The Rise & Fall of the Cascades Concrete Wall: Jackson, Michigan

The Cascades falls in Jackson is known far and wide; every year, thousands of people flock to the park to watch the Cascades light show. For decades, visitors could drive or walk thru the park and see the falls from the road. And then, one day, that changed.

The next time we visited, there was a wall...a concrete wall that hid the Cascades from our sight. What the heck? What was once Jackson’s gem was now being obstructed from our vision? What happened?

During the 1969-1970 season, it was decided to start a "Save the Cascades" campaign, thanks to vandalism and weather-beaten disrepair. Not only was a new amphitheater constructed, but also a wall around the grounds to dissuade any more vandals; much to the dismay of all who loved visiting the park.

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Next up was new computerized lights and sound systems, installed in the early 1980s. In the early 90s many repairs to the concrete were implemented along with new walkways. Over the years there were many more improvements, including a new computer system that choreographed the colored lights with music.

But that wasn’t all...

Finally, at the end of 2014, they began the demolition of the concrete wall that surrounded the falls. Now, the 1970 concrete wall is gone, and in its place is an archway and fence, making the falls visible once again to the delight of all who visit.....but still with a way to hopefully keep the vandals out.

But that still ain’t all, folks......continuously cracking concrete and outdated mechanisms make the “Save the Cascades” crusade a never-ending battle.

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