6 Of The Most Beautiful and Kid-Friendly Waterfalls Near Munising MI You Must See

After returning from our trip to Northern Michigan, one of the questions we got asked the most was, “Are there any family-friendly waterfalls near Munising MI?”

Yes! The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is known for their amazing waterfalls and the Munising area is where you will find quite a few of them. We put together a list that includes waterfalls that are both within the city limits of Munising, and at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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Know Before You Hike the Waterfalls Near Munising, MI

Even though these are shorter hikes you want to make sure that both you, and your children, have some of the basic equipment for hiking, such as:

• Hiking shoes or boots for kids and adults
• Wool socks for kids and adults
• Lightweight backpack or
• A hydration backpack
• Sun hat
• First aid kit
• and plenty of snacks!

How many waterfalls are in the Munising area?

There are four waterfalls within the city of Munising; Munising Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Memorial Falls, and Tannery Falls. However, in the Greater Munising Bay there are 16 waterfalls that are all a short driving from each other; Laughing Whitefish Falls, Rock River Falls, Au Train Falls, Scott Falls, Wagner Falls, Alger Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tannery Falls, Memorial Falls, Munising Falls, Miners Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mosquito Falls, Chapel Falls, Spray Falls, and Sable Falls. Make sure you plan ahead and make sure that the waterfalls you wish to visit are currently open to the public.

#1 – Munising Falls

Due to it being close to town, and having a paved path, Munising Falls is likely the most visited waterfall near Munising, MI and within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Where is Munising Falls? The trailhead for Munising Falls is located at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center.

How long of a hike is Munising Falls? Located just 800ft from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center, and at only 0.25 mile round-trip, Munising Falls is a great location to start your waterfall chasing adventure!

Walk along the Munising Falls Creek as you make your way towards the falls. You’ll know when you’re getting close as you will hear the water echoing off the canyon walls. Munising Falls is 50 feet tall with a crest of 5 feet wide. There are three viewing spots: a viewing platform at the bottom of the falls, and staircases on each side that lead to an upper platform view of the waterfall.

There is a pretty decent parking lot located at Munising Falls but don’t be shocked if you arrive and it is full. However, there is a pretty good turn over for parking spots since the walk to the falls isn’t that long.

Also, don’t forget to grab your Junior Ranger booklet before you leave!

#2 – Miners Falls

Located off Miners Castle Road, just east of Munising Falls, Miners Falls is another beautiful waterfall near Munising, MI. Also within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, it is in the same area as the rock formation know as Miners Castle.

How long of a walk is Miners Falls?

The wide gravel trail will lead you on a 1.2 miles round-trip hike through towering trees. There are plenty of benches along the way in case you need to stop. At the end of the trail you will find two viewing options: an upper platform and lower platform, both accessible by stairs. The path to the right, the upper platform, you will find that the view is blocked by a few trees. I’m sure the view would be better in the fall or winter when the leaves have fallen.

At 39 feet tall, and a 15 foot wide crest, Miners Falls is the parks most powerful waterfall!

Check out this list of children’s books all about the state of Michigan!

#3 – Wagner Falls (Waterfalls near Munising MI)

Where is Wagner Falls?

The Wagner Falls trail is located near the junction of M-28 and M-94, just before you enter downtown Munising, and is known as a Michigan State Park Scenic Site. Parking is limited to a few gravel spots on the side of the road.

How tall is the Wagner Falls?

Wagner Falls is 20 feet tall with multiple drops.

Wagner Falls is another one of the more popular waterfalls near Munising, MI due to the multiple drops in the falls. The well-maintained 0.40 mile round-trip gravel trail turns into a wooden boardwalk as you approach the falls. There is a small brook to the right, just before the falls, that sets you up for the wonder you are about to witness. Make your way up the stairs, and you will reach a multi-level viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Wagner Falls.

Please note since Wagner Falls is located within a Michigan State Park, there is a fee for admission if you don’t have the Michigan Recreation Passport. Also, there are only a few parking spots along the road, so during peak season it maybe difficult to find a parking spot.

#4 – Spray Falls

What waterfall empties into Lake Superior?

Spray Falls is a 70 foot tall waterfall, with a crest of 25 feet, that cascades over the side of the sandstone cliffs and into the turquoise waters of Lake Superior.

Even though you can hike to Spray Falls, I feel it is best viewed from a Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise. They offer a Spray Falls tour that takes you further along the coastline to the falls. During the winter months, Spray Falls freezes leaving a curtain of ice that beckons ice climbers.

#5 – Alger Falls

Alger Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls near Munising MI that you can see. It is located along the side of the road, around the corner from Wagner Falls, near the junction of M-28 and M-94. That means that you don’t even have to get out of the car to see it! Alger Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls but due to the multiple cascades, it’s still worth a stop. If you want to hop our for pictures, make sure you pull far enough off the road AND watch for cars!

#6 – Sable Falls

Sable Falls is located just west of Grand Marais, within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This trail is slightly different from the others as this one will lead you to the top of the falls instead of the bottom. There are 168 steps down to get to the viewing area at the base of the 52 feet tall waterfall.

Sable Falls was highly recommended, but unfortunately due to weather we were unable to stop. I guess we need to plan another trip!

Waterfalls Near Munising MI Review

During our visit to northern Michigan, chasing waterfalls near Munising MI was high on our list! There are no two waterfalls that are alike which makes finding them even more fun. It rained three out of the five days we were there but that didn’t stop us from getting outside. Rainy days actually make the waterfalls bigger due to greater water flow.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to over 300 waterfalls and we can’t wait to visit again to find some more family-friendly waterfalls to share with you! If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments below.

Check out some of our other Michigan adventures:

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• 12 Things To Know Before Staying At Mission Point Resort – Mackinac Island, MI
• Leelanau State Park Trails: 7 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking – Northport, MI
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire, MI
• Top 10 Things You Must Do In Muskegon, MI 
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