Top 10 Questions People Ask Before Visiting Tahquamenon Falls
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
Tahquamenon Falls isn’t just a stop on a map — it’s a place that makes you pause. It roars and rushes and somehow settles your spirit all at once. But if you’ve never been before, it’s normal to have questions. How far do you have to walk? When should you go? Can you bring your dog?
Let’s get those answered so you can start dreaming about the view.
1. When’s the best time to visit?
Honestly? There’s not a bad season here — just different moods.
In summer, the forest is lush, the trails are dry, and the falls thunder after spring melt. It’s the busiest time, but also the most family-friendly. Fall brings fewer crowds and a canopy of blazing reds and golds. Winter turns the whole park into a snow-globe, and yes — the falls keep flowing beneath their icy armor. If you visit in spring, expect muddy trails and serious water power.
2. What’s the difference between the Upper and Lower Falls?
The Upper Falls is the showstopper — nearly 50 feet tall and more than 200 feet across, with a deep copper color thanks to the tannins in the cedar swamps upstream. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, and it’s easy to get to.
The Lower Falls feels quieter, more playful. It’s actually a set of smaller falls surrounding an island you can explore by footbridge or rowboat. If you have time, see both — they offer totally different experiences.
3. How much hiking is involved?
Not much — unless you want it to be.
The Upper Falls is just a short walk from the parking lot. There’s a paved path to the main overlook, with stairs down to other viewpoints. The Lower Falls area has short, flat trails and a bridge out to the island. If you’re up for a challenge, there’s a 4-mile trail through the forest that connects the two.
4. Do I need to pay to get in?
Yes — Tahquamenon Falls is part of the Michigan State Park system, so you’ll need a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can add it when renewing their plates. Visitors from out of state can purchase a day or annual pass at the entrance. You’ll find the price is small for the scenery it unlocks.
5. Can you swim at the falls?
You can’t swim at the Upper Falls (too powerful and dangerous), but over at the Lower Falls, you’re welcome to wade or splash in the river. Many visitors rent a little rowboat and float over to the island for a cool dip. It’s a refreshing treat on a warm day.
6. Are dogs allowed?
They are! Just keep your dog on a 6-foot leash and be mindful of others — and of course, clean up after them. Many families bring pets along for the adventure, especially on the wider paths and picnic areas.
7. Is it stroller- or wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, to a degree. The paved path to the Upper Falls overlook is accessible, though the staircases down to the brink are not. The Lower Falls area includes a mix of paved and natural trails. Some surfaces are uneven, especially after rain, but the park has made many key viewpoints more inclusive.
8. Are there restrooms and food nearby?
Absolutely — and even better, there’s beer.
Both the Upper and Lower Falls areas have modern restrooms, shaded picnic spots, and small gift shops. And just steps from the Upper Falls trailhead, you’ll find Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub at Camp 33. It’s got a rustic cabin vibe, house-brewed beer (don’t skip the blueberry wheat), hearty pasties and burgers, and a big outdoor patio where you can rest your legs and swap stories.
9. How much time should I plan for a visit?
That depends on your pace. If you’re just stopping to see the Upper Falls, you’ll be in and out in under an hour. Add the Lower Falls, a picnic, a boat ride, or a hike, and you’ll want at least half a day. Many people spend the whole day — or even base their weekend trip around the park.
10. What else is there to do nearby?
Tahquamenon Falls is just the beginning. Whitefish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are a short drive away, and the tiny town of Paradise makes a good jumping-off point for exploring the area. Further afield, you can hit Pictured Rocks, Munising, or even the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. But don’t be surprised if you want to linger at the falls just a little longer.
What’s Going on With the Upper Falls Boardwalk?
If you’re visiting in 2024 or 2025, you might notice some construction near the Upper Falls. Don’t worry — the falls are still flowing, and the main viewing platforms are still open.
The park is in the middle of a major improvement project: replacing the aging wooden staircases and narrow boardwalks with a 900-foot-long accessible pathway that includes both ramps and stairs. It started in fall 2024 and should be completed by late summer 2025.
That means a little less parking and some minor detours, but the goal is a better, more inclusive visitor experience — one that makes it easier for everyone to get up close to the falls. In the meantime, the pub is open, the views are still epic, and the mist on your face feels just as refreshing.
Ready to plan your trip?
Before you go, grab our Tahquamenon Falls Travel Guide — a beautifully designed digital download with 40+ pages full of hidden gems, can’t-miss highlights, sample itineraries, and an interactive map to help you make the most of your time in Michigan’s wild north.