Right now
Right now as of Nov 11, 2026
- Permit Recreation Passport.
Status note (Nov 11, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (checked Nov 11, 2026). The Michigan DNR page we read listed no closure, and Pure Michigan lists the site as open year-round. Check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures before you go. What the status labels mean
Wagner Falls is a cascade on Wagner Creek at the Wagner Falls Scenic Site, 1.5 miles south of Munising, Michigan, per the DNR. A 0.1-mile packed-gravel trail and boardwalk lead to an observation platform. The lot holds eight to 10 cars. A Recreation Passport is required, and pets must stay on a 6-foot leash.
About Wagner Falls
Wagner Falls is at the Wagner Falls Scenic Site in Alger County. The Michigan DNR lists it as a 23-acre legally dedicated natural area, managed by its Parks & Recreation Division. It is 1.5 miles south of Munising, per the DNR.
"The Wagner Creek cascades over rock ledges in this area before emptying into the Anna River," the DNR says. It credits a hard cap rock of siliceous dolomite over weaker, more easily eroded sandstone.
The DNR calls it "an outstanding scenic spot during the color season." No official source we read gives a height for the falls.
About our map pin
Our map pin is the USGS GNIS point for Wagner Falls (feature ID 1622038), in Alger County.
For other Upper Peninsula falls, see Munising Falls and Miners Falls, or browse all Michigan waterfalls.
Getting there and parking
The Michigan DNR gives the route: from Munising, take M-28 east 1.2 miles, then turn right onto M-94 west. Go 0.3 mile and turn left into a small parking area for 8 to 10 cars. It asks North Country Trail hikers to use the trailhead lot about 2 miles west.
Pure Michigan lists the address as the junction of M-28 and M-94, Munising, MI 49862.
Fees
The Michigan DNR's Wagner Falls page says "Recreation Passport required."
Facilities
Pure Michigan and the DNR bulletin say there are no restrooms and no water.
Contact
The Michigan DNR lists the phone as 906-341-2355.
Map and nearby falls
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Wagner Falls trail: a short boardwalk to the platform
The DNR bulletin describes "a .1-mile, packed-gravel trail and boardwalk with a few stairs" to an observation platform below the falls, about 0.25 mile round trip. Pure Michigan gives the same quarter-mile figure.
Dogs
"Pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control," per Pure Michigan and the DNR. The DNR asks that pet waste go in trash receptacles.
North Country Trail
The DNR bulletin says the North Country Trail follows M-94 at the site and enters the Hiawatha National Forest 2 miles west.
When to visit
The DNR calls Wagner Falls an outstanding scenic spot during the color season. Pure Michigan lists the site as open year-round, in all four seasons, with no daily hours posted.
The 2025 DNR bulletin describes snow still on the boardwalk in spring. It does not say whether the boardwalk is cleared in winter.
Status checks
On Nov 11, 2026, the Michigan DNR page we read listed no closure, and Pure Michigan listed the site as open year-round. Check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures or call 906-341-2355 before you go.
| Trail | A 0.1-mile packed-gravel trail and boardwalk with a few stairs leads to an observation platform below the falls. The 2025 DNR bulletin and Pure Michigan put it at about 0.25 mile round trip. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | No official rating. The Michigan DNR describes a short packed-gravel trail and boardwalk with a few stairs. |
| Entry fee | A Recreation Passport is required, per the Michigan DNR's Wagner Falls page. |
| Permit / reservation | Recreation Passport required, per the Michigan DNR's Wagner Falls page. |
| Parking | Small lot for 8 to 10 cars off M-94 (Michigan DNR) |
| Dogs | Pure Michigan and the Michigan DNR say pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No official accessibility information found. The DNR says the boardwalk has a few stairs. |
| Restrooms | None. Pure Michigan and the DNR bulletin say there are no restrooms and no water. |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. Pure Michigan lists the site as open year-round. |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found. The DNR says the lot holds eight to 10 cars. |
| Managed by | Michigan DNR, Parks & Recreation Division (Wagner Falls Scenic Site) |
Safety and swimming
The boardwalk has a few stairs, per the DNR. Stay on the boardwalk and platform.
We found no official swimming or wading rule for the falls.
In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Wagner Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Munising.
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Photos
Wagner Falls FAQ
Is Wagner Falls open now?
As far as we can tell, yes (checked Nov 11, 2026). The Michigan DNR page we read listed no closure, and Pure Michigan lists the site as open year-round.
How long is the walk to Wagner Falls?
A 2025 Michigan DNR bulletin describes a 0.1-mile packed-gravel trail and boardwalk with a few stairs, about 0.25 mile round trip. Pure Michigan gives the same quarter-mile figure.
Do you need a Recreation Passport for Wagner Falls?
Yes. The Michigan DNR's Wagner Falls page says "Recreation Passport required."
Are dogs allowed at Wagner Falls?
Yes. Pure Michigan and the DNR say pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash, under an owner's immediate control.
Where do you park for Wagner Falls?
In a small lot for eight to 10 cars off M-94, per the DNR. From Munising, take M-28 east 1.2 miles, turn right on M-94 west and go 0.3 mile.
Nearby waterfalls
Sources
- Pure Michigan: Wagner Falls Scenic Site (open year-round, pets, amenities, phone; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Michigan DNR bulletin: Showcasing the DNR, Wagner Falls (May 16, 2025)
- Michigan DNR Recreation Search: Wagner Falls Scenic Site (Recreation Passport, directions, phone; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Michigan DNR Natural Areas: Wagner Falls Scenic Site (23 acres, management, geology; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Wagner Falls Scenic Site (three drops)
- USGS GNIS: Wagner Falls, feature ID 1622038 (coordinates, Alger County)
Last verified Nov 11, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Michigan DNR, Parks & Recreation Division (Wagner Falls Scenic Site) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.