Embark on an Upper Peninsula Waterfall Journey: Join the Waterfall Wanderers Club!

Unleash your inner explorer. Michigan's Upper Peninsula boasts over 300 waterfalls, each whispering tales of untamed wilderness and hidden beauty. The Waterfall Wanderers Club invites you to embark on a year-round adventure, uncovering these natural wonders and earning rewards along the way.

Explore the Stunning Waterfalls of the Upper Peninsula

You know nature is powerful when it freezes the mightiest waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Yet, these giants are never completely silent. The flowing water whispers, the ice crackles and the wind talks to you from the surrounding trees. If you want a break from your life, go waterfall wandering this winter. These 10 Challenge waterfalls are must-see destinations all year-round. 

1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise and Newberry
   One of the most tremendous sights is seeing Michigan’s largest waterfall, the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, and five smaller cascades of the Lower Falls frozen in time on the rootbeer-color Tahquamenon River. Both are must-sees. 

2. Sable Falls | Grand Marais
   These falls cascade over a 75-foot drop along Sable Creek just east of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, The best viewing is from the bottom of a long 168-step staircase, which can be accessed from the trail leading out of the parking area.  

3. Spray Falls | Munising
   This dramatic waterfall drops 70 feet straight into Lake Superior. The best way to see it is aboard a Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise, where your guide will also point to where the 1856 shipwreck “Superior,” rests at the base of the falls.

4. Munising Falls | Munising
   This 50-foot waterfall drops over a cliff right in the city! The hike along the paved path is less than a half-mile round trip. Please note, Munising Falls is temporarily closed due to trail washout. Check the current status here.

5. Alger Falls | Munising
   This is one of the easiest falls to see. Pull over where M-28 meets M-94 west and this frozen beauty is right there! No hiking is needed. 

6. Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park | Rumely
   These impressive falls cascade through a picturesque gorge with old-growth white pine and hemlock trees towering above. This magical, winter wonderland, however, is only accessible by snowshoes or cross-country skis on an ungroomed trail. But oh, is it worth it! 

7. Eagle River Falls | Eagle River
   Where M-26  meets the bridge, the Eagle River takes a final plunge and drops into Lake Superior. You will especially like seeing it in spring when it roars with the winter thaw. Another plus is a small pathway from the parking lot leads right to the river’s edge.

8. Bond Falls Scenic Site | Paulding
   Discover why this is one of the most videoed and photographed falls in the Upper Peninsula. It’s 100 feet wide with a 50-foot drop which freezes into a spectacular site. The main parking lot is closed during the winter months so you will need to use the free roadside parking on Bond Falls Road if you visit then. 

9. Manabezho Falls | Thomaston
   If you have ever recorded this roaring giant along the last mile before the Presque Isle River enters Lake Superior, you know its majesty. But we also highly encourage you to see how nature creates a new ice sculpture each winter.

10. Chicagon Falls | Crystal Falls
    Reaching this secluded haven near Bewabic State Park is a well-worth-it adventure. The 20-foot cascade tumbles down a small creek accessible by hiking or biking a two-track pathway. As you experience the beauty along the way, be sure to respect the private property signs.

How to Take the Challenge

Join the Waterfall Wanderers Club to claim prizes.

Use our Waterfall Wanderers Uploader to join the club by uploading your video(s). We will email you afterwards to provide your mailing address to receive your sticker! 

Visit the U.P. Now or Submit Videos from the Previous Two Years.

Venture this winter to at least one of the 10 designated waterfalls above and capture it on video. Or, if you have already explored any of the featured waterfalls during the winter in the previous two years, upload the winter videos you took of them.

Your Rewards Await!

• Every submitted video enters you for a grand prize, which includes an exclusive U.P. Travel day hiking backpack, trekking poles and other U.P. Travel merch. One grand prize will be awarded per waterfall, so you have a new chance to win with every new challenge! 
• The first 150 submissions per challenge earn a limited-edition Waterfall Wanderers sticker. Please note that stickers are limited to one per person regardless of how many waterfalls you visit. But each submission earns you another chance to win the grand prize, so keep exploring! 
• All participants will have the chance to win random prize drawings for U.P. merch throughout the challenge!

Why Join?

• Traverse diverse landscapes, searching for cascading giants to hidden gems.
• Immerse yourself in the U.P.'s unique culture and charm.
• Become part of a community of passionate explorers.
• Challenge yourself and discover the true essence of living free.

Ready to Answer the Call of the Waterfalls?

• Follow @uptravel on Instagram and Facebook for social media for new waterfall challenges and other info.
• Submit your video below or through the Waterfall Wanderers Uploader.
• Start your journey today and become a Waterfall Wanderer!
• Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay updated on all Upper Peninsula information.