On our return to Wausau from Duluth, MN, we stopped at Amnicom Falls State Park, not knowing what to expect. We were startled by its beauty, upkeep, and the visitor-friendly way it was laid out. About 500 million years ago, there was a tremendous fracturing and movement of the basalt bedrock. The crack, called the Douglas Fault, extends from east of Ashland, Wisconsin, to near the Minnesota Twin Cities. The park is a “must-visit” in my book.

For our purposes here, the Amnicom River flows from the south to the northwest.

The opening photo showed the upper falls just above a covered crossing bridge. It is among the first things you spot when you enter the park by foot from the nearby parking lot. I was surprised and thankful that the park authorities allowed free access to the entire area. People can wade in the water below the falls, though it looks dicey on this day. I have seen other photos of the falls, which are a “trickle” compared to this.

Another view. The day we were there, the water was smokin’ through in late August.

Just downstream a bit from the Upper Falls is this covered bridge. You can walk across to the other side and get some great shots from the middle of the bridge. At the bottom of the photo is the beginning of the lower falls.

A view of the bridge from another angle after we crossed.

So now I have a confession. I got so crazy taking photos of the multiple falls we spotted the day we were there that I lost track of which one I was shooting. It is hard to compare my pictures to others I have found on the web that are identified because, as I said, the day we visited, the water was flowing like there was no tomorrow.

I enjoy the photos, and if I feel brave, I might guess one or two.

I think this is the lower falls as it flows downstream.

I think this is the Snake Pit Falls, hanging way out on the limb. Okay, now I surrender. Just enjoy the photos.

I was not the most studious Boy Scout, so I cannot explain some of the natural beauty surrounding the park very well, but my eyes are good enough to appreciate that beauty nonetheless. My wife was an art school teacher, and she urges budding artists to give a try at painting some of what you’ll see. Students of geography, geology, and vegetation growth can have your hand at explaining how some of this even happens.

This park is worth a visit. I returned a few years later; the park was as beautiful as ever. I took a few more shots!