In Michigan, we’ve got a ton of gorgeous natural surroundings to visit – something you’re well aware of if you’ve ever searched online for “waterfalls near me.” And while there are an abundance of hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan, most don’t have the time to devote to a lengthy trek. Luckily, there are quite a few man-made urban waterfalls. And while they may not be among the best waterfall hikes in Michigan, the man-made falls below capture the essence of their natural counterparts.
- Cascades, Jackson
Rhonda/Flickr The Cascades is a man-made, illuminated waterfall that is accompanied by music and has been a beloved destination for locals since 1932. 1401 S Brown St, Jackson, MI 49203, USA
- Boney Falls Dam, Delta County
waymarking.com These falls are created by the dam on the Escanaba River, which empties into Lake Michigan. It’s a popular recreation area and down below is an idyllic fly fishing spot. Boney Falls Dam, Cornell, MI 49818, USA
- Fish Town Waterfall, Leland
waymarking.com A man-made dam feeds from Lake Lee Leelanau right into Lake Michigan, thus creating the lovely Fish Town Waterfall. Leland, MI 49654, USA
- LaBonte Park, Marquette
waymarking.com Just south of the Cliffs Ore Dock, this seasonal fall is popular for wedding photos and relaxing nearby on warm days. LaBonte Park, 2675 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
- River Place Shopping Village, Frankenmuth
waymarking.com No trip to Frankenmuth would be complete without a visit to the Frankenmuth River Place Shopping Village, which is where you’ll find these falls. More specifically, they’re at the end of the dock of the Bavarian Belle Paddlewheel Vessel. 925 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
- Cass River Dam, Frankenmuth
waymarking.com Downstream from that loading dock, you’ll find this dam (behind the Nickless-Hubinger Flour Mill), which creates picturesque, shallow falls. Frankenmuth Dam, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
- Quarton Lake Waterfall, Birmingham
waymarking.com This stepped waterfall is situated in Quarton Lake Park, between Quarton Lake and Rouge River. Quarton Lake, 499 Lakeside Dr, Birmingham, MI 48009, USA
- Stepping Stone Falls, Flint
waymarking.com Another illuminated, stepped waterfall, Stepping Stone Falls is nestled within the Genessee County County Park system and typically operates between May and September. 5161 Branch Rd, Flint, MI 48506, USA
So, did you ever come across these cascades when searching for “waterfalls near me?” Have you ever been to any of them? If so, which ones and what did you think? We want to know!
Rhonda/Flickr
The Cascades is a man-made, illuminated waterfall that is accompanied by music and has been a beloved destination for locals since 1932.
1401 S Brown St, Jackson, MI 49203, USA
waymarking.com
These falls are created by the dam on the Escanaba River, which empties into Lake Michigan. It’s a popular recreation area and down below is an idyllic fly fishing spot.
Boney Falls Dam, Cornell, MI 49818, USA
A man-made dam feeds from Lake Lee Leelanau right into Lake Michigan, thus creating the lovely Fish Town Waterfall.
Leland, MI 49654, USA
Just south of the Cliffs Ore Dock, this seasonal fall is popular for wedding photos and relaxing nearby on warm days.
LaBonte Park, 2675 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
No trip to Frankenmuth would be complete without a visit to the Frankenmuth River Place Shopping Village, which is where you’ll find these falls. More specifically, they’re at the end of the dock of the Bavarian Belle Paddlewheel Vessel.
925 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
Downstream from that loading dock, you’ll find this dam (behind the Nickless-Hubinger Flour Mill), which creates picturesque, shallow falls.
Frankenmuth Dam, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
This stepped waterfall is situated in Quarton Lake Park, between Quarton Lake and Rouge River.
Quarton Lake, 499 Lakeside Dr, Birmingham, MI 48009, USA
Another illuminated, stepped waterfall, Stepping Stone Falls is nestled within the Genessee County County Park system and typically operates between May and September.
5161 Branch Rd, Flint, MI 48506, USA
Looking for more cascades to explore? You’re in luck! We mapped out a route that leads to some of the best waterfall hikes in Michigan.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me April 11, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are the best waterfall hikes in Michigan? When talking about the best waterfall hikes in Michigan, it’d be remiss of us not to mention Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop Trail. Located near Wakefield on the western edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the trail is brimming with scenic beauty including three waterfalls — Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls. Rated as “moderate,” the 2.3-mile loop trail includes sections of boardwalk, stairs, a wooded trail, and a suspension bridge. Are there any other hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan? There are several hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan, including the trek to Potawatomi Falls near Bessemer. Making for a tranquil hike, it’s nestled along an especially scenic portion of the Black River. The waterfall itself is equally as stunning, as it topples over two domes of volcanic rock. And as an added bonus, a second waterfall, Gorge Falls, is just a short walk from Potawatomi Falls. Which Michigan waterfall is a can’t-miss? As far as can’t-miss waterfalls go, Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan definitely fits the bill. The highlight of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, it’s comprised of upper falls and lower falls. At 200-feet wide and 50-feet tall, Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the biggest waterfall in Michigan. Both portions of the fall are easily accessible. Reaching the upper falls requires a short stroll along a quarter-mile paved trail. Just as easy to access, the lower portion of the waterfall is located at the end of a quarter-mile boardwalk trail. Aside from its namesake waterfall, Tahquamenon Falls State Park has plenty of other perks, including an on-site restaurant, Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 11, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best waterfall hikes in Michigan? When talking about the best waterfall hikes in Michigan, it’d be remiss of us not to mention Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop Trail. Located near Wakefield on the western edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the trail is brimming with scenic beauty including three waterfalls — Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls. Rated as “moderate,” the 2.3-mile loop trail includes sections of boardwalk, stairs, a wooded trail, and a suspension bridge. Are there any other hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan? There are several hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan, including the trek to Potawatomi Falls near Bessemer. Making for a tranquil hike, it’s nestled along an especially scenic portion of the Black River. The waterfall itself is equally as stunning, as it topples over two domes of volcanic rock. And as an added bonus, a second waterfall, Gorge Falls, is just a short walk from Potawatomi Falls. Which Michigan waterfall is a can’t-miss? As far as can’t-miss waterfalls go, Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan definitely fits the bill. The highlight of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, it’s comprised of upper falls and lower falls. At 200-feet wide and 50-feet tall, Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the biggest waterfall in Michigan. Both portions of the fall are easily accessible. Reaching the upper falls requires a short stroll along a quarter-mile paved trail. Just as easy to access, the lower portion of the waterfall is located at the end of a quarter-mile boardwalk trail. Aside from its namesake waterfall, Tahquamenon Falls State Park has plenty of other perks, including an on-site restaurant, Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When talking about the best waterfall hikes in Michigan, it’d be remiss of us not to mention Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop Trail. Located near Wakefield on the western edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the trail is brimming with scenic beauty including three waterfalls — Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls. Rated as “moderate,” the 2.3-mile loop trail includes sections of boardwalk, stairs, a wooded trail, and a suspension bridge.
Are there any other hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan?
There are several hiking trails with waterfalls in Michigan, including the trek to Potawatomi Falls near Bessemer. Making for a tranquil hike, it’s nestled along an especially scenic portion of the Black River. The waterfall itself is equally as stunning, as it topples over two domes of volcanic rock. And as an added bonus, a second waterfall, Gorge Falls, is just a short walk from Potawatomi Falls.
Which Michigan waterfall is a can’t-miss?
As far as can’t-miss waterfalls go, Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan definitely fits the bill. The highlight of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, it’s comprised of upper falls and lower falls. At 200-feet wide and 50-feet tall, Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the biggest waterfall in Michigan. Both portions of the fall are easily accessible. Reaching the upper falls requires a short stroll along a quarter-mile paved trail. Just as easy to access, the lower portion of the waterfall is located at the end of a quarter-mile boardwalk trail. Aside from its namesake waterfall, Tahquamenon Falls State Park has plenty of other perks, including an on-site restaurant, Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub.
