Seeing that we are still in the midst of a pandemic, I plan to stay close to home for some of my exploring and staycation trips – which for me is Michigan. I plan to jump all over the place and “visit” a lot of states and areas via photos and research of places I have visited in the past

Most of us tend to associate waterfalls with Michigan’s upper peninsula, aka U.P. There are several waterfalls “up there,” but then if you are from or in Michigan’s lower peninsula, you do not necessarily need to drive to the U.P. to find beautiful waterfalls. You can stay right in the lower peninsula.

So, after having participated in the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk a few short years ago, my husband and I decided to head to the Rogers City area to visit some family members who were there at their cottage for the same weekend. They told us about Ocqueoc Falls, about 11  or so miles from Rogers City. We had never heard of it, partially because we never really explored that part of Michigan. So, off to Ocqueoc Falls we went and wound up doing some walking around there (yes, after that 5+ mile walk across the Mighty Mac!!!!)

After doing a little research on it, we discovered that it is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula, and is even the only universally-accessible waterfall in the United States. By universally accessible, we mean accessibility everyone for everyone at anytime.

There are also trails, three to be exact, for hiking, biking and cross country skiing. Snowshoeing and fat tire biking is also permitted as well, however, people participating in those activities are encouraged to be mindful of the cross-country ski tracks.

What I thought was beautiful, was that there are several sets of actual rock formations creating the falls, gradually working towards a swirling pool-like area. You can also see where there is a channel cut through the limestone bedrock underlaying the entire region that was cut through by the Ocqueoc River (a rocky, picturesque stream). What sets these falls apart from other falls is that you can actually swim here. So, after getting all worked up exercising, you can naturally cool right back down. When it’s spawning season, you are able to watch the salmon swim through these underground channels. You can also spot remnants of an old mill race just above the falls,

I found it to be a beautiful place to visit, though I’ve heard some people complain about it being a bit overcrowded. I say that because, although it is still relatively unknown, it is best to plan ahead and to maybe consider going during a less busy time (say, early fall or late spring, or even partaking in winter sporting activities).

Just a few interesting geographical information about Ocqueoc Falls: It’s located in Ocqueoc Township (population of 634 according to the 2000 census.) in Presque Isle County – northeastern lower peninsula. There are two private airports in Presque Isle County, with the nearest commercial airports being Alpena County Regional Airport and Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport.  The nearby bay is Hammond Bay and also there is Ocqueoc Lake.

While most vacationers tend to flock to the U.P. or to the northwestern part of the lower peninsula, discovering hidden gems like this really makes me want to explore the northeastern part the state even more.

Do you know of any hidden gems that people tend to overlook? Or are you looking for ideas for staycations during the pandemic? As an independent work from home travel agent, I am ready help you plan your staycation and/or actual travel vacation down the road. Please feel free to email me at deegantravels@gmail.com