7 Easily Accessible Waterfalls on the Keweenaw Peninsula You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula waterfalls without strapping on hiking boots or battling steep trails, then you’re in luck. The Keweenaw Peninsula is full of wild beauty, but some of its best views are surprisingly easy to reach.

You just need to know where to look.

That’s exactly what this list is for.

You’re here because you want to experience something beautiful. Something peaceful, photo-worthy, maybe even a little magical – but without a multi-mile trek.

Whether you’re:

• Taking a scenic drive along M-26
• Traveling with kids or older adults
• Short on time but still craving nature

You don’t want to waste your day trying to find the waterfalls. You just want to enjoy them.

Some of these waterfalls are hiding in plain sight. Others are tucked just out of view but only a few steps away.

Each one offers something worth pausing for – whether it’s a roaring cascade beside a historic bridge or a soft trickle next to a shaded picnic table.

Let’s go chasing waterfalls…

Jacob’s Falls

📍 47.4097° N, 88.0781° W

Just outside of Eagle Harbor, you’ll spot Jacob’s Falls spilling down a mossy rock wall right beside M-26.

You can literally pull over and see it without leaving your car – though you’ll definitely want to.

What makes this stop a standout is its neighbor: The Jampot, a bakery run by monks, known for its wildly delicious jams, cakes, and preserves.

Between the falling water and the warm scent of banana bread drifting through the air, this spot feels more like a happy accident than a roadside stop.

Quick Tip: This one’s best in spring or early summer when the water’s really flowing – and when the Jampot shelves are fully stocked.

Eagle River Falls

📍 47.4132° N, 88.2926° W

Located right in the village of Eagle River, this 60-foot waterfall offers a dramatic cascade that’s easy to take in from the pedestrian bridge that spans the river.

You’ll hear it before you see it – especially in the spring – and the wide view from the bridge gives you a perfect vantage point for photos or just a moment to take it all in.

It’s an easy, no-fuss stop with a big payoff – the kind of place that makes you wonder how it stayed so uncrowded.

Make It a Mini-Adventure: Stroll down to the nearby Lake Superior beach afterward or stop for lunch at the Fitz.

Haven Falls

📍 47.3723° N, 88.0487° W

Some stops are made for lingering. Haven Falls, located in a small park in Lac La Belle, is one of them.

The waterfall itself is gentle and tucked into a forested backdrop, but what makes this spot shine is the setup – picnic tables, restrooms, and a relaxed setting perfect for travelers of all ages. If you’ve got kids in the car, this is an easy place to stretch your legs and reset.

Pro Tip: Pair this stop with a scenic drive out to Bete Grise or Lake Medora for a full afternoon of low-effort beauty.

Ten-Foot Falls

📍 47.4022° N, 88.2699° W

Just southeast of Eagle River on M-26, this mellow cascade spreads across flat rocks that practically invite you to kick off your shoes.

It’s not flashy, but it’s peaceful – a place where locals go to wade, relax, and listen to the sound of the river.

There’s a small roadside pull-off and a short walk to the water. On a warm day, it’s one of those places that turns a regular road trip into a memory.

Best For: Travelers looking for a quiet, shaded spot to pause and breathe.

Silver River Falls

📍 47.4439° N, 88.0384° W

Between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it turnoff leads to Silver River Falls – a modest but lovely cascade set against a forested backdrop.

It’s not marked by a big sign or parking lot, but the pull-off is enough to park safely, and the trail is short and manageable.

What you’ll find is a series of gentle cascades, layered like steps through the trees. It’s peaceful, simple, and completely worth pulling over for.

What to Know: Bring bug spray if you’re visiting in mid-summer, and keep an eye out for the roadside pull-off – it’s easy to miss.

Manganese Falls

📍 47.4650° N, 87.8822° W

Tucked just outside Copper Harbor, Manganese Falls offers a surprising burst of drama in a quiet corner of the peninsula.

The falls crash through a narrow gorge, and a short trail leads to a viewing platform above.

It’s a short walk from the small parking area, and while the view can be partly hidden by foliage in summer, you’ll still get a feel for the power and depth of the drop.

It’s quick to reach but feels like a hidden pocket of wildness.

When to Visit: Spring brings the best flow. Fall brings the best colors.

Houghton-Douglass Falls

📍 47.2369° N, 88.4347° W

At 110 feet, Houghton-Douglass Falls is the tallest waterfall in Michigan – and until recently, barely accessible to the public. That’s changing.

The state is in the process of turning this into a full-blown park with safe trails and observation decks.

For now, it’s still a bit rough around the edges – unofficial trails lead to glimpses of the falls, but sturdy shoes and caution are a must.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes seeing places before they become popular, this one’s for you.

Why It Matters: This is your chance to see a future state park in the making.

Finding Magic in the Keweenaw

One of the best things about the Keweenaw is how easy it is to explore.

Most of these waterfalls are linked by scenic drives – especially along M-26 – and you can see several in a single afternoon without ever breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re visiting during spring runoff or chasing fall color, these stops will give you that “wow” factor without a hike.

You don’t need to be a backpacker to find magic in the Keweenaw.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones that ask the least of you – just a willingness to pull over, take a few steps, and look around.

These waterfalls are easy to reach and easy to love.

And chances are, at least one of them will be the moment you remember most from your trip.