Haven Falls | Michigan

The Haven Falls waterfall flows down a steep volcanic cliff in the forest in Michigan's Keweenaw
Home » Copper Harbor » Waterfalls » Haven Falls | Michigan

Haven Falls is one of the most accessible — and least-visited — waterfalls in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Here, Haven Creek emerges from the forest and drops about 20 feet over a near-vertical rock cliff. The waterfall is located in a charming county park that features pit toilets, picnic tables, grills, and plenty of shade.

If you’re interested in the geology of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Haven Falls is an interesting stop. It’s one of the easiest places to see the now-dormant Keweenaw Fault, which runs in front of the waterfall.

Geology of Haven Falls

Look at the dark rocks behind Haven Falls — they’re actually an exposed section of ancient lava flows called the Portage Lake Volcanics. More than a billion years ago, tectonic activity pushed this layer of basalt upward, thrusting it high above the younger rocks along the fault line.1

Walk downstream from the waterfall toward Lac La Belle, and you’ll be standing right on top of those younger rocks. In fact, below the surface, there’s a thick layer of Jacobsville Sandstone. You can see these distinctive flat, red rocks all along the eastern side of the Keweenaw, including the beach near Tobacco River Falls. At Hungarian Falls, which is also on the fault, both the volcanic rock and the red sandstone are exposed.

How to Get to Haven Falls

Haven Falls is located in Lac La Belle, Michigan, about 15.5 miles from Copper Harbor.

Directions to Haven Falls

  1. From Copper Harbor, head south on US-41
  2. After 10.6 miles, turn left on Lac La Belle Road (It’s a sharp turn; keep an eye out for the Lac La Belle sign)
  3. Drive 4.2 miles, and turn right onto the Gay-Lac La Belle Road near the bottom of the hill
  4. Drive 0.5 miles; Haven Falls Park is on the right

There’s plenty of parking in the park. Since this waterfall is located off the typical tourist route, you’ll more than likely have it to yourself.

Things to Do Nearby

After you check out the waterfall, drive 3.9 miles to Bete Grise beach. If you’re in the mood for a break, head back toward US-41 and stop at the Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa to swim, sauna, or soak in the hot tub.

Sources

1. “Keweenaw Fault.” Keweenaw Geoheritage, Michigan Tech Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences. Accessed 18 June 2023.