When temperatures rise in The Mitten (or the UP), nothing beats the heat like a swim in one of Michigan’s most stunning 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.

1. Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township
Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township, MI 49759, USA
Charles Dawley/Flickr
This stunning site actually is home to the largest waterfall on the Lower Peninsula and the only universally-accessible waterfall in the country, making it a must-visit destination for Michiganders of all ages and abilities. Hike along the scenic Bicentennial Pathway until you reach the falls, where you’ll find a cool, welcoming swimming area to explore

Let's take a stroll to Ocqueoc Falls in Ocqueoc Township to check out one of Michigan's hidden swimming holes in this video from Roaming Michigan Together:
2. Dead River Falls, Marquette
Dead River Falls, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Kelly Harger/AllTrails
Venture to Marquette for a swim at the beautiful Dead River Falls, 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 river banks, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the water in the shadow of several stunning waterfalls.
3. Tahquamenon Falls, McMillan Township
Tahquamenon Falls, McMillan Township, MI 49768, USA
Bill Fairchild/Flickr
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 Lower Tahquamenon 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. It is one of the best waterfalls in Michigan that you can swim in.
4. Memorial Falls, Munising
Memorial Falls, Munising, MI 49862, USA
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Want to cool off in a natural shower without getting too soaked? Then 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. Note: Memorial Falls is temporarily closed for maintenance and updates. For more information about the project and updates about its re-opening visit the Michigan Nature website.

Follow along on another short walk that takes us to Memorial Falls in Munising, Michigan. While this is usually more of a waterfall shower than an actual swimming hole, after a good rain it can get a boost in volume:

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5. Bond Falls, Haight Township
Bond Falls, Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
Sandra J / 500px via Getty Images
This popular destination on 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 ribbons 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.
6. Tannery Falls, Munising
Tannery Falls, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Randy R./TripAdvisor
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 it sits just a stone’s throw away from MNA Memorial Falls. Following a scenic hike, you’ll have the chance to stand directly beneath Tannery Falls. Note: Tannery Falls is temporarily closed for maintenance and updates. For more information about the project and updates about its re-opening visit the Michigan Nature website.
7. Canyon Falls, L'Anse Township
Canyon Falls, L'Anse Township, MI 49946, USA
Charli S/TripAdvisor
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 to 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.
8. Scott Falls, Au Train Township
Scott Falls, Au Train Township, MI 49806, USA
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
In contrast to 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?!

Our final stop on our search for hidden swimming holes takes us to Scott Falls in Au Train, Michigan. After a good rain you can get a pretty good soak here, right off the highway:

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 in the comments section below! Now, what are you waiting for? Your next wonderful waterfall adventure awaits!

Waterfalls in Michigan you can swim in aren’t your only option for cooling off. Read about these 10 epic waterparks in Michigan that will take your summer to a whole new level!

If you’re still in the mood for more Michigan adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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Waterfall Swimming Holes In Michigan

Daniella DiRienzo | May 03, 2021

What other Michigan waterfalls are worth a visit?

Some of the Michigan waterfalls that are worth a visit include:

 

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?

Some other places to swim in Michigan include:

 

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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