Summary
Michigan is situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, bordered by the Great Lakes. As the tenth most populous state in the nation, it is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls.
Michigan is distinctive as it consists of two peninsulas – the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula is often compared to a mitten due to its shape, while the Upper Peninsula is separated from its counterpart by an 8km waterway that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
With nearly 65,000 inland lakes and ponds, residents are seldom more than six miles from a natural water body. Let us explore ten remarkable waterfalls located in Michigan.
1. Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls is located along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, just 1.5 miles from Miner’s Beach. The waterfall is best appreciated via a boat cruise, making access seasonal; however, visitors can also hike along the shoreline for picturesque views. This falls is unique, as the water cascades directly into Lake Superior. With cliffs reaching 160 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Michigan, and the water flow varies with the seasons.
2. Alger Falls
Alger Falls is situated one mile south of Munising and is easily accessible by foot or vehicle. For safety, if you choose to view the falls from your car, ensure you pull off the road sufficiently, as this area is a busy highway. This waterfall is located in Alger County, where several other waterfalls can also be enjoyed, including Memorial Falls and Rudolph M. Olsen Memorial Falls, both nestled in wooded settings and best experienced through hiking. The cascading water of Alger Falls flows over the rocky ridges of Alger Creek, making it a worthwhile stop while exploring Michigan.
3. Agate Falls Scenic Site
Located seven miles west of Bruce Crossing in Interior Township, Agate Falls is accessible year-round, with the best visiting months being from April to October. The waterfall is nestled under a railroad bridge, adding to its historical significance. A trail must be followed to reach the falls; while short, it may prove challenging for inexperienced hikers. The waterfall itself is 39 feet tall and flows over sandstone, cascading from the western side of the Upper Peninsula, making Agate Falls an integral part of the landscape transitioning to Lake Superior.
4. Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site
The aptly named Laughing Whitefish Falls is located three miles north of Sundell. This scenic site offers picnic facilities, making it an excellent place to gather. The hiking trail is about one mile long and suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The trail itself is particularly picturesque in spring when the area is in bloom. Visitors will walk through a forested area, so it is advisable to bring bug spray and dress appropriately. The falls gracefully flow over limestone bluffs into a ravine, providing opportunities for fishing, while a stairway descends to the base of the waterfall.
5. Bond Falls
Locally esteemed as one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Midwest, Bond Falls features six viewing locations and three platforms, ideal for photography. Visitors are enveloped in natural beauty during the walk to the falls, making it a favorite spot for hiking, photography, picnicking, or simply savoring the stunning landscape.
6. Douglass Houghton Falls
Douglass Houghton Falls, towering at 100 feet, is an impressive locale popular among locals and students alike. Due to safety concerns from eroding cliff walls, access to parts of the trails has been restricted in recent years. However, it remains possible to reach the area by hiking upstream along Hammell Creek from Lake Linden, where one can witness the breathtaking waterfall cascading over volcanic rock. Continuing along the green creek valley offers splendid views of Torch Lake, making Douglass Houghton Falls a prominent highlight in Copper Country.
7. Manido Falls
Manido Falls, while modest at just 10 feet tall, demonstrates that lower waterfalls can still possess beauty. Situated above Manabezho Falls in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains State Park, Manido Falls is easily accessible via stairs leading to a viewing platform on the west side of the river. Visitors can even explore the waterfall’s lower rocks; caution and appropriate footwear are advised. This site provides excellent opportunities for family photos and portraits.
8. Memorial Falls
Memorial Falls is located near the city of Munising and features two similar cascades flowing through adjacent ravines. Notably, a cave lies behind these falls, allowing visitors to enjoy a stunning viewpoint from behind the cascade. The waterfall flow varies with the seasons; heavier flows occur during times of significant snowmelt or rainfall. Memorial Falls promises a unique and intimate experience, as it remains relatively undiscovered.
9. Sable Falls
Sable Falls begins with a two-kilometer round-trip hike located in Grand Marais, falling within the eastern section of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The waterfall cascades down multiple bluffs as the river flows toward Lake Superior. The hiking trail descends into a canyon and leads to a lovely beach along Lake Superior. Adventurous hikers may opt to continue on the Beech Forest Trail that leads to the falls; parking is recommended at the Grand Sable Visitor Center for those wishing to explore. There are numerous activities and sights to enjoy around Sable Falls, including the nearby dunes and lighthouse.
10. Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls comprises two distinct waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan adjacent to Lake Superior. The waterfall is notably brown in color due to tannins leached from cedar marshes through which the river flows. Remarkably, the river discharges up to 50,000 gallons of water per second, making the upper falls the third largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi, following Cohoes Falls and Niagara Falls. This location transforms into a photographer’s paradise in autumn when the foliage changes color, and sunset images are especially breathtaking.
