Wisconsin's must-see frozen waterfalls

Mornin' to the Madison Fire Department, who rescued two people who fell through the ice on the Yahara River. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

*Still looking for a gift for the outdoor lover in your life? The Wiscampsin shop (and Kevin's basement) is full of great stocking-stuffers like our Recycled Coffee Bean Mug, License Plate Holder, and more!

What we're shivering over this week:

• Epic frozen waterfalls 🧊 

• Wild birds flourish in urban places 🦃 

• Hunter populations on the decline 😕

Wisconsin waterfalls worth freezing your butt off for

Minnesota may call itself the "Land of 10,000" for it's 10,000 lakes, but Wisconsin has 15,000 (and not to mention four Super Bowl rings).

Alas, we are a state that's hallowed for its water - both in our beer and in the outdoors.

But our affinity for water doesn't end when the temps dip, oh no. We just get to experience our state's bodies of water in a new light.

And one of the best ways to enjoy our state's H20 in the winter time is by visiting one of Wisconsin's famous frozen waterfalls.

Wisconsin's frozen waterfalls

• Home to the 4th tallest frozen waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains

• Best viewing time in January-February

• Frozen waterfalls form differently season-to-season

Eight epic 'falls

No matter where you hang your hat, chances are you're near one of our state's great waterfalls. Some take a bit of hustle and bustle to find, while others are just a few steps from the car.

In short: you have no excuses not to bundle up and check out one of these epic frozen waterfalls!

Northwest:

• Big Manitou Falls (Pattison State Park, Superior, WI): Home to the 165-foot Big Manitou Falls, our state's tallest waterfall and 4th largest east of the Rockies. Also in the park is the 30-foot tall Little Manitou Falls, both of which are a short walk from the car.

• Brownstone Falls (Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, WI): Ancient lava flows call Copper Falls home. Brownstone falls, a 30-footer, sits where Tyler Forks meets the Bad River en route to Lake Superior.

• Willow Falls (Willow Falls State Park, Hudson, WI): Willow Falls is a photographer's dream, as it blends frozen ice with running water overlooked by the river bluff.

Southwest:

• Stephens Falls (Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, WI): Stephens Falls appears modest, but it's spring-fed falls and scenic river gorge make it worth the drive.

• Parfrey's Glen (Merrimac, WI): The state's first State Natural Area, it's a short hike through a sandstone gorge in the Baraboo Hills. Just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer (without the mosquitos!).

Northeast:

• Wequiock Falls (Green Bay, WI): Cave lovers will want to put this at the top of the list, as frozen stalactites create quite the view as water flows off the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.

• Fonferek Falls (Green Bay, WI): Remember that scene from Last of the Mohicans? You can recreate that same shot by tucking yourself behind the icy waterfall at the beautiful Fonferek Falls.

Central:

Daggett Memorial Park (Montello, WI): Hailed as the hardest granite in the world, the falls are spread over four different drops, making it spectacularly wide. Fun fact: The water flows from an old quarry.

Well, there ya have it folks! Pour a steamy thermos of jitter juice, rally your crew, and get out der!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Welp, 50% of our readers guessed there are 750 Bobcats in Wisconsin, when in fact there are an estimated 3,500 Bobcats living in Wisconsin! Who-da thunk, eh?

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

Backlight Tours at Cave of the Mounds: Dec. 4th, 9th, and 18th

Stormy Kromer: Evolution of a Classic (Woodson Art Museum): Dec. 3rd

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🦃 'Wild turkeys near me': After being nearly decimated from the state half a century ago, wild turkeys and other birds are making quite the comeback into our towns and urban places. Though they pose little threat to humans, the turkeys may be raiding Mom's bird feeder for the nuts, seeds and insects within.

📉 Hunters hard to find: DNR reports show that the number of people hunting each year drops by 1-2%, which is no bueno for conservation efforts or the state's economy that pulls in $2.5 billion each year. All the more reason to bring your friend, neighbor, or cousin next time you go hunting!

🌲 State Park and Forest stickers on sale: Already dreaming of springtime hikes at Devil's Lake? What about winter camping at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest? The DNR slapped the 'For Sale' sign on State Park and Forest admission stickers and trail passes, snag yours today!

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... Happy to be of service!