Tahquamenon Falls and The “Soo” Locks

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise, MI, encompasses 50,000 acres, most of it being undeveloped woodlands. The jewel of the park is the Tahquamenon River with its series of waterfalls. (Tahquamenon rhymes with phenomenon.)
The walk along the river to view the lower and upper falls is approximately one mile, made easy by the beautiful wooden walkway.
The lower falls, consisting of five waterfalls, can also be viewed from an island in the river, which is accessible by boat. Boats are available for rent from the park’s concession.
To get a closer view of the upper falls, a set of 94 steps takes you down to viewing platforms.
After leaving this beautiful spot, we stopped at the lodge for a light lunch, where picnic tables were available for those who chose not to eat indoors. We shared a table with another couple who told us they were from Greenville, NC, a short distance from New Bern. We’re constantly reminded what a small world this is!
We arrived at the locks in Sault Ste. Marie just in time to see a ship leave the lock into Lake Superior.
In the far background is the Canadian shoreline.
Our timing for this visit couldn’t have been better, as another ship soon came into the lock from Lake Huron.
We were told by the docent that each of these two ships was 1,000 feet long.
The Native American influence in this area is not just in the names of cities and towns.
Having left the Upper Peninsula, we spent one night in Fond du Lac, on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. Shortly after getting set up in our campsite, the weather turned nasty and our camper was pelted with hail. The next day, we drove for just a few hours back to Schaumburg, where we spent 5 more days enjoying the Gallup’s hospitality.

While in Schaumburg, we went to Trader Joe’s, where Doug became the victim of a pickpocket. This unfortunate turn of events extended our stay, while days were spent talking with the police (several times), the bank (several times), the DMV, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc. After getting a temporary driver’s license online, plus filing paperwork at the Schaumburg Police Department for their written report, we started our trip home. Tropical Storm Fred was on our heels the whole way home, which was comprised of long days driving and one-nighters in campgrounds. We made it home without incident, thankfully.

This 2,000+ mile adventure took us to places Doug was acquainted with from his days on the road with the band, Marty has now been to all five of the Great Lakes, but best of all, it was a most wonderful reunion with the Gallup Family, whom we hadn’t seen in two years!

2 thoughts on “Tahquamenon Falls and The “Soo” Locks”

  1. Glad you are safely home! Sounds like you enjoyed some of the best scenic places in the midwest. Hugs to you both and I look forward to chatting soon! 💞
    Love
    Carol

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