Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Michigan · State Park · Midwest Region
Tahquamenon Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, 200 feet wide, 50 feet tall, and amber colored from the tannins of upstream cedar swamps. The water is a warm tea dark brown that catches the light and glows bronze in afternoon sun. The Lower Falls let you row a boat to the island in the middle of the river and stand surrounded by cascades on both sides. There isn't another waterfall experience like it in the Midwest.
- Best season
- May through October
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max group size
- 25 people
- Permit info verified
- April 2026
Permit Information
Michigan DNR Event Use Permit required for weddings (20+ people or organized events). $50 application fee, submit 60 days in advance. Professional photography requires a separate commercial use permit (~$50 additional). Contact the park at 906 492 3415. The Lower Falls area, a series of cascades around an island reached by rowboat rental, is a particularly popular ceremony location. Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry ($17 resident, $34 non resident).
Seasonal Planning
Spring (May through June) for highest water levels. Fall (late September mid October) for foliage. The park is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, remote and worth the drive.
Planning Your Day at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
One-Spot Day
The Upper Falls observation deck carries the whole day for a small party. Vows above the curtain of amber water, then portraits along the paved trail as light shifts through the forest. The deck is accessible to every guest and the waterfall itself fills every frame.
Ceremony + Portraits Split
Hold the ceremony at the Upper Falls observation deck for the 200 foot curtain of amber water, then drive four miles downstream to Lower Falls and row to the island for portraits surrounded by cascades. Two entirely different waterfall moods in one afternoon.
A Note on Light
Late afternoon light warms the amber water further and makes the tannin color glow bronze. Fall foliage from late September through mid October creates gold and crimson forest contrast against the tea dark water. Long exposures smooth the falls beautifully.
Ceremony Spots at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- Upper Tahquamenon Falls — Ceremony above the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, 200 feet wide and amber colored
- Lower Tahquamenon Falls Island — Unique ceremony on a river island surrounded by cascading falls on both sides, reached by rowboat