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Looking for a unique and exciting winter getaway? Plan a weekend visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park! This amazing destination offers something for everyone — family-oriented guided snowshoe hikes, sled dog rides, off-the-grid backcountry adventures, and much more. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a great place to enjoy winter in Michigan.

The Awesome Mitten - Winter Adventures At Tahquamenon Falls State Park — Photo courtesy of Christine Snow

About Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Located in the heart of the eastern Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a 50,000-acre all-season playground. This beautiful area boasts miles of maintained hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile trails, and year-round camping. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Tahquamenon River and the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls.

Upper Falls Winter Activities at Tahquamenon Falls

Snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing are at the top of the list of popular activities in this area of the park. The entrance and parking lot are well-maintained during the winter months, which allows access to the main trailhead. Trails around the Upper Falls are easily accessible and well-marked, and heated bathrooms are open all year.

The best winter views are at the Brink Viewing Deck, located approximately 1/4 mile from the main entrance. Turn right at the trailhead map sign and follow the fence to the viewing platform steps.

Be sure to peek through the trees while hiking to catch the spectacular views of one of the best frozen waterfalls in Michigan from the upper trail!

Lower Falls Winter Activities at Tahquamenon Falls

Backcountry and off-the-beaten-path adventures abound in this part of the park!

Four miles of marked snowshoe/cross-country ski trails, packed hiking trails (with a few challenging ice hills), and exciting sled dog rides will be available. The truly adventurous can bring camping gear and pitch a tent at Lower Falls Hemlock campground, which is open all year.

Park staff are available to help plan the perfect Lower Falls adventure. Contact the Tahquamenon Falls Park office at 906-492-3415 for more information.

Guided winter hikes and snowshoe outings are another way visitors can explore the park’s snowy trails.

Each winter — especially on Saturdays in February—the park hosts free guided snowshoe hikes along a one-mile trail near the Upper Falls, where park rangers share insights about winter ecology, wildlife tracks, and the dramatic frozen landscape.

In the evenings, the experience continues with lantern-lit snowshoe hikes, during which kerosene lanterns illuminate the trail under the stars, and participants can warm up between laps around a bonfire.

Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, and both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular ways to enjoy the park’s marked winter routes and scenic overlooks of the Tahquamenon River and falls.

Travel Safety and Tips for Winter at Tahquamenon Falls

A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
Winter in Michigan can be unpredictable. Pack extra clothing, blankets, water, and other emergency supplies. Before hitting the trails, inform friends or family of travel plans. Visitors can also check the main Tahquamenon Falls State Park website for advisories, weather alerts, and park information.
Cell phone service in this area can be limited, so plan accordingly.
Snowmobiles are only allowed on designated trails with a minimum of 4″ of snow. Riders can hike to the falls area from the main parking lots.
In all areas of the park, leashed pets are allowed. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave them unattended.
When navigating the steps and platforms of the viewing areas, wear sturdy hiking boots. Consider bringing ice cleats for off-trail hiking.
Download trail and park maps at this link: Tahquamenon Falls State Park Maps

Have you been to the Tahquamenon Falls in the winter? Which Tahquamenon Falls adventure will you choose?

Dog Sledding Near Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers a chance to enjoy a lot of winter activities, but it’s not every day that you can experience the one-of-a-kind thrill of dog sledding. Visitors don’t have to go to Alaska or the Canadian wilderness to experience this adrenaline rush. With plenty of snow on the ground each winter, there are plenty of chances to mush near the state park.

Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures – based in McMillan – offers a range of experiences, including guided rides and full-day or overnight adventures. Tours include gear, options to drive your own team, photography tours, and more.
MI DOG near Newberry is about 10 miles from the park and offers musher-led tour runs on select winter weekends. This small-group experience usually lasts about three hours and includes a snack break, time on the trail, and photo ops.
Husky Haven Kennels in Shingleton offers a kennel tour and dog sled lesson with an 8–10 mile guided sled run, followed by opportunities to help care for the dogs and warm up with hot drinks.

The area also hosts the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race each January in Newberry. The event draws mushers and teams from across the United States and Canada to compete in multiple classes, offering residents and visitors a lively showcase of endurance, teamwork, and athleticism against a snowy backdrop.

More Winter Things to Do in Michigan

During the winter, Michigan is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! There are several ski resorts in Michigan, and lots of other things to do in Michigan in winter. Plus, there are great winter vacation destinations in Michigan for families.