Monday, July 7, 2014

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

I dare you to try and pronounce this park’s name!!  ‘Tuh-qua-meh-non’ and it rhymes with phenomenon.  The second largest state park in MI and one of the most popular attractions.  The Upper Falls (which we have not seen yet) are 50 feet tall and the Lower Falls are actually a series of large rapids.  The water is a clear amber color due to the tannins leached from the trees and ground.  A unique feature of this park is Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Restaurant.  The great-grandfather of the brew pub’s current owers sold the majority of his property, which included the Upper Falls, to the state of MI for $1.00.  In return he kept 2 acres where the brew pub now sits, right next to the parking lot for the upper falls.

 

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We got here about lunch time so by the time we set up, ate lunch, and napped we only had time for a 5 mile hike (as opposed to a possible 8-10 mile hike). There was a 1-mile trail from the campgrounds to the Lower Falls and then a 4 mile trail to the Upper Falls but by the time we had explored the area and then hiked we didn’t have time to do the whole thing and still make it to the brew pub for a beer before dinner.

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The area is very pretty, lush and green but the biggest drawback are the mosquitoes!  The locals say they are worse this year than in the past!  Supposedly we might see moose or bears in this area.

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