Visiting Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls has definitely made my list of “Favorite Michigan Destinations” for so many reasons.

The Upper Falls

One thing I did not know going into my visit was that Tahquamenon Falls is split into into two sections, the Upper and Lower Falls, and both offer a very different experience. The Upper Falls is the one you’ve probably seen in a lot of Michigan photography, like the famous red lighthouse in South Haven. You can park your car and hike your way through different vantage points to capture some very “Pure Michigan” selfies. I felt each place we stopped along the path was the best photo, but then each one got better and better. You then reach the end and can get the best photo where you’re essentially above the falls. I thoroughly enjoyed the hiking aspect of the Upper Falls as it wasn’t too difficult and made me feel that much more adventurous.

Pro tip to get a stellar photo: My husband gets the credit for this one. If you hold your arms very still, have an iPhone, take a Live Photo of the falls, and then set the photo to “long exposure”. Wallah! You’re a professional photographer now (example photo below).

Now I also want to touch on how to get to the Falls before diving into the Lower Falls which I liked even more than the Upper. We ended up staying at a friends cottage in Germfask, MI which made our visit easier. The Falls were only an hour or so drive from there. I did a quick search on AirBnb and saw there were some cottages around there available so I think anyone could find a place to stay. If staying up that way, you can also check out the Picture Rocks Lakeshore and see two AMAZING places in Michigan in one trip.

The Lower Falls

Now, the Upper Falls are very picturesque but the Lower Falls are more fun because you can also walk around in them and feel the rush of the stream flow past you. You could honestly spend an entire afternoon just having a lunch and hanging in the Lower Falls with the whole fam; it’s that kinda vibe on a nice summer day.

Once you arrive at the Lower Falls, you’ll see a vantage point that shows both and is great for photos…walk past that and find the trail that takes you into the falls on the right; you’ll most likely see people swimming and walking around in the water. As you go further down the trail, you’ll see different entry points into the falls.

We brought our suits luckily and got right in. I felt one with Michigan Mother Nature as I climbed rocks, walked down the stream, and headed deeper into the forested area. I would suggest bringing some water shoes or Tevas (my fav) as it’s very rocky while your walking around the falls.

After we explored a bit, we decided to have ourselves a little photoshoot and it was so much fun. We then just sat the water, chatted, and let it rush past us. Lifting up rocks every now and then to investigate the ground beneath us.

@ryanredoute

It’s insanely beautiful in fall too I hear 😁 #michiganders #michigantravel #puremichigan #michigan

♬ original sound – That Michigan Guy

I cannot wait to visit them again. Also, there are food trucks and water fountains at the start of the Upper Falls as a heads up. You will also have to pay for a pass to get in ($17) if you don’t already have the “all parks” pass from the SOS.

find more information on the falls here: https://www.uptravel.com/outdoors-recreation/national-state-parks/tahquamenon-falls-state-park/