20 Attractions to Explore Near Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park lays along the Eastern Upper Peninsula shoreline and includes over 50,000 acres of trails, forests and campgrounds that offer guests a unique and extraordinary opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of nature's finest features. The highlight of this park is the majestic Tahquamenon Falls - which are 300-foot cascades that drop off to a five mile stretch of river ending in the vast expanse of Lake Superior.

Tahquamenon Falls Lower Falls is a sight to behold. Located in the majestic Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Lower Falls is a beautiful and powerful waterfall that cascades from the Tahquamenon River. Spanning more than 200 feet across with a drop of nearly 50 feet, it is easily one of the state's most impressive natural attractions. Visitors can rent boats to take them right up to this awe-inspiring wonder or simply stand back and admire its majesty from land.

Tahquamenon Falls is a stunning natural wonder that should not be missed. Consisting of two sets of falls - the upper, featuring a single 50-foot drop and the lower, with a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island - the falls are fed by the larger Tahquamenon River. Surrounding the area there is lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife to observe. Visitors have claimed to see river otter and deer around these parts.

Crisp Point Lighthouse, is a picturesque structure with a powerful past. Built in 1904, it was utilized to warn ships of the treacherous shoals that surrounded Lake Superior. The beloved lighthouse has been preserved with careful renovations throughout the years and changed from manual operation to automation in 1971. Today, visitors can enjoy striking views of Lake Superior from atop the 128-foot tower and learn French River's lighthouse history through guided tours.

Vermilion Point Nature Preserve, protected area spans 499 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes and bald eagles. Covering a full mile of shoreline along Lakes Huron and George, the area can be explored on a series of boardwalks that wind through the well-maintained trails. The preserve offers spectacular views and scenery no matter where you turn; its vibrant wetlands host a wide selection of birds and plants that change with each season.

Two Hearted River is an idyllic area for camping and fishing, providing visitors with a true back-to-nature. Consisting of two branches that come together to form the larger river, One and Two Hearted Rivers attract anglers from around the world in search of steelhead and trout. Aside from its wealth of wildlife, there are numerous sights for those who choose to explore by foot or canoe. The area’s breathtaking views make it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a great place for the whole family to explore the rich history of the area. The museum offers visitors a chance to dive into stories about 19th and 20th century shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with exhibits and artifacts from notable wrecks throughout the series of lakes. There are also interactive elements such as life-size recreations that put guests at the center of exciting accounts from disaster on Lake Superior - both educational and entertaining.

The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory provides one of the most tranquil bird watching spaces in the world. Located on Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline, this expansive observatory serves as a stopover for birds that migrate through its lands each year. From May to July, the Observatory offers weekend bird-banding demonstrations where visitors can get up close and personal with our feathered friends. The Observatory also offers fun educational days for youth.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse is a historic Michigan landmark located on the remote and rocky shores of Lake Superior, this lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime navigation since its construction in 1849. The stunning structure stands 45 feet tall and its light has been seen by many vessels navigating the nearby waters over the years. It is also home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum which holds many artifacts related to shipwrecks.

The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a solemn reminder of the courage and strength of those on board the famous vessel. Located in Whitefish Bay, the memorial was dedicated in 1995 as a way to honor the 29 crewmembers of the vessel that tragically sank in 1975. It also serves as an inspirational landmark for visitors to learn about and contemplate on the heroic actions taken prior to its sinking.

Muskallonge Lake State Park is definitely a destination to add to anyone’s vacation wish list this summer. Spanning over 500 acres, there are plenty of activities available at the park from hiking and biking trails, to kayaking and fishing opportunities on the crystal-clear waters of Muskallonge Lake. With 12 rustic campsites located directly on the pristine beach it is perfect for overnight camping trips with friends or family members.

Muskallonge Lake is a stunning and pristine lake that boasts beautiful woodlands, crystal clear aquamarine waters, and hundreds of miles of shoreline. This popular recreational area abounds with outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling and camping. Wildlife sightings are plentiful here with deer, foxes, otters, bald eagles and other birds frequenting the shorelines.

The Tahquamenon Logging Museum is a must-visit destination for any fan of the state’s industrial history. Here, visitors can get an intimate look at life in the Upper Peninsula’s bygone logging era, along with its tools, clothing and culture. With interactive exhibits highlighting different aspects of logging work, a recreated lumber camp and the museum’s sawmill and shingle mill preserved from the 1800s, there’s plenty to learn and see here.

Grand Sable Lake is situated within the Hiawatha National Forest. The crystal-clear lake is teeming with fish, wildlife and many species of vegetation, making it a popular destination for anglers, hikers and nature lovers alike. Grand Sable Lake offers picturesque views throughout the year with its rocky shoreline; visitors can spend hours exploring the surrounding woods and searching for rare plant life. Swimming is also a popular activity at this tranquil location.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse built in 1870, it was originally lit with an iron-framed, fourth-order Fresnel lens made of 1,008 hand-cut prisms and silvered glass panels that displayed a white light every 12 seconds. Since then the lighthouse has withstood the surges of Lake Superior year after year while faithfully protecting passing ships. It was fully automated in 1933 and then featured various colors of lenses over the years before the current white lens was installed in 2012.

Frenchman Lake is a water paradise that has something to offer everyone. A fisherman's dream, the lake boasts some of the best walleye fishing in the area while its crystal-blue waters provide sought-after activities like boating and water skiing. For those looking for more low key recreational activities, Frenchman Lake is home to a hike along its serene shoreline which is adorned with spectacular autumn foliage making it an excellent spot for biking and photography too.

North Manistique Lake is a 7.64 square mile lake located in Luce County, Michigan. Its crystal-clear waters and sandy shoreline make it a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and numerous watersports. In addition to its recreational appeal, the lake is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, bluegill and panfish. Hundreds of visitors flock each year to explore the lake's scenic beauty and take part in its abundant activities.

Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park is an incredible destination for all ages. The family-friendly park allows visitors the chance to observe some of the most beautiful and diverse animals from around the world up close. Here, guests can take a guided tour through the winding trails in search of creatures such as elk, mountain lions, timber wolves, black bears, bald eagles and turkeys. Other activities include a petting zoo with farm animals that are sure to be a hit with visitors to the park.

Pickle Barrel house is an iconic landmark nestled in the scenic Alger County of Michigan. It was originally built as an early retail establishment in 1867 and still stands today, having weathered years of use and abuse. The unique turret-style architecture and its wooden barrel design make it a popular destination for sightseeing and photographs. Its briny history can be traced all the way back to 1893 when rival store owners put pickles in barrels to gain an edge on their competition.

The Cut River Bridge is an iconic part of the county's heritage. This 1930s bridge is the only remaining example of a "Camelback" bridge in the Lower Peninsula, and has withstood more than eighty years' worth of storms and wear-and-tear. With its two pointed arches connecting to piers of rusting iron reinforcing bars, it could very well be a scene out of a history book. it still incorporates modern features like sidewalk railings and a guardrail system for maximum security and safety.