Beautiful Park with a Waterfall

In a state filled with lovely public parks, Copper Falls still manages to stand out. There are ancient lava slows, waterfalls, and deep gorges, creating scenic views many have never before experienced. The land is speckled by log building constructed during the times of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. The park had a history before that and was home to many different Indian tribes. The earliest tribes hunted mastodons for food. The Old Copper Culture Indians lived on the grounds of the park for centuries, mining copper veins for metal which they used to create weapons and tools. More recently, the land has been home to the Chippewa and the Sioux tribes. European miners began working on the land in the late 1800's, and many of the features of the park are named for miners from European nations and Indian tribes who spent time on the land.

The park is filled with recreational activity opportunities including swimming, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Part of the North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the park. There are 54 regular campsites in the park, as well as a group camping area large enough for 40, a backpack campsite, and a rustic cabin. Campers should expect to see snow during the winter season since average snowfall totals are usually more than 100 inches. Winter camping is available and there are three electrical sites that are available during the winter months. Visitors take advantage of the powder on the cross-country skiing trails. Firewood, showers, and other supplies are available onsite.

A concession stand is open at the park from Memorial to Labor Day. They serve light fare, soft drinks, and ice cream. Public laundry facilities are available for use by campers in the town of Mellen.

Those who love to hike and explore nature will be thrilled with all this park has to offer. There are landscapes and scenic views, and the park is home to a variety of species. The Wisconsin Explorer Program is open to children age three and up and their parents, and offers families a chance to explore the park together and learn about nature. Hikers and explorers will see sugar maple trees, hemlock trees, white pine trees, and yellow birch trees. There are also red oaks, paper birch, basswood, red pine, and ironwood. This is a spectacular place to come if you have an interest in learning to identify trees, or enjoy wildlife and bird watching.

The park is home to 8 1/2 miles of river and many of the trails feature foot bridges that take visitors directly across the waterways. The waterfall is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and the website features the history of how the falls were created over time by nature. If you are planning a hike through the park to the falls, be sure to educate yourself beforehand, and follow all of the suggested safety tips for hikers and outdoor adventurers.

The Copper Falls State Park is a standout in the town of Mellen, Wisconson.