20 Beautiful Waterfalls in Michigan You HAVE to See

waterfalls in michigan

You may not think there are that many amazing waterfalls in Michigan, but that’s just because you haven’t seen them with your own eyes. There are over 300 Michigan waterfalls, and one of the most romantic things to do in Michigan is get out into nature and see a few of these stunning waterfalls Michigan.

While most of these falls are located in the Upper Peninsula there is one notable waterfall in Lower Michigan to visit.


Best Waterfalls in Michigan


1. Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls / Best Waterfalls in Michigan

Seeing this mammoth waterfall is one of the best things to do in Michigan! Inside Michigan’s second-largest state park (Tahquamenon Falls State Park) is one of the biggest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Tahquamenon Falls, on the Upper Peninsula, has enthralled visitors for decades and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Michigan. 

Two hundred feet wide and with a 50-foot drop, the Tahquamenon Falls produces a water flow of 50,000 gallons per second. Between the lower and upper falls, you will find an interesting hiking trail to both views. 

Due to its remote location, you will be happy to know that it is open year-round for tent camping and even hookups for RVs.


2. Ocqueoc Falls

As the only recognized water on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Ocqueoc Falls is already unique. Just a few miles west of Rogers City, this waterfall, surrounded by natural beauty, is also stunning in its own right.

The water glistens under the sunshine as it travels over sparkling limestone rocks down the Ocqueoc River. Sitting by the water and listening to the peaceful sounds makes for the perfect picnic. 

Around the Ocqueoc Falls are over six miles of well-marked hiking trails for you to enjoy, while on a warm day, the falls are a wonderful spot for a midday swim. As far as waterfalls in Lower Michigan go, you can’t go wrong here.


3. Bond Falls

One of the most scenic waterfalls in Michigan is Bond Falls. Being easily accessible, thanks to a series of boardwalks and viewing spots, the waterfall has become one of the most popular in the state.

Waterfalls of this size would often be a straight shot into the creek below, but Bond Falls is a cascading drop over rocks worn down over centuries.

After a 50 feet drop, the falls reach the Ontonagon River, deep in the Porcupine Mountains. This places you within walking distance of over 90 waterfalls within the Porcupine Wilderness State Park. But none provide the experience of a picnic at the tables on the top of Bond Falls.


4. Hungarian Falls

Surrounded by mature hemlocks and several beautiful nature trails, Hungarian Falls requires a full day of adventure to truly appreciate it. On the edge of Lake Superior, Hungarian Falls is an eye-popping series of three waterfalls within the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Best viewed in late spring and early summer, when the water is at its zenith, the falls come with two 20-foot drops before a dramatic 50-foot free-fall down a cliff. The lower falls, with the biggest drop-off, can be difficult to access, so be prepared with sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure. 


5. Sable Falls

Carving its path through the sandstone sediment, Sable Falls is a stretch of crystal clear water cascading down the hills and should be included on any Michigan waterfall tour. The exclamation point and why Sable Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Michigan is the dramatic 75-foot cliff dive into the waters below. 

The trip to Sable Falls requires a simple, family-friendly trek from the trailhead in Grand Marais. You will also find a parking lot here. 

To make a day trip out of your excursion to the falls, you can explore the nearby destinations along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and the Grand Sable Dunes.


6. Spray Falls

 Spray Falls
Spray Falls / Best Waterfalls in Michigan

Rather than plunging into the river below, Spray Falls shoots out the edge of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore into the immense Lake Superior. Spray Falls has to be seen to be believed. With the water spraying off the Michigan coast, it isn’t hard to see how the falls got their name.

Spray Falls is an excellent location for photographers. On a clear day, the water of Lake Superior turns turquoise, and the sandstone cliffs contrast the white rushing waters of Spray Falls.

You can access a viewpoint of the falls with a three-mile out-and-back hike on the North Country National Scenic Trail. Better yet, cruise on the lake to the base of Spray Falls.


7. Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls / Best Waterfalls in Michigan
Horseshoe Falls / Best Waterfalls in Michigan

If you have ventured to Spray Falls, stick around for the quick trip to Horseshoe Falls. This spring-fed waterfall flows throughout the year and comes with a beautiful initial plunge through the dense forests. From there, the water cascades over the rocks as it travels through the canopy.

There is an admission fee due to these waterfalls in Michigan being privately owned. However, the falls feature a family-friendly hike, and the kids will love feeding the fish in the resident trout pond.


8. Douglass Houghton Falls

Douglass Houghton Falls

Michigan’s tallest waterfall is within a remote location of the state’s stunning Upper Peninsula. Douglass Houghton Falls, named after Michigan’s first recognized geologist, wows visitors with a dramatic 110-foot drop. 

With loose rock and the steep gorge cut by hundreds of years of tumbling water, hiking to Douglass Houghton Falls is restricted. Further hiking trails are in development to provide more access to the state’s tallest waterfall, and soon it may be a Michigan State Park.

A common way to access the waterfall is from Hammel Creek. However, even confident hikers should take precautions as the path goes over downed trees and plenty of mud.


9. Manabezho Falls

Manabezho Falls

At 150 feet wide, featuring a 25-foot drop, the Manabezho Falls is the largest of a series of falls on the Presque Isle River. But what makes this waterfall stand out is the varied shape of the cliff. The shape of the cliff splits the waterfall into a series of separate falls of different heights, shapes, and widths. 

Thanks to the proximity to CR-519, the Manabezho Falls are easily accessible and provide amazing opportunities to make use of your camera. In fall, Manabezho is surrounded by auburn colors that help frame the waterfall. But for the most dramatic photo, come in the cold of winter, where the separate falls are frozen in time.


10. Rock River Falls

Rock River Falls

The small but gorgeous Rock River Falls are out across the rocky ledge. When venturing into the Rock River Wilderness Area in the Hiawatha National Forest, these falls must be high up your itinerary. 

Despite just a 15-foot drop, the Rock River Falls cut through the dynamic nature like a hot knife and butter. The journey to the falls can be tricky, thanks to its location in a wilderness area. But if you’re up for an adventure and have some good navigation skills, Rock River Falls comes with low, if not, crowds and unspoiled nature. 


11. Munising Falls

Munising Falls

The town of Munising, on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is home to an amazing amount of waterfalls, many of which have found their place on this list. So it’s only fair that the town gets a waterfall named after it, and she’s a beauty. 

Munising Falls features a thin 50-foot drop that looks like a streak of white against the orange and green backdrop. A view that is even starker when it all freezes in the winter and is amazing with the fall foliage in Michigan in October.

The waterfall is one of the easiest to access in Michigan, with several nature trails providing a unique experience each time. While there is one boardwalk with multiple viewpoints, allowing access for all.


12. Gabbro Falls

Gabbro Falls

From the beauty of Munising Falls, we take things in a different direction by introducing you to the mighty Gabbro Falls. Found close to the Black River Falls (below), Gabbro is sometimes overlooked. Over three separate drops, the water crashes into the gabbro rock before tumbling into the stream below. 

Gabbro Falls is undeveloped, unlike some of the more celebrated waterfalls on this list, providing an untouched, wild experience. This is despite being fairly easy to find and having only a short hike to both the top and base of the falls.


13. Black River Falls

Black River Falls

In-between towering Pine Trees, the Black River Falls may feature a simple 20-foot drop, but the sheer amount of water tumbling down is breathtaking. Along your easy and scenic hike, you will hear the rumble of the waterfall well before you see it.

After crossing a footbridge onto an island in the middle of the river, you can watch it all go down from a distance. Enjoy the mist rising out of the river as you kick back with friends and family. The small yet fierce Black River Falls offers a fantastic bang for your buck.


14. Miners Falls

Miners Falls

Being as beautiful as it is accessible, Miners Falls has long been a popular destination for locals. Another of the many waterfalls in the Munising area, the falls dives between two impressive rock walls into a pool of water. The green nature (or orange in the fall) and the rock slab and cascading water provide beautiful contrast, especially after heavy rain.

Miners Falls is accessible with a short drive on a dirt road that leads to a parking lot. From there, you will embark on a scenic two-mile return trek to the falls. 


15. Laughing Whitefish Falls

Laughing Whitefish Falls

Just half a mile stands between you and one of the most photographed waterfalls in Michigan. Laughing Whitefish Falls is a 100-foot cascading waterfall on the state’s Upper Peninsula that begins with a short free fall before its journey to Lake Superior along the rippled limestone rock.

After the short hike, you will be able to find yourself at the top of Laughing Whitefish Waterfall with an uninhibited view of the water. There are also a series of steps to the bottom where you can take pictures of the iconic falls.


16. Alger Falls

Alger Falls

It may not be the most impressive waterfall on this list, but because of its roadside location, Alger Falls can’t be missed. Rail, hail, snow or shine, Alger Falls can be seen from the comfort and safety of your car, pulled off from the M-28 highway.

The flowing Alger Creek flows between the giant pines before billowing down several rocky ledges. Like many waterfalls in Michigan, this is a glorious spot in the fall, while after snow, Alger Falls becomes a winter wonderland. 


17. Canyon Falls

Canyon Falls

A gorgeous hike along the rolling Sturgeon River is a great introduction to what’s coming after arriving at Canyon Falls. Along the hike, you will see why locals call this area the ‘Grand Canyon of the Upper Peninsula’. 

With cliffs on either side of the river, you will have a view of Canyon Falls for a short while before arriving. The falls span 30 feet wide and shoot down into the gorge, exposing the slick black rock along the way.

Thanks to a simple 15-minute walk and the box canyon, Canyon Falls is a great option for those seeking waterfalls in Michigan. 


18. Bridalveil Falls

 Bridalveil Falls

Cascading 140 feet down the Pictured Rock National Lakeshore cliffs is a thin line of white. As the name suggests, this waterfall looks strikingly similar to that of a bride’s veil. This stunning waterfall contrasts with the otherwise light orange cliff providing exceptional photography.

However, walking to the drop will not cut it to truly appreciate this waterfall. If you have come to the Munising area, jump on a cruise and view it from the water as Bridalveil Falls surges towards Lake Superior.


19. Agate Falls

 Agate Falls

Placed in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Agate Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Michigan. As the water tumbles over several levels of the erosion-resistant rock, the falls take on several different shapes.

The terrace-like falls are underneath a high bridge, adding a unique backdrop to an otherwise wilderness setting. Agate Falls is easy to get to thanks to an improved hiking trail, while there are several great picnic spots nearby.


20. Yellow Dog River Falls

Yellow Dog River Falls
Drone view of the Yellow Dog River near Big Bay, Michigan

The Yellow Dog River is just minutes from Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, home to our final waterfall. After approaching the waterfall from the top, you will have an excellent view of the Yellow Dog River Falls.

The waterfall is 50 feet wide and comes with a vertical drop of 30 feet. However, the lone boulder that stands tall among all the action makes the Yellow Dog River Falls stand out, splicing the waterfall in two. 

From the top, you can venture downstream to see it all from the base. Afterward, head back to Marquette to enjoy a great Michigan brewery and restaurant.


Michigan waterfalls map

Click for interactive map of the best waterfalls in Michigan

How Many Michigan Waterfalls Are There?

Michigan has over 300 waterfalls, almost all of which are in the Upper Peninsula. A few are quite grand, and most of those have been listed in this guide. However, most of these waterfalls are better described as rapids.


How many waterfalls in Michigan are in the Lower Peninsula?

Ocqueoc Falls is the only proper waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. Ocqueoc Falls is located up north towards Rogers City in Presque Isle Country. Ocqueoc Falls actually has a swimming hole below it and is a fantastic place to cool off on a hot summer day.


Where is the Tallest Waterfall in Michigan?

The tallest waterfall in Michigan is Douglass Houghton Falls, with a dramatic 110-foot drop. Douglass Houghton Falls is located near the village of Lake Linden and Torch Lake.


Where is the Widest Michigan Waterfall?

The widest waterfall in Michigan is Tahquamenon Falls. More specifically, the Upper Falls, which is more than 200 feet across, is one the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi!

Tahquamenon Falls in the winter

READ MORE MICHIGAN TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the most beautiful Michigan waterfalls. Hopefully, you found it useful. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Michigan.

Plan For Your Trip

Natasha Alden

Natasha Alden

Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Reader’s Digest. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page.