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Water and history merge in Pattison State Park, one of Wisconsin's most scenic natural areas.
The centerpiece of the park is the 165-foot-high waterfall, Big Manitou, named by the Ojibwa Indians who heard the voice of the "Great Spirit" in its roar.
Two other waterfalls rush through the 1,476-acre park as the Black River carves a gorge through volcanic basalt. Copper ore also runs through the park lands, which were mined from the 1840s to 1910.
Traces of much earlier civilizations remain at Pattison, including those of the Archaic Indians, nomadic hunters who lived here about 7000 B.C.
For the modern visitor, Pattison provides 6.5 miles of hiking trails and a 59-site campground.
Three hike-in campsites allow backpackers to explore Pattison's peaceful forest.
During winter, the park offers 4.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. Interfalls Lake is plowed for ice skating.
Outdoor Activities |
Big Manitou Falls, at 165 feet high, is the highest in Wisconsin and the fourth-highest east of the Rockies.
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