Travel Buddies: Pete & Joan

Living the Dream, One Trip at a Time

Tahquamenon Falls

6/1/26

One of the highlights of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a visit to Tahquamenon Falls, and the Upper Falls certainly lived up to its reputation. (I had visited these falls about 52 years ago while living in Green Bay. Kala was only a few months old at the time, and I still remember warming her baby bottle on a campfire stove!)

Image of the Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, showcasing the falls' height of 50 feet and width of 200 feet with a strong water flow, surrounded by lush greenery.

As we approached the overlook, we could hear the falls before we could fully see them—a deep, steady roar echoing through the forest. Then the view opened up before us: a broad curtain of rushing water plunging nearly 50 feet into the gorge below. Its sheer scale is breathtaking.

A scenic view of a waterfall cascading into a river, surrounded by lush green trees and a rocky shore.

One of the most striking features is the water itself. Rather than being crystal clear, it has a rich amber-gold color. Interpretive signs explain that the river flows through vast cedar swamps upstream, where natural tannins from decaying vegetation stain the water a copper-brown hue. The result is beautiful, giving the falls the appearance of root beer cascading endlessly over the rocks.

A scenic view of a waterfall cascading into a river, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.

We hiked to several viewing platforms, each offering a different perspective on the falls. It is easy to become mesmerized by the constant rush of water and the mist rising from below. Even with other visitors nearby, the surrounding forest and the power of the falls create a feeling of wilderness and solitude.

A smiling couple taking a selfie near a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a river.
Information sign about the Mighty Tahquamenon River detailing its brown color, water sources, flow measurement, fish habitat, and foam formation.

Long before roads and observation decks existed, Native peoples traveled these waterways, and later, loggers floated timber down the river. Standing there, listening to the thunder of the water and watching the river pour over the edge, I was reminded once again of the joys of a road trip. I don’t know how many times we have looked at each other on this journey and said how fortunate we are to experience places like this together.

A selfie of two people smiling in a natural setting with a waterfall in the background, surrounded by green trees.

After our hike, we stopped for dinner at a restaurant in the park. At the entrance was this sign introducing The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

A wooden plaque featuring a poem by Henry W. Longfellow titled 'Song of Hiawatha', surrounded by a scenic illustration of a waterfall.

Having just left Tahquamenon Falls, the lines about “the rushing of great rivers” and “the thunder in the mountains” felt especially appropriate!

The Song of Hiawatha

The poem tells the story of the legendary hero Hiawatha. Longfellow describes his childhood, adventures, courtship of Minnehaha, and efforts to bring peace and wisdom to his people. The poem begins with one of the most recognizable openings in American literature:

“By the shores of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water…”. 

Gitche Gumee is the Ojibwe name for Lake Superior!

Tahquamenon Falls was one of those memorable moments that will stay with us long after the miles of highway and countless roadside stops have faded from memory!