Chasing Water and Sunlight at Ocqueoc Falls
Nestled away in the forests of Presque Isle County Michigan lies Ocqueoc falls. Ocqueoc Falls has always been one of our favorite stops near the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We’ve visited in nearly every season — and somehow, it never disappoints. In summer, it’s the perfect place to cool off with a splash; in winter, the snow-covered falls look like a scene straight out of National Geographic. No matter your adventure style, Ocqueoc has something to offer. Love hiking? The forest trails are peaceful and scenic. Want to swim? You can wade right into the falls. Looking for the perfect picnic spot? Absolutely. It’s all here.
As parents, we absolutely love this location. Our kids enjoy the freedom to run and explore, and we love relaxing to the sound of rushing water in the background. The falls are easily accessible — even wheelchair accessible — which makes it a great spot for all kinds of families.That said, the easy access also means it’s important to keep a close eye on little ones, especially near the water. On our most recent visit, the river was higher than we’d ever seen it, with a stronger flow than usual due to a massive storm earlier in the week. While it was breathtaking, it was also a powerful reminder of nature’s strength — and the importance of staying cautious around the falls.
All that to say: if you’re looking for a beautiful, family-friendly spot to spend a few hours, this is it. Expect to spend 1–3 hours here, and definitely bring food and snacks — it’s the perfect place for a little riverside picnic. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
A Glimpse Of History
From ancient roots to quirky facts — here’s what makes this spot special.
Ocqueoc Falls gets its name from an Anishinaabe word believed to mean “crooked water” or “crooked river.” One look at the winding Ocqueoc River, and it’s easy to see why the name fits so well.
The falls are fed by this river as it flows through Michigan’s forests, limestone beds, and wetlands — all of which contribute to the water’s famously clear, light-blue color. Even though our kids insist it, "looks like Root-Beer".
Ocqueoc Falls holds the title of the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and it’s also one of the only waterfalls in the state that’s fully wheelchair accessible.
"So buddy, what did you think of Ocqueoc Falls?" I enjoyed looking at the river and throwing big pieces of ice in. I also enjoyed playing a game with my cousins, where we pretended we were Minecraft characters, this was a fun area to do this in.
"Is it somewhere you would like to go again?" Yes! Because I had fun there!
"What was your favorite part?" Playing the Minecraft game!
"Why should other people go?" Nana told me that you went swimming in there before, so that would be super fun. There was a little pond that I saw as part of the river that looked fun to go into. They should go in there.
