Copper Falls State Park

Copper Falls State Park is a nature reserve near Mellen featuring multiple waterfalls along the Bad River. The land displays deep gorges carved through ancient volcanic rock and surrounded by thick forest.

The park was established in 1929 to preserve Native American copper mining sites. Many of the structures visible today were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

The land holds deep connections to the Ojibwe people, who worked with copper deposits here long before European arrival. You can still sense these indigenous roots while walking through the park today.

The park offers more than 27 kilometers of hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots for visitors. Camping facilities are available, and a daily entrance fee provides access to the grounds.

The grounds display basalt rocks approximately one billion years old that reveal the region's volcanic past. These ancient formations become visible through cliff faces and waterfall formations that tell the geological story.

Location: Ashland County

Inception: 1929

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls

GPS coordinates: 46.37639,-90.64333

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51