8 Waterfall Swimming Holes In Michigan That Will Make Your Summer Complete
When temperatures rise in The Mitten, nothing beats the heat like a swim in one of Michigan’s most stunning freshwater areas. While the Great Lakes will always have our hearts, there’s something undeniably magical about taking a dip in or near a rushing waterfall. If you agree, you’ll want to plan a visit to one (or all!) of these waterfall swimming holes in Michigan.
This stunning site actually houses the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula and the only universally accessible waterfall in the country, making it a must-visit destination for Michiganders of all ages. Hike along the scenic Bicentennial Pathway until you reach the falls, where you’ll find a cool, welcoming swimming area to explore. For more information, click here.
Venture to Marquette for a swim at this beautiful site, which will take you slightly off the beaten path - but we promise the payoff is worth it! Approximately two and a half miles off of Forestville Road, you’ll find a parking area that gives way to a trail. After a mile-long hike along the riverfront, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the water in the shadow of multiple stunning waterfalls. For more information, click here.
Michigan’s most famous waterfalls are revered for a reason, and they’re even more wonderful when you’re fully immersed in their beauty. We recommend taking a dip near Tahquamenon Falls' Lower Falls, which will absolutely overwhelm you with natural delight. This family-friendly swimming site is the perfect place to relax after a long day in the great outdoors. For more information, click here.
Want to cool off in a natural shower without getting too soaked? Memorial Falls might just be your favorite of all the waterfall swimming holes in Michigan. This lovely location in Munising is actually comprised of two separate waterfalls, each of which flows through a breathtaking cave. Take a brief hike from the parking lot off Nestor Street and get ready to walk behind the falls as you admire the forested beauty that surrounds you. For more information, click here.
This popular destination in the Upper Peninsula certainly deserves its title as one of Michigan’s most stunning waterfalls. On a hot summer afternoon, there’s nothing more refreshing than basking in the rushing waves of a waterfall, and Bond Falls never disappoints. While you’re urged to use caution near the currents, the peaceful, shallow pool below the falls is a great place to get your feet wet. For more information, click here.
This is another wonderful spot for those who’d like to get up-close and personal with a waterfall without taking the full plunge. Sometimes referred to as the Olson Memorial Falls, this gorgeous spot is a must-see during your next visit to Munising and sits just a stone’s throw away from MNA Memorial Falls. Following a scenic hike, you’ll have the chance to stand directly beneath the falls. For more information, click here.
If you’re athletically capable and feeling adventurous, make the journey to Canyon Falls Roadside Park near L’Anse. It’s here that you’ll find opportunities for cliff-diving and swimming throughout the gorge as well as waterfalls that lend the park's stunning atmosphere. Be advised that cliff-diving can be dangerous, so we don’t recommend this spot for families or those seeking a calmer adventure. For more information, click here.
8. Scott Falls (near H.J. Rathfoot State Roadside Park, Munising)
In contrast with Canyon Falls, Scott Falls is an easily accessible spot that offers a peaceful ambiance and all sorts of calm beauty. As with several of the other falls listed, it can be accessed off M-28, not far from the towns of Munising and Au Train. Scott Falls sits just steps from the parking area, and this delightful site offers visitors the chance to splash in the refreshing waterfall flow and its accompanying pool. What’s not to love?! For more information, click here.
So, did you know about these waterfall swimming holes in Michigan? Is there a hidden waterfall swimming hole here in Michigan that we should know about? If you’re willing to let us in on your secret, feel free to share your recommendations. Now, what are you waiting for? Your next wonderful waterfall adventure awaits!
Waterfall swimming holes aren’t your only option for cooling off. Read about others here.
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Address: M-68, Onaway, MI, USA
Address: Dead River Falls, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Address: 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768, USA
Address: Memorial Falls, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Address: Bond Falls, Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
Address: Tannery Falls, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Address: Canyon Falls, L'Anse Township, MI 49946, USA
Address: Scott Falls, Au Train Township, MI 49806, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Swimming Holes In Michigan
May 03, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What other Michigan waterfalls are worth a visit?
There are several Michigan waterfalls worth seeking out and Sable Falls is one of them. Not only is it part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is one of the best state parks in Michigan, but it’s also the tallest waterfall in the Upper Peninsula. As an added bonus, a secluded beach lies just a half mile from the base of Sable Falls. Also tucked away in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Falls is a spectacular site worth seeking out. Luckily, it’s easy to access, as there are several trails that lead to it.
Are there any other swimming holes in Michigan?
Waterfall swimming holes aren’t the only swimming holes in Michigan. There are lots of places to cool off, but if it’s an adventurous swim you’re craving, no other site compares to Black Rocks in Marquette. Suitable only for strong swimmers and thrill-seekers, Black Rocks is a popular spot for cliff-driving. Those brave enough to tackle the 15-foot drop from the rocky formation will be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the swimming hole below. Prefer not to jump? No problem; you can take a short stroll to Black Rocks Beach, where you can safely wade into the water.
What are some other places to swim in Michigan?
There seems to be no shortage of places to swim in Michigan. One spot that you don’t want to miss is Olive Shores in West Olive. Like a little slice of paradise, Olive Shores boasts 700-feet of shoreline and a popular swimming beach, but that’s not all. There are several meandering trails that make it easy to explore the surrounding area, which includes 20 acres of dune formations, a beech-maple-hemlock forest, and other beautiful natural features.
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