Tahquamenon Area

Deep in the Heart

Preserve and Protect

Rock stacking has become a widespread activity. All over the world, people are stacking rocks and stones in all shapes and sizes. Some find it to be a relaxing, meditative activity. Others stack rocks as an art form for their social media. The official use of rock stacking – cairns – are as memorials or landmarks. Whatever the reason, stacking rocks in and along the Tahquamenon River is discouraged for a number of reasons: safety, damaging, and unsightly.

Consider connecting with the river in another way. Instead of making art, look for art in the natural landscape. Watch how the river moves around logs, or how the water churns near a boulder. If you still feel the need to stack rocks, take your photos, make your memories and then put everything back the way it was. Do your part to leave no trace and keep the Tahquamenon River beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Tahquamenon Country is a year-round outdoor recreation wonderland. Every season offers opportunities to enjoy pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, beautiful sights and the rich history and culture of Luce County and Newberry. There is a lifetime's worth of places to explore and enjoy from scenic rivers, inland lakes, wooded trails, waterfalls and the dazzling Lake Superior shoreline. If you enjoy fishing, boating, sailing, snowmobiling, skiing, dog sledding or riding an ATV/ORV/four-wheeler, then you will fall in love with this region. And there's more to the adventure after all that!

Here, the nature surrounding us is the attraction. You, your friends and family can experience two state parks — one is the site of a former lumbering town and Indian encampment and the other is home to the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Witness migrant birds, elusive moose, fall color brilliance, peaceful wildlife and bears you can pose with! Woven between are hiking trails within forests, lakes and streams.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Encompassing close to 50,000 acres and stretching over thirteen miles, the majestic Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. Special in many ways, the Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, with Niagara Falls being the largest. The beauty of this area is a must-see when you are making your Upper Peninsula travel plans.

Within the State Park, you can fill your day birding, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, depending on what season it is. Wildlife abounds throughout the Tahquamenon Falls, and, by chance, you may see black bear, whitetail deer or moose.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TAHQUAMENON AREA

Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures

Ed Stielstra started Nature's Kennel about 25 years ago in Ludington, Michigan. After getting married in 1998, he and Tasha moved to Duluth, Minnesota where they held "real careers". They returned to Michigan in 2002 to operate Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Racing and Adventures on a full-time basis. In addition to operating a world class touring business, both Ed and Tasha have competed in distance races around the world. Ed is a eight-time Iditarod finisher and both Ed and Tasha have won Marquette's UP 200 Sled Dog Race. They now get to share their adventures with their two young children, Nate (born in 2010) and Fern (born in 2012).

Each year, Nature's Kennel employs a fantastic group of guides who help train the dogs, lead sled dog tours, and provide individualized attention to the dogs on their assigned teams. Our guides come from around the world and love to share not only their dog sledding experience with our guests but also their personal interests.

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