Michigan Porch

Tahquamenon Falls from the Newberry side

The Upper and Lower falls are in Luce County north of Newberry. DNR calls the Upper Falls Michigan's largest waterfall and one of the largest in the eastern United States.

North of Newberry, the Tahquamenon River reaches the Upper and Lower falls in McMillan Township. The park itself continues east into Chippewa County, which can make the geography confusing, but DNR maps place both main waterfall areas on the Luce County side.

The Upper Falls is about 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall. DNR calls it Michigan’s largest waterfall and one of the largest in the eastern United States. Its amber color comes from tannins in the surrounding swamps, and the force of the soft water going over the ledge creates the familiar pale foam.

The Lower Falls is about four miles downstream. Visitors can reach its island by the accessible bridge or a rented rowboat, and DNR asks people to wade only in designated areas. The nearly 50,000-acre state park has campgrounds, lodging, trails, and overlooks. Seasonal shuttle, concession, and closure details can change, but the basic geography does not: both main waterfall areas are on the Luce County side.

Sources

Last reviewed against the listed sources: July 16, 2026.

Connected places

Where this note fits on the map

Open a place page for the property-tax snapshot, nearby communities, and other notes tied to that local page.

Page feedback

See something wrong or unclear?

Send a note about this page. The page address will be included automatically.

Send a note