Surprise Find at Amnicon Falls State Park

Nature's Tic-Tac-Toe

Location Coordinates:
46°36'50"N,
91°53'58"W
Amnicon Falls
State Park
near Superior, WI

It was an exploration weekend, one of those "not sure where I'm going but I'll know it when I find it" trips. The first day was spent motoring the scenic highways of northern Minnesota, stopping at historical markers and overlooks, and later having a picnic lunch while watching pontoons and ski boats on one of the several dozen lakes along the path. It was all fine and entertaining, but there were no real dazzling discoveries made. Day two started out much the same way; all very pleasant, and yet still nothing of the attention-grabbing variety that I was seeking. By noon on the second day I began to think the trip might be one of those that just kind of fizzles out, so I decided to simply head for home. As I always try to see new territory whenever possible, I opted to go a little off the direct path down the interstate and crossed over into Wisconsin to take scenic Highway 53 back south. This diversion changed the trip's mood from mediocrity to excitement.

On of the several falls along the Amnicon River

At the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 53, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Superior, I spotted the sign for Amnicon Falls State Park. As it was mid-day this seemed a perfect place to stop for lunch. But I soon realized this was not going to be an ordinary lunch stop. As you enter the park you see a small set of rapids on the Amnicon River as it flows toward Lake Superior. Down the park road just a bit further were sets of picnic tables, most of which were unoccupied, which overlooked scenic spots near the series of small waterfalls along the river's course.

Pathway on the island

The park's landscape appeared dissimilar to the surrounding countryside, which tended more to farmland and open pasture interspersed with stands of woods. In contrast, the park itself felt more reminiscent of a higher elevation mountainous location. Pine needles carpeted the ground in the picnic areas, and the sound of the rushing river as it cascaded over the various falls allowed my mind to think the air felt just a bit crisper and smelled a little fresher than just outside the park boundaries.

Covered bridge to the island

It was perfect weather on a beautiful summer day, and yet the park was not overrun with people as you might expect. I had a peaceful lunch at a secluded table beside the roaring river. After eating I made my way across a pretty covered bridge onto an island formed by a split of the river. I meandered a while on the island enjoying the trees and the sound of the water, which grew more distant the further I walked. But as I had only planned a lunch stop, my time was running out, and I needed to get back on the road to get home at a decent time.

Toadstool in the spotlight

Before leaving the park I decided to check out the campsites. I am not particularly fond of camping, as it seems to me to represent a lot of effort to achieve a great deal of discomfort. However, I found the campground so appealing, with its very private and heavily wooded individual campsites, that I promised my wife we would come back for a camping weekend. That's impressive for this tried-and-true hotel patron.

Baby pine coming up from the forest floor

Amnicon Falls State Park rendered the whole weekend trip a success. You never know what you'll find when you stray off your normal path. I'd have never discovered this northern Wisconsin gem if I had given in to temptation to simply follow the regular path home. Such are the rewards for those who dare to never take the same way twice.