There are a few Michigan waterfalls in the Western Upper Peninsula that are best viewed from the Wisconsin side of the Montreal River. We’ve shared how to visit Interstate Falls and Superior Falls before, and today we will take a look at Saxon Falls. All three of these waterfalls are on the Montreal River before it empties into Lake Superior, and Superior Falls and Saxon Falls are viewable thanks to the efforts of XCel Energy. We had visited Saxon Falls a few times in the past, but in recent years had been informed that there is only one correct and legal way to view the falls here. When we visited in Ironwood in June, we visited the other waterfalls mentioned above then returned to Saxon Falls to check out the viewing area so we could help others visit it in the future.

The Montreal River drops a total of around 90 feet here in sections. The viewing area provides a decent view of both from high above, even if it is not as good of a view as we had previously had from the other side of the river. Visiting in early spring or fall when there aren’t as many leaf-filled trees blocking the view would be a good idea.

There is a dam upstream and a powerhouse downstream here so the water flow can vary quite a bit. The parking area is right above a set of steep stairs that leads down to the powerhouse. As you make the short walk to the viewing area, you pass a few small ruins of previous structures. Use caution near the edge here as it is a long way down and there are limited fences and rails in place.

The map below can help get you to the Saxon Falls overlook. From Ironwood, cross into Wisconsin on U.S. 2 and follow it for around 11 miles to County Rd. B. Head north on B and follow it for almost three miles, staying straight to go onto Saxon Falls Rd. It is a half mile from here to the parking area, and there were a few posted signs along the way.

We saw quite a few yellow swallowtail butterflies in the parking lot!