TAHQUAMENON FALLS
54 miles north of St. Ignace
Tahquamenon Falls, a beloved natural wonder in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is less than an hour away from downtown St. Ignace and an easy and fun day trip. The falls, which are in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, are actually two separate falls – the Upper and the Lower. The Upper Falls is nearly five stories high and 200-feet wide. It is affectionately called “Root Beer Falls” owing to its amber-colored water, which is created by the tannic acid that leeches from the cedar, hemlock, and spruce trees lining the riverbanks. The Upper Falls is accessed through a series of wooden trails, walkways, and staircases that offer viewing platforms. After hiking the park’s trails, enjoy a bite to eat and drink a cool craft beer at the restaurant and brewery at the Upper Falls. You will also want to check out the gift shop that’s chock full of souvenir items. Restrooms and picnic facilities are also at the Upper Falls.
The Lower Falls, about four miles down the Tahquamenon River from the Upper Falls, is a series of five smaller waterfalls that cascade around an island. The Lower Falls offers swimming and wading in the river. A new wooden bridge and walkways and flat trails are wheelchair accessible and make the island and Lower Falls accessible to everyone. Recent renovations at the Lower Falls include a new restroom building, a concession building, and gift shop. A picnic pavilion and kayak launch are also available at the Lower Falls.
The 50,000-acre state park has several campgrounds, both backcountry and modern, some camping cabins, and more than 35 miles of hiking trails. Note: Owing to ongoing renovations and enhancements in the park, there are scheduled campsite and trail closures. Visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park website for details at www.michigan.gov/tahquamenonfalls, Facebook, or call (906) 492-3415.
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