Frequently asked questions

Yes. Boarding is first come, first served — be at your pickup stop a few minutes before departure. Your reservation is valid for any shuttle that day in your direction. We encourage booking online so you get the full trip details even when cell service at the park is spotty. Your confirmation email (and text, when delivery works) includes your HT code, shuttle timetable, and where to board at Upper Falls and Lower Falls — save or screenshot them before you lose signal. Online booking also makes planning a UP trip easier: pay ahead, then change your date or cancel online when plans shift. Pay online with Visa/MasterCard (+$2 processing fee); Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay appear when shown on your device. Prefer cash? You can still pay at the shuttle.

Yes. Open Manage reservation (or the confirmation link in your text/email), enter your HT code, and pick a new date at no charge. All-day reservations can change through the end of the booked day (Eastern). If you booked a specific pickup hour, you can change date or time until that hour starts. Payment stays the same — you are not charged again. If you need to change because of an emergency — especially after the online change window has closed — call or text (906) 291-3422 and we’ll help.

Yes. Open Manage reservation and request a one-time verification code. Secure self-service cancellation is available until 24 hours before service; the code is sent by text with email fallback. Eligible paid online reservations receive a full refund, usually within 4–14 business days, depending on your bank. Inside 24 hours or if you need help, call or text (906) 291-3422.

Show your HT confirmation code — from your confirmation email, text, or a saved/printed confirmation page. That proves your reservation and whether you’ve already paid online. You do not need live cell service at the park; save or screenshot your confirmation before you lose signal. Prefer to pay when you board? Cash, Visa, or MasterCard are accepted at the shuttle — still bring your HT code if you reserved ahead.

At the Upper Falls and Lower Falls parking lots, go to the tall green flags with hiking symbols. Wait there — that’s where the shuttle picks you up. Arrive a few minutes before departure. Your confirmation also includes boarding directions you can save offline.

Check the departure times posted at the lot (and on our schedule page). Drivers typically run about a 40-minute stagger between Upper and Lower Falls pickups when we’re on the regular in-park loop. You can also open the shuttle map — the van shows when a driver phone is sharing GPS (coverage in the park can be spotty). Arrive at the green flags a few minutes early — boarding is first come, first served.

You can often walk up and ride when there’s room — boarding is first come, first served. A free online reservation still helps: you get your HT code, timetable, and boarding directions even when cell service is spotty, and you can pay ahead or change/cancel online. On busy days, space can fill.

Most of the day we run Upper Falls ↔ Lower Falls and back. That ride is usually about 20–25 minutes each way along M-123, depending on traffic, weather, and boarding. Rivermouth and other stops are available when booked, but they’re not on every loop. NCT and off-park trips vary by distance — you’ll see an estimate when you get a quote online.

Both. Most of the day we run Upper ↔ Lower and back, so you can ride one way or both ways. One-way Upper ↔ Lower uses the posted fare ($25 first person, +$7 each additional, +$5 per pet). Same-day Upper ↔ Lower round trip is a bundle: $40 first person, +$12 each additional, +$8 per pet (whole trip). Pay on the outbound booking; the return is included. Each leg is valid on any shuttle that day in that direction — hike one way, ride back whenever you’re ready. Other routes (Rivermouth, NCT, off-park) price differently; see the rates page or your online quote.

On the regular Upper ↔ Lower loop, boarding is first come, first served and space can fill — especially for walk-ups on busy days. If this van is full, wait for the next loop (about a 40-minute stagger when we’re on the falls schedule). Booking ahead helps. Timed NCT and other off-park trips are different: we only confirm what we can seat. If you have a confirmed off-site reservation, you should not arrive to a full van — call us if anything looks wrong.

Upper ↔ Lower (all-day reservation): Your booking is good for any shuttle that day in your direction. If you miss one van, wait for the next loop at the green flags. Timed NCT / off-park pickup: Be at your stop a few minutes early. If you’re running late, call or text (906) 291-3422 as soon as you can — we hold a short window, then may need to continue the route. Missing a timed pickup without notice may mean rebooking; refunds follow our cancellation policy. If we are late or at the wrong stop, call us and we’ll make it right.

Shuttle service may be delayed or cancelled for weather, road, or park conditions. The Michigan DNR is not responsible for weather-related delays or cancellations. If we suspend service for the day, we text and email everyone with a confirmed reservation for that day to issue refunds or help you rebook. You can also check park conditions on our site, and call or text (906) 291-3422 if you’re unsure whether we’re running.

Service animals are welcome. We do not discriminate in shuttle service based on disability. Our day-to-day vans are standard passenger vehicles (not lift-equipped wheelchair vans). Foldable strollers may ride if they fit safely with your party and other guests — call or text (906) 291-3422 ahead if you have mobility or equipment questions so we can plan the stop and seating.

Not in the 2026 season. Car spotting (shuttling you one way and moving your vehicle to the other falls lot) is not offered this year. We focus on shuttles between Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Rivermouth Campground. Call or text (906) 291-3422 if you have questions about a future season.

For Upper ↔ Lower, you can often walk up, but Memorial Day, July 4th week, and peak summer weekends get crowded — reserve online the same day or earlier so you have your HT code, timetable, and boarding directions. For NCT and off-park trips, book as early as the online rules allow (at least a day ahead for morning pickups; 24–48 hours depending on the route). Trailer gear space is limited too — add it when you book if you need it.

Yes for many lodging stops. Use Off-park booking — select your hotel (or a custom address) and the falls or another stop for an online quote. These are distance-based trips that fit around in-park falls service, with the same advance-notice rules as other off-park legs. Same-day or special timing: call or text (906) 291-3422.

If you drive your own vehicle into Tahquamenon Falls State Park, yes — a valid Michigan Recreation Passport or day pass is required at the entrance. Passports and day passes can be purchased at the park upon arrival. Passengers riding our licensed shuttle do not need a separate passport for that shuttle leg. Michigan DNR — Recreation Passport

Pets are prohibited in state park buildings and facilities operated by the concession, except service animals as defined under 28 CFR 36.104. Service animals are welcome at no additional charge. Non-service animals permitted on the shuttle, when offered, are $5 each, subject to park rules and DNR approval.

You must bring your own car seat or child restraint that meets Michigan law — Hunter Transportation does not provide car seats. Infants 24 months or less ride free with a paying adult when properly secured. Infants still count toward shuttle capacity.

Yes. Camping gear, bikes, kayaks, and canoes can ride in our enclosed trailer (dry haul). Equipment fees are add-ons on top of the passenger fare. When you book online, use the enclosed-trailer table to add each piece, enter standard or custom weights, confirm everything fits under our cargo limit, and see the quote before you pay. Capacity is limited; boats must be clean–drain–dry, and e-bike batteries ride in the cabin. Fee list: rates page. Call or text (906) 291-3422 to reserve trailer space if you are unsure.

Yes — call or text (906) 291-3422 to arrange. One trail sled is $150 one-way ($263 same-day round trip). Two sleds: $250 one-way or $438 same-day round trip when weight allows — we confirm before dispatch. This is not online checkout and not the in-park falls shuttle. Details: huntertransportation.net/snowmobile.

Sometimes. Our day-to-day tow vehicle has a limited cargo budget after the enclosed trailer dry weight (~1,289 lb). We confirm sled models, fuel, and gear weight before we commit to two sleds. Call (906) 291-3422 with your sled details.