Fumee Falls has long served as a gathering place for local residents and travelers, from the horse and buggy days onward. In summer, weddings are often held on a foot bridge crossing Fumee Creek, photographs are commonly taken with the falls as a backdrop, and even a funeral service has been conducted in the park. More than a century ago, the park was already being used for community outings. A Mining Journal article from Marquette dated Saturday, July 12, 1879, reported that after a quiet Fourth of July in Quinnesec, with many residents going to Escanaba for the celebration there, two local picnics took place, including one at Little Fumee Falls by the Catholic society, which was described as enjoyable and cleared over $75.00 above expenses.