A Century of Renewable Energy
The High Falls Hydroelectric Dam
Located In Marinette County, 13 Miles Northwest Of Crivitz, Wisconsin
High Falls' History
The High Falls Hydroelectric dam began churning out power in 1910. It was a time of ingenuity. People were searching for cheaper electricity to power the growth of Wisconsin and its cities. The energy of water provided the answer — but not without hard work.
A Marvel Of Modern Science
Built amid rugged terrain and depending on hand labor, the High Falls dam was an engineering and construction feat of its time.
- The dam was built 19 miles from the closest railroad. Most heavy equipment needed to be hauled by teams of horses.
- To retain the vast amount of water needed to generate power, builders needed to change the course of the Peshtigo River. This meant moving 16,000 tons of granite at the base of the waterfall.
- Scientific leaders wanted to build "the most modern structure of its kind" — including a powerhouse made with fire-proof, 12-inch concrete walls, equipment automated to react in case of fire, a remote controlling system to keep employees safe from high-voltage and rolling steel doors, all situated on 1,700 acres of manmade reservoir. Power from the dam would be transmitted via 180-foot galvanized iron towers (instead of the customary wood poles).
Bringing Labor To The Wilderness
This extraordinary task, far removed from inhabited areas, required a temporary community to be built for the 425 laborers who were hired. The company-owned community included:
- dozens of bunk houses
- an eating house that could seat all 425 men at one time
- a kitchen with immense steel ranges and baking ovens
- a "commissary shack"
- a hospital complete with a physician, surgeon, operating room and wards
- a telephone line
- a private electric lighting plant
- a sewerage system
- … even a YMCA for the men in their idle moments
Transporting large equipment to the work site was a formidable task. Reportedly, 32 work horses hitched to one wagon and a 15-man crew needed seven days to haul one electric transformer to the hydro location.
Great Growth Predicted For Green Bay
On August 15, 1910, energy began flowing from High Falls. At first, it supplied all the power Green Bay needed, with more to spare. People wondered if Green Bay would ever be large enough to use all of the electricity High Falls made.
The hope was that this ample, cheap power would attract manufacturers, so Green Bay could compete with cities like Chicago. Back then, Green Bay had three large paper mills, a coal elevator and many smaller plants, as well as homes and residents.
When electric current was first turned on at High Falls, dignitaries spoke of their vision of the future — "Green Bay the greater city, Green Bay, the second city in Wisconsin, Green Bay with a population of 50,000." The city, however, did not reach that size for four decades.
Our Original Renewable Energy
A century after it was built, High Falls still powers homes and businesses — in Green Bay and northeastern Wisconsin. Along with 14 other hydros, it provides clean, renewable energy for WPS customers.
With our hydros, state-of-the art coal plants that reduce emissions, wind farms and biofuels such as landfill gas, WPS continues using new technology to meet our customers' needs.
An Area For All To Enjoy
The High Falls area includes 2,443 acres of forest and a 1,700-acre reservoir.
- Nature lovers will find northern hardwoods, aspen, pine, eastern hemlock, white cedar, black ash, willows and silver maple trees.
- Canoeists can use a take-out site and portage route.
- The public can access the river from seven areas with parking and boat ramps.
- The Parkway Road, a scenic roadway of the Rustic Road system, encircles much of the reservoir and flowage area.
Other than the public access areas, the High Falls historic district is largely in its natural state.
We invite you to share its beauty with us.
Keeping High Falls Beautiful
WPS provides thousands of acres of land, like those around High Falls, for public use. We want everyone to enjoy the beauty and recreation these areas offer. But misuse of our public lands can be a real problem. If you see anyone abusing the High Falls area, or any WPS lands, please join our Wilderness Watch. Call 1-800-54-WATCH (2824) or local authorities. We need your eyes, your ears and your help, because careless actions jeopardize the natural environment for everyone.