Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres and stretches 13-plus miles in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park is home to multiple campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, a boating access site, 35-plus miles of trails and multiple overlooks to the Upper and Lower Falls. The North Country Trail travels 16 miles within the park, and includes a route between the Upper and Lower Falls.
The Upper Falls, a breathtaking waterfall over 200 feet wide, is one of the largest in the eastern United States. The river's amber hue is due to tannins from the surrounding swamps. The falls' powerful force and the soft water create a distinctive foamy appearance. Just four miles downstream, the Lower Falls offers a series of smaller cascades around an island. You can explore both falls from the riverbank, the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge or by renting a rowboat. Drone use is permitted, but with restrictions.
Hunter Shuttle Service provides a fee-based shuttle between the Upper and Lower Falls noon to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day weekend. For seasonal schedules, call or text 906-291-3422.
Visit the Tahquamenon Falls Fact Shack to learn about the park and discover its many exploration options.
Wildlife abounds in the park, with black bears, coyotes, otters, deer, foxes, porcupines, beavers, and a variety of birds, including spruce grouse, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, waterfowl and songbirds. Moose can sometimes be seen feeding in the park's wet areas, especially along M-123 between Paradise and the Lower Falls.
Hunter Shuttle Service provides a fee-based shuttle between the Upper and Lower Falls. On weekends (through June 20), trips run consistently noon to 8 p.m. Weekday service is available within 30 minutes upon request via call or text. For seasonal schedules, call or text 906-291-3422.
An accessible paved boat launch is located near the Rivermouth Campground. Parking is limited. Additionally, a canoe/kayak launch is available in the Lower Falls day-use area.
A fishing pier is located at the Rivermouth boating access site across the road from the Rivermouth Campground.
Restrooms are located in the Lower Falls and Upper Falls day-use areas. The restrooms in the Upper Falls day-use area are ADA-accessible.
The park offers multiple accessible viewpoints for the Lower and Upper Falls. From the Lower Falls parking lot, a short walk leads to a viewing platform. A half-mile accessible boardwalk offers additional vantage points. For a unique perspective, visitors can cross the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge or rent a rowboat. The Upper Falls day-use area features three accessible viewing platforms along a paved path.
Drone use is prohibited on or above the viewing platforms.
Accessible picnic areas are located at Whitefish Bay Picnic Area and in the Lower and Upper falls day-use areas and include picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. A non-accessible picnic area with picnic tables and charcoal grills is available at the Stables, located between the Upper and Lower falls.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
The Lower Falls day-use area features the Lower Tahquamenon Falls Cafe & Gift Shop. Nearby, in the Upper Falls day-use area, you'll find the privately owned Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.
Hunter Shuttle Service provides a fee-based shuttle between the Upper and Lower Falls noon to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day weekend. For seasonal schedules, call or text 906-291-3422.
The park offers 4 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the Upper Falls area. These trails are part of the hiking trail system and include the 1-mile Lantern Loop and 3.8-mile Giant Pines Loop. Backcountry skiing is also welcome throughout the park. Please keep pets off groomed trails and avoid walking on them.
The Tahquamenon River runs through the park, and a variety of fish species are frequently caught, including brown trout, walleye, muskie, northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and more. Accessible shore fishing is available in the Rivermouth Pines Campground.
Hunting is permitted in the park, except in areas closed to hunting that are clearly marked near campgrounds and visitor areas. For specific regulations or questions, please contact the park office at 906-492-3415.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics. You can also visit the Fact Shack.
The Lower Tahquamenon Falls Café & Gift Shop offers rowboat rentals in the Lower Falls Memorial Day weekend to mid-October as river levels/conditions allow. Reservations are not required.
The Tahquamenon River offers 17 miles of paddling from the Lower Falls to the Rivermouth area. Carry-in access sites are available both at the Lower Falls day-use area and at the Rivermouth Modern Campground. The current is generally considered suitable for both upstream and downstream travel
Leashed pets are allowed on all trails, including viewing platforms. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
There is a picnic shelter located in the Lower Falls day-use area that includes picnic tables and a group charcoal grill. There is no electricity, and it is a short walk to the restrooms. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com or by calling 1-800-447-2757.
There are sanitation stations located at Lower Falls Modern Campground and Rivermouth Modern Campground, open seasonally mid-May to mid-October. Each has potable water available and two lanes. A $10 fee will be assessed for those not camping at Tahquamenon Falls.
Snowmobiling is restricted to designated trails within the park. Open-land snowmobiling is not permitted. Trail 45, also known as Charcoal Grade Trail, passes through the park and connects to the M-123 Scenic Byway. This 44-mile trail offers year-round access for various activities, including snowmobiling, ORV/ATV riding, hiking, biking, and walking. Snowmobile parking and trail access are available in the Lower and Upper Falls areas.
Snowmobile parking and trail access is available in the Lower Falls and Upper Falls day-use areas.
The park offers 9 miles of marked snowshoe trails in the Lower Falls and Upper Falls areas. Backcountry snowshoeing is also permitted throughout the park. Please avoid walking on groomed ski trails and keep pets off them.
Visit the Tahquamenon Falls Fact Shack to learn about the park and discover its many exploration options.
The Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls serve as the park's centerpiece, with views available from numerous accessible overlooks.
