Incredible Tahquamenon Falls Winter Guide: The State Park is Open! Best Activities, Pictures, Winter Snowshoeing and Hiking Maps, Adventures, Things to Do and See in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!


Tahquamenon Falls Winter Guide | By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: October 23, 2022

Can you visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Winter? You bet cha! It's freakin' incredible! There are so many Tahquamenon Falls winter activities!

Chris and I love hiking, snowshoeing and viewing Michigan's largest waterfalls each winter. So many things to do!

Learn More About:


 
Is Tahquamenon Falls Open in the Winter?

YES, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is open! You will love it, Chris and I had an absolutely blast!

UPPER FALLS: The Upper Falls are open, the parking lot is plowed and the bathrooms are open-real flushing toilets!.  The Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub are also open  (maybe double check their website before you go). 

  • The Brink viewing deck is open but the Gorge viewing deck is not. 

LOWER FALLS: You can park in a further out lot and walk 1 mile each way to the lower falls. Note: The walk is downhill to the falls and well, uphill on the way back. 


Does Tahquamenon Falls Freeze?

No, the Falls do not freeze. Both the upper and lower falls are incredible to see in the winter! However, the section of the lower falls near the viewing decks freezes to a small river. 

Hi! I'm Sherry, Let's Explore Tahquamenon Upper Falls in Winter!


We will start with the magnificent Upper Falls first and then hike to the Lower Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park!

So get bundled up and let's go!


Tahquamenon Upper Falls Winter Map (Snowshoe Trails)

(The red star is the paved parking lot-your starting point.)

This Tahquamenon Upper Falls Winter Map shows the 1/3 mile walk to the viewing areas, snow shoe trails, the Giant Pines Ski Loop, and Lantern loop.  The Lantern loop is the guided snowshoeing hiking trail offered on the weekends in February. 


Upper Falls Winter Activities at Tahquamenon Falls

  • Each February, Tahquamenon Falls has fun weekend activities such as snowshoeing by lantern light. 
  • Bring cross country skis to ski the Great Pines Ski Loop! 
  • Got snowshoes? Bring 'em and explore the snowshoe trails!

Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Tahquamenon Upper Falls

Inside the Tahquamenon Falls BreweryGrab Lunch or Dinner at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Tahquamenon Upper Falls

Clip on your feed bags because the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub are open daily 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 



The servers are so friendly and they have a great beer list and food menu.  It's a great place to warm up before you begin your hike to the lower falls!


Shirts in the gift shop at Tahquamenon FallsFun clothing items and gifts at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Tahquamenon Upper Falls


Plus, there is a cute shop to buy Tahquamenon Falls souvenirs such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks and stickers right inside the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub.


Let's Walk to the Upper Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park!


The walk to the Upper Falls is absolutely majestic, especially after a fresh snowfall. 



There is one viewing area and then the 94 steps to the Brink. The steps are metal, so be sure to hold the handrail on the way down. The National Park Service at Tahquamenon Falls State Park works hard to keep these stairs clean all winter! 



Isn't this incredible!? There is a pathway that leads to different views of the Upper Tahquamenon Falls so you can get great photos.



But then it's all worth it because the views of the rushing waterfall and icy trees are incredible! 


Let's Explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls in Winter!

Lower Falls Winter Activities at Tahquamenon Falls

  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Snowshoeing

Lower Tahquamenon Falls Winter Trail Map


Above is the detailed Lower Tahquamenon Falls Winter Trail Map that is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking and skiing. 



Take note: The closest parking for the Lower Falls is a 2 mile round trip walk or snowshoe.



Once you get to the summer parking lot, you will see the entrance to the hike to the lower falls.

Be sure to see the gushing falls before you begin your hike to the viewing platforms. 



This is the #13 snowshoe trailhead on the map above. It is a very scenic trail taking you through the woods. 



What happens at the Lower Falls stays at the Lower Falls, right? Lol

Seriously though, we were pretty happy to have open outhouses at the Lower Falls....no squatting in the snow, right?



The path to this viewing platform is not groomed or shoveled so you will have to trudge through snow. Wear tall and warm boots! 


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What Other Visitors Have Said

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How much does it cost to get into Tahquamenon Falls? Not rated yet
We would love to visit and wondered how much it is to get in. Thank you! Answer Hey Nancy, There isn't a per-person fee, it's per recreational …

Which is better upper or Lower Tahquamenon Falls? Not rated yet
Hey Sherry, which falls are better to see if you only have a short amount of time? Thanks!! Answer Hi Denton! If you are short on time I would …

Does Tahquamenon Falls freeze in the winter? Not rated yet
Can you see running water in the winter at Tahquamenon Falls? It would be cool to visit if you can. Answer Hi Daryl! The upper falls are just …

Is Tahquamenon Falls open in winter? Not rated yet
Can you visit Tahquamenon Falls in the winter? Are the parking areas plowed? Answer Hi Jen! Yes, you can absolutely visit Tahquamenon Falls …

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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