Dianda Wants State To Buy Houghton-Douglass Falls

Dianda Wants DNR to Acquire Land Around Houghton-Douglass Falls

Tallest Michigan falls are must-see, but on private land

LANSING – State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) today introduced House Resolution 38 urging the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to acquire the land surrounding the Houghton-Douglass Falls in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The falls are on Hammell Creek on private land.

“Tourism is significant part of the U.P. economy. It’s just common sense for the DNR to step in and acquire this land so people know where our most stunning waterfalls are and can hike to them safely.”

While recently updating their recreation plan, Houghton County officials found much public support for public acquisition of these lands. The falls consist of several streams bouncing off sharp, volcanic rock. The view from the top is of Torch Lake in the valley below. The 63 acres surrounding the waterfalls border state-owned rail trails and state highway M-26. Many guides list it as a “must-see” attraction, but visitors are technically trespassing when they make the hike in search of the falls.

“Houghton-Douglass Falls are the tallest in Michigan, but I bet right now there are people who drive by every day on M-26 and don’t even know that they’re there.” said Dianda. “People plan whole vacations around seeing the waterfalls in our area. I hope we can all come together to support a strategic DNR acquisition that will ensure greater public access.”