Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of Michigan’s most visited Upper Peninsula parks, thanks to its large campgrounds, miles of hiking trails, and of course its namesake waterfalls. Just a few years after a new bridge helped make it possible for more people to get better views of the Lower Falls, a construction project starting this October will soon make it so everyone can get up close to the Upper Falls as well. Let’s take a look at this exciting project:

The Michigan DNR has posted the following notice: “Upper Tahquamenon Falls will soon feature a new, fully accessible 900-foot-long boardwalk. Construction begins Oct. 14 and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2015. All other viewing areas will remain open during construction, including the three viewing platforms situated above the falls.” Two campground loops at the Lower Falls (Hemlock Loop closing Oct. 20 for water upgrades, Portage Loop already closed for electrical upgrades) will also see work going on during this time, with an expected completion in May of 2025.

Those who have visited the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park know that there are some excellent views of the falls that can be found after a short hike on a paved path. The real good views from the brink, however, currently come after descending 94 steps. This limits those with mobility issues from seeing Michigan’s largest waterfall up close, and it’s awesome to hear that those concerns are being addressed for the future.

We stopped by on October 8 to check out the fall color and make one last trip down the stairs. Marker stakes were visible in a few places where we assume the new boardwalk will be going in. Fall color hadn’t yet reached full peak but a few trees popped with color and made for some great photos.

We can’t wait to see what the new boardwalk looks like when it opens next year. If you plan on visiting the Upper Falls between now and then, be aware that things will be a little different from normal during construction.