Discovering a Hidden Gem - Tannery Falls

Munising, Michigan (USA) is at the western end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  This scenic park located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stretches along the shoreline of Lake Superior from Grand Marais to Munising.  It has a lot to offer in scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.  For us, that means hiking the trails.

At the Visitor Center, we get current trail information.  We have been here many times and this time we want to do something we haven't seen or done … like hiking to Tannery Falls (aka Rudy M. Olson Memorial Falls).

We park the car on Washington Street and cross H-58 where a wooden staircase (maybe 17 steps) goes up the side of the hill to the trail.  From here, the trail is easy to follow.  During our short walk to the falls, we pass by high sandstone cliffs that gently curve along the trail.

Sandstone Cliff

The trail continues to hug the sandstone cliffs and at times we even walk under the overhanging edges.

Overhanging Sandstone Cliff

The walk is so quiet and pleasant.  We have the beautiful sandstone cliff on our right side and down the ridge is Tannery Creek on our left side.

We don’t see Tannery Falls – it comes into view at the last minute.  We cross a short wooden plank foot bridge over the narrow creek and go up the short steep hill to the top for a better view of Tannery Falls (40’ drop) 

Foot Bridge to Tannery Falls

Tannery Falls

After the water falls down into a small pool, it follows the curve in the sandstone wall.  Then, it passes under the foot bridge and continues on its merry way. 

Tannery Creek

We spend some time here enjoying the quiet scenery of this hidden gem.

For more photos and information on visiting Pictured Rocks, I invite you to view my blog post on "Picturesque Pictured Rocks NLS" by clicking on the following link:

Pictured Rocks NLS

The Munising/Wetmore area has a variety of lodging options from National chain hotels to locally- owned places to stay.  Dining choices include subs, pizza, pasties (similar to a pot pie) and casual dining places.   Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on food and lodging.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start planning your memorable trip to Pictured Rocks NLS, please click on the following link:

Pictured Rocks NLS

Canyon Falls - Michigan's Grand Canyon

Canyon Falls & Gorge is a 10-acre roadside park located 14 miles south of Baraga, Michigan on US-41.  This is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see for yourself why this area is called the “Grand Canyon of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula”.  

The day is warm and that means bugs.  There is an army of mosquitoes waiting to attack those who don’t take the time to spray on some insect repellent ... and don’t forget your camera!

The trail is an easy mile walk along a combination of boardwalk (through swampy areas) and a well defined dirt trail passing through a mature forest.

Boardwalk trail through the forest

Soon, the trail parallels the Sturgeon River and we begin to see a series of cascading water sliding over black rock. 

Sturgeon River

A short distance later, is the viewing platform for Canyon Falls.  The falls drop 15’ into the canyon.  We climb down to some large flat rocks for a closer look at the falls.

Canyon falls

Beyond the falls the river has cut a gorge into the rocks.

Canyon Falls Gorge

Enthusiastic hikers can find a rustic trail that continues along the rim of the gorge.  

Wall of the Gorge

View of Canyon Falls from across the gorge

We spend about two hours here hiking and enjoying the trail that parallels the river and canyon. 

Trail along the gorge

If you have worked up an appetite, you will be pleased to know there are picnic tables (and restrooms!) in the parking lot area. 

Other food and lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Baraga.  Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on the best places to eat and sleep.

If you are interested in other Michigan Waterfalls, I invite you to view my blog post by clicking on the following link:
I'm A Wandering Waterfall Watcher (Michigan)

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  Start planning your memorable trip to Canyon Falls by clicking on the following link:

Canyon Falls & Gorge

Houghton County Historical Museum

In May, we drove to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in search of historic landmarks.  Our visit to the Houghton County Historical Museum (53102 Hwy M-26, Lake Linden) was a good place for history.

After almost a week of clouds, rain, and cool temperatures, we finally have a day of blue skies and sunshine.   We arrive here on a Saturday evening about an hour before sunset.  The buildings are locked up but we are still able to walk around the grounds. 

The Houghton County Museum is a three-story brick building where you can learn about the history of copper mining and logging.  Volunteers try to have the museum open for the summer season (June-September).  Unfortunately, we are here in May.  I guess we will have to come back, won’t we!

Houghton County Museum

The red-colored Trap Rock Valley Schoolhouse (1914-1940) was used for 1^st through 8^th grades.   It was donated to the museum in 1979 and moved to the museum grounds in 1983.

Trap Rock Valley School

We don’t see the steam engine and train but the narrow-gauge tracks circle the property.   We do see a caboose and the Mineral Range Depot.

Caboose & Trap Rock Valley Schoolhouse

Mineral Range Depot

Narrow-Gauge Railroad Tracks

Ride the Train

This log cabin was one of two located in the village of Lake Linden that was built in the 1940’s. It has been restored and dedicated to Leo Chaput recognizing his long-time volunteer service at the Historical Society..    

Leo Chaput Cabin

Across the street are two churches - the Lake Linden Methodist Episcopal Church (1893) and the First Congregational Church (1887).  The Congregational Church is now used as the Historical Society Heritage Center. 

Methodist Episcopal Church

First Congregational Chu

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start planning your memorable trip to Lake Linden and the Houghton County Historical Museum, please click on the following link:

Houghton County Museum

Your widest selection of food and lodging options would be available in Houghton (about 11 miles – approximately 17 minutes drive depending on traffic). Some food and lodging options would be available in Hancock (about 11 miles), Calumet (about 5 miles, and Laurium (about 4 miles). Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on food and lodging.

Hanka Homestead - A Keweenaw Heritage Site

This year, we spend our Fourth of July holiday visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  There are so many things to see and do – we have to keep coming back!