Tahquamenon Falls State Park
It used to be that the only way to get to the 5-acre island at Lower Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was by rowboat. Now, with the addition of a new pedestrian bridge, it’s accessible to everyone—no oars required. Kevin Dennis, manager of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, says the bridge is part of a project that emerged following a comprehensive public sur- vey in 2017 when the park’s manage- ment plan was reviewed and updated.
“One of the questions on the survey asked if folks would support an alterna- tive route to the island,” Dennis says. “Some 80% of the 634 respondents indicated they would be more likely to visit the island if a pedestrian bridge was in place.”
Design on the $1.28 million project began in 2018, and the bridge opened this year on Memorial Day weekend.
“The project includes much more than the bridge itself,” Dennis explains. “There was 350 feet of new boardwalk constructed on the mainland connect- ing to the bridge abutment and several new boardwalk sections added to the island, including benches.”
The intent was to create universal access, which was previously not possible for those with disabilities or other limitations.
