State Park is in Douglas County, about 7 miles east of the Superior city limits, per the Wisconsin DNR. The DNR describes "a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River."
The island trail gives views of what the DNR calls "the three main falls; Upper, Lower and Snake Pit." No DNR page we read gives a height for any of them.
A 2013 Travel Wisconsin article says Snake Pit Falls drops 25 feet "with a dramatic turn halfway down." That article is more than 10 years old, so treat the figure as a rough guide.
Geology of the falls
The DNR points to "the dark basalt seen at the Upper Falls." It says the Lower Falls flow over Lake Superior sandstone instead.
The DNR geology page also describes the Douglas Fault. It says the fault runs from east of Ashland, Wisconsin, to near the Minnesota Twin Cities.
The covered bridge
A 55-foot covered bridge spans the river at the Lower Falls. The DNR calls it a Horton or bowstring bridge. It says the bridge was moved to its present location in 1930.
It began as an uncovered highway bridge over the Amnicon River near the park. The DNR says its construction date is unknown.
Brule Civilian Conservation Corps crews added the roof in 1939, per the DNR. Heavy snow collapsed it, so it was replaced in 1941. A fire set by vandals led to another new roof in 1971.
The DNR says only five other Horton bridges are known, and it owns all of them.
Park history
The DNR says the land became Bardon Park in 1932. It passed to the state from Douglas County in 1961 and from the Town of Amnicon in 1965. The park reached 828 acres by 1977.
About our map pin
Our map pin is the USGS GNIS point for Amnicon Falls (feature ID 1560839), in Douglas County.
For more falls in the region, see Gooseberry Falls and Devil's Kettle on Minnesota's North Shore.
Getting there and parking
The Wisconsin DNR lists the park at 4279 South County Highway U, South Range, WI 54874. It puts the park about 7 miles east of the Superior city limits.
The DNR mentions a covered bridge parking lot with picnic tables and grills.
Fees
"A vehicle admission sticker is required," the DNR says. Its rates took effect Aug 19, 2025.
- Wisconsin plates: $13 a day or $28 for 12 months.
- Wisconsin seniors 65 and older: $3 a day or $13 for 12 months.
- Out-of-state plates: $16 a day or $50 for 12 months.
The DNR lists $15.50 for an extra household vehicle with Wisconsin plates, or $32.50 out of state. It adds a $5 surcharge if you use the park before you pay.
Hours
The DNR says the park is "open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m."
Contact
The DNR lists the park phone as 715-398-3000. Its call center is 1-888-936-7463, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Map and nearby falls
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OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Amnicon Falls State Park trails: the island trail and river walks
The DNR says the park has 1.8 miles of trails, though its main page rounds this to 2 miles. "The 0.25-mile trail on the island" is the most popular way to see the falls.
An additional 0.5 mile of trail runs up and down the river, per the DNR. It calls the two river walks "relatively flat and easy."
The DNR also lists the 0.8-mile Thimbleberry Nature Trail, a self-guided loop.
For another waterfall in the region, see Bond Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Dogs
Wisconsin state park rules say "pets must be on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet at all times." Pets are not allowed in buildings or picnic shelters.
They are also barred from picnic areas and beaches unless an area is designated for pets. We found no Amnicon-specific pet page.
When to visit
No official source we read names a best month for the falls. The DNR says the park is open year-round, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Winter
The DNR says snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed in the park. Its 1.5-mile snowshoe trail does not reach the river.
Camping and status checks
On Nov 11, 2026, the DNR said the campground is closed through May 27, 2027 for road maintenance. The same notice said the road to the falls and covered bridge, and all trails, remain open.
That notice showed no posted date. Check the DNR conditions page or call 715-398-3000 before you go.
| Trail | A 0.25-mile island trail gives views of the Upper, Lower and Snake Pit Falls, per the Wisconsin DNR. Another 0.5 mile of river walk runs up and down the river, and the DNR calls both walks relatively flat and easy. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | No official rating. The Wisconsin DNR calls the two river walks relatively flat and easy. |
| Entry fee | A vehicle admission sticker is required, per the Wisconsin DNR. Its rates took effect Aug 19, 2025. Wisconsin plates pay $13 a day or $28 for 12 months. Out-of-state plates pay $16 a day or $50 for 12 months. |
| Permit / reservation | Vehicle admission sticker required, per the Wisconsin DNR. |
| Parking | Covered bridge lot (Wisconsin DNR) |
| Dogs | Wisconsin state park rules say pets must be on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic shelters, or picnic areas and beaches unless they are designated for pets. |
| Swimming | The Wisconsin DNR says swimming and wading are permitted, but caution is urged. It bans diving and jumping, including jumping from the rock walls into the river. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No official accessibility information found for the falls trails. |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. The Wisconsin DNR says the park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found. |
| Managed by | Wisconsin DNR, State Park System (Amnicon Falls State Park) |
Safety and swimming
"While swimming and wading are permitted, caution is urged," the DNR says. It warns that the rocks may be slippery.
The DNR bans diving and jumping. It says jumping from the rock walls into the river is dangerous and not permitted.
The DNR lists no designated beach and no lifeguards. It says never to let children swim unsupervised.
In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Amnicon Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around South Range.
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Photos
Amnicon Falls FAQ
Is Amnicon Falls State Park open now?
As far as we can tell, yes (checked Nov 11, 2026). The Wisconsin DNR says the campground is closed through May 27, 2027. It says the road to the falls and covered bridge, and all trails, will remain open.
Can you camp at Amnicon Falls State Park?
The park has a campground, but the Wisconsin DNR says it is closed through May 27, 2027 for road maintenance. It says the road to the falls and covered bridge, and all trails, remain open.
How many waterfalls are at Amnicon Falls?
The Wisconsin DNR names three main falls on the Amnicon River: Upper, Lower and Snake Pit. It describes a series of waterfalls and rapids, and the island trail gives views of all three.
How much does Amnicon Falls State Park cost?
A vehicle admission sticker is required, per the Wisconsin DNR. Rates effective Aug 19, 2025 are $13 a day for Wisconsin plates and $16 a day for out-of-state plates.
Can you swim at Amnicon Falls?
The DNR says swimming and wading are permitted, but caution is urged. Diving and jumping are not allowed, including jumping from the rock walls.
Are dogs allowed at Amnicon Falls?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 8 feet, under Wisconsin state park rules. Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic shelters, or picnic areas unless they are designated for pets.
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Sources
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls State Park (falls, phone; read Nov 11, 2026; no updated date shown)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls park information (address, hours, location; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls current conditions (campground closure notice, no posted date; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls hiking (trail lengths; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls recreation (swimming rules, winter use; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls day use (covered bridge parking lot; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls covered bridge (history; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls geology (read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: Amnicon Falls history (read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wisconsin DNR: State park admission rates (effective Aug 19, 2025)
- Wisconsin DNR: State park pet rules (read Nov 11, 2026)
- Travel Wisconsin: Top spots for waterfalls in northern Wisconsin (Snake Pit Falls height; dated July 7, 2013)
- USGS GNIS: Amnicon Falls, feature ID 1560839 (coordinates, Douglas County)
Last verified Nov 11, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Wisconsin DNR, State Park System (Amnicon Falls State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.