Tahquamenon Falls State
Park
|
||||||||||||
|
|
 |
Four miles downstream is the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. Although not as dramatic as the Upper Falls, they are equally magnificent. They can be viewed from the river bank or from the island which can be reached by rowboat rented from a park concession. The island walk affords a view of the falls in the south channel.
|
|
 |
The Tahquamenon rises from springs north of McMillan and drains an area of more than 820 square miles. From its source, it meanders 94 miles before emptying into Whitefish Bay. The amber color of the water is not rust nor is it muddiness. It is caused by tannin leached from the Cedar, Spruce and Hemlock in the swamps drained by the river. The extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the extensive amounts of foam which has been the trademark of theTahquamenon since the days of the voyageurs.
The park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities. During the spring and summer, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, nature study and photography are popular activities. Fall colors provide a beautiful picturesque view of the park. In addition, hunters will find ample opportunities to pursue their sport.
|
|
Tahquamenon Falls is open year round. From the voluminous flowage of spring runoff through the bright days of summer, brilliant colors of fall, topped off by the spectacular ice sculpturing of the Upper Falls; each season has its own beauty.
Winter offers opportunity for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing with miles of marked trails. Ice formations along Lake Superior and frozen waterfalls are a photographers delight.
 |
 |
A pair of moose wander the park land and can sometimes be spotted by visitors, as can the bald eagles which make their home here. Black bear, coyotes, otter, deer, fox, porcupine, beaver and mink are a few of the other wildlife to be seen in the park. The abundant bird life includes Spruce Grouse, Sharptail Grouse, Pileated Woodpeckers and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. The area is one of the few nesting sites in Michigan for the Sandhill Crane. Birding in Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Park Map.
There are 25 miles of hiking trails wandering through more than 52,000 acres of wilderness so you can take a long or short walk through the forest. There is an .8 mile nature trail near the Upper Falls or you can walk back to Clark Lake and Betsy Lake on the Natural Area Pathway. A segment of the North Country Trail runs through the park from the Lower Falls to the Rivermouth.
During the summer, the Park Interpretive Staff has special free programs and offers guided hikes during the week for you to enjoy. Check at Park Campground Office at the Lower Falls for information.
Four campgrounds are available in the park; two modern campgrounds at the Lower Falls and a modern and rustic campground are located at the Rivermouth. Each modern campground has approximately 90 sites and each site is equipped with electricity, a ground fire ring and table. Other features of the modern campgrounds are warm showers and flush toilets. Sanitation stations are available at the Lower Falls and Rivermouth Units. There is not a campground at the Upper Falls. Rustic Camping is available near Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Lodging is available in Newberry and Paradise.
|
This is the land of Longfellow's Hiawatha: "by the rushing Tahquamenaw" Hiawatha built his canoe. Long before the white man set eyes on the river, the abundance of fish in its waters and animals along its shores attracted the Chippewa Indians, who camped, farmed, fished and trapped along its banks. In the late 1800's came the lumber barons and the river carried their logs by the millions to the mills. The lumberjacks who harvested the tall timber were among the first permanent settlers in the area. |
|
Hiawatha and the lumberjacks are gone now, but they whisper from the past, in the rushing waterfall, the murmur of the water eddying around the island, the wind sighing through the cedar boughs and the giant pines still to be seen in this wooded wonderland.
Pets are permitted at Tahquamenon Falls State Park but must be on a 6' leash and under your control at all times.
Fees: Michigan Residents need to purchase a Recreational Passport for admission to Michigan State Parks. The Recreational Passport can be purchased when renewing a vehicle license plate, at the Office of the Secretary of State, or at the
entrance to the park.
Annual Cost:
Motor Vehicles: $11
Motorcycles: $5
There are no more day passes for Michigan Vehicles.
Non-Residents: You need a State Park Motor Vehicle Permit to
enter Tahquamenon Falls State Park. $9.00 daily, $31.00 yearly
This Motor Vehicle Permit provides admission to all Michigan State Parks and
may be purchased at the Park entrance. This is the only fee for
admission to visit Tahquamenon Upper and Lower Falls State
Park.
Rustic Camping near Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Recreation & Attractions near Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Nearby Lodging for Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Newberry, Michigan or Paradise, Michigan
Give me of your bark, O Birch-tree! Of your yellow bark, O Birch-tree! Growing by the rushing river, Tall and stately in the valley I a light canoe will build me, Build a swift Cheemaun for sailing, ........... Thus aloud cried Hiawatha In the solitary forest, By the rushing Taquamenaw, When the birds were singing gayly, In the Moon of Leaves were singing, And the sun, from sleep awaking, Started up and said, "Behold me Gheezis, the great Sun, behold me.
Song of Hiawatha, W.W. Longfellow
Upper Peninsula State
Parks
Back
to Recreation Page
Back
to Upper Peninsula Home Page
Home Page: Exploring the North
Photos: Winter at Tahquamenon Falls by Mark Bolen, Digisharp Photography
