TAHQUAMENON FALLS
BEST DAY TRIP IN THE UPPER PENINSULA
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is approximately 50,000 acres and is home to the Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls. The Upper Falls draws most of the attention and is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
From any of our northern Michigan hotels, Tahquamenon Falls is a fun daytrip. We have highlighted a few tips for your journey.
INFORMATION
LOCATION
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located in the Upper Peninsula and is approximately 1.5 hours once you cross the Mackinac Bridge.
24019 Upper Falls Drive Falls Drive
Paradise, MI 49768
Approximate travel time from our hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City – 1.5 hours
- Days Inn Petoskey – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Apple Tree Inn – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Petoskey – 2 hours 16 minutes
- Charlevoix Inn and Suites – 2 hours 32 minutes
MUST DO
Tahquamenon Falls State Park has both an upper falls and lower falls. The two locations are about 4 miles apart and have two separate entrances.
The upper falls has the famous large fall that you see the most pictures of. There is also a restaurant / brewery located at the upper falls.
The lower falls is a combination of falls that end up in a small lake that you can rent boats and row around.
Both locations have gift shops.
HOT TIP!
Either on your way up or on your way back, we highly recommend hitting up Clyde’s Drive-in located just off I-74 after you cross the bridge in St. Ignace. Clyde’s is world famous for their burgers and milkshakes. It has a small dining area and drive-in dining so you can stay right in your vehicle. Cash only!
Check out their facebook page!
Clyde’s Drive-in
178 US-2
St Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-8303
Oh…. If you can eat the Big “C”, an order of fries and a milkshake, then you are truly a foodie who seeks out the mightiest of food challenges!
SHORT VERSION
If you are looking at a quick 1 to 2 hour visit, we suggest going straight to the upper falls. You will have to follow a path from the parking area to the viewing platform. There are also quite a few stairs you will have to descend and ascend to reach the viewing platform. Make sure you walk through the gift shop and find a fun souvenir so you will always remember how to spell Tahquamenon Falls.
Depending on how long you take to view the falls, the restaurant if open is a great spot to grab a bite and soak in some more of the Upper Peninsula’s culture. Save room for an icecream cone after!
FULL VERSION
Want to see it all? We recommend starting with the lower falls and taking the hike through the lower falls. This is truly a great way to escape and see some beautiful sites. After your hike, rent a rowboat and get up close to the lower falls.
After you have hiked and rowed around the lower falls, head to the upper falls and grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant and brewery. You will now have the energy to make the short hike along the paved pathway to the upper falls. Grab an icecream cone and walk out to the upper falls. Be sure to take an adundance of photos along the way!
Upon completion of your journey, stop in the gift shop and find a nice souvenior to remind you of your visit!