A favorite activity for people who live in Chicago is bar hopping. Sometimes it is referred to as a bar crawl. It consists of having a drink or two in a bar and then leaving for another bar for a few drinks followed by another bar and so on. I followed that same routine waterfall hopping Marinette County waterfalls.
It is not unusual to find the author waterfall hopping or bar hopping
Waterfall hopping instead of bar hopping
Bar hopping is popular in Wisconsin too except in many places in this state you will need to drive from bar to bar as they are not as close together as they are in Chicago. For this you will need a designated driver or you could do a different kind of hop.
Bar hopping in a Wisconsin bar
On my way home from the great northwoods earlier this summer from Isle Royale and canoeing some Wisconsin rivers, I hopped home. I did not bar hop though as I had an eight hour drive to accomplish, so I hopped waterfalls instead.
Related: Paddling the Wisconsin River headwaters with the Pelican
Waterfall hopping – Smalley Falls in Marinette County was my first stop
Marinette County is sometimes referred to as the waterfall capital of Wisconsin if not the Midwest. There are at least 14 waterfalls found in this far northern county on the border of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Some of the rivers responsible for this turbulent water, rock, gravity combination include the Pike River, Pemebonwon River, Peshtigo River, Thunder River, and Menominee River.
Waterfall hopping after canoeing northern Wisconsin Rivers
On my way up to Isle Royale I saw a few signs for waterfalls and made a mental note to check these places out. While canoeing northern Wisconsin Rivers with the Mad Paddler, I was told about all the picturesque waterfalls I could visit on the way home.
After canoeing the Pine River, we finished by noon, so I had plenty of time to visit a waterfall or two on my way home. My initial plan intended to only check out 12 Foot Falls and then drive home, but a waterfall hop broke out instead.
Entrance to Long Slide Falls on my waterfall hopping adventure continues
Waterfall hopping in Marinette County
As soon as I headed south from Iron Mountain, Michigan, I immediately came across a sign for Long Slide Falls County Park. I turned right passing Morgan Park and less than a half mile away was another sign to Smalley Falls.
I got out at the parking area and walked about a quarter of a mile to Smalley Falls. This was more of a cascade than an actual falls, but it was nice, and a good waterfall primer. I felt loose, content, and happy after the first waterfall.
Waterfall hopping Wisconsin – Long Slide Falls – Marinette County Wisconsin
I then proceeded down the road to Long Slide Falls. There was a sign here for $3.00 admission for the day, but the price of admission was good for all in the Marinette County Park system. I quickly found the falls, which was a little grander than Smalley with two falls drops. I returned to the car doing a little waterfall dance because inhibitions began to loosen.
Eight Foot Falls – Marinette County, Wisconsin waterfall hopping
12 Foot Falls County Park
I proceeded down highway 141 until I came to a sign for 12 Foot Falls. I turned right and drove, and drove, and drove down twelve foot falls road. 12 Foot Falls County Park was about ten miles off the road, but it was worth it.
For those who would like to stop hopping and stay awhile, 12 Foot Falls County Park is a park with camping, natural settings, and picnic areas. Perhaps a good idea if you are a lightweight and already drunk on waterfalls.
Waterfall hopping Marinette County – Eight foots bigger brother 12 Foot Falls
As a bonus to 12 Foot Falls, there is also an 8 Foot Falls, which seems just 50 feet away. I first stumbled over to 8 Foot Falls and took in yet another pretty waterfall. I then made my way over to 12 Foot Falls and enjoyed it awhile before I headed back south.
World turning after a drunken waterfall feast
After so many waterfalls in a short amount of time, I could hardly walk back to the car. My vision was blurred and every woman that was in the park was the most beautiful I had ever seen.
Looking down 12 Foot Falls while waterfall hopping Wisconsin
I could barely drive, but I had to make one final stop at Horseshoe Falls. After driving another five miles down Marinette County dirt roads, I checked off waterfall number five for the day.
Waterfall hopping Wisconsin – 12 Foot Falls from across the water
By this time the woods were spinning. I felt nauseous, and I was experiencing double-vision. I was completely drunk on the beauty of water and rocks mixed with gravity.
Waterfall hopping – Horseshoe Falls – Marinette County, Wisconsin
Marinette County Waterfalls total 14
Next time you are in Marinette County, be sure to drink in a waterfall or two, but make sure you avoid getting cited for DUIW (Driving under the influence of Waterfalls). I visited only five falls on my way home because I feel moderation is key.
If you really want to party, there are double digit waterfalls to be found in Marinette County including Dave Falls and Bulls Falls. Check out this post for a more comprehensive look at the county’s waterfalls or this site on waterfalls in the Midwest.
If you would like a more structured approach, get a waterfalls tour map at the Ranger Station in Pembine. The map shows all 14 waterfalls. Another option is taking a giant loop with Highway 141 and Parkway Road.
Adventure on!
Wow! What a lovely day with nature!
Renuka recently posted..7 Best Trails In The Northern Hills Of India
Yep, it was a nice way to break up the drive home.
That certainly makes it a more interesting drive home. What a lot of waterfalls in one area. I need to visit your neck of the woods sometime soon. There’s so much good stuff to explore.
Leigh recently posted..Day Four Hiking the Coastal Trail in Pukaskwa National Park
It is no Canada, but there are some places worth exploring.
“A favorite activity for people who live in Chicago is bar hopping.” Hahaha, stereotyping! Well ok, you’re not far off…
And are you telling me I live not far from all those waterfalls?? After hiking and biking around waterfalls in Ecuador, this might be a good idea for a weekend getaway for me. So glad I saw this post.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Krakow’s Main Square in the afternoon
I think bar hopping is popular anywhere, but in Chicago even more so thanks to so many bars so close together in many different neighborhoods. I would recommend Marinette County for a weekend getaway. Waterfalls plus fall colors and hiking would be a great combination.
aw and i was so excited i thought i was going to be reading tales of your bar crawl! 😉 I’ve never thought of going from waterfall to waterfall but i guess i haven’t been in the waterfall capital much! very cool!
lola dimarco recently posted..i spy eye candy! – Los Angeles
There are not many places where there are so many waterfalls so close together, so Marinette County is a great place to make this happen.
A cool getaway, to be checking out all these waterfalls. And I recall those Guinesses on the top picture. At least from the first waterfall, er, bar!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..“Moses Wuz Here” – Mt. Nebo, Jordan
Only time I have ever enjoyed pitchers of waterfalls, I mean Guiness. Since we missed TBEX Dublin, have to make up for it with pictures of drinking Ireland’s beer.
Can I just say that your comparison of waterfall hopping to bar hoping!? Seriously, amazing. These waterfalls are pretty beautiful. It always makes me happy to see one while hiking. Next time I see a sign for one while I’m driving, I’m definitely going to check it out. 🙂
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Music Monday: Featherstone.
I am glad you like the comparison. I am good at finding similarities with other other things and drinking.
Me thinks Wisconsin makes such great beer because all of these awesome waterfalls. Old Milwaukee, anyone?
Leah recently posted..10 Things to Know before Visiting Texas
I think I will take a New Glarus spotted cow and pass on the Old Milwaukee 🙂
ok sooo when we were in iceland, i realized that i’m of the mind that once you see one massive waterfall, you’ve seen ALL THE MASSIVE WATERFALLS. the hubs was ready to kill me, i was so maxed out on these things.
so can we join you for the bar crawl instead??
the lazy travelers recently posted..style spotter: english puddlejumping
Maybe if you bring the drinks with you or match every waterfall with a bar stop would make waterfalls more appealing.