The Cascades
The Spectacular Fireworks at The Cascades
The Cascades are one of Jackson’s most unique and spectacular attractions. Visitors may gaze at the twinkling lights while enjoying a variety of music, cooled by a fine mist from the powerful fountains. Several times a year, fireworks displays burst in the air above The Cascades, to the delight of hundreds or thousands of viewers. Since its creation, millions of people have enjoyed the beauty of The Cascades.
The Cascades Fast Facts
This man-made waterfall thrills visitors from across the globe with six immense fountains, three reflecting pools and 16 falls, 11 of which are illuminated with a total of over 1,000 multicolored electric lights.The Cascades impressive display is 500 feet long, 64 feet wide and 60 feet deep, making for a dazzling scene as the sun sets and the stars begin to shine.
A landmark springs to life
William Sparks was a prominent Jackson citizen who dreamed of giving something back to the community he loved. Sparks began a non-profit organization in 1929 in order to develop the swampy land near his home into a recreation spot. Not content to simply create a few picnic areas, Sparks’ dream grew to include a championship golf course, landscaped grounds, The Cascades and much more.
A fountain in Barcelona, Spain served as Sparks’ inspiration for The Cascades. After extensive planning and testing, this amazing creation was unveiled on May 9, 1932 amidst elaborate celebrations. Within a few years, The Cascades were known around the world. Today, the visitor logbooks include entries from every state and from 33 countries.
The legacy of the Falls
Following his death in 1943, Sparks’ widow donated the entire park and The Cascades to Jackson County. For more than 75 years, The Cascades have captivated local residents and visitors from around the world. Jackson’s most famous landmark promises to amaze and delight for generations to come.
The Cascade Falls are operated by the Jackson County Parks Department.
This 457 acre park has so much more to do. Learn more about Cascades Park.
Related Calendar Events
Memorial Day Fireworks Show at The Cascades featuring live music from The Steve Stokes Band
Come see a great fireworks show with live entertainment from The Steve Stokes Band. The band will be playing... » Event Details
Independence Day Fireworks Show at The Cascades featuring live music from Wynwood
Our Independence Day Fireworks show will be featuring Wynwood. Wynwood has been thrilling audiences in Jackson for over 20 years.... » Event Details
Labor Day Fireworks at Cascades Falls
Giant Fireworks Show featuring Live Music TBA 7:00 p.m. show. Fireworks at dusk. Admission $6.00 per person; age 10 & under free... » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
Showdown will be paying a tribute to the great music of the 70’s and the 80’s. Including, Earth... » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
GEMINI writes and plays acoustic music for children and families with rousing sing-alongs, folk tales, and music from around the... » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
Jackson Artist Steve Berkemeier will bring the sounds of John Denver, Neil Diamond, James Taylor and more! 7:30 p.m. show » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
Taking the stage is The Blue Hawaiian. This band is driven by Joel Bye, embracing the blue collar sound. » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
Jackson county native, Don Middlebrook and The Pearl Divers will be returning to the stage for an evening of Parrot... » Event Details
Family Fun Night at The Cascades
TOPPERMOST is the most widely recognized BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND in Michigan. Not only does this tribute band look and sound... » Event Details
Cascades Park
Website 1400 S. Brown St.
Jackson, MI 49203
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The best known attraction of this 457 acre park is The Cascades, a man-made, illuminated waterfall with musical accompaniment enjoyed by all since 1932. Some prefer to watch the dancing lights and... » More Information
The best known attraction of this 457 acre park is The Cascades, a man-made, illuminated waterfall with musical accompaniment enjoyed by all since 1932. Some prefer to watch the dancing lights and listen to the beautiful music from comfortable seats, while the more energetic climb to the top of the 500 foot hill alongside the six giant fountains while dodging the spraying water. The falls are illuminated every night in season, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. with an admission charge. Children 10 years and under are free with paid adult. Call for special group rates.
The park, also known as the Sparks Foundation County Park, features the Cascades 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Cascades Short Course and driving range. Other features include outdoor basketball court, baseball and softball fields, a very popular walking path, playground area, and a picnic shelter. The Cascades Park is also the home of many special events such as the Midwest's Largest Cascades Civil War Muster, and spectacular fireworks show every year. Don't forget to stop by the Cascades Ice Cream Co, featuring "Frozen Dome Malts", opened March through September.
2013 Admission Rates for The Cascades
Senior $3.00 per person
Regular $4.00 per person
Family Nights $7.00 per family
Fireworks $6.00 per person
Children 10 and under always free with paying adult.
Group Rates for 12 or more people at $3 per person, with one person paying for entire group.
(Please call ahead – Mon thru Fri @ 517-768-2901)
2013 Season Passes
Includes Family Nights and Fireworks
Single (1) $40.00
Double (2) $60.00
Family (Limit 8) $90.00
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Cascades Golf Course
Website 1992 Warren Ave.
Jackson, MI 49203
The Cascades course, located in the southern part of the City of Jackson, is a course that a golfer must play if he or she wants to play one of... » More Information
The Cascades course, located in the southern part of the City of Jackson, is a course that a golfer must play if he or she wants to play one of the best public courses in Michigan. The course was established in 1929 and is operated by the Jackson County Parks Department. For our golfers convenience, in 2008, state of the art GPS was added to our fleet of carts.
Cascades is challenging, long by most standards, and features water and beautiful scenery. The signature hole is # 17, a par four measuring 383 yards from the white tees. A creek runs across the fairway 240 yards out and the approach is played to a severely sloped green guarded by trees and bunkers.
In an exclusive Golf Digest Magazine reader poll, the Cascades was a 4 Star Award Winner as one of the best courses to play in 2008 as well as voted Jackson Best Golf Course in 2007.
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Cascades Ice Cream Co.
Website 1800 South Brown St.
Jackson, MI 49203
Cascades Ice Cream Co. is a place that is always open and ready to serve only the finest ice cream there is to offer. The staff is wonderful and will... » More Information
Cascades Ice Cream Co. is a place that is always open and ready to serve only the finest ice cream there is to offer. The staff is wonderful and will treat you like a friend. They really want you to have the best experience when you come and visit.
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Cascades Manor House
Website 1970 Kibby Rd.
Jackson, MI 49203
We offer a delicious selection on our extensive Sunday Brunch Buffet. Reservations are accepted, but not required. Our private VIP Room may be reserved for your party of 15-32. Treat... » More Information
We offer a delicious selection on our extensive Sunday Brunch Buffet. Reservations are accepted, but not required. Our private VIP Room may be reserved for your party of 15-32. Treat your family to a special afternoon!
We specializing in Showers, Corporate Meetings, On-site Weddings and Wedding Receptions, Service Clubs, Memorials, Special Events and Fabulous Sunday Brunch. Nestled in beautiful Cascades Falls Park of Jackson, Michigan, you'll find the elegant Cascades Manor House. The perfect setting for your next occasion, The Cascades Manor house will impress your guests with stunning surroundings, impeccable service and delicious cuisine. We cordially invite you to relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Cascades Manor House while our experienced, professional staff plan and coordinate your special event. Our scenic grounds and unique bridges create the perfect setting for any occasion. Your guests will enjoy a large dance floor, ample parking and our smoke free environment. The Cascades Manor House has a long-term agreement with Jackson County Parks. We are a nonprofit facility and our proceeds are directed to local parks improvement. We have seating for up to 300 and three private rooms to choose from. We offer a full bar and equipment rentals to complete your event. Corporate events, showers, wedding receptions, memorial luncheons, retirement parties, your event will shine at Jackson's Original "Community Gathering Place." Call today to schedule your next event. 517-784-1500.
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