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 | |
|---|---|
| Houghton Falls, Douglass Houghton Falls | |
 Houghton-Douglass Falls in July 2022 | |
  | |
 | |
| Location | Houghton County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 47°12′25″N 88°25′39″W / 47.20700°N 88.42758°W |
| 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]
References
edit- ^ "House Resolution 232 of 2024 - Michigan Legislature". legislature.mi.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ Markkanen, Greg (April 24, 2024). "House approves resolution to urge state park status for Houghton-Douglass Falls". Mi House Repubs. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c d House of Representatives, Michigan (May 3, 2024). "HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.232". legislature.mi.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "Houghton Falls". Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). 628663. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
- ^ "What's the tallest waterfall in Michigan?". Michigan Radio.
- ^ a b Powell, Mariah (September 20, 2018). "Veteran sells Houghton-Douglass Falls property for DNR scenic site". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
- ^ "Fall from Cliff Kills U.P. Man". Daily Press. Escanaba, Michigan. September 12, 2011. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
- ^ "Fatal Fall at Douglass Houghton Falls". Ishpeming, Michigan: WBUP-TV. September 12, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ Wallin, Helen (2004). Douglass Houghton: Michigan's First State Geologist 1837–1845 (PDF) (Pamphlet). Lansing: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
- ^ "Snyder Signs Off On Funds To Buy Douglass Houghton Falls". Keweenaw Report. April 6, 2016. Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ Johnston, Louis; Williamson, Samuel H. (2023). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved November 30, 2023. United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth series.
- ^ "Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition" (PDF). August 13, 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 8, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
- ^ Champion, Brandon (November 30, 2023). "DNR to share design plans for scenic site around Michigan's tallest waterfall". Mlive.com. Mlive.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ "Houghton County DRAFT of Five Year Master Plan" (PDF). Houghton County. December 7, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ "Hungarian Falls". Pure Michigan. Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.