Houghton-Douglass Falls
Waterfall in Houghton County, Michigan / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Houghton-Douglass Falls[1] [2][3](also known as Douglass Houghton Falls, Douglass Falls or Houghton Falls[4]) is a waterfall in the U.S. state of Michigan. At 110 feet (34 m) from the top to its base, it is Michigan's tallest waterfall.[5] It is located in the state's Upper Peninsula between the villages of Laurium and Lake Linden just off Highway M-26. Prior to 2018, the waterfall was privately owned[6] and access to the waterfall was restricted due to its dangerous geological makeup. The waterfall is situated in a deep gorge that is flanked by sharp loose rock. Multiple deaths have been reported at this location; the most recent one was in September 2011.[7][8]Houghton-Douglass Falls is named for Douglass Houghton, Michigan's first geologist.[9] and Columbus Christopher (C.C.) Douglass, Douglass Houghton's cousin who is also important to Copper Country History. [3]
Houghton-Douglass Falls | |
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Houghton Falls, Douglass Houghton Falls | |
Location | Houghton County, Michigan |
Coordinates | 47.20700°N 88.42758°W / 47.20700; -88.42758 (Houghton-Douglass Falls) |
Type | Cascade |
Total height | 110 feet (34 m) |
Number of drops | 1 |
Watercourse | Hammell Creek |
Houghton-Douglass Falls[3] is currently projected to open as a Michigan state park and veterans memorial. Purchasing was approved by Rick Snyder in 2016.[10] The land was sold to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the property owner, Jim Kuusisto, in September 2018 for $300,000 (equivalent to $359,000 in 2023[11]).[6] The property includes 115 acres (47 ha) of land along Hammell Creek and frontage along M-26.[12][13] As of December 7, 2023, "The State of Michigan and the MDNR have invested $600,000 to consider site plans, better parking, a restroom facility, an informational kiosk, a pedestrian path and bridge, observation decks, and a Veteran’s Memorial."[14]
Hungarian Falls is around two miles (3.2 km) south of Houghton-Douglass Falls.[3][15]