Mex-I-Min-E Falls & Campground

Wayne Premo

This scenic, crowd-free waterfall, also known as Burned Dam, is on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River in the Ottawa National Forest. A short, powerful cascade on the Ontonagon's Middle Branch is the focal point of a woodland spot that's so picturesque it's been painted and reproduced as a print, complete with mother bear and cubs, sold at the nearby Ottawa Visitor Center. There's also a picnic area.

Big conifers surround the rocky little river, which makes downstream pools people like to wade in. There's a canoe landing and a pleasant, four-site Forest Service primitive campground with vault toilet, picnic tables, and grills.

Take Old U.S. 2 east 5 1/2 miles. (Old U.S. 2 starts just north of the school basketball courts on the right side of U.S. 45.) When the blacktop ends, take the first road on the left, go 2 miles more. Waterfall, picnic area are on the left and signed. (906) 932-1300 or 358-4724. Campground is downstream from falls. Currently no fee. Not handicapped-accessible. Dogs: on 6-foot leash.

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WATERSMEET
POINTS OF INTEREST

Sylvania Wilderness Area. This lake-studded 30-square-mile tract is a rare treasure: an old-growth forest that escaped the logger's ax, and lakes where motors are banned. ... more

Watersmeet Trout Hatchery and Fish Farm. Fishing's always good at this plentifully-sotcked hatchery. Great outing for kids ... more

Ottawa Visitor Center. The Ottawa National Forest info center also has an excellent nature bookstore, interesting exhibits, and anature trail ... more

Clark Lake and Clark Lake Trail. Convenient auto access up to the motor-free Sylvania Wilderness Area's Clark Lake with a long, sandy beach, good birding, and an 8-mile trail around the lake through the old-growth forest. ... more

Imp Lake Interpretive Trail. This memorable 1.5-mile path leads from an inviting swimming area into an old-growth hemlock forest ... more

Sylvania Outfitters. Veteran outdoorsman Bob Zelinski shares a wealth of information about the area, rents canoes, kayaks, skis, and snowshoes, and refers customers to fishing guides ... more

Mex-I-Min-E Falls & Campground. A short, powerful cascade in a quiet, pretty woodland spot with primitive camping. ... more

Ontonagon River Middle Branch. This pretty, underdeveloped brook trout stream can be paddled year-round. Rent a canoe. It's a fine first whitewater trip ... more

Sylvania Outfitters Cross-Country Ski Trails. 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the Sylvania Wildeerness Area, much of it over hilly terrain ... more

Watersmeet Rails to Trails. This old railroad grade leads through many habitats to downtown Land O'Lakes ... more

Ajibikoka Falls. Difficult to get to, this falls is one of the finest in the Watersmeet region ... more

Watersmeet Wi-fi Hotspots. • Public Library in Land ‘O Lakes WI 9 miles south has wi-fi. Turn right on Hwy B. On north side of Hwy B downtown. Can use in parking lot if not open.
• Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino has wi-fi. N5384 US-45 north of Watersmeet. ... more

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