If you've ever thought about taking a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan...DO IT! The Upper Peninsula is filled with nature, wild life, and is the perfect destination for the outdoorsy person. I recently visited Tahquameon Falls and it was stunning.
To get to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you must travel across the Mackinaw Bridge or what Michiganders like to call "The Mighty Mac".
Make sure throughout your time in the UP, you try to spot all the Sasquash statues. We saw them throughout our entire UP trip!
My friends and I finally arrived at the falls after hours of driving through scenic roads. You do have to buy a Michigan State park pass if you don't already have one in order to enter the park.
We started walking a little way on the main trail. They do have a little restaurant and ice cream shop along the trail. Connected to it was a large gift shop that had cute sweats shirts, magnets, and other souvenirs to remember your trip.
As we kept walking, eventually, we arrived at the small falls. They were beautiful.
If you want to spend a little extra money, you're able to purchase a row boat to go near the falls. Some people docked their boats and walked underneath the small falls. The park designed the railings in such a way, you HAVE to rent a boat in order to go underneath the falls. Pictured above is part of the small falls with rapid moving water.
A few miles away, is the large falls which was also spectacular. You're able to walk along a trail connecting the small falls to the large falls. Another option is to drive to each destination. I believe the trail is 4 miles one way, so you'd have to walk 8 miles all together to arrive to the large falls and walk back.
At the large falls, there were lots and lots of stairs leading down to the view. However, the multiple stairs were worth it because the view was breathtaking.
Where to eat: After a long drive to the UP and hiking around Taquanmom, we worked up an appetite. We ate at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub which was a modest American styled restaurant. The food and service was good! My only complaint was the restaurant was packed so it took a long time for us to be seated. However, there are not very many restaurants in the area and honestly, I didn't even see any others while driving to our next destination.
TIPS: My biggest tip I have for being in the UP and for Taquanemon is to fill up your car with gas if it's half way empty or lower. You can drive for miles and miles and there are no gas stations around. Make sure you fill up the gas tank when you can because you don't know the next time you'll be able to. You really are surrounded by wilderness! My next tip is have paper maps with you with directions to your destination. Sometimes a GPS doesn't pick up satellite signals or your phone can't connect to service or internet, leaving you with no idea which direction to head. Having the paper maps will give you the right direction to go in chase your GPS or phones don't work. It really felt like I was going back in time when I was in the UP! But being out in the wilderness, away from crowds and internet, and just hearing the quiet was so relaxing. And last but not least BRING SNACKS! There are not many places to stop to get food traveling from one city to the next in the UP.
When to go: My friends and I visited Tquaneomon in July. It was a GREAT trip and a perfect time to visit. Going in the fall, with the Michigan leaves turning the different colors would be another great time to go, but it would be chilly.
This area of Michigan is the perfect destination for camping, hiking, or mountain biking. The trip will take you away from the everyday hustle and bustle. It allows you to relax. The falls is a definite must when visiting the UP when in need of beauty and serenity.
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