A nice relaxing site. Was neat to think about how it was built the year my Dad was born in 1932... With all of the high tech video and lasers these days, it was nice to take a step back in time and watch the light show on the Falls... the little museum was nice too.
I remember going here as a kid, going back with my child has been a treat. We usually go for special events so there is a live local band that plays and we walk up and around the falls. Usually make sure we have two sets of clothing or swimsuits with us. Seeing fireworks there is great. Then there is a light show afree as well. It's a lot of fun. Everyone should go at least once, it's one of a kind.
The Cascases Falls are billed around Jackson County as THE star attraction- the Famous Cascades Falls. I've been living around here for 35+ years, and I've been there once. Reason? They are pleasant, with pretty lights, but bottom line- all they are is water moving downhill. Yeah, the lights switch patterns according to the beat of the recorded music that plays, but that's about as exciting as it gets. Maybe you really have to be into Jackson nostalgia big-time to enjoy the Cascades. Their history just isn't that fascinating. They don't do anything special that would compel me as a tourist or as someone looking for a fun evening in the summer to come in and spend much time there. The park in which the Falls are located is a good one, with lots of space for picnics, running, walking trails, and even a little fishing. The park's free; the Cascades aren't.
This is a nice open park to walk around. has ponds and little bridges. playground. hill to slide down in winter. ice cream stand.on certain holidays they have fireworks above the falls for the public with lots of carnival style vendors. lots of people, hard to get out after fireworks. the falls are lit up with colors so they change with what ever music is playing. They have live bands from time to time. there's a path to walk around the falls ..in the summer only for the falls.
The Cascades is really a gem. Built in the 1930's as an anniversary present from "Captain" Sparks for his wife. The lights behind the waterfalls allow the falls to be lit in any number of colors. Originally this was all controlled by a cam system the lit the lights in a specific pattern while music played in the background. Now it is controlled by computers which allows for an unlimited pattern, and synchronizing the music to lights (a huge color organ). There are stairs which allow you to walk all the way up and around the top. On windy nights there is plenty of water spray to stand under and cool you off on a warm night. When we were kids we used to go and see who could get the wettest.There is also a small stadium style seating area that allows you to sit and view the falls without having to climb. A small museum has information about the falls history and displays some of the old equipment that was original used to control the lights.Periodically there are live performances in front of the falls, typically concerts and such.It only runs from Memorial day weekend through Labor day weekend.Its probably not worth a drive from half way across the U.S., but it is well worth a 2 -3 hour drive for an enjoyable evening if you are in the area.
Cascades as we called it growing up is a summer classic. The city is in the process of taking out the wall they installed 30+ years ago which took away the street view we had as kids. Great idea. Many a hot summer night we bathed, put our pj's on and were treated to a drive by the Cascades with all the windows down. Back and forth. We were alseep by the time we got home, and putting 5 kids to bed was suddenly easy. Parents were smarter back then. Great memories, I hope more kids get to enjoy Cascades this way again next summer.
Weather it's the falls, trails, the park, the ice cream, the manor house, or golf you come for you found the right place to enjoy quality family time together.
There are many wonders in this world. The Cascades should be listed among them. The falls are beautiful, the lighting is amazing and the fireworks show was one of the best ever.At $6 per person it is money well spent. It is a memory that will last a lifetime.
The Cascade Falls are one of the most beautiful attractions that I have visited. The falls are set in a very nice park. The falls change to beautiful colors as music is played. If you are visiting the Jackson, Michigan area, I highly recommend a trip to see the Cascades!
In the middle of an expansive park, walking trails, golf, nearby miniature golf and historic village, are these man made falls. At night, they are illuminated with dazzling lights, much like Niagara Falls does, except you are up close and they coreograph the lights to music. During the suimmer is a concert series so you can catch an act AND view the falls and the lights. A win-win. A pleasant, unique experience.