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. One of the most unusual waterfall experiences in the Midwest.
- Best season
- May–October
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max group size
- 25 people
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).
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