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    Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    4.7 (91 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Teresa M.

    This was our second visit. Our first was during peak season and it was PACKED, hot & thick with mosquitoes. There were a lot of unhappy children that weren't shy about vocalizing their displeasure. This time, it was cool out with light rain, empty of people & not a mosquito in site. The lower falls may make you question why you're here. The upper falls should help you remember. We trekked all over & enjoyed it. (After hours on a bike, the body was itching to be in motion.) The walkways are user friendly & I'd call it more of a stroll than a hike. No scrambles here. I'm not sure you could pay me to come back when it's busy but I would certainly come back around the end of September/beginning of October. The colors were just starting, too. So, if you're looking for that, it should be ready around the 1st week of October (?)

    Upper falls
    Lynnsie S.

    It is beautiful all the time. But a winter visit is definitely worth the drive. It's a little under 1/2 a mile to walk to the fall views. The stairs are closed in the winter. It looks like they're going to redo the stairs this summer.

    Trail to the Upper Falls.
    Christina M.

    This is my happy place. There's little to no cell service here. They use sand/gravel on the roads instead of salt. It's an outstanding Michigan State Park, which makes using your park pass on your car a breeze! My husband and I have come here in all four seasons; Fall and Winter are our favorites for the beauty of The Falls and the serenity of the park. However, in the Summer the trail between the two falls is open and an excellent activity for nature enthusiasts. There is a bus that will take you back to the Upper Falls or the Lower Falls (wherever you parked your vehicle) if you don't feel like hiking over 4 miles there and back. I do recommend having a Sat Nav or downloading maps to your phone just incase you get lost or separated on the trails. Enjoy this amazing gem that Michigan has to offer!

    Angie O.

    If you find yourself in Upper Michigan, this is a must see! I just so happened to visit during one of the several free State Park weekends; there were quite a few people but I didn't find it overwhelming. The park is dog friendly (leashed dogs, pick up poo!) and my little Roxy just LOVED the incline up to the Upper Falls. Photos really do not do it justice. It is stunning! It feels like you are in a postcard. Just ensure you are wearing proper attire and I highly recommend proper hiking shoes. There is a fun brewery/restaurant and large gift shop near the general parking area near the lower falls. After the hike, a cold brew and some food tastes really good! If you are in the area, you must visit!

    Yvette A.

    Wow!!! So pretty. It was my first time visiting Michigan and this is a must see. They have hiking and trails. The waterfall was amazing to see and find out the history behind.

    Upper falls
    G W.

    Tahquamenon falls is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. It's friendly for elders. You can see both upper and lower falls with a short walk, no hike necessary. The facilities were clean and organized. I would rate this higher than 5 stars if I could.

    Sara S.

    The waterfalls (upper & lower, both), are amazing and a sight to behold. Their natural beauty is Mother Nature at its best!! Great place for photo ops, hiking, and relaxing in the majestic natural beauty of the U.P. Truthfully, it's my favorite thing about Upper Michigan (one of the very few things about the upper peninsula I really like, while I like Northern Michigan, the U.P. isn't my favorite and I'm not a huge fan of going across the Mackinac Bridge). It's one of my favorite things about going up north, but as I hate going over the bridge, I hadn't been to the falls in years until this most recent trip. I loved taking pics and hiking with my husband. The park area is beautiful and well maintained. Bring water and good walking shoes, comfy clothing, sunglasses and your spf.. you'll definitely require all of those things!! There is no cell reception here, so be advised.. My iPhone wouldn't work, I couldn't use the data, anything.. it's an area sans decent cell reception until long after you've left the park grounds. There is a brewery on the park grounds and a few food, gifts, and souvenir vendors.. the line for service at the brewery definitely was a turn off and they didn't seem to know how to handle the crowds.. it's a nice idea, however. We would've liked a drink and a decent sandwich after that long day of hiking the trails and taking photos. The waterfalls and trails are gorgeous. If you love nature, this might be the right stop for you on your northern Michigan trek. It's one of the hidden jewels of Michigan.

    Some recommendations about how to spend your time at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
    Seth A.

    Tahquamenon Falls State Park is situated right off Highway 123 in the UP - Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As a sign stated in the park which I found humorous..."Tahquamenon rhymes with phenomenon"! Hehehe. There are two sections to Tahquamenon Falls SP. The Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. When driving from west to east you'll first confront the Lower Falls portion. There's a pathway to walk around the Lower Falls, but honestly, I found the falls to be nonexistent and boring. They were disappointing. But...the walkaway around the Lower Falls was at least pleasant...and in fact I believe you can connect from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls in one giant loop around the park. For myself, after spending 1 hour at the Lower Falls where I barely took any photos or found inspiration from...I then returned to my car and drove 3 miles to arrive at the much more scenic and worthwhile Upper Falls. Btw...back at the Lower Falls...they do have the cool park store called Tahquamenon Treasures where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts including snacks and refreshments. I liked the Tahquamenon Treasures store as it gave me an opportunity to pick up any items I may have been missing along my journey, which was ultimately going towards Copper Harbor, MI and Isle Royale National Park. I luckily discovered Tahquamenon Falls SP randomly on a whim. There were signs along Highway 123 and the park/falls could not be missed. It's a $9 fee for out of state visitors like myself to come here for the day, walk around and explore. Park hours are 6am - 10pm. The Upper Falls were nice. There is a short walk to the Brink Viewing Platform looking down over the falls. This vista point is worthy of good picture moments. Interestingly...the waters of the Upper Falls had a brownish and gray tone to them...as if they appeared dirty, but I'm sure that's not the case...it must just be the sediments rubbing off from the bottom of the river. Now...there is a 2nd viewpoint section to the Upper Falls which are also a brief walk away from the Brink Observation Deck. This setting is from the Gorge Viewing Platform which displays the Upper Falls set in the background. So basically, you have 2 chances to admire the Upper Falls...one from the Brink Viewing Area and the other from the Gorge Viewing Area. Both overlook spots I'd recommend, and they both triumph any perspective you'll confront from the Lower Falls section. Some more details... When I visited back in late May of 2021 it wasn't particularly busy, and I had most areas to myself. Granted I did visit during the week on a mostly overcast and brisk day. The 2nd viewpoint of the Upper Falls is accessed by walking down about 150 steps along a pedestrian boardwalk. It's not difficult to arrive at other than when trekking back up the steps, you may be breathing heavy. The Upper Falls really magnify what makes Tahquamenon Falls special. I appreciated spending a majority of my afternoon at the Upper Falls. I'd consider the park a hidden gem. Upon researching and setting up my itinerary throughout the UP of Michigan...I never even stumbled upon Tahquamenon Falls SP. I didn't even know it existed prior to seeing signs for it while driving. After enjoying the great outdoors here, I actually had dinner right inside the park at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub! This restaurant got busy quickly because there's nowhere else to really have a quality home cooked meal in this secluded part of the UP. I fortunately arrived early enough and had a terrific salad and ravioli dinner. This brewery and pub were like an old-fashioned wooden lodge...cozy and comforting. I highly suggest eating here after enjoying the activities at the Upper Falls. Lastly, you can camp out here for the evening! This part of the UP is so remote and primitive I happily set up my tent for the night and loved every aspect and amenity offered. It was $25 to pitch my tent + $9 for the entry day fee = $36 - a good deal in my opinion. I had my own fire pit and purchased campfire wood for $5 which they sold on the grounds. Each site had a picnic table, Amp Power for charging electronics, a shower house and terrific cell phone reception. There are two campgrounds at the park, but I chose to stay at the one near the Upper Falls and the restaurant out of pure convenience. The woodsy and forestry setting was amazing for enjoying the great outdoors. I had a restful night's sleep and felt reinvigorated to continue towards my next landmark attraction being Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore the following day. Other than the Lower Falls section being a letdown...the Treasures Gift Store, the Upper Waterfall, the Brewery and Pub and the Campground make Tahquamenon Falls an excellent under the radar state park. I reflect fondly upon my memorable experience here during my time spent within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

    Lower
    John H.

    I have done this hike for the second time. Four miles from Lower Falls up to the Upper Falls. When you reach the top you have an opportunity to descend two sets of metal stairs for a closer look at the falls. The Upper is more magnaminus but the Lower is charming with its cascading falls. On this occasion we stopped at the top where there is a restaurant and brews! After which we decided to take a shuttle down to our car (check pix for price and schedule).

    Tahquamenon Lower Falls
    Amanda L.

    Obviously the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls are wonderful as well and I always love visiting them! The Upper Falls is your classic one that you've seen in photos before and is so beautiful, you can get up close and personal to it for sure and it's stunning. There's also the whole store/restaurant building at the parking lot to the Upper Falls where you can stop by before and after and sit at their giant grouping of tables and chairs and get a bite to eat or some souvenirs. At both falls, there's different viewing platforms you can go to as well, farther distances away from the falls, that will be a lot of stairs up and down, but worth the journey for different views of the falls and different vantage points. It's a lot of fun! At the Lower Falls, there's two directions you can go in from the viewing platform closest to the parking lot. Going to the right will take you on a little hike to the platform right up close to the Lower Falls and then after that you can access the entire hiking trail that goes between the Lower and Upper falls - I believe it's about 4 miles. Going to the left will take you to A NEWER, MAJOR UPDATE TO THE PARK which is a bridge to the island in the middle of the river that gives you access to the Lower Falls in a different way and just generally gives so many spots for you to dip your toes (or entire body if you want - bring your bathing suit) into the river! There are a ton of rocks here for cautious climbing and navigating through the river, and also for sitting and just letting the downstream from the falls hit onto you in a nice way! There are a ton of options at the Lower Falls for swimming and I highly recommend you go to both falls for totally different, but equally wonderful and rewarding experiences!

    Upper falls up close
    Debbie E.

    A $9.00 entry fee gets you a one day pass into the Upper and Lower Falls. We stopped at the Upper Falls first. A 1/4 mile walk from the parking lot to several overlooks. A 94 step staircase takes you down to the beginning of the falls. They are beautiful. There are several cafes and souvenir shops at the entrance. You can eat your carry-out food on the deck at picnic tables. The Lower Falls are a must see. From the lookouts, you can see two sets of falls. There is a canoe livery you can take across the lake in the middle of both sets, stay as long as you like, then canoe back. It's a short distance but a unique experience. The lower falls are a short walking distance from the parking lot. Nearly everyone wore masks outside and it wasn't overly crowded.

    Lynnann W.

    This is a real treat; especially in Fall - even more so when you're coming from Southern California. The grounds, trees, fall colors/temperature/breeze were heaven! The Lower Falls has beautiful falls in two areas and a very good paved to boardwalk path that is suitable for any age and wheelchair access as well. Once we wound back to parking area there are picnic benches which we used for lunch. Walk or drive like we did to Upper Falls. Great gift shop, incredibly clean restrooms, a brews and food hangout, and then off on a well paved path to view a completely different looking set of falls. At one point there are stairs to get up close and personal to a falls but there are other beautiful vistas built so everyone enjoys their visit. We saw multiple motorized wheelchairs and some uniquely challenged adults easily navigating the park. With mere words it's difficult to express the grandeur of this treasure and what Northern Michigan has to offer! Just go....

    Upper falls
    Tasha H.

    Always love Tahquemanon. It's such a beautiful space and I love the new shop they added at the lower falls and bathroom. Last time I was there it wasn't finished yet. We did walk around more than I usually do and it was nice to catch different things this time around. Always recommend the falls.

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    Ask the Community - Tahquamenon Falls State Park

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    Review Highlights - Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    If you do the Lower Falls first, you may deem it so anticlimactic that you blow off the Upper Falls.

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    Pancake Bay Provincial Park - A view from the beach at Pancake park.

    Pancake Bay Provincial Park

    3.0(2 reviews)
    29.0 mi

    We phoned to make a reservation as we were on the road. The person on the phone was very nice. I…read moreasked for a quiet tent site and she reserved #14 which is right on the highway, despite the fact that there were several tent sites available away from the highway. We did not get much sleep. Also, $13.50 reservation fee AND camp fees made it $56.00. Ludicrous for a provincial site for 1 night, non-electric, no water. In BC, we pay $22 with tax and a $3 reservation fee to a max of $9. Crazy!

    So Pancake Bay is special. It's this bit of heaven along the Eastern shore of Lake Superior. It's a…read moreprovincial park with a large area protecting the fragile white sand dune ecology of the great lake. The campsites are either along the Trans Canada highway (not good) or in the trees along the glorious dunes (glorious) or nestled in between (pretty great). Either way, you are always steps from a pristine and incredible beach scene. Clear sparkling blue water, sharp cool and clean, a wide pancake arc of beach with maybe one other family in kayaks peacefully exploring the landscape that still looks and feels like the northern wilds of the Group of Seven painters. Heaven. This is a perfect long clean white sand beach like you'll find in only a couple other tourist-over-run places in the world, and the fact that it's under snow for 6 months, and eaten by monster mosquitoes for another 2, and pretty far from any major city, keeps it a treasure just for those sweet souls who live on the rim of the great lake, or those travelers like us who roll down the long ribbon of highway through the woods and are lucky enough to spend their nights in the hospitable wild wonderlands of Canada's parks.

    Tahquamenon Falls State Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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