Houghton-Douglass Falls[1][2][3] (also known asDouglass Houghton Falls,Douglass Falls orHoughton Falls[4]) is awaterfall in the U.S. state ofMichigan. At 110 feet (34 m) from the top to its base, it is Michigan's tallest waterfall.[5] It is located in the state'sUpper Peninsula between the villages ofLaurium andLake Linden just off HighwayM-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 forDouglass 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[3] is currently projected to open as aMichigan state park and veterans memorial. Purchasing was approved byRick 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".Pure Michigan. Michigan Economic Development Corporation.Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. RetrievedNovember 16, 2020.
