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.
There's a fee-based shuttle that transports visitors between the Upper and Lower Falls. The schedule varies by season, contact the park directly for updated schedules.
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.
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
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 Lower Falls Modern Campground features two campground loops, Hemlock and Portage. All sites have 30-amp service, and some 50-amp sites are available. A sanitation station is available seasonally, and recycling is available.
The physical address for mapping purposes is 6999 N. Lower Campground Lane, Paradise, MI 49768.
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The campground is wooded and features two loops with a variety of sites, including some accessible, paved and pull-though sites. A sanitation station and recycling are available.
This campground is located 5 miles south of Paradise. The physical address for mapping purposes is 32130 W. South River Road, Paradise, MI 49768.
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The campground is located along the Tahquamenon River and features sunset river views. Sites are shaded by red pines overhead, with a mostly open understory and sandy surface ideal for tent, van or compact campers. A sanitation station and recycling are available.
The campground is considered seasonally semi-modern, as water spigots are generally available mid-May through the second Sunday in October, as temperatures allow. There are vault toilets located throughout the campground and in season, campers also have access to the nearby restroom and shower facilities at the Rivermouth Modern Campground, about a 10-minute walk or short drive away. When restrooms are closed for the season and water spigots have been turned off, the campground becomes rustic and water must be brought in or is available at the park headquarters, located between the Lower and Upper Falls.
This campground is located 5 miles south of Paradise. The physical address for mapping purposes is 32130 W. South River Road, Paradise, MI 49768.
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Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers three reservable backcountry campsites located along or near the North Country Trail. Each campsite is outfitted with a picnic table, fire ring and latrine (open-air toilet seat on a wooden box over a hole in the ground).
The hike-in distances range from 1 to 5 miles, depending on which site and where you choose to park your vehicle.
Reservations are required.
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The lodge is conveniently located between the Upper and Lower falls, with easy access to snowmobile trails.
The lodge sleeps up to eight people and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the first floor, there is a full bathroom, a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a kitchen and a living space. The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, pancake griddle, pots and pans, silverware, bakeware, plates and cups. On the second floor, there is a half bathroom, a bedroom with two sets of single bunkbeds and another bedroom with two single beds. Other amenities include games, books and an outdoor area with a picnic table, charcoal grill and fire ring. The downstairs and deck are fully accessible. Linens, blankets, bath towels and dish towels are also supplied.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the lodge is only reservable by the week (six-night stay with a Saturday check-in and Friday check-out). For the remainder of the year, the lodge has a four-night minimum rental.
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The camper cabin is located in the Rivermouth Pines Campground and overlooks the Tahquamenon River. This two-bedroom cabin sleeps up to seven people and is accessible. The cabin has electric outlets, lighting and a wall-mounted heating unit in each bedroom for warmth. One bedroom has two sets of single bunks, and the other has a full-size bed with a single bunk above. There is a small living area with a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, table and chairs. A picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill can be found outdoors. You must provide your own linens.
The cabin does not have restrooms or running water. Vault toilets are located throughout the campground, and a modern toilet and shower building in the nearby Rivermouth Modern campground, about a 10-minute walk or short drive away, is available in season. Water spigots are available seasonally, generally mid-May through the second Sunday in October, as temperatures allow. When the restrooms in the nearby modern campground are closed, the campground becomes rustic and water must be brought in or is available at the park headquarters, located between the Lower and Upper Falls.
This campground is located 5 miles south of Paradise. The physical address for mapping purposes is 32130 W. South River Road, Paradise, MI 49768.
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This large open area is located within the Rivermouth Pines Campground for groups of up to 50 people with tents. There is a vault toilet and fire ring with bench seating.
Water spigots are generally available mid-May through the second Sunday in October, as temperatures allow. Campers are advised to fill water jugs near site #132. In season, campers also have access to the nearby restroom and shower facilities at the Rivermouth Modern Campground, about a 10-minute walk or short drive away. When the restrooms in the nearby modern campground are closed for the season and water spigots have been turned off, water must be brought in or is available at the park headquarters, located between the Lower and Upper Falls. Generators are not allowed in Group-Use Area.
To make a reservation, please call the park.
This campground is located 5 miles south of Paradise. The physical address for mapping purposes is 32130 W. South River Road, Paradise, MI 49768.
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