Excitement ran high as the van hummed along in the wilderness of northern Wisconsin. We were on our way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to enjoy God’s picturesque waterfalls. Our first stop was Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Our speed decreased as we rolled into the beautiful lake town of Bayfield. Our destination was the lake. Finally spying a parking space, we bailed out and trotted for the lakeside. In a cute little building, we found our tickets; then we hurried out to the dock. The bright sun and 80°F (26°C) cooked us as we stood there, but we rejoiced that we were not at home in 95°F (35°C). Very shortly, the Archipelago glided up to the dock and its occupants spilled out. Since we were close to the front of the line, we were given seats on the top deck.
This Apostle Islands Boat Tour in Lake Superior would take about two-and-a-half hours and cruise around nine of the twenty-two islands. The jolly captain bellowed any interesting facts about the tree-covered islands through his microphone. Some were rockier than others. Despite the name, Devil’s Island was my favorite with its intriguing water caves in the rocks.
Once we almost had our fill of slightly choppy Lake Superior, we turned around, headed back, and got another look at most of the islands, including the inhabited Madeline Island. Crawling into our vehicle, we again hit the road, this time for our cabin. We finally found our Airbnb on an old logging road way back in the northern woods.
Wednesday morning found us cruising for Mackinac Bridge. We crossed it, then parked and walked down to the lakeside. With Lake Huron on the right of the bridge and Lake Michigan on the left, we wet our feet in the cool waters of both. Lots of flat stones provided bountiful skipping pleasures.
We crossed the bridge again, then visited Soo Locks. This proved only mildly interesting since no ship went through while we were there.
From there we headed for Tahquamenon Falls. To our dismay, it started to rain as we neared our destination. What now? Brave the rain! Here we descended 181 stairs to view the root-beer-colored water rushing over the rocks. Beautiful falls as they were, the rain and lots of other people made our experience here less than exciting.
The next place we visited was Wagner Falls. We pulled off the side of the highway and followed the foot path along the creek. Wow! Grand prize to this one for beauty! And we could wade here! The rain cloud had moved on, but we got wet again. In the stream of white frothing water was a dark rock ledge where we children posed, all the while being blasted by droplets from behind.
Across the highway from Wagner Falls was the 30-foot (9-m) Alger Falls. This one poured a thin wall of water over a wide surface. The waters dumped from the woods, made a fast descent, and rushed on under the highway. Quickly snapping some photos, we moved on.
After searching through Phil Stagg’s book Waterfalls of Michigan, we decided the next one would be Munising Falls. This one and the next several are along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This beautiful stream of water poured into a horseshoe-shaped basin.
Miners Falls was our next destination. The torrent of water pouring into Miners Basin is truly amazing. The water dropped 40 feet (12 m), stumbled and tumbled over the boulders, then turned sharply to the right and followed the bottom of the cliff.
After getting a wonderful view of Lake Superior from atop Miners Castle, we scurried down to the beach to watch the sun set over the lake. Walking along the beach, we encountered Elliot Falls tumbling and sliding across the rocks into the lake. The sun set gorgeously as we watched from the sandy beach. What a beautiful ending to a happy day!
Our first stop on Thursday was Bonanza Falls. The slanted layers of rock made for many pools and countless miniature drops. Stepping carefully from rock to rock, we surveyed the falls from many different angles.
Porcupine Wilderness State Park hosted Lake of the Clouds for us to see. This clear blue lake is nestled in the tops of the mountains. From the viewing platform higher yet than the lake, we could see for miles toward Lake Superior.
Our next stop, Summit Peak, brought us 130 stairs to climb and a breathtaking view. From our station atop the world, we could see for miles in each direction. It was exhilarating!
The next four attractions were along the Presque Isle River. First were the Presque Isle Kettles, which were carved circles in the rock. These were filled with black swirling, foaming water. The suspension bridge provided excellent views of the Kettles. We then continued to the hemlock-covered island and out onto the bare rock in the riverbed.
After that, we hiked upstream along the river, anticipating a series of three waterfalls. Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls all presented themselves well. They are all similar, yet each one has its own unique look.
Now, on to Bond Falls! In his book, Phil Stagg rates this one “10.” We agree! Paved walking trails and close parking make the access easy. Long before we reached the falls, we could hear the water roaring over the rocks. As we reached the edge of the pool, we all exclaimed over the beauty of the falls! Wagner Falls just took second place!
White foaming water scurried over the smooth black boulders. Words cannot describe God’s wondrous creation here! Coupled with dark green hemlocks and bright blue skies, the falls presented some good photography opportunities. Hiking up the trail beside the falls, we were shrouded in a mist. We viewed the Upper Bond Falls, then meandered around the falls for a while, enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Then we headed for Agate Falls. We parked, then followed the path under the highway to the viewing deck above the falls. Deciding that the bottom would be better viewing, Dad and we children climbed down the treacherously steep hillside to the bottom. This one was also picturesque, especially with the old railroad trestle above the falls. Here the water foamed down over a slightly reddish rock wall. Because of a thunderstorm brewing, we quickly headed out and drove to our cabin in a downpour.
On Friday morning we packed up and headed home, hearts and minds filled with wonderful memories of God’s great creation!