Winter Waterfalls: Manitowoc and Brown Counties

January 30, 2023  |  Topics: Places

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Story and photos by Christel Maass

Waterfalls are particularly stunning in wintertime—when they’re bound in ice and snow, surrounded by peace and freshness. 

While conditions weren’t quite what I was hoping for, I needed a drive and a nature fix. My husband and I identified three waterfalls on back roads to Green Bay, and set off to explore.

As waterfalls go, they’re rather diverse, but what they have in common is that they course through rocky escarpment, providing visual delight. 

Here’s a brief tour of the three we visited, minus the sounds of rushing water—and the risk of slipping and falling. 

Cato Falls

These cascading falls are located in Lower Cato Falls County Park, west of the city of Manitowoc.  Several stairwells lead down a steep slope with cedar trees to a trail alongside the Manitowoc River. 

Devils River Falls

These falls, north of Maribel, are accessed through the Devils River Campground which is privately owned.  (We called ahead for permission to visit.)  Here old buildings and ruins proclaim the importance of waterpower in the area’s history.

Fonferek Falls

The most dramatic falls we visited are in Fonferek’s Glen on the southeastern outskirts of Green Bay.

We slogged through a lot of slippery mud here on this winter day, enjoying the views of the falls and Bower Creek flowing below the dolomite cliffs.  Numerous signs warn visitors of dangerous conditions.  Stepping cautiously, I was glad I wasn’t the fellow with the two preschoolers in tow. 

A trail follows the cliff above the creek.  On less-treacherous days, adventurers can cross the stream to further explore the escarpment and walk down behind the watery curtain.

Visiting waterfalls in winter—particularly on days with ice and snow—is worth every cautious muddy step.

Christel Maass, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, won’t ever turn down the chance to visit a waterfall in wintertime, especially after a freezing stretch of weather. 

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