Visitors to Tahquamenon Falls State Park are in for an upgraded experience, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources commencing construction on a new boardwalk at the park's Upper Falls. According to ClickOnDetroit, the enhancement includes a 900-foot accessible boardwalk designed to slowly wind through the region's old-growth forest, offering spectacular views of Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Complete with benches for those who want to take a pause and soak in the scenery, the project is set to begin on Oct. 14 and wrap up by August 1, 2025.
The new structure aims to replace a dated stairway system and make the falls' viewing platform more accessible. Despite the upcoming construction, the majority of the overlooks will remain open, ensuring that the typical influx of leaf peepers and eager tourists can still experience the beauty of the cascading waters without interruption. As ClickOnDetroit reports, Tahquamenon Falls State Park supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources, Kevin Dennis, has emphasized that "the majority of the viewing area remains open and accessible this fall through next summer."
Funding for this notable improvement comes from a robust $3.275 million slice of federal relief allocated specifically for park renovations, which is part of a broader $273 million stimulus via the American Rescue Plan Act aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure and rehabilitation needs of Michigan's state parks. This injection of funds is also earmarked for constructing a new state park in Flint, as highlighted by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
For those wondering, there's more good news: the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, a popular pit stop for parched patrons, will not shut its doors during the construction period. So you can continue to grab your brews and bites amidst the sound of hammers and saws. Kevin Dennis, when discussing the continuity of park amenities, promised, "Despite construction, the majority of the viewing area remains open and accessible this fall through next summer," as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported.
