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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Bayfield to Traverse City?
The direct drive from Bayfield to Traverse City is 495 mi (797 km), and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 16 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Bayfield to Traverse City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Mackinaw City, Munising, Marquette, Petoskey, and Saint Ignace, as well as top places to visit like Bond Falls and Quincy Mine, or the ever-popular Porcupine Mountains.
The top cities between Bayfield and Traverse City are Mackinaw City, Munising, Marquette, Petoskey, and Saint Ignace. Mackinaw City is the most popular city on the route. It's 8 hours from Bayfield and 2 hours from Traverse City.
Marquette, a city located in Marquette County, Michigan, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. As per the 2020 United States Census, it had a population of 20,629. Marquette serves as the county seat of Marquette County as well.
37% as popular as Mackinaw City
0 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Traverse City
Munising, situated in Alger County of Michigan, is a city with a population of 2,355 as per the 2010 census. It serves as the county seat and shares its boundaries with Munising Township. The city boasts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which is located towards its west direction. Sable Falls and Log Slide are popular tourist attractions located near the city.
75% as popular as Mackinaw City
1 minute off the main route, 53% of way to Traverse City
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St. Ignace, situated in Mackinac County, Michigan, is a city with a population of 2,452 as reported in the 2010 census. The City of St. Ignace is separate from St. Ignace Township which lies to its north and has an independent administration.
59% as popular as Mackinaw City
2 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Traverse City
Mackinaw City is a small town located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It is home to Colonial Michilimackinac, an 18th-century fort and fur-trading post that has been reconstructed. The famous Mackinac Bridge crosses the Straits of Mackinac and leads to the Upper Peninsula. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, which was founded in 1889, offers restored quarters and stunning views from its top.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 77% of way to Traverse City
Petoskey, a charming city in Michigan, is known for its picturesque surroundings and rich cultural heritage. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like stone hunting at Petoskey State Park and exploring the region's newest AVA. Visitors can also savor local preserves at American Spoon. For those seeking adventure, the area boasts opportunities for sledding, ice skating, hockey, skiing, and snowboarding.
30% as popular as Mackinaw City
11 minutes off the main route, 84% of way to Traverse City
Best stops along Bayfield to Traverse City drive
The top stops along the way from Bayfield to Traverse City (with short detours) are Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, Pictured Rocks, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Other popular stops include Arch Rock, Presque Isle Park, and Mission Point Lighthouse.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the largest state park in Michigan, offers a rare wilderness experience within the state. Covering 60,000 acres of wooded mountains and valleys, this outdoor paradise boasts waterfalls, lakes, rivers, ski areas, and miles of trails waiting to be explored. Hiking during autumn is highly recommended as the trees showcase a beautiful canvas of brightly colored leaves across the treetops.
There are so many places to visit in Michigan. Amazing place to visit, such a beautiful place during fall colors. Definitely recommended trip in Michigan.
pasam likitha — Google review
One of my favorite places ever. You could hike for miles on well groomed trails.
The fall colors are breathtaking.
Steve Boron — Google review
I have backpacked here a couple of times. It is my favorite place so far. Lake of the Clouds is an amazing view. The Escarpment and Big Carp trails are breath taking.
Ken Cook — Google review
Very pretty experience! We hit it just right to see all the fall colors. The trail was relatively easy but there are more options for a harder hike.
Abi LaJoice — Google review
Beautiful area of the UP. Whether wanting a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, or spend days backpacking over rugged trails, this is your answer.
Greg Pronger — Google review
Little Carp Cabin is a very easy 1 hour hike in and right on the river & Lake Superior.
Dave Morrison — Google review
Love backcountry camping in the Porkies. Especially when we can camp right along Lake Superior!
Angela Radloff — Google review
Worthy of a few days if you’re not backpacking. Lake of the Clouds is fantastic. The falls hike on the West side of the park is great.
David Gregwer — Google review
What a beautiful park! So much to see and take in on your visit. The folks at the visitors center were very knowledgeable and friendly.
Bill Smith — Google review
Fantastic nature here! Don’t expect anything like the Rockies or PCT, but it’s one of the best places in the Midwest to hike and enjoy views. You can see a bunch of waterfalls as well as gorgeous Lake of the Clouds. While waterfalls aren’t high, it’s definitely worth seeing the latter lake - you can drive up all the way to the observation decks and make sure you see it during the sunset.
Alex — Google review
This place is so beautiful!! If you love hiking and scenic views you need to do it. If you plan on seeing a little bit of every place you need to start as early as possible. Some of the trails take a couple hours. Might want to camp or rent a cabin near by if you want to experience this completely, I think 2 days might work especially if you have kids and dogs where you’ll be taking lots of breaks
Adrian Gonzalez — Google review
Absolutely Beautiful park has some great views with lots of different level hikes and terrain. Definitely awesome waterfalls that you can get right up close to . Both campgrounds are nice one on each end of the park and prices are cheap. Recommend having and least 2 days to do all the “must see” spots but you could easily spend a few days here.
Elizabeth Danielczak — Google review
This was a nice relaxing day for my husband and I. We spent it hiking the trails, stopping at the visitor center and fishing on various lakes, rivers and streams in the park. Also stopped at summit peak to see the view and drove around to the viewing platform for lake in the clouds. It was a great getaway and most places weren't to crowded. (We did run into a number of people at the summit peak viewing tower and the lake of the clouds platform. There were a couple families at mirror lake when we arrived but there was more than enough room for all of us to keep our distance.)
bobbie manns — Google review
Went to the Music Festival! Park is beautiful. I've hiked into 2 cabins. Lake of the clouds overlook is beautiful.
Patricia Hoglund — Google review
Very beautiful reminds me of the olden days when my husband was with us the first time we came here. Love it here. So many memories 💖
kristin piantek — Google review
Great state park along Lake Superior. Many hiking trails with great views. The trails vary in distance and you can do a number of loops or simply day hike to the lake and back or stay overnight. Verify freshwater sources while planning your trip. There are a number of trail heads and lakes inland also. There are some rustic cabins that you can sign up for in advance and rent. If you go in early spring be prepared for a lot of mud and I would bring a mosquito net for your head.
Bond Falls is a picturesque location situated in the Keweenaw Peninsula, some distance from Paulding. The Ontonagon River flows through the area, producing an array of smaller cascades set against a backdrop of broken rocks. In total, these falls have a drop of around 50 feet and create an impressive sight and sound when water levels are high.
It is very slick to get to right now but worth it
Danny Hill — Google review
Beautiful falls! Weather was chilly and the falls/snow mixture made some of the surfaces rather slippery, but you get many different and beautiful views of the falls as you make your way to the bottom. Would absolutely go again when it’s nicer weather!
Ellie Neuerburg — Google review
Bond Falls
Such a beautiful place. Simple falls too. Simple walk. No killer hill. Park, walk, and you are there.
Highly Recommended
Kalvin Hang — Google review
A really spectacular Falls with easy access just off the road. A nice boardwalk gives great views at all angles to the cascade for great pictures. One of Michigan's finest.
Scott Smith — Google review
This was my favorite. Easy walk to the falls, wheelchair friendly. You can walk right up to the fall and touch it. Wheelchair friendly only so far, then a very easy 400 foot walk to the fall.
Elizabeth Liz — Google review
Most amazing place to visit. So peaceful. Come prepare for any situation. I help a person because they were stuck in the snow. Luckily I brought a shovel. I can't wait to see this place in the summer
Juy u uhggh ?Juicybox? Ertyy f c — Google review
Nice boardwalks that lead you to these falls. We went fairly early in the morning after camping at the campground so it wasn't busy at all. Easy walk and you can get lots of good views of the falls from all sides! Very nice visit
1000gadegirl — Google review
Overwhelming and magnificent Bond Falls! If you’re in the Wisconsin Northwoods near Land O Lakes, Wisconsin this a must visit!
Lance Royce — Google review
So Awesome! You can hear the falls from the parking lot. The anticipation rises as you walk the short path to the big reveal! Boom !! Loved it. Take the path to the right and follow it all the way to the end to discover where all of that rushing water comes from!
edward linden — Google review
This was my friend and my first stop on our UP trip. We got there around 3pm on a Thursday. There was plenty of parking at that time. This is a fee area ($11 if you are a non-resident) and you pay using cash. The walk to the falls is pretty short (there were a few seniors using walkers down by the falls) and was paved. There are several platforms with various views of the falls. We hiked to the top of the falls to get different views of the falls. The stairs to the top were wet, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes. The short hike was well worth it (both to the tops and the falls, in general). I would definitely stop again!
Ashley Stotesbery — Google review
Gorgeous falls with a nice pathway. Other people were there but it didn’t feel crowed. A little store nearby had basic supplies and souvenirs. It was were we bought bug spray as the mosquitoes were horrible. Fun little outdoor spot.
Beth Rekoske — Google review
The waterfall is so beautiful to stop and watch. It also sounds so beautiful. You have to buy a day pass or the season to get in . Also you’re from Michigan or outside state. Fall is wonderful to visit but be sure to get the bugs spray as there are horrible mosquitoes and they can bite you easily and been a huge destructive thing to enjoy the fall. I was bitten by then on eye and suffered for three more days with pain. So be sure of bugs spray.
Ruplekha Biswas — Google review
Stunning waterfalls almost in the shape of a horse shoe. You can walk down by them and stand in them if you want to. Trails on both sides of the falls lead up the river and there are some smaller ones up there… very beautiful boardwalk. Definitely a pit stop every time were in Paulding. There is a parking fee, or pass thing can’t remember how much.
Duranda Rose — Google review
Of all the waterfalls we saw while visiting the UP this was my favorite. Not super busy and more than just one fall. Parking was close and easily accessible then we started our hike down to the base of the falls. We were there while there was some snow on the ground and there were a few slick spots. Once at the bottom you have multiple photo ops from all the different angles. I'd recommend going back up the same way you go down. We made a full loop and I'm fairly certain we weren't on a trail for a couple minutes. Overall it was a great time despite the cold weather and I wouldn't mind returning next time I'm in the area.
Noah Hunley — Google review
This park is the best example of how to make nature accessible to everyone. The boardwalk is easy to traverse for anyone. Those without limitations can climb the steps that take you so close to the waterfall, you can touch the rushing water. The smaller upper falls are just as breathtaking as the main falls. Put this on your bucket list!
Sue Danyluk — Google review
4.9
(488)
•
5.0
(418)
Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
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Former mineral extraction plant with museum exhibits & an underground ride to a mine shaft.
I wish I could remember the name of our tour guide, but it's been too long since our trip last summer. I will say, he was incredible. He made the tour so fascinating and interesting! My fiance and I had the best time! Not only was our guide 10/10, but the tour itself was too! There was so much offered: a ride on the tram, walking into the actual mine, seeing the tools in action, learning so much history about the people and the land, walking through a couple of the large historical mine shaft buildings, and so much more is jam packed into what I think was a two hour tour. Definitely worth the ticket price! Our stop at Quincy mine was a major highlight of our trip last summer! It certainly had a lasting impression on us since we still get excited to tell people about this place!
Teresa Cameon — Google review
We visited the Quincy Mine in Hancock Michigan on July 5 2023 and took the mine tour. The mine tour lasted approximately 1.5 hours and the following is a description of our experience. The tour starts and ends in the Shaft No. 2 hoist house. We selected hard hats which must be worn during the tour. There was a brief introductory video, then the guide took us into the part of the building where the hoist is housed. The hoist is an absolutely gigantic machine which must be seen to be believed. Our guide explained the history and operation of the hoist and how it was used to pull copper ore from the mine and transport workers. The guide gave a detailed explanation of how the hoist operator controlled the machinery. Very interesting. Then left the hoist building and entered a cog railway car to be taken down the mountain to the mine entrance. This was a slow ride but in a unique vehicle. We exited the cog railway car and walked a few yards to the mine entrance. The shaft you walk along into the mountain is horizontal and spacious (about 15' by 15'). The footing is good and the shaft is well lit. We were dressed in long pants and had jackets and we were glad because when they say the mine is at 43 degrees they are not kidding. The mine is wet with water dripping from the ceiling in spots but we were able to stay dry by watching where we walked. We walked about a half mile into the mountain with various stops where the guide explained the mine layout (most of the lower section is now flooded), how the miners drilled and blasted and removed the ore, and there was a good view of one of the original shafts (No. 5 I think) which was quite impressive. Then we walked back out and rode the cog railway back up to the hoist house and that was the end of the tour. There are other mine facilities you can tour on your own (the rock house is particularly impressive) and an excellent gift shop. Our tour ticket of the mine also included a tour of the Quincy copper smelting facility located elsewhere in Hancock and we toured this facility as well. Again, fascinating. We enjoyed our visit very much. It provides a window into a little known piece of history. Check it out if you get the chance! We didn't have any children with us but others in our tour group did and the kids seemed to enjoy it.
Melissa Bradley — Google review
The mine tour was very well done. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered many questions from the group. They even accommodated our large family group of 14! The tour was reasonably priced and we really enjoyed the specific history of this mine from its opening to current times. I'd take anyone new to the are and probably learn more each time.
James Howard — Google review
This was a great tour! The guide was well-spoken, thorough, and uniquely knowledgeable. My group of six and I enjoyed ourselves. The tour was well worth the money and our time.
Daniel Finstrom — Google review
Guided tour was awesome. Prepare to be cold, mine was 43 degrees F. Go before the last tour so you have time to see the buildings. We went late and the closed the buildings. Also, if you claustrophobic, dont go in the mine shaft, they turn off the lights and it is very dark. I like caves and being in the dark so I liked it. The tour was very educational and the guide did an awesome job, and she told great dad jokes.
Brian Gehrke — Google review
The Quincy Mine tour fell short of my expectations in various aspects, leaving me somewhat underwhelmed. When you invest in a mine tour, the anticipation is to delve deep into the bowels of the earth. Alas, this experience proved otherwise. Essentially, you find yourself merely venturing into a cavity hewn into the hillside. It was a tad disheartening, to say the least.
However, there exist two compelling reasons why you should still partake in and shell out for this tour, despite its slightly inflated price tag. First and foremost, the guide was truly extraordinary. His skillful storytelling transported you back in time, enabling a profound comprehension of the unimaginable hardships endured by these unfortunate miners. The abysmal conditions they faced are unfathomable in our modern era.
Moreover, the lift house, along with its impressive machinery, exemplifies an astounding level of ingenuity and magnificence in its scale. Witnessing this remarkable feat of engineering is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this tour. Despite its initial shortcomings, the tour's remarkable guide and the sheer grandeur of the operation make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Smurf Herder — Google review
Awesome experience! They opened for us during the off season after we contacted. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. No question was unanswered. Definitely worth it.
Stephanie n — Google review
Absolutely loved this tour! The history in Copper Country is fascinating and this tour gives you a first hand depiction of what life was like for the people working the mines. Our tour guide Kathleen was awesome... informative, engaging, a wealth of information. Her passion shined through in every story she shared. Highly recommend! Oh... and the cogwheel tram (only 1 of 3 in the U.S.) was a cool experience.
LeAnn Glasser — Google review
Yesterday we had a great tour of the Quincy Copper Mine, Hancock, Michigan. Staff and tour guide very helpful and informative. I had not been in a mine before. I can’t imagine working in one, especially with only a candle stuck on your helmet like they did in the early days. Started mining in 1848 and continued till 1946. This area is so interesting.
Dorothy M.W.P. — Google review
Excellent tour by Juhlmer, a local expert. Amazing history on display at this mine. It’s a long walk into the depth of 300’ below surface but an easy one. Service provided for those with mobility issues. Everyone is able to enjoy this tour.
Melissa Phillips — Google review
A MUST SEE! If you are here in this area! A real learning experience that will have you appreciating life and what others go through so that we can have it nice. Our tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. We like to go back again and see more that we didn’t have time to see above ground.
Salon David Anthony Inc. — Google review
This was a great tour. They did awesome at connecting all the dots of the mining history in the area. The tour guide is very knowledgeable on not just the Quincy Mine, but the whole area and it's mining history. They do different things to show you how mining used to be. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 and not a 5 is because the price is pretty steep in my opinion.
Joe Nelson — Google review
A great tour that was rich in history. It gives you a realistic history and greater respect for the miners who worked here. Our guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer a variety of guest questions. It is chilly so bring layers to wear. We were a little nervous about the length of the tour, but we took our kids (9, 7, and 4) and they all enjoyed it. Leave yourself some extra time to explore the buildings, gift shop, and the rest of the grounds here.
Ashley Connell — Google review
Absolutely great tour! We are from downstate and was recommended the tour. Well worth it. I didn't get our guides name but she was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun. Full tour is just over 2 hours, but well worth it. If her bosses are seeing this it was the 3:45pm tour on 8/11. She was great! Highly recommend this tour.
Thomas Mosher — Google review
This tour is fun! It is a long tour but definitely worth it if you have time! The tour guides do a wonderful job explaining how the mining worked and what they were looking for. The walking is pretty easy as it in a smooth walkway with crushed rock. Definitely wear pants and a sweatshirt or jacket. It is about 45°.
Anne Sturm — Google review
What a unique experience! Been on many mine tours in the past, and all have been informative. This one went to another level. Wonderful history/econ perspective not usually addressed on other tours. We didn't make a reservation, and almost had to wait for the next tour time. Luckily there was a cancelation.
Melody Gilbertson — Google review
Not suitable for youngsters 5 and under in my opinion. There is alot of standing and waiting and listening involved. It's an educational tour not a quick tour. Would recommend Delaware mine for young kids. My fiance and I lived the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Such a cool experience being in one of the biggest copper mines in the area.
Sugarloaf Mountain, located in Marquette, offers breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior and other landmarks such as the Superior Dome, Upper Ore Dock, Wetmore Landing, Little Presque Isle, and Hogsback Mountain. The hike to the top is relatively quick and easy with two trail options: an easier route around the mountain and a more challenging trail involving rock scrambling. The peak stands at approximately 1000 feet above sea level and features three observation platforms for soaking in the panoramic views.
beautiful views of Lake Superior!
Drake Friesen — Google review
Quite a hike for those out of shape, but worth it for the view. Did the hike to look at fall colors and the views were breathtaking.
Jason Roemaat — Google review
About 300 stair steps to the top and great views from all directions. It is about 10 minutes north of Marquette, MI and a worthy venture.
Brandt Callahan — Google review
Great hike! Unfortunately it was raining on and off all day, but it was so nice. Silver lining, lots of people disappeared quick! It seemed like we had the mountain to ourselves!
Alyssa Lewis — Google review
I thought the stairs were going to kill me, but the view once you're at the top is TOTALLY worth it!!
Nanette Flowers-Yoder — Google review
The hike can be a bit much for animals on a hot summer day otherwise plan for about 25 minutes to the top from the parking lot, lots of trail and stairs to navigate. The view is completely worth it when you're at the 1200 ft peak overlooking Lake Superior and then nearby beaches and Islands, spectacular must see!
Bishop Media-Ken — Google review
This is a must see. If you're not in decent shape, even the improved path of stairs can be challenging, but just take your time. About a 20 minute hike/walk up, but worth it. Love the Loaf!
Brian Hadfield — Google review
The walk up is a doozy, but there are beautiful views to taken in and benches to rest on along the way. The view from the top is amazing and well worth the walk up. There are two parking lots. If you're wanting to take the improved trail, I would suggest parking in the gravel lot. If you park in the paved lot, the unimproved trail is slightly more difficult, but quite shorter.
Ryan Scott — Google review
Took about 50 minutes taking the improved and easy trails. Great 360 views. Strenuous uphill/loads of stairs but take your time, it’s with it.
Elizabeth Peatee — Google review
Beautiful view
Kirk Hooper — Google review
Really fun treck up to the top of this "mountain".
The view is so cool. Worth it!
Under Ach1ever83 — Google review
We weren't sure what to expect....it was a decent trek. Lots of stairs! I am 40 ish and not in great shape at the moment, but not bad either. I would probably be your average person. I did fine....just slow ;) I do wish I would have taken a waterbottle bottle with me... that was the only thing I would recommend. It took about a half hour for us to get up. We enjoyed spending time up at the top and loved the beautiful views!
servantsheart7 wilcox — Google review
We were married on Sugarloaf Mountain September 28th, 2022. The views are spectacular! We took our vows with the view of the the shoreline and Lake Superior as a back drop. Once our vows were done only steps away we had the backdrop of vast forest with beautiful fall colors to look at. The hike is not bad, even in a wedding dress. I took off my heels and hiked in my boots until we reached the top. The walk is about 20 minutes and a ton of stairs, but beyond worth it for the breath taking views.
Anja Taylor — Google review
The hike was a bit more challenging than what is advertised, but well worth the effort. The views at the top were amazing.
Michelle Banks — Google review
Beautiful place to climb, I love that there are two separate trails so you can choose the difficulty.
The easy trail was pretty easy to hike in the dark, and the top is an incredible place to watch the sunrise. One of my favorite experiences from our vacation to the UP.
Miranda Beebe — Google review
Amazing spot! Trails for intermediate and beginner hikers. Great scenic overlooks and wildlife.
Gary Rietz — Google review
Majestic views and so worth the hike and climb up....
Let me start by saying I am not physically fit. I am an active plus size woman. I have had both feet operated on. Left foot is fused and has been reconstructed. Right Achilles Tendon was reconstructed after rupture. My balance and my ability to move both my feet as a "normal" person can is limited. So my in depth review is for those people who are contemplating tackling this trail and climb for the lookout. I would say....go for it. Take your time. Just because it takes most people under 30 minutes to get up to the lookout doesn't mean it takes everyone that little of time.
I am an active plus size woman with limited range of motion in my feet and balance issues due to feet problems. My husband and I did this together. There are some very rocky and tree rooted parts of the trail that I needed assistance with balance and safe navigation. There are also some very deep steps up onto the stair portions of the trail. All the stairs have nice sturdy handrails on each side. Most of the stairs you will find 12 to 15 stairs before a resting platform. However, there are a couple of the stairs that seemed rather steep and more than 15 stairs at a time but definitely do able. Just take your time. Take a break when you need to. Everyone we encountered on the trail and stairs was very patient and understanding. There were about 300 stairs in total just one way. So 600 total going up to the lookout and coming back down. There are several nice benches to sit down along the hike and climb. Take advantage of them if you need to. I did. The hike portion is roughly 1.2 miles. If you are able to walk but with some disability and or if you are an active plus size person like myself you can totally do this hike and climb. It took my husband and I roughly 1 hour to get up to the top. Once you get to the top you will not regret your decision. It is so beautiful I got emotional. You can see for miles. It is gorgeous! So worth it. Plus the fall foliage was breathtaking! The trail is labeled as easy...id say that is for someone with no disability and physically fit. In my opinion it is more moderately hard if you are disabled or heavy set but active.
We met some great people along the way. Another older lady with bilateral knee problems wearing hinged braces on both of her knees was also doing the climb without issues and she had a walking stick as well.
Presque Isle Park is a 323-acre peninsula that boasts breathtaking wooded trails, stunning lakeside cliffs, well-equipped picnic facilities, and a concert bandshell. Visitors can also enjoy a small but beautiful beach with views of Lake Superior. While the lake may be freezing cold, bug spray will come in handy to fend off biting flies. For hikers seeking adventure, the East and West River Trails offer an unforgettable experience along the Presque Isle River running through Porcupine Mountains State Park.
My husband and I fell in love with this park. We were staying in Marquette for a week and went to this huge park multiple times daily. There is so much to do. So many trails and different lookout spots to take in the beautiful surroundings of Marquette and Lake Superior. Blackrock, sunset point, hiking trails, deer, black squirrels, fall foliage, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, the night sky is beautiful star gazing from this park. The milky way is very present in the night from here. There are rocks galore if you enjoy looking for rocks or pebbles to take home with you. This park was part of the many reasons I fell in love with the UP. The drive around park is lovely. We will be back. There are options for biking, hiking and driving. There are benches and seating options throughout the entire park. Highly recommend. Go see for yourself. So many breathtaking beautiful memories captured here.
Erin Gill — Google review
If you don't do anything else in Marquette make sure to stop here. It is breathtaking. Lots of scenic overlooks of Lake Superior. The lighthouse, cliffs, Sunset Point, and when the waves are hitting just right, sufers. You can park and walk or drive through the wooded area and park along the way to get out and get a better view.
Roberta Peek — Google review
This is a nice half day walk. The views are breathtaking. There are very tall cliffs on the one side that looks over Marquette. The other side looks over the bay to the north we did take our time. Looking over the sides. The path does have roots and stones you need to look where you are walking. All in all a very nice hike. There is a road opened in the afternoon. We hiked in the am. So no cars. There is a sunset spot that you can drive to. That was fantastic
Elizabeth Scheuer-Murphy — Google review
Fantastic natural beauty. Rock formations and cliffs are stunning in the winter, covered with ice formed from the constant spray of waves splashing the rocky shores. Presque Isle in Marquette, Michigan is a must see. Easy 2 mile hike on mostly flat trails (unless you leave the main road, but still easy) with appropriate footwear. Yak spikes are helpful. Resting benches and picnic tables along entire route. Year round restroom facility near NW parking area.
Eric Proseus — Google review
A beautiful park that is a short distance from downtown MQT. In the summer you can walk around & jump off the famous Blackrocks, in the winter the road is blocked off and you can cross country ski, snowshoe or walk the perimeter (2.3mi) and enjoy beautiful Lake Superior views.
A N N A Pleitt — Google review
We will definitely plan to spend an entire day here next visit! We had no idea how much the park had to offer. The loop is an awesome journey and every stop gives you a different view of the beautiful Lake Superior.
Jenna Budreau — Google review
Great place if you have kids, or adults who are young at heart. The highlight of this park is the black rocks and jumping into Lake Superior. We rode our bikes from downtown Marquette, and it's a nice ride out, on a very nice, smooth trail. Nice ride around the park.
Jason Padyiasek — Google review
It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. The water is very clear. It has a nice turquoise color in some spots. You can walk around the island or go to a specific spot by car. I will visit again next time I go to the UP.
Martha Ramirez — Google review
Adjacent to the ore buildings, lies an intriguing and captivating expanse. The park encompasses a substantial loop suitable for both hiking and driving, featuring multiple pull-off points. It's important to anticipate potential challenges with parking availability during the driving route. Notably, our visit afforded the sight of numerous individuals engaging in cliff-jumping activities off the black rocks. The vistas from these elevated positions are undeniably breathtaking. For those situated in the vicinity, the site warrants exploration as a brief stop of approximately 30 minutes can yield a rewarding experience.
Gerrit Szeszycki — Google review
We only had a short stay in Marquette so we planned to visit Presque Isle Park and Clark Lambros beach park It was an enjoyable hike in around the park and to the Black Rocks. Nice views of the impressive Lake Superior. We enjoyed just relaxing and seeing some wildlife and the weather was nice. Overall a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
WGB — Google review
Looove this park. Such a pretty drive around the park, and multiple places you can park and get out for a walk, hike, beach, or just a nice view. I drove around the loop multiple times just to soak in the pretty drive. The black rocks are awesome too!!
Katy Nichin — Google review
Presque Isle Park is a beautiful location that showcases some of the best scenery that Marquette has to offer. The park is easily accessible with plenty of parking, and has a variety of benches, seating and playground equipment. When the weather is good, the walkway to the lighthouse is open, although it's a considerable undertaking to navigate the rocks on the second section of the walkway...not recommended for small kids! My family greatly enjoys visiting here, and there are a number of community events that are hosted as well, such as concerts in the park by the Marquette City Band. Presque Isle Park is considered a nature reserve, so as of this writing no dogs allowed outside of the car.
Robert Long — Google review
We really enjoyed the park. The road around is closed on certain days/times as was the case the morning we were there. We parked and walked the road back to sunset point and then black rocks. Also the gate was closed to the pier going out to lighthouse (maybe that's normal?)
Would have got better pictures but the unfortunate smoke/haze from canadian wildfires put a damper on that. Did not see anyone jumping off the black rocks but was cooler the morning we was there.
Also seen a ship being loaded there right before the entrance to the park
Tad Darfus — Google review
Beautiful park, great day use park spot up on the cliffs. The ore dock is right next to the park, pretty cool so see something that has been in operation over 110 years.
Melissa G. — Google review
This was beautiful and fun. We pulled off the road into many of the parking places to hike some of the trails and get closer to the rocks and water. A great adventure! We saw people cliff jumping into the water. We also decided to head back that evening to see the sunset (unfortunately, too many clouds 😞 )
servantsheart7 wilcox — Google review
Beautiful hiking and scenery. This park is open until 11 PM which means you get to see a lot of stars over Lake Superior after a delightfully eerie drive through the forest at night. Let's hope the Upper Peninsula stays unpolluted and remains unknown, because it has been a couple of decades since I've seen beautiful beaches unspoiled by the constantly littering cretins of the lower 48.
Mendez David — Google review
Wow, what an incredible adventure my friend and I had at Presque Isle State Park in Marquette! I can't wait to share the magic we discovered in this hidden gem on the shores of Lake Superior.
Picture this: You drive through a lush forest, and suddenly, you're greeted by the sound of waves and the sight of the vast, sparkling expanse of Lake Superior. It's like stepping into another world. My friend and I couldn't contain our excitement as we parked the car and made our way to this natural wonder.
The first thing that struck us was the rugged beauty of the shoreline. Massive sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from the lake, and the waves crashing against them create a mesmerizing symphony of nature's power. We spent hours exploring the rocky beaches, searching for unique stones and enjoying the sensation of the cool, clear water lapping at our feet.
But the real showstopper was Black Rocks. These ancient volcanic cliffs are an absolute must-see. My friend and I summoned our courage (and a bit of adrenaline) to take the plunge into the chilly waters of Lake Superior from these iconic cliffs. It was an exhilarating experience that left us laughing and feeling like kids again.
Presque Isle is also home to some incredible hiking trails. We tackled the Harlow Lake Loop Trail, which took us through dense forests, and to jaw-dropping viewpoints of the lake. The trails are well-marked and offer a range of difficulty levels, making them accessible to hikers of all abilities.
Speaking of accessibility, we were impressed by how well-maintained the park is. The facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, were clean and conveniently located. It's clear that the park staff takes great pride in preserving this natural paradise.
Now, let's talk about the sunsets. My friend and I made sure to catch at least one during our visit, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. We sat on the rocky shore, wrapped in blankets, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a moment of pure serenity and connection to nature that we'll never forget.
Presque Isle State Park isn't just a destination; it's an experience. It's a place where you can reconnect with the beauty of the natural world and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, this park has something for everyone.
So, if you're ever in Marquette, make sure to visit Presque Isle State Park. It's a slice of heaven on Earth, and I guarantee you'll leave with a heart full of gratitude for the wonders of our planet.
Sahaj Parekh — Google review
Incredible park. It's not huge, but I could spend a week here. There is a point where you can jump off small cliff about 15 ft into lake Superior. Very popular spot. There are a couple of beach areas that are nice. The views are spectacular!
Dave Tiesma — Google review
Perfect for a non strenuous weekend walk. This is the kind of place I'd especially recommend for a stroll, a date, or an older adult trying to maintain their fitness level.
Habib Fanny — Google review
For me this is one one the best spot for hiking so far if this is on the morning when you have sunrise or in the evening when there is sunset, the scenery is stunning plus list of thing to do…..
Tomasz C — Google review
Beautiful state park! We rode bikes from Marquette! It’s a bummer dogs aren’t allowed outside of vehicles but I get it! Definitely a fun location to explore and we enjoyed Main Street pizza at one of the picnic tables and watched the sunset!
This sculpture park is a great place to visit if you're looking for something different. It's full of interesting, whimsical creations by artist Tom Lakenen, and it's free to visit 24/7. There's also ample parking, so you can easily stop by on your way anywhere else in the area.
Lakenenland is a magical place built with love.
Please stop and drive through (at minimum) this awesome and fun for all ages sculpture park. I highly recommend parking and walking though so you have time to appreciate the finer details put into each sculpture. Whether they be of the Rusty Chain Band or one of the touching tributes to friends and family gone but forever loved.
It's all free, all the time. There's a playground and a stocked fishing pond for the kids, fire pits, a beautiful pavilion, a bandstand, a tshirt shop...so much to see and enjoy.
Thank you, Tom, for creating such an amazing and magical place to share with all.
Cody A — Google review
Well, this was pretty much what I expected.
A tourist trap with a bit of a soul.
The sculptures are very impressive and the piece of land is beautiful. It’s certainly worth an hour visits, but it’s also weird. In an endearing way.
Depending on your persuasion, you may want to leave your political agenda at the entry gate. The artist bears his heart on his sleeve!
Andrew Essink — Google review
I can't say enough amazing things about this place. Everywhere you look there are amazing things to see! Loved that it's open 24 hours as we went at 9:30 pm. It may be free, but a donation could be given.
Sarah Wolf — Google review
Such a cool place and it’s located right off the highway! We had such a great time hiking the beautiful bog walk and going through the sculpture exhibit. Tom is so talented! Thanks for creating such a magical place and sharing it with the public!
Tina — Google review
What a fun, quirky, enjoyable drive through. Kudos to the artist....not only for the art work but for preserving such a great location to present it in. If you like to walk, that's doable too. It's definitely a little out of the ordinary...and definitely worth a stop.
Mark Doebler — Google review
The best part of this attraction is not that it's free but that it's open 24 hours! Being able to visit whenever you want is great when planning a day of adventure. We had so much fun walking through. We spent about an hour there and did not see every sculpture.
Jamie Owens — Google review
Highly enjoyable!! Very talented artistry! I really appreciate that we could drive through and see all the art sculptures! I have mobility issues and wouldn't of been able to walk through that far.
Loved all the art. Thank you for sharing your art with us all.
Be sure to make a donation at the donation station at the exit!! Entrance is free, so donating will help him keep up the free entrance and groom the area so we can all enjoy for years to come!!
Laura Hickey — Google review
Such a great place to stop while snowmobiling. A warm fire was crackling which was awesome. We also signed the guest book!
Debbie Seibert — Google review
Great place for anyone to explore! The metal art is amazing here! There's a lot of different picnic tables and there's a playground for the kids. Also there is a nice big fireplace that you can enjoy around plenty of tables
Jennifer Manninen — Google review
So glad we stopped by after someone suggested it. You can walk or drive through. We drove because we were on a time constraint, but it would be great for people that have mobility issues to drive through and see it too. Fun sculptures.
Cyndee Rivera — Google review
We enjoyed looking at all the art work. Easy to drive thru or walk. We drove thru twice and changed sides in car to see both sides good. We also did Bog walk did get a few bites from bugs.
Jo Ann Gero — Google review
Sweat fun to drive through here on a hot day! We went through twice, there was so much to see. Everything was creative. Some funny, some beautiful. I will go back some time to try the walking portion.
pam opolsky — Google review
Really cool place, me and my wife visited on our honeymoon. Will definitely go again when I'm in the area again!
Kayden Lord — Google review
Amazing sculpture you can drive thru the property but they also have walking trails out back. Owners really take pride in their work and are willing to share it with the public and kids especially. Please leave a donation to help keep this place going for everyone to enjoy. It's worth a visit
Laura Scott — Google review
We discovered this on our ride to Copper Harbor. It's amazing. It really is unbelievable. The art is engaging and remarkable. A great walk or drive. Fun place to visit. A must-see! For all ages
Heather M — Google review
Driven by so many times and decided to stop this time. SO WORTH IT!!!! FREE? Did you say free? Loved the short hike and so glad I didn't skip the bog trail with its hidden gems. So welcoming of families, pets, cars, walkers....everyone! Stop and see all the talent and dedication put into this amazing gem in Michigan's U.P. ❤️
Lori Hall — Google review
Fun place for hiking. The metal art sculptures are amazing! Some are fun and light hearted and others are very American, respectful and meaningful. They even have a small lake for fishing. My family had a lot of fun.
Jennifer M — Google review
Really cool place to visit, awesome sculpture and metal work, only requests donations to enter, very cool, thanks!
Munising Falls is a cascading waterfall situated within the town of Munising that can be accessed without needing a park pass. The falls are surrounded by lush forests, and there is a viewing platform along a sandstone canyon that offers breathtaking views. To reach the falls, visitors need to walk about 800-feet on a paved trail and should refrain from walking behind or into the falls as it isn't allowed.
Beautiful area and a nice, easy hike to get to it. The surrounding area was breathtaking. Highly recommend!
Melissa Christensen — Google review
Small waterfall just a couple minutes out of Munising. Nice view from below, and there's an upper view to the right.
Off of the path to the right, at the top of the stairs, is a beaten trail that actually goes up to the top of the falls. No railings or anything up there so I'd be cautious. But it's a nice view down and really quiant spot int he woods by the creek that feeds the falls.
Cam A — Google review
Plenty of parking available with restrooms on-site (restrooms are closed during the off-season). A nice little trail walk along the creek with stairs and a fork splitting between an upper and lower view of the fall. Overall really beautiful. Don't forget to look around at all the nature!
Alexander Messer — Google review
Beautiful waterfall after a short hike. Plenty of parking at the trailhead and bathrooms if needed. It looks like there is an office with information there to. This isn't too far out of town and short walk on fairly level trail. Would highly recommend
Jeremy Dalton — Google review
Very peaceful hike! Went for the first time after being raised in Iron River, MI.
The family loved it and the fall colors with the waterfall were absolutely perfect 👌.
joey Mitchell — Google review
There's a very short walk to the falls and there are multiple viewing platforms. There is a large parking lot here and there is a building with restrooms. The visitor's center is just a trailer with a window for now as it is a temp building while they are preparing a permanent one. The rangers are friendly and you can stamp your national parks passport book here. If you don't have a pass for Pictured Rocks, this should be your first stop in the park.
Thirteendays — Google review
Nice place to visit, very very short walk to see the falls!
Junkai Wang — Google review
It’s a beautiful fall that is extremely easy to get to. Just park and it’s like a quarter mile walk max. Worth stopping for if you are visiting the area.
Jon Lee — Google review
One of my absolute favorite waterfalls in this park. The waterfall, the rocky ledge it flows down from, and the surrounding forest all create some spectacular scenery.
N Duncan — Google review
Awesome waterfall! And it's right at the visitor center. There's not many waterfalls that are this short of a walk and flat and paved the whole way. Especially being that it's less than 1/4 mile and was still flowing at the end of the summer.
brandon dengler — Google review
Located in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park, this waterfall is easily accessible via the trail from the visitor center. The 800 ft trail will take you to a juncture where you can view the waterfall on the lower by a boardwalk or take the stairs to view the upper part of the falls. There is a large parking lot by the visitor center. Keep in mind this is part of the National Park System and you will need to purchase a park pass.
Richard Grant — Google review
This is a short hike that is wheelchair accessible to the lower viewpoint. This was such a nice walk. It is about 800 feet from the visitor center. You can take a trail off the right that goes to an upper viewpoint. It does get crowded on the main part of the trail.
Donna Smith — Google review
Short walk to a very nice waterfall! There is stairs leading to an upper deck and then a lower deck aswell. There was a small crowd of people there even though it was raining. I definitely recommend giving this place a stop!
Anna Bergan — Google review
Short hike from the parking spot and well worth it. There are 2 view points (upper and lower).
Lots of misquotes, do carry a repellant for sure. Really beautiful falls!
Miners Castle Point is a scenic spot within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore peninsula. It offers an aerial view of the surrounding area and is one of the only places where you can see pictured rocks without being on the water. There are two viewing areas, one with a short walk to the upper level and another with a longer, more challenging trail to the lower level. The location also has plenty of trails for hiking and exploration.
Beautiful place, plenty of trails around the area. Would love to be here early morning or at sunset.
Katy Schoen — Google review
Holy cow! What a stunning site. There are several overlooks and a nice trail that goes down to the beach area but be prepared. This place was BUSY when we were there and the trail terrain is moderately difficult depending on your experience and hiking level. Mostly steep hill climb back up from the beach.
Brandi T. — Google review
One of the only spots to see pictured rocks without being on the water. Cool formation and two different viewing areas make this a must stop if you're in the area.
Matthew McHooven — Google review
Beautiful and stunning views! There is a lower overlook and upper overlook. Information center and bathrooms. Lots of parking.
Grace Su Ming — Google review
Such an incredible view! I highly recommend coming here and seeing the ‘painted rocks.’ A short walk for very beautiful scenery! The day we went was cloudy but it was still an amazing time.
Anna Bergan — Google review
Beautiful. Very short walk to the upper viewing area. A little longer grade (down and back up) walk to the lower one. We were so thankful this is available for those who would have trouble making the hikes to some of the other places throughout the park!
Chad D. Baus — Google review
Beautiful views with a short walk. Definitely a must see. We took our 4 year old, it was age appropriate.
Grace VanBelle — Google review
Stunning view! Even more beautiful than expected. We paid $20 for the 7-day pass for our vehicle. I wish we had more time and could have explored more than just the south/west end of the park. While boat is the best way to see the rocks, we loved our views from the many trails in the area.
Anna Delia — Google review
This is a stunning overlook of Miners Castle Point! Beautiful water views, so breathtaking, you’ll never want to leave! An easy walk to both the upper and lower decks! This is a must stop on your way to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore…be sure not to skip over this one!
Heather H — Google review
Nice trails and amazing views
Michael Gutho — Google review
Even on a cold windy day it's beautiful to see Pictured Rocks. There is an upper platform and another viewing area down some steps and a long long winding ramp with some more steps up to the platform. Easier to get down than back up. But if you're able it's worth it to see close up.
Roberta Peek — Google review
Gorgeous spot. Amazing view. Worth the trip
Robert Mahorney — Google review
This is always one of my favorite spots to visit every single time we are in this area. Even when I have seen it, quite a few times, it's still always worth the visit. There is an easy, flat surface that takes you to the first overlook. You can get a beautiful view of Miner's Castle. If you walk towards the lower overlook, there is a few more spots where you can get some views, but they are slightly obstructed by trees and overgrowth. The lower overlook is down a fairly steep hill. Going down is easy, going back up can take some time if you aren't used to it. From the lower overlook you can see Pictured Rocks and Bridal Veil Falls.
This is also a great spot to stop and have a picnic! There are tables, and little grill areas all over in this area. So stop and enjoy the view and have a snack!
There is a bathroom here as well, but during Covid it has been closed. There are some outhouses there that are still open though.
Jessica “SnowDogs” Hatch — Google review
Beautiful views of Lake Superior and a glimpse of the famous Pictured Rocks! Very quick little hike to the lower view platform, or just stay up at the top.
Pictured Rocks is a 15-mile stretch of stunning sandstone cliffs that soar up to 200 feet above Lake Superior. The area offers breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters, perfect for hiking and kayaking. Visitors can explore the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans approximately 7 miles from Mosquito Falls to Chapel Rock, with a beach at Chapel Rock for relaxation.
Nice trails a bit crowded still beautiful
Edgar Luna — Google review
Awesome place. No words to explain the beauty of this place. My best suggestion for you would be go for trek first to the mosquito Chappel place. It’s a good 3hr trek 2 ways. Later be there in pictured rocks by evening and don’t forget to pre book your seats on sunset cruise. There is a place to enjoy the sunset (I have not explored this option but some people were watching sunset from the rocks). Take some water and light snacks along. There are lot of mosquitos in the forest and you will get irritated while trekking. Hat, long sleeves and pants are recommended.
Lucky Dixit — Google review
Heaven on Earth. Beautiful rock structures and if you visit during fall - Up North looks mesmerizing. Kayaking is the way you can see all different rocks. You don't have to be kayaker for this. Saying that definitely you are provided training when you register for any kayaking tour available. We had rented cabin along the shore and it was great time. Would definitely visit again :)
Pratima Gadhave — Google review
This was my first time visiting pictured rocks and I was disappointed that our cruise cancelled because of the weather. We weren’t able to reschedule because of our itinerary and all the other times sold out. This would be 5-star worthy if you could take in the formation from land AND shore. But with that being said, it was still worthy of a short little walk to get a peek at pictured rocks from a top down view. The winds were high, but it was a beautiful day and the views we could see were pretty amazing. I would definitely recommend trying to see this beautiful formation from the water if at all possible!
Joan G — Google review
I always thought picture rock was only a rock! But its A MASTER PIECE!! GOD CREATED A BEAUTIFUL SHORELINE!!! That many of us take for granted.. I really enjoyed this trip. The best views are obviously from a boat or off A kayak!! Or even the Tour!! If you get the chance to make it here.. you won't be disappointed!!
Steven Bonas — Google review
beautiful! clear water, amazing nature, easy hiking trails. there were so many friendly chipmonks too! we stopped by the caves of the bloody chief and my husband said it was beautiful, though the rocks were too slippery for me to walk on barefoot (he had crocs on). i wish to come back again!
Jess Brewster — Google review
Breathing taking views, Lake Superior offers crystal clear waters but stays pretty chilly year round. There are a few trails to choose from with varying lengths. I love to hike along the rocks on the North country national scenic trail between mosquito falls and chapel rock it’s approximately ~7 miles to do the loop. There is a beach at chapel rock for those wanting to relax and enjoy a beach day! Munising offers kayak tours that take you along the rocks. Best time to go for a tour is June.
Allison Whiteside — Google review
An amazing and beautiful place to visit in the summer. No words to explain this.. Crystal Clear Water. Amazing Experience.. Enjoyed a lot on Sun-Set Cruise.
Add it to the list of places you have to visit in the Upper Peninsula!
Puneet Agarwal — Google review
One of the Beautiful places I have been in my life !! Awesome cliffs to capture if you are a photography lover . In childhood I have seen this rock pictures in India. Watching them in person and taking nice pictures and videos is a great experience!! If you are a hiking lover you should try hiking on the cliffs and also some kayaking available on the shores of the lake ! We took a ferry from the landing point ! It’s a bit of drive form Detroit crossing the Mackinac bridge ! This place is wonderful for all
Nature overs !!
Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as The Big Spring, is a picturesque natural spring located in Palms Book State Park in Manistique. Its clear turquoise water and unique features such as ancient tree trunks and lime-encrusted branches make it a breathtaking sight to behold.
This place is pet friendly, which is an extra star from us! Dogs are not allowed inside the gift shop, as to be expected, but they are allowed in the park, and even on the raft! This place is amazing, now matter what time of the year you decide to visit. You get on a raft and someone turns a wheel and you go right out over the springs! The center of the raft you can look down and see through the super clear water, and you can see the springs bubbling at the bottom! It's a beautiful place to visit!
Jessica ?SnowDogs? Hatch — Google review
Beautiful, very beautiful! Definitely worth the stop and the park pass fee! It's a quick stop too if it's not busy. If busy you will have to wait in line for the raft ride. The ride itself isn't very long and there's not really any walking trails so like I said, a quick stop. The gift shop is a bit crammed with stuff so too many people and it's hard to navigate through. They have ice cream and other snacks, decently priced.
J. H. — Google review
This place is AMAZING! A must see in person experience. We showed up in the evening and the boat was not operating. It was really cool watching the fog above the water and enjoy it without a lot of people around.
The next day we stood in line with everyone else to enjoy the full experience. Through the looking area you can see the water from an underwater spring gushing out of holes. You can also view the fish swimming around.
You MUST have a State Park pass or sticker. No fee to go on the boat. The souvenir shop has ice cream for the wait. There are bathrooms during hours.
Jen Miller — Google review
We had an awesome time. Being able to see the springs in the bottom of the water was really nice! We went off season and you have to release the lever and take the boat in the middle and see some huge fish. The water was so blue and turquoise. Very nice experience and it wasn’t that far of a walk!
Jennifer Johnson — Google review
This is amazing palace and one of the must visit place in upper peninsula. You can see clear spring in the 45 feet bottom. It is natural fresh water lake in Michigan. It is one of the recommended place to visit.
pasam likitha — Google review
It was a hot day and the shade was appreciated. Been wanting to see this since I heard of it. Beautiful. Didn't disappoint. Short ride across and back. On the way back,the people who took the center view, should have moved to the outside and let others move in. Gotta have a park pass or it costs $17.00 to get in.
They allow well behaved dogs like ours!
Brigene — Google review
This was amazing!!! One of the most beautiful places in the upper Midwest! Highly recommend. Beautiful, well maintained park. Friendly staff. A must do in the U.P. Need to buy a state park sticker for the vehicle, but a day pass is good for any state park all day. Could also buy a year pass.
kristin reid — Google review
An amazing , gorgeous place, never miss this location when you are near by. Fee for the entrance is $11 cash for out of state or else no fee if you have pass for Michigan state parks. Ample car parking, a very clean restrooms , souvenir shop , gravel parking lots. Nice shades on the small trail(to reach the raft ride). One raft trip takes about ~15 min and around 40 people per ride. So you can calculate yourself that how long you will be on queue. One of best water springs to have a visit. It is open all year and heard the best season to visit this place is winter .water color mesmerize you. Try to visit on sunny day to get a great color of the water captured in photos. Staff are informative , helpful. From parking to spring is about 150 steps. Very conveniently located and worth the trip to this amazingly maintained place. There is no food option at the location and you are welcome to bring your own and have a little picnic in the shaded area.
Prabha Shankar — Google review
Interesting place, definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. We visited Memorial weekend and the place was super busy, returned late afternoon, still a lot of people. Expect LOTS of bugs and mosquitos late spring. No extra fee, just the state park ticket.
Milo A — Google review
This was one of the highlights of my camping trip this year in the upper peninsula. The attraction was a little crowded for my liking especially with covid but people seemed to keep as much personal space as possible. Looking in the middle and pictures in the middle seen to turn out better than over the sides of the raft. This is definitely a beautiful place to stop with amazing scenery and expansive history to tell.
chase hampton — Google review
Nice place to visit. The lake is crystal clear. The bubbling springs at the bottom of the lake are visible. Quite interesting but short boat ride. You will probably have to wait your turn to take the ride. The boat is driven by passengers so you can also take turns driving it. The shop there has a good collection of souvenirs. I also liked their ice creams.
Indraneel Mondal — Google review
Gorgeous place to visit! The spring is absolutely breathtaking, and watching it bubble from the raft is mesmerizing. It says there’s a fee to go, but this is due to it being in Palms Book State Park, which you can purchase the MI Passport (for all MI state parks) or just a daily pass. The raft is a great and calming experience, with visitors turning a wheel to go out and come back. The geography and wildlife in the spring is so cool to see.
Lindsay Sondelski — Google review
This place is incredible! It's like entering a magical kingdom in the woods. The ferry across is so quiet, so you can just enjoy the crystal clear water and listen to nature. Once I was on the raft, I never wanted to leave. It took about 20 minutes to go out and back, and it was worth every second. It's free to go out on the water as long as you pay to get into the park.
I recommend going when they open. There aren't any crowds at that time, and it's much more peaceful. If you go later in the day, you may find a long line of people.
Amanda Barney — Google review
Nice little spot! Aside from the boat and the gift shop there isn't much to to do here, no trails or anything like that. So you shouldn't plan on spending a whole day here. It's so unique though, that if you're in the area you should plan on coming. If you come early your wait for the boat won't be as bad. The giftshop is alright, nothing spectacular. Lots of restrooms here.
Thirteendays — Google review
A very beautiful spring with crystal clear, blue water. We had to wait in the queue for around half an hour to get in the kid powered raft (if there are kids on the raft), or it's man powered :-) Our kids had so much fun running the self-operated raft. A daily/annual recreation passport is required for entry or pay cash. The daily rate for non-residents is $11, since we travel to Michigan frequently, we bought annual passport for $39 which is valid from January to December.
Keertu Anil — Google review
What a unique little state park! We decided to drive about an hour out of the way to stop here and were very glad we did! The hand operated raft was very neat and the children loved being able to help make the boat go. Watching the water bubble up out of the earth was very fascinating- very much worth the trip! Nice to see such good care being taken of the spring
Kevin Horst — Google review
The self operated raft was amazing. You could see a lot of different types of fish, as well as waterfowl along the edges of the spring. I'd recommend taking time to come visit and see this place in person.
Jordyn Fairaizl — Google review
Finally made it here after many years of wanting to. It's absolutely gorgeous! There's even a cute gift shop. The little boat you take across is powered by the passengers who take turns turning the wheel. So worth the drive to get there! The water is breathtaking and so is the scenery.
Sarah Klosterman — Google review
So much better being here than seeing a picture. It's absolutely beautiful. And that is an understatement. We'll be going here again. FYI, if you visit in late Oct, dress warm
Log Slide Overlook offers a nostalgic experience near the east entrance of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with exhibits showcasing the area's logging industry. The one-mile hike through woods and sand dunes leads to a serene beach, providing a unique and fun adventure. Along the way, visitors can enjoy cool signs about local history before reaching the overlook for stunning views of Lake Superior, Au Sable Light Station, and Hurricane River beach.
An amazing sight! Just breath taking view as you walk up and see the sand dune drop off to the water. Its a short walk to the top. Having climbed sand dunes before, I did not, and do not recommend, going to the bottom. There are other places along the way to feel Lake Superior. Definitely take the few minutes, rain or shine, to see this.
Fran Kopka — Google review
Amazing spot. It's a short but steep hike. It's quite literally a breathtaking hike due to the slope. At the same time, you are also treated to some breathtaking views once you reach the top of the dune. The water is turquoise colored. We did not hike down the dunes after reading the warning signs. It is almost like a vertical drop. Must visit spot if you are travelling through H-58.
Saiprabhu B — Google review
This place has an unmatched beauty with sand dunes and the lake. I fell in love with the beauty of this place. It takes just a few minutes, may be less than one to slide down to the beachfront but due to the steepness of the dunes it might take anywhere between 15 minutes to 1 hour to climb back. Just sit, feel and smell freshness in air and the sand giving therapy to your bare feet.
Aditi Shah — Google review
It's an easy walk to the overlook, with cool signs about local history along the way. Once you get to the overlook, if you take the short path that breaks off to the right you will get a good view of the lighthouse. For the tickets, your best bet is just to get a weekly pass online and print it from home before you even come to Pictured Rocks. This is a fun little spot and 100% a must see if you're in the area for any length of time.
Thirteendays — Google review
Quite an experience. The sand dune is literally an 80% incline. There is a narrow path to the east to get photos of Sable Dunes, but only for people in good shape and a great sense of balance.
Frank Post — Google review
Amazing views! It started to rain right as we pulled in. Everyone else in the parking lot left. Decided to throw on our rain jackets go anyway. So glad we did. Rain let up and the views were breathtaking. I can only imagine how much more amazing it is on a sunny day.
Don't get too close to the edge as sand gives way very easily. The hike starts out easy but gets much more difficult at the dune.
Jennifer Serpico — Google review
Great experience and views. Getting down was pretty fun. It’s super steep, felt like going down a black diamond. Getting up… not as fun but a great workout. Took about 15 minutes to get back up.
Chris Peck — Google review
Echoes of a recent past live in this vista along the Lake Superior shoreline. This outlook is near the east entrance of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are exhibits highlighting the logging industry presence in the area not so long ago. The trail is not strenuous, but keep in mind there is sand, and the sand dunes are massive. You will be treated to a beautiful view of lake Superior and nearby Au Sable Light Station and Hurricane River beach. The path down the dunes is easy, but the return journey will test you. There is a small parking lot, this is a part of the North Country shore trail so expect other hikers and campers along the way.
Richard Grant — Google review
It was very neat to see. Short easy walk until the dune where it was steep and sandy. We did not walk down to the water because it was a very steep walk back up. The view was amazing!!
jennifer johnson — Google review
Great place to see the steep drop down into Superior below. Running down is fun. Climbing up is not so fun. Signs warn that it can take up to an hour (or more) to get out from the bottom. Didn't quite take that long, but the fine nature of the sand makes it difficult to get any sort of momentum going uphill.
Ryan Madden — Google review
This was a very unique outlook! Not like the others ones around the area. There’s a short walk to the edge where it drops off pretty steeply. Dogs aren’t allowed. Probably not the best place for young children either. Definitely give this place a stop if you’re up for a challenge!!
Anna Bergan — Google review
Yes you have to go up the right side where all the sand is! Very beautiful a nice place to be proposed to!
Jennifer Johnson — Google review
Every part of the UP is just completely amazing. It really is. My friends and family are sick of hearing about it. This was one that just blew me away. After parking a short walk yielded one of the best views of my life. Watching people coming back up was quite amazing as well. I wish I had been able to hike down and back. You can't see it all but you need to see this!
The Hunter — Google review
One of the BEST views of Lake Superior. Stunningly beautiful. There's a lovely slot to take a dip after running down the sand slide. Quite a trek back up, but it's so much fun and a great workout!
Maeve Murphy — Google review
This is a thing! 🥳
I didn't do the slide, mostly because it was too late in the day to walk back up and I had already hiked three miles. 🫢
But you must walk to the top of the dune and take the trail about 50 yards to each side for the view 👀
Magnificent 😳
There is room to park your RV.
And there is a picnic area 🧺and there are bathrooms 🚻
Michael Scott — Google review
This is a beautiful place to stop with gorgeous views of the Grand Sable dunes and Lake Superior. You can "slide" through the sand down to the shoreline, approximately 150', but beware because the trek back to the top is extremely exhausting and not recommended.
Paula Maleport — Google review
Great view. If you are staying in Municing its close an hour drive. But definitely worth it. A small trial is also nearby with a great view. Ppl were climbing up and down the steep dune. Few very easily and Few struggling. I wish i did it and touched down the Beach. But couldn’t do it coz of time constraints.
Oswald's Bear Ranch is a wildlife rescue service that provides sanctuary to over 40 bears that have been rescued from circumstances such as being abused or abandoned. The ranch is located in Newberry, Florida and is a popular tourist destination due to the bears' beautiful appearance and happy demeanor. Visitors are encouraged to bring apples for the bears to eat, as they seem to love them!.
Very cool place, I heard about it from my older brother and decided to visit and I'm glad I did! Lots of rescued bears, as well as they let you take a picture with a bear cub, one of the top 10 places I would recommend visiting in the UP of Michigan!
Ethan Sheldon — Google review
An absolutely astonishing wild life exhibit in New Berry Michigan. My family and I stopped here on our way to the Tahquamenon Falls and it was one of the best decisions we could make. You know the bears are very well taken care of by the hard working and charismatic staff and family here. Our family photo with the baby bear was my absolute favorite, without a doubt!
I would recommend bringing a carrier for a baby rather than a stroller as the sandy paths were sometimes hard to walk comfortably through- well worth your time though!
Not to mention, I lost one of my duffel bags here and their amazing staff got back to me within the next day in order to ship it back to me. I will always have a soft spot for this place now. Thank you Jules! You are lovely❤️
Sylvia Kooiker — Google review
Loved the bear sanctuary. We got to see them in the trees, swimming, wrestling and playing. They are separated, males, females and cubs. Very big place, lots of walking. Horse flies on the shady side of the male bears trail. Lots of sun wear shades/hat. Big souvenir shop. You can get a picture with a cub for $10.00 , we had a group photo with one.
Laura Heried — Google review
My husband Michael and I have been planning this trip for our anniversary ever since last year....it was such an amazing experience to see all of the well taken care of Bears!!! We loved our day at the Ranch and even got to meet the Oswald's which are such caring people. They let us take a picture with them which was such a sweet thing to do. Thank You Oswald's for creating this experience for us. We love animals and count this a blessing to be able to get up close and personal with the cubs. We actually got to pet a bear cub! And have our picture taken....which is going up on our living room wall!!! Thanks so much for our day!
Kathy Warren — Google review
Such a unique and fun experience, looking forward to doing it again this year. I only wish they would let you have more than (literally) 10 seconds with the bear cub.
I loved coming here so much that several months later, it's the middle of the night and I'm randomly thinking about it. We all had a good time feeding the female bears apples.
Eden Aurora — Google review
This place was so much fun! The bears are amazingly beautiful and happy. It was an experience I highly recommend for families and couples a like. The habitats they have built really show love and respect for the bears. I have been wanting to visit for years and am so glad I made time to spend the afternoon here. When you go, make sure to bring cash to buy apples. The bears love them. They act like dogs wanting treats. Writing this review makes me want to go back.
Kate B — Google review
Do yourself a favor and visit this bear ranch! Our visit was perfect, pictures with a cub and feeding the grown bears. You can purchase some cut apples on the property (No Outside Food) and feed them to the bears. They LOVE the apples. There are viewing platforms but you can also toss the apples right over the fence.
Take a walk around some of the enclosures, they are very large. You'll see the bears have plenty of space to roam around and privacy if wanted. You may see more bears in their swimming areas or hidden in the shade.
The people working here were very friendly and obviously care for the animals.
Robyn Christopher — Google review
Dean Oswald and his family run this ranch. He’s a nice guy we met 20 some years ago. Just took the kiddos here to see the bears and it’s a lot bigger than it used to be. You can pay $10 to get a group photo with one of the cubs, but you only get pet it very briefly. Still a memorable experience for people who may not get to see bears very often.
Jessica K. — Google review
I’m late to review Oswald’s, however I feel like it’s better late than never. A few months ago during the summer my girlfriend and I visited Oswald’s bear ranch while on vacation in the UP. I have to say, this was a once in a lifetime experience for me, and most definitely a first. I was ecstatic to go see some black bears and maybe get close to them. Lo and behold, I get there and realize I have the oppurtunity to not only get a picture with a baby bear cub, but to pet it! It may seem like a small thing or just a cool fun thing to do, but for people who absolutely love animals and nature such as myself, I can’t recommend this establishment enough. I will share some photos of my experience with y’all!
Andrew Gawrych — Google review
What a great place to visit! People were friendly, the owners son was handing out booklets that answered a lot of questions about the bears and their habits and habitats. It was a cooler day and we were there in mid morning. All the bears were very active. We bought the apples to feed the bears and of course had to get a photo with a bear cub! Wanted the full experience. Great place to visit. Highly recommend if you have the opportunity!
Rebecca Kieft — Google review
What an amazing experience!! The bears were beautiful and so happy!! They loved the apples and the cubs were bouncing around and def enjoying their life!!
Being able to get a picture with a cub was so cool!! The staff was very nice and helpful!!
Huge place!!
Make sure to have bug spray lol
valerie Kelley — Google review
My fiancé and I enjoyed visiting the Bear ranch today. It was amazing to see the large enclosures and amazing care taken for the bears. I loved seeing that even though they have cubs participate in pictures, the moment one cub loses interest they are swapped out or put away. None of the cubs were forced to participate. Well done guys! ❤️
It’s not a major complaint as there are plat forms for people to drop apple slices for the bears, but the bears weren’t always at the platforms, which resorted in many people chucking apple slices over the fences towards the bears. I recommend slides or tubes to slide the apple slices down for them so Bear’s are not being pelted with apples. Seeing that did make us a little uncomfortable.❤️ other than that it’s nice.
Sammeh 42199 — Google review
Great place to take the family! Prices are very fair. $25 for the whole carload. Kids (and Mom) loved watching the bears! We got to feed them apples which was really cool. You can get a picture with a bear cub for ten bucks! 💖
Amanda Poppiti — Google review
Our adult kids loved it! You can take a picture with a cub (touch it's back for 10 seconds), purchase and feed apples by throwing them over the fence. The bears get so many apples that they're not really interested. They have a lot of bears! We really enjoyed watching the adolescent bears tussling and romping about. The staff are mostly family members who know the bears all by name.
Overall, if you have kids, this will probably be their favorite spot. It's cheap and memorable.
Todd Miller — Google review
Absolutely worth the visit just to see the U.P. seriously breathtaking country to see. We got to pet a baby bear and feed adult bears apples. The gift shop is impressive too.
Stop Code Zero Echo — Google review
Such a great place! Their goal is to preserve and protect the natural black bear population. They rescue bears trapped and bred illegally. It’s a great mission. The gift shop is awesome and you can even have a cub encounter!
Mackenzie Kellner — Google review
It is awesome that a place like this exists! This was our first time going and it was great! We learned so much about bears, their story and the sanctuary. They give a home for bears that can not make it in the wild from all over the United States. There were bear cubs that lost their mom from New York that they rescued and are now caring for that other wise would have been left to try to survive on their own in the wild (and most likely die). It gives you an opportunity to get up close and meet the bears (even a hoot opportunity) and be educated about them at the same time. Highly recommend!
Jolene Kunde — Google review
When we visited Oswalds Bear Ranch, we had a blast. It was very clean and organized, the staff was very friendly, and the prices were great! I very much appreciated the patriotic signs around, and my family loved visiting the bears. The picture with the cub was fun for the kids, and they have tons of neat stuff at the gift shop. I highly recommend it!
Mr. Sioma (Kiloton) — Google review
Had a good time with watching the cubs play & then the yearlings climb the trees.
You can feed the bears only what they provide for a small donation for the sliced apples. We got to have our picture taken while feeding & petting one of the cubs.
Nice souvenir shop too. Only a fee of $25 per car & $10 for group picture. Would like to go again sometime.
Chris Modlin — Google review
Oswalds bear ranch is a must see if you love bears as much as I do.
We've been coming up to Oswalds for almost a decade. I love watching the bears. Feeding them apples. Taking pictures with a cub. And shopping in their gift shop where I have purchased sweet shirts, stuffed bears, stickers for my truck window, drinking glasses and whatever my grand babies found they liked.
And yes they loved the bears also. And loved having their picture taking with a cub.
Mr and Mrs Oswald have done a great job caring for injured and orphaned bears and keeping their habitats as close to their natural habitats as they can.
I will return every year as scheduled as long as the ranch is open.
Remote early-1900s lighthouse with a gift shop & panoramic views of Lake Superior from the top.
Drove 18 miles across sketchy road. Sure its better in normal season it is open but rain, clay roads, and ice/snow remnants made a 4x4 necessary. Had to walk last mile due to snow drift still blocking road just before the lighthouse. But was still worth rough sketchy drive.
Guy Wolgamott II — Google review
The long drive on the sandy roads to get to the lighthouse is well worth it. You will be rewarded with amazing views of the lake and the lighthouse itself is gorgeous. You can climb up the tower, and the gift shop is staffed by some lovely volunteers in the summer.
We were there in the beginning of July, but we have been there via snowmobile which is equally awesome. Just don't try to go there unless you are on a snowmobile in the winter. Part of the road is the snowmobile trail so if you drive it in a car or truck, you will get stuck, not to mention it is illegal and dangerous to drive on the snowmobile trails.
Kimberly Ault — Google review
Yes! It’s a trip getting there but WOW! So worth the trip.
All the reviews had us concerned but it wasn’t near as bad as some reviews made it sound. Bumpy and a dirt road.
We even went later in the afternoon. We passed ATVs, Jeeps, definitely a fun place of Off Road Vehicles.
We drove in our Ford Explorer but passed several cars.
It was amazing! A GORGEOUS- beyond words sunset. If you are thinking about it Go For It!
Rita Loeding — Google review
Hidden behind miles of dirt road is this wonderful treasure. For no charge you can see, hear and smell the beauty of Superior and leave feeling refreshed and entranced. Must be at least 16 to climb to the top of the lighthouse, but if you do it, you’ll never forget the view! Rocks are plentiful and you can walk the beach too!
Alex White — Google review
Very beautiful off-grid lighthouse! You have to drive on dirt roads to get to it, but it's worth the drive. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Climbing to the top of the spiral staircase you get spectacular views of Lake Superior. Then when you come back down, you can hunt for rocks!
Upper Productions — Google review
Everyone was very nice & there's a small gift shop. No entrance fee to go into lighthouse by yourself. It was really cool to go up the spiral staircase to the top of lighthouse & look out taking pictures. Inside had relics from lighthouse keepers.
Beach was really pretty.
Chris Modlin — Google review
Don't come here if you're not ready to spend an hour driving on bumpy dirt roads sandy atv trails. Please don't attempt this drive in any kind of car, a truck or SUV is a must.
But well worth it if you're brave!!
Joshua Hinds — Google review
18 1/2 miles in from main Highway. Takes one hour one way but well worth the trip. Absolutely beautiful light house. Seasonal road so be careful what time of year you go.
If the door is open you get to climb up and get a very nice view.
Tom — Google review
This was beautiful spot, very remote. If you follow the white lighthouses signs from hwy 123 you will be able to find it...fairly well maintained gravel roads, but 17 miles back! The light house was open to climb to the top, great views and a small history in the bottom of the lighthouse to view. Gift ship was open and restrooms were available...worth the trek!
Kelly Lang — Google review
OMG! This was one of the most beautiful lighthouses I have been to in Michigan. It is a long (18.5 mile) drive off the main road. The 18.5 mile drive to the lighthouse is by way of a dirt, winding, at times narrow, bumpy road. It is so very worth it though! It is breathtaking! The lighthouse is kept very well. There is a great gift shop and there are also bathrooms. There are plenty of boardwalks and lots of beach front to walk and explore. We went on Memorial Day 2022. It wasn't that busy at all. We climbed to the top of the lighthouse and we're actually the only people at the top. The lighthouse operates by donations. Admission is free. However, there are donation boxes, please give what you can. Every bit helps to keep these lighthouses preserved and maintained for everyone to enjoy and learn about Michigan history. It is easy to walk around because of the boardwalks. I'd say as far as physical exertion it's an easy tour. It's the drive back the 18.5 miles on the dirt road that gets you😂 but you'll be delighted when you reach the lighthouse! Definitely, try to see this lighthouse tour if you can. You'll be happy you did! Your vehicle will be filthy though😂
Troy Zawacke — Google review
Most beautiful view from the very top of lighthouse. Just the 2 of us had whole lighthouse climb to top & back down to ourselves. Breathtaking & fast heartbeating views from up there. If you ever get the chance you must make the climb to top & soak in the "Superior" of Michigan.
Never A Dull Moment — Google review
Such an amazing lighthouse. Driving down the narrow seasonal road, feels like you are driving back in time. Such a beautiful area and view that isn't very crowded. Just make sure when you're leaving as the sun is setting to take time on the winding road as the sun is in your eyes at the worse times. Can't wait to make this a reoccurring item on my many trips in and to the U.P.
Ian Knapp — Google review
The road must have been in the best conditions ever because other than the military blocking the road, we had zero issues in a car. The road is tight and windy with holes, but that's any North Woods dirt road. The whole experience is priceless, and the end results are amazing views with rocks for as far as the eye can see. The gift shop is full of information and history along with necessities for an adventure! Sad to admit, I've made it a point to visit the area at least once a year. This was the first time I've adventured to Crisp Point! This is now going to be one of my must stops every time I'm in the area!
Eric Putt — Google review
Fantastic
Great views
Got to see a couple of people try to drive their Tacoma down to the light house march 2nd and get stuck in 4 foot drift.
Yoga pants no winch or float plates.
Glad we had snowmobiles
Auburn consulting copier repair service and sales
paul nowicki — Google review
It is quite a long drive on a dirt road. Make sure you are traveling there in the right season with the right tires. Make sure you have enough gas to get there and back. Take your own garbage bag, as they do not have a place to put trash. They do have bathrooms, but toilets only work until dusk because they are solar powered.
The area is gorgeous. There’s a lovely boardwalk to take to the lighthouse. It’s free to climb up to the top. The gift shop is probably the best gift shop I’ve been to at a lighthouse with many nice souvenirs for the whole family. The volunteers working there were all so friendly. Get your lighthouse passport stamped and sign the guest books while you are there. There is access to the beach just past the lighthouse too.
Cyndee Rivera — Google review
Off road trail, drive slow, ATVs fly on this road; well worth the journey.
Karen Chapel — Google review
Very pretty. As the other reviews noted a very long dirt road drive to get there & very small signs. Internet isn't good down there, so plan to be out before dark. The lighthouse was closed, but still very beautiful views. Took home a couple rocks. Very quiet & enjoyable time.
Kathy — Google review
Beautiful lighthouse with wonderful panoramic views of Lake Superior.
As an avid hiker and outdoors enthusiast, I recently embarked on a journey to Crisp Point Lighthouse, a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan.
Access to the lighthouse has been improved, with a more navigable road leading the way. The 20-mile stretch of gravel roads adds an adventurous touch to the journey. The rustic charm of the road, winding through the picturesque landscape, adds to the overall thrill of the excursion.
Arriving at the lighthouse, I was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The beach, with its pristine sands, offered a tranquil spot for relaxation and reflection. The sense of isolation intensified the connection with nature, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Exploring the surroundings, I couldn't help but marvel at the rugged beauty of the area. The juxtaposition of the lighthouse against the vastness of Lake Superior creates a scene that's both awe-inspiring and humbling. The remoteness of Crisp Point adds to its allure, making it a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In summary, Crisp Point Lighthouse offers more than just a destination; it's an experience that resonates with those who seek solace in nature. The improved access, coupled with the pristine beauty of Lake Superior, makes it a must-visit for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you haven't already, it's a journey worth taking, and I'm sure you'd appreciate the harmony of isolation and natural splendor that Crisp Point Lighthouse provides.
Happy hiking,
Stix Dean
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located at 41382 W M-123 in Paradise, MI 49768, attracts visitors with its numerous waterfalls and woodland hiking trails. With a total of 40 miles in hiking trails and the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, it is an ideal location for nature lovers. The park also offers year-round activities such as camping and boating through Lower Tahquamenon Island Adventure.
Beautiful root beer colored falls!! Nice park, had to park and walk to lower falls since gate was still locked due to snow. Campground 50amp hook up $31 night. Spotted bald eagles at lower falls!!
jennifer Taylor — Google review
This stop was a nice surprise. There were very nice trails that led us to multiple overlook areas. Many of the trails were paved and easy to walk for the grandmas. It looks like they are adding even more amenities to the site.
Krista — Google review
Our family LOVES this place! There are bathrooms for the kids. They also have a gift shop. Paths to the lookout of the lower falls are accessible for young children & handicap. A new bridge was built recently over the water for access to an amazing loop with gorgeous scenic areas.
Jen Miller — Google review
This was a beautiful state park not too far from the Shipwreck museum. The water falls were breath taking and gorgeous. Park had a nice concession stand, picnic areas and a place to buy t-shirts and souvenirs. Restrooms were clean and had Porta potties/small bathrooms along the trail we were on. Highly recommend stopping if your in the area.
Michelle Gabel — Google review
Nicest park in the area, they do a good job with the trails and making everything very easy and accessible.
Nice store with lots to look through, and bunch of food stalls when we were there.
Water was pretty brown/yellow but that seems to be standard for the inland area here.
Grant G — Google review
Tahquemenon Falls State Park is ALWAYS beautiful, but it's especially colorful in the fall.
The short trails to the Upper and Lower Falls are paved and easy walking. The 94 stairs at the Upper Falls will get you a closer viewpoint, but it's not necessary to hike down them (and back up) for beautiful pictures or videos. Note: The Upper and Lower Falls each have a separate park entrance. If you only have time for one, definitely go to the Upper Falls. Hiking and camping is available in the park. There is boating at the Lower Falls. Bear and moose have been seen in the park, and of course deer and smaller animals such as squirrels. The park is open year-round.
G and T Graham — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous. For all the hikers, and backpackers! Start at the lower falls early day (at open) take in the lower falls and it's beauty then take the 4.4 mile hike. It's trail rated "hard" and I'll admit, for someone who doesn't have much hiking experience just starting out and Ill admit am a little out of shape this was a tough one at times. But if you take your time you can make it. Once you finish this 5 mile hike (trust me it's more like 5 miles once you get off) you can either choose to go down one of viewing areas, don't. Just go to the bathroom refill on water and eat your lunch. Give your legs a break. When you rested up a Lil then check the viewing areas and enjoy the upper falls, then do the trail in reverse to get back to your car. When you finish, spend the rest of the day on the island in the lower falls. It's a great place to swim and relax.
It's got alot of steep inclines and declines you feel like you trekked a mile and you did .5 haha but it was absolutely awesome! All of it! I'd do it again in a heartbeat and I'll be back to do it again.
gavin Ledezma — Google review
Beautiful falls and hikes! Great campgrounds. The boardwalks, stairs, and trail systems are extensive and very well-maintained. Nice swimming area at the lower falls. Be aware there are lots of steps to get to the best viewpoints for the upper falls, but there are plenty of decent views you can see even if you just stay on the boardwalks and paved paths. The hikes are so smooth you could bring a stroller or wheelchair without an issue.
Kathy Pinkowsky — Google review
There are two separate falls areas to see, so there are two parking lots or you can hike a one way trail that a shuttle service can take you back for a fee. Both falls are beautiful. Don't skip either one, they are equally impressive with the different angles to view them. All paved walking paths to viewing areas. Some steps at lower falls. There is a place to get food at the lower falls. There are gift shops at both falls. The roads leading to the falls are very nice. One of the upper peninsula's best waterfalls to experience. I would also recommend Bond falls and the several falls around the pictured rocks area (Munising, MI).
Dolce Vita! — Google review
Beautiful in the winter! It was our family's first visit to the falls, and it was totally worth going in the winter. It wasn't too cold the day we went, so the spray didn't freeze on us. The kids had so much fun throwing snowballs into the rushing water.
Katrice Iversen — Google review
Enjoyed a late Fall trip to Tahquamenon Falls. Unfortunately the Brewery was already closed for the season but the colours and the weather were gorgeous for late October. Easy hiking trails and stairs to the Falls. I highly recommend a visit here. We are looking forward to coming back in the Summer when we can rent a row boat and explore the island at the lower falls.
Camren de Waard — Google review
This was just beautiful! It does require quite a bit of walking so comfy shoes are a must. The gift shop is huge! We were there late in the day and I recommend bug spray! Mosquitoes were vicious!! Definitely worth a visit!!!
Barb McCaslin — Google review
We stayed in River mouth modern. We loved the loop. It was small and not overcrowded. Everyone was so friendly. The bathrooms and river (with a small beach) were easy and quick to get to. Their playground isn't really a playground but they have a metal slide and about 6 swings. It was enough to keep our 3 year old happy. The bathrooms were well maintained and they had bags available to clean up after your dogs. My biggest complaint is the wood was expensive and when we got to our campsite and opened it up it was COVERED in mold. Never have we seen such moldy wood. It was gross.
Magy Corbett — Google review
Nature at its finest! Started at the lower falls and walked the island. Finished the 4 mile hike in an hour forty to the upper falls. A rugged hike, shoes were fine but you'll want boots if walking thru or after recent rain. It is just so picturesque! A bucket list escapade in the Michigan wilderness that you need to experience! Pro tip: $17 ride from upper falls to lower falls parking, so you don't need to hike back unless you want. Check for shuttle hours.
Mike McSweeney — Google review
GORGEOUS!! Hiked from upper to lower falls. Trail was full of amazing views, very clear with markers every 0.5miles, well maintained and has lots of stairs and bridges. Really like that you can get in the water at the lower falls, it’s a cherry on top of the experience. The new store at the lower falls was very nice and clean. Enjoyed the shop/pub/gathering space at the upper falls.
Aly Fanta — Google review
Beautiful waterfall with the fall foliage just started. The next few weeks would be perfect timing to visit for awesome pictures. The usual Michigan State Park fee applies or free if you have the state pass. Clean bathroom at the lower fall area. Water station for refill. There is a paid service shuttle running between lower and upper falls if you want to take the 4 miles trail. 20ish per group. The lower and upper trails are easy access with many toddlers and elderly on them.
Sylvia Lin — Google review
What a gorgeous waterfalls! While you can get some pretty good views from the main trail, you are required to hike down a flight of 90 steps to get to right to the brink of the falls. Well worth it though! We visited on a Saturday afternoon and there were quite a few people there, but not so many that we couldn’t enjoy our visit. Nice parking area with well-maintained and modern restrooms
Kevin Horst — Google review
Overall, it's a very pretty state park and better than most. For most of the best views in the park you can take paved paths or board walks so most people can access the beauty of this place. There are some more rugged trails as well with the river trail being the best. If you come early you are much more likely to be able to enjoy some areas alone without crowds, but I do mean early. This is definitely a place to see in the UP, you can see it or most of it within a day.
Thirteendays — Google review
After 4 straight days of rain and cloudy weather, we were finally blessed with clear blue skies on the day we planned to visit the falls!
Wonderful walk with wonderful fall views!
Very rich and relaxing!
Craig — Google review
I wasn't sure if this would be worth the hike, but it absolutely was. The trail around the lower falls was super easy, and we were able to get into the falls at several points. There were a ton of people, swimming and hiking around, so be prepared for the crowds. The water was very cool, but it was refreshing. The upper falls were a bit harder to access because there's a long staircase down to them, but they were lovely as well. I'm glad we went; it was a highlight of our trip.
Amanda Barney — Google review
This is a peaceful park to camp in. We stayed in the Lower Falls Portage Campground - Site #72 with 30 amp electric only. We love camping at the falls, hiking in the park, visiting the Brew-Pub, touring the town and making an excursion to Whitefish Point. Our site was easy to back in to and was fairly private. The park has changed its check in procedure, however, which - in my opinion - is ridiculous. You have to park your vehicle and come inside to register - even when you are fully paid! Certainly slows things down. Only state park in Michigan that I have experienced this lack of efficiency. Two years ago it wasn't like this here. We do love the new walkway across the river!
Susan Schwaderer — Google review
Beautiful place to visit! We visited the lower falls and we're very pleased with the views. The lower falls does have a boardwalk and is handicap accessible. At least up to the bridge, I didn't go past that. There are also very nice public restrooms available as well. I highly recommend visiting this and having lots of time to enjoy it. Also bring your camera!
Jessica Moore — Google review
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Wow. Magnificent Waterfalls. Nice. Simple walk too. Easy.
If you haven't seen Tahquamenon Falls you are missing out!
This is one of the biggest waterfalls in Michigan. Hands down great. Expect to get wet too. The falls is deep, but the surrounding water is OK to dip in.
You will not be disappointed!
Highly Recommended
Located in Leelanau State Park, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse is a historic site that offers tours and stunning panoramic views from its tower. While the tower may be closed due to Covid-19 precautions, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful beach and explore the park's wooded trails. Families can take advantage of camping grounds, mini cabins, and a playground for kids. The lighthouse also provides an educational experience with its historical significance and interactive activities for both children and adults.
Beautiful historic display- friendly staff and we were very impressed with our ability to conquer the narrow and winding stairs to the lighthouse. It was a very cool view of Lake Michigan. The picnic area was lovely and the rocky stone beach area was fun to search for Petoskey stones.
jeff booth — Google review
This was such a fun lighthouse to visit! It had the usual gift shop with trinkets, but also had a complete museum of information about the history of the lighthouse and its keepers, shipwrecks from the area, and the house was filled with old furniture to represent how it would have been utilized back when it was a functioning lighthouse.
I am unsure if it is open all year round or if they always have the Keeper Program active but they did last weekend and it was fun to crawl up the lighthouse steps to see the view.
The museum and steps up to the viewing platform aren't toddler friendly, but they did have a playground and a beautiful beach to explore.
Heather Morrison — Google review
Totally worth a visit! You can walk in and see the museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse. Beautiful place. It costs to park $11 for a vehicle and then costs to enter the lighthouse but I don't remember how much. $8 PP, I think. Credit card accepted here.You'll need cash for the parking ticket if you pay upon arrival. We were there Friday or Saturday but I don't remember which.
Elaine — Google review
Very quant little lighthouse with a lot of history on the area and the families that lived there. Offers a neat hunt for kids and adults to help you notice the little details. It changes certain things a few times a year so never a bad time to go for the first time or a revisit.
Sidney Pallaschke — Google review
Unfortunately, this is not a hidden gem. It costs $10 per car load to enter the park and $5 per person for admission to the lighthouse, which is a self guided tour. The beach is stone and at the time we visited was filled with dead fish. There is a nice play area for kids. The out houses were clean and had plenty of hand sanitizer. There are more adventurous walks and better views for more reasonable prices. I would not go back to this location.
Jeremy Whetstone — Google review
Nice little house. It wasn't open but it was off season. Beach was filled with rocks that aren't very interesting. It was fairly scenic though. A cherry tree and a white cedar tree was there to see up close. You need to have the michigan park pass to enter or pay for it there.
Jessica Schulte — Google review
I was glad the lighthouse was open to visitors. The Lady employee working the gift shop was friendly and helpful. Bought a few awesome Christmas gifts.
Diane Lipski — Google review
Nice state park, the lighthouse is interesting. Short walk to the lake coast is a good spent time.
Plamen Kolev — Google review
Entry fee into the park and another to enter the lighthouse is the only reason its 3 stars. The lighthouse costs an additional $8 to enter in 2022. The seashore is free with park admission though and its a lovely rocky beach.nice benches and grassy/garden area to roam. Within a 1000 feet of parking
Melissa Leath — Google review
It was great! Pretty cool views. we were there after hours so didn't have access to the lighthouse but it was still great. You do need a state park pass to get in.. im not sure offhand how much that will be. However i would recommend getting the year pass, unless this is the only state park you will visit in Michigan. then i suggest the daily. The beach was great.. for some reason the bluejays were having an all out war so lots of noise, but it was fun.
Paul Ch — Google review
I have been visiting this area (the state park and lighthouse) since I was a child. I typically visit off season so it has been many years since I have been able to go inside the lighthouse, but one day I will return when it is open. Love this spot, unique Lake Michigan beach with mostly rock and no sand. Can walk out in the water (with shoes on) for a loooong ways and it is only knee deep
Jodie Ouwinga — Google review
Very nice lighthouse in a great location. Lots of history in this place and very clean and tidy.
Nice walk along ng the rocky beach as well
kevin raynard — Google review
The beach and the grounds around the light house were beautiful. Did not go inside the building/museums because I had my Grandpup with me. It was awesome sitting on the beach, looking at all the rocks and watching the seagulls and a few boats out on the water. Very peaceful.
Robin Jackson — Google review
Beautiful lighthouse of the museum. It's a long long drive to the point, but once you're there you can say you've been to the farthest point and that peninsula. Take some time. Enjoy it. Playing today but everybody should see the nice little gift. Shop the beach the museum well worth it
Scott Lafreniere — Google review
Lovely place. I did not pay to go to the museum. I left that for next time. The drive there was absolutely stunning!
Kimberly Robertson — Google review
I love visiting the lighthouses in Michigan. They're so beautiful and full of great history. Grand Traverse Lighthouse grounds are beautifully kept. I enjoy reading the informative placards they have placed around the property. For a fee you can climb the tower to see the breathtaking view of Leelanau Peninsula and Sutton's Bay. There's a nice beach area out front for my fellow rock hounds.
Lori Browning — Google review
My wife and I, photographers on a journey around Lake Michigan, had the pleasure of visiting the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in September 2023. This historic lighthouse, located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, is a true gem.
The lighthouse, which has been guiding ships in the Manitou Passage of Lake Michigan for over 150 years, offers a unique glimpse into maritime history. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation has done an exceptional job in restoring this site to its 1920s and 1930s glory, making it feel like stepping back in time.
We were impressed by the informative exhibits, meticulously crafted to resemble a lighthouse keeper's home from the 1920s and 30s. Climbing the spiral staircase to the tower was a highlight, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. The vantage point is perfect for photographers seeking stunning shots.
In addition to the lighthouse itself, we explored the Fog Signal Building, where we learned about the area's shipwrecks and even had the chance to operate a remote-operated vehicle (ROV). The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is not just a historic site but also a gateway to understanding the rich maritime history of this region.
Parking was easy to find in the park across from the entrance, even with our 36-foot RV. The friendly staff and the beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby playground and hiking trails, added to our enjoyable experience.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking a picturesque spot to visit, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse should be on your list. It's a captivating destination with a captivating history.
Admission fees are reasonable, and the memories you'll create here are priceless. Don't miss this hidden gem on your travels around Lake Michigan.
Thomas Corrao
Stray Compass Life - Facebook
Tom Corrao (Stray Compass Photography) — Google review
4.7
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4.0
(150)
15500 Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670, USA
The Mission Point Lighthouse is a 19th-century structure that has been restored and provides scenic views of the nearby lake from its tower. Along with the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking trails, swimming at the beach, and staying in a log cabin. To explore the area further, renting a bicycle in Traverse City is recommended to bike along the wine trail on both sides of town.
We were here during the off season. This is an absolutely beautiful area. The lighthouse itself is very impressive looking. The beach is gorgeous. We really enjoyed the trail system. We hiked for about four hours and did a lot of geocaching. If you enjoy hiking and historical buildings, this is a fantastic place to visit.
Jessica Friske — Google review
Autumn Color travels led us to Old Mission Peninsula, and the end of M-37. Home to Old Mission Lighthouse. Rich historical landmark, with informational markers posted, to share the many stories, that make this place great! A small native garden was recently planted, and serves as a great reminder of the vast nature and beauty around us (planted by Mission Point Lighthouse Friends in 2017). For a small fee, you may visit the Lighthouse Museum, and make the climb to the top of the lighthouse and lookout! So fun for the kids! Picture Perfect location. There is an option to go down to the sandy beach, both steps, AND WC ramp available! You pick! On our trip, this BEAUTIFUL FALL COLOR DAY, we met a lovely couple from Indiana, and their SWEET dog named, “Mister.” Photos too many to count! Here are just a few! LOVE all things about our Great Lakes!!
D Sch — Google review
The drive there is nice... It's a pretty lighthouse, and yet we did not feel like paying to enter. We were hoping for a better beach, but it was shallow and rocky. Checked it off our list, and went swimming closer to downtown TC.
Patrick M. O'Connor — Google review
I really enjoyed it. Very small museum and you can go up into the tower for a small fee. Very tight squeeze to get up there, but it's nice. The beach is also very popular and a nice place to hang out. It does get a bit busy though.
Matthew Eddy — Google review
A MUST if you are in the Traverse City area. Not only the drive through the heels and beards of the Peninsula is outstanding, but the place itself lens of view of how the first Michigan settlers lived for the kids checking out the 45th parallel marker is an educational highlight
The place can get really busy and there is limited parking so try to beat the crowds at all costs.
Also, we recommend that you drive not on the main highway, but on the roads, on the edge of both sides of the peninsula, the views and locations are without-match.
Fede Conde — Google review
Remember going here a few years ago and it was honestly a nice place, including a nice little beach, but i don’t think there’s swimming allowed, i’m not sure. The walking trails are nice and the lighthouse is pretty cool along with the old house that comes along with the attraction. There are a few trails and they’re all a decent length
Sebastian fowler — Google review
What a beautiful place.
Picturesque light house on a pristine lake.
The light house was a wonderful place with a small log cabin next door. A few wonderful trails as well as a wonderful place to take a walk on the beach.
They also have a good size free parking lot and a handful of bathrooms as well.
What an absolutely gorgeous drive from Traverse City to Mission Point Lighthouse.
Doren Tripp — Google review
We went up in the lighthouse a few years ago and the view was amazing! It was super tight up there and I'm not fond of enclosed spaces, so it was a little traumatic for me. We went down to the beach and people were swimming and rock hunting. I definitely recommend!
Amber Connell — Google review
The views, the history, the water, the hikes, what an outstanding area! The drive out here takes you through rolling hills of Cherry Trees and wineries! It's worth it just for the drive itself!
There is a beautiful beach to walk down, and you can swim if you would like. The dogs of course had to get into the water. There are benches to just sit and watch the waves! Make sure to take your time and read all the signs and history of this area. You can climb the lighthouse tower when it's open, and there is a small giftshop inside the lighthouse as well. And yes, dogs are also allowed to come and enjoy the outside area here!
Jessica ?SnowDogs? Hatch — Google review
Nice area with access to the beach, some walking trails, a log cabin to view and you can visit the inside of the lighthouse. Lighthouse was $5/adult and kids under 6 are free. I found the money going towards a good cause for the upkeep of an interesting landmark on the peninsula.
Jeffrey Mckeon — Google review
This was a lovely walk in the park and a history-lover fun day. The day I went was the one day of the year that the log house was open, it was very cool. Randy and Anita were full of facts and knowledge. The lighthouse museum was interesting and learned a lot about this particular one.
Daniela G — Google review
It was totally worth it to take the kids up to see. You have to pay to go up, but you can go in the gift shop for free. I paid $24 for one adult and two children under the age of 11 and one toddler (free) to go in. Staff was incredibly caring and enthusiastic about their jobs. You can tell that they all really care about preserving the history of the lighthouse. Lots of neat things to read and artifacts to see. We enjoyed it very much and happened to be there for the log cabin day and got to explore that and learn about that as well. Parking is easy, short walk from the parking lot to the actual lighthouse. Neat view from the top but very cramped and very hot! I do not recommend climbing up to the very top if you have extremely wide hips or a bigger belly or are extremely tall, it was difficult to get up there and cramped inside- only a few people at a time. You definitely need to be able bodied as well, and there is no alternative for someone in a wheelchair or with physical restrictions that prevent them from climbing stairs.
Kristen Biehl — Google review
This is my favorite beach spot for the family.
It’s quant with a historic little lighthouse on a hill.
The water at the beach is crystal clear, shallow, and calm.
Love driving up here too. The drive on the peninsula is awe inspiring and lovely.
Kevin Bicknell — Google review
A beautiful drive up to the lighthouse. It was peaceful and no traffic. Once you get up there, you will have no problem finding parking. It’s $8 for one adult to explore the museum other than that you can explore the gift shop for free. It’s not a big place but you can leisurely explore the area. It can get breezy and cold so wear a jacket/coat/hoodie. Staff was very kind and helpful.
Nicholas P — Google review
A must visit if you're on the peninsula. We've visited twice now. Most recently the lighthouse was open and we were able to see inside. I noticed initially it looked like the lake level was down a bit from 3 years ago when we were last there. Inside, there was a map showing the water levels from years past and yep, this year its down a bit. Lots of history and a great view of the lake. The water is crystal clear!
Tim Nagle — Google review
This is a beautiful lighthouse! It was closed so we didn't tour inside but really enjoyed the lake. Dogs are allowed on a leash and the water was clear and calm. We were intrigued by all the shells that made a shell bar. Water in this area is shallow and birds were gathering on the rocks far out. A nice place to hang for chill time. Good parking and satellite toilets.
Diane C — Google review
Mission Point Lighthouse
Came here in 2020 to enjoy a nice quiet vacation in Traverse City.
Interesting building and location.
This building is located on the 45th Parallel. FYI, it's the halfway point between the equator and the north pole.
Recommended
Kalvin Hang — Google review
This location is 45th parallel or half way between the North Pole and equator which is awesome!!Absolutely beautiful views! The lighthouse is sooo cool! The beach is sandy and wonderful with a lot of rocks and small shells too! The fall colors in October are absolutely stunning but it was vvveeerrry cold by the water! So definitely be prepared! It is not a hard trail to walk to the beach or lighthouse. There is also a small house to look at which is neat! If you come to this location it is a must see historical spot! The water is so beautifully blue!
izzy McKinney — Google review
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mission Point Lighthouse during our Lake Michigan road trip adventure, and it was an absolute highlight! As passionate photographers, our mission was to capture the beauty of lighthouses along our journey, and Mission Point Lighthouse did not disappoint.
The lighthouse itself is a charming piece of Michigan history, nestled at the north end of a scenic drive through cherry orchards and vineyards. It may no longer guide mariners, but it now guides curious souls like us into the past, offering a glimpse of life from a bygone era.
The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing our experience with fascinating stories about the lighthouse's history. We even had the chance to climb all the way up to the tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It's a photographer's dream come true!
We also explored the park's unspoiled trails, enjoyed picnicking, and soaked in the stunning sunset views. The beach and hiking trails are perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
The gift shop is a treasure trove for lighthouse enthusiasts, offering a wide range of exclusive lighthouse-related souvenirs. Don't forget to check out the unique snow globes!
As travelers and photographers, we're active on social media as Stray Compass Life, and we couldn't resist sharing our Mission Point Lighthouse experience with our followers. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking history, natural beauty, and a touch of lighthouse magic.
We were pleased to support the mission of this lighthouse and gladly paid the admission fee, knowing it helps preserve this historical gem for future generations.
Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or simply someone looking for a serene spot to unwind, Mission Point Lighthouse should be on your Lake Michigan itinerary. We hope to visit again soon!
Thomas Corrao
(Stray Compass Life)
Tom Corrao (Stray Compass Photography) — Google review
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn is a charming rural establishment that offers comfortable lodgings, some equipped with balconies and jetted tubs. The inn also provides complimentary wine tastings for guests to enjoy. The winery itself boasts of stunning aesthetics, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler in the area. It comes highly recommended and is an ideal spot for friends to gather or couples seeking a romantic getaway.
We have visited here for many years. The staff is incredible - and Bob, the owner, is a kind and accommodating host. Tonight he took the time to personally start a fire for us in the common area fireplace and share history of the vineyard with us. I especially like their late harvest Riesling. A beautiful place to spend time - with sincere and welcoming hosts!
William Mader — Google review
I had a great experience at Chateau Chantal earlier today (January 4, 2023)!!
It was my first time there and the Tasting Room Manager, Hailey Green, couldn't have been nicer in greeting me, answering my questions about their wine selections (I was looking for sweeter wines), and directing me towards a few selections which I really liked!!
The ambiance and decor of the place is really inviting, as well, and the views of the countryside are beautiful!!
I will definitely be back again.
Vince Skinner — Google review
Had an unforgettable experience staying in the bed and breakfast at Chateau Chantal this week. The hospitality was as amazing as the views. Highly recommend. We had less-than-great weather and it was still memorable. I imagine it's not feasible for everyone, but they were offering off-season midweek deals that were quite enticing. If you'd rather save a few bucks and avoid staying here at full capacity, it's definitely worth a look.
Joe Violi — Google review
It is great for tour and good scenary rather than for wine. I was given 3 choices of wines to taste for 12+$ and tasted 7 including my wife's choices. We love Michigan and tasted many other local wines but nothing came to my taste this time, so I can't recommend any either. It can be just my taste.
Chan Lee — Google review
This is place is a paradise! It’s overwhelmingly beautiful and cute. They have seating areas in the backyard facing west with breathtaking views, indoors bar and little shop, as well as another outdoor area facing east. Spectacular wine selections especially their ice wine which is very expensive and sweet.
Saed Alnaimat — Google review
I have stayed here a few times, and each time has been delightful. The rooms are always exquisite, the executive apartment we stayed in was pure luxury and serenity, with beautiful views and every amenity you could possibly need or desire. Marie herself was a delight and she greeted each of us in the morning with her hospitality and sat with us and even shared her fantastic recipe for what we were enjoying for our morning breakfast. The bonus was the beautiful grand piano in the lounge that I got to play and enjoy after hours. If you're looking for a place to feel at peace and be surrounded by one of the prettiest peninsulas in Northern Michigan, I highly suggest a stay at the Chateau Chantal.
Sgrl63 — Google review
Beautiful setting up on a hill overlooking the vineyard and the bay in the distance. They offer several different options to enjoy their wine. My wife and I each ordered a flight and relaxed out on their spacious deck to take in the scenery. The wine itself is hot or miss; depends what you like. We both thought the whites we had were better than the reds.
Craig Freeman — Google review
Came here for a tasting only, and I loved the atmosphere! Such great service, and so many different selections from f wine - ranging from bubbly to non bubbly options.
Nikki — Google review
Chateau Chantal is nothing short of incredible. Hailey and Crystal (apologies if I misspelled her name) made my proposal to my now-fiancee absolutely perfect. They were very accommodating and went the extra mile to make the experience memorable. The winery is also beautiful. Would absolutely recommend to all my friends and will definitely be coming back next time we are in TC.
Richard W — Google review
Chateau Chantal was on our advanced list of places to visit as it was mentioned in a number of books and articles that we had read. The location of this winery is the top selling point. Located back off the road you drive through the vineyards to make it back to the winery, inn, and tasting room. The winery is located on top of the hill with views of the bay on both sides. It is one of the best settings ever to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.
So let's talk about the three stars. First off, this place is designed to crank people through their tasting area. When you walk in the door you have to stop and purchase your ticket before you even walk into the tasting room. The tasting is $10 for a three-wine tasting, or you can get a single glass of wine for the same amount. Then you stand in a queue with your ticket in hand to go to a tasting station.
We had a nice young man working at the winery while attending the maritime college in Traverse City. He was helpful and set us up with our three tasters in a cool wine caddy so you can take your wines outside.
I would definitely stick to the roses and whites here. Our favorite was the sparkling rose, and we purchased a bottle for a friend who we would be visiting later on the trip. The reds on the other hand were underwhelming. They were not very deep in their flavors and just were not something that I would choose to drink regularly.
Then the staff starts throwing away box after box of wine bottles into a dumpster directly below where we were sitting. Do you know that sound of crashing glass that just makes you cringe? Do that over and over again and the setting is ruined. I wish we had been able to visit other wineries in the area to have more of a comparison, but this was not exactly what I was hoping for.
Steven Yackel — Google review
My partner and I stopped in late on 6/8/23 and had excellent service provided by Katherine! We were greeted with a very happy and pleasant demeanor despite it being late. Also, we were pleased that she had lots of knowledge of the menu and the property. We ended up purchasing a bottle of sweet red, one of our favorites. Thank you again, Katherine!
Megan Jones — Google review
Their cherry sparkling wine is the best cherry wine we’ve tried. They also have the most selection of wine. They’re also the busiest wineries, we even saw tour bus coming here just for the tasting.
The downside to me is that since we have a dog, so we were not allowed to go to the patio, we had to sit on the west side under the sun, it just not a really pleasant experience especially if you’re trying to taste some white wines
Ada — Google review
The views from the back deck are stunning -- you can see the water on both sides of the peninsula. The wine, however, is not great. I thought maybe I made a mistake by sampling only reds, however I tried a few whites and they, too, were not good. But hey -- taste is subjective so go grab a flight, pull up a seat on the deck, and try it for yourself! If nothing else you'll at least enjoy the vistas!
Justin Godwin — Google review
We stayed at Chateau Chantal B&B for our 46th anniversary. It was a wonderful choice. Accommodations, service and breakfast were excellent. Lovely views of Traverse Bay and vineyards on expansive patios and terraces. We stayed in the Degas suite. The wine making tour by owner, Bob was informative and you can tell what this business has meant to him and his family. We recommend it and I’m sure we’ll be repeat customers.
Cynthia Wexler — Google review
PRO TIP: Take your tasting to the front side of the property, it’s so much more secluded with incredible views and quiet ! The winery itself boasts an incredible property. This is the kind of place you can go and spend an entire day /afternoon. The wine is super easy sipping , the tastings come in sets of 3, from a select portion of the menu. Some reserves can be sold at an up charge to the tasting. This is one of the only places that you can find ice wines, which are very sweet. This felt like much more of a commercialized experience, still excellent but by no means a “small” family vineyard! If anything go for the incredible panoramic coastal views!
Erica Rose — Google review
Did not acknowledge us until 10 minutes of being in the waiting area. Even though workers passed by and saw us. Found out that the 'view side' didn't allow dogs. How can you say dog friendly if the main attraction is not? Went to the other side and left after 15 minutes of no service.
Kerstin vojacek — Google review
We had written Chateau Chantal off some years ago after having some snooty and poor service. After being served by Bill that has completely turned around. He was friendly and helpful and inviting - the opposite of what we experienced a few years ago.
The wines are varied and very solid with some great dry reds that we enjoyed sipping.
The pricing structure seems to have undergone a change as well and for the better. While still not quite our favorite on the peninsula, we will definitely be back and happy to enjoy a glass or two on the patio.
Grant K — Google review
A charming winery situated atop a bluff, providing picturesque views of the bay from both indoor and outdoor spaces. The establishment offers competitive flight pricing and caters to a diverse clientele by including mixed drinks for those who may not exclusively prefer wine. The wines and vodka on offer exhibit commendable flavors, with a particular recommendation for those inclined towards sweeter varieties. While the wines here may not match the California style, the overall experience and selection make it a worthwhile destination, especially for enthusiasts of sweeter wine profiles.
Gerrit Szeszycki — Google review
An absolutely gorgeous place to stay with staff who go above and beyond. We look forward to seeing the owner, Bob, every year at breakfast when we stay at the B & B - you can see how much he obviously enjoys folks visiting this little piece of heaven
Marney Studaker-Cordner — Google review
The absolute highlight of our Traverse City trip. Had the fall 6 course dinner with wine pairings Friday, and returned Saturday because it was just that good. Special mention must be made both for the chef, Jonathan Thomas, and our host, Bill. Jonathan prepared one of the best meals my fiancé and I have eaten in years, and Bill presented the wines, pairings, and history of the chateau with marvelous eccentricity and passion. It is so wonderful seeing people in their element who obviously love what they do. The wines were incredible and priced reasonably, despite being by far the best we tried that weekend among dozens. Cannot recommend highly enough. Only (small) nitpick was that when we returned the next day for a second experience, we found there were no real fresh food options available to go with the wine in the tasting room. They do have a decently stocked grab and go section, however. Overall this was a great experience, and definitely one we will revisit regularly.
Shawn McCargar — Google review
I stayed with my sisters and mom for four nights at Chateau Chantal in June of this year, our home base for a wine sojourn across the Old Mission Peninsula. The Inn itself is impeccable in every aspect, situated in the highest and most scenic spot on the peninsula, and with comfortable and well-appointed rooms.
While we had originally booked a (lovely) room with a king bed and pullout couch, we were able to transfer (at a generously discounted cost) to the Schoolhouse Suite, which was a 2-floor masterpiece of a living space with a full kitchen, small veranda, luxe sitting area, a beautiful bathroom, and two bedrooms. I was battling a hip injury and my mother was sidelined by osteoporosis, which made the second "real" bed/room a necessity we hadn't anticipated. We were so grateful for the kindness of everyone we worked with - Ann, Jenny, the rest of the fastidious and kind staff.
Breakfast each morning was wonderful, and so were the stories told by the Vineyard owner himself! The grounds were immaculate, and the joy abounded. I would definitely recommend the Chateau to any looking for serene, accommodating, comfortable lodging in the heart of Michigan wine country.
Molly Grupe — Google review
Tried to do a wine tasting waited at the check in podium for 10 minutes with only one other person at the wine tasting bar we were not invited up to the bar to wait for the one person behind the bar to serve us instead we were ignored so we left, this is the second time this has happened to us the first was last year so we thought it would be better this year but it was not.
Greg Thomas — Google review
A group of 12 of us visited Chateau Chantal Winery as our second stop on a sunset wine tour, and it was amazing. Gorgeous views, great service, and delicious wine. We also loved the seasonal option of a wine slushy! Super fun and tasty! Overall a great winery, and definitely worth a stop!
Taylor Cumbee — Google review
A beautiful winery and vineyard estate at the top of Old Mission Point. The service was impeccable, and I finally found the perfect dry riesling!
Edith was such an amazing tour guide! The tour was informational, fun, and interesting. Overall a well rounded tour given by a well spoken guide! Definitely recommend doing this tour to learn something new about architecture and the history of Charlevoix… and to simply have a nice time!
Bryon Shea — Google review
Highly recommend! Owner Edith Pair was a fabulous guide, having grown up in Charlevoix....so much knowledge about the Young houses and the area in general!
Julie Gossage — Google review
We really enjoyed ourselves. The guide was very informative. Learned a lot about Charlevoix. The houses were cool to look at. Would recommend this for anyone visiting Charlevoix. It only takes 50 minutes.
Margaret Scott — Google review
Amazing tour and experience with Gayle! She had a great sense of humor and grew up in Charlevoix. This showed in her stories and information throughout the tour. We purchased our tickets online, and I'm glad we did as all the time slots were sold out for Saturday.
Jessica Pamperin — Google review
The tour was part of our Mother's Day festivities. Mom and I both had a great time. Edith was wonderful in her knowledge and enthusiasm. She doesn't only tell you about the houses but also about Charlevoix history as well. Would love to do this tour again during the summer when the gardens are in full bloom. Highly recommend!
amy stier — Google review
Informative tour of architecture design of Earl Young. Short tour around Boulder Village, providing history of area. Personally I feel $25 was a bit pricey but still glad I took it. Not too much to do other than shopping in off season in town.
Janet B — Google review
It's very pricey for what you actually get out of this tour. You drive around for 45 minutes in a fancy golf cart and pull to the side a few times to look at the houses. Besides the colors of the bricks or mortar used, there was no other information about the houses given like their age or who/why they were built. The tour guide would occasionally hold up a binder with some pictures in it, but sitting in the last row, it's kind of hard to see a small picture like that. The guy talked more about the library and his coaching days than any of the houses. The part that really upset us was all of the homes in one area that had signs up saying "no tours please". The guide kind of laughed and said we just won't pull over and stop. Yes, these people bought very special and unique homes, but if they are asking for tours to not go by, it gives an icky feeling going through there on a tour. There's no parking directly at the pick up/drop off location. There is a lot next door, but it was completely packed full, and we ended up having to park 4 blocks away. Afterward, they give everyone a coupon code to purchase the virtual tour cheaper so you can see the inside of the houses. I feel like for the amount we pay, if there is a group of 2 tickets or more, they should just give you access to the virtual tour. Our group of 5 spent over $130 for this tour, and you're still trying to nickle and dime us just to show some pictures of the insides of these homes. Not to mention the venmo codes on every seat and on the guides' necks. It's distasteful. Overall, it was a fine tour, but for the lack of actual information, we could have driven around and just looked at these homes ourselves.
Paige Jedrzejak — Google review
Took a tour today with Edith and it was SO fun and informative. We were debating whether to just drive around ourselves or go on a guided tour, and I’m so glad that we decided to take a tour with Mushroom House Tours! We wouldn’t have learned any of the fascinating history without Edith. She was so knowledgeable, personable, and there wasn’t a boring moment on the journey. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Charlevoix! 10/10, can’t wait to go back again in the future!
Francesca Hall — Google review
This was amazing very thorough tour where we saw many unique houses. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and assisted us with detailed information about history of mushroom houses, his builder and apprentice. We have made several stops to do pictures. I would definitely recommend this tour. 👍
Maximus Gladiator — Google review
At the Mushroom House Tour site, I strolled the gift shop a bit (bought a tshirt ☺️) and then it was time to hop into the open air GEM car for our 50 minute tour of 25 homes created and built by Earl Young. Mr. Young's non-traditional creative intent was for his homes to blend naturally with the lay of the land, using prolific stonework, undulating lines, and focus attention to the smallest detail. The stones all came from farmer's fields in Michigan! I'll let my photos speak for themselves but this is a treasure to witness.
Mary B — Google review
This was such a cool and unique tour! I was very impressed and surprised by Edith’s knowledge and way to keep every member engaged (even if they were sitting facing to the rear!). It is a tour one could take more than once and still not capture all the detail!! Well done Edith, Well Done!! I will join you again should the opportunity ever present itself!!
Kathy Ellingson — Google review
We LOVED the tour! Edith, our tour guide is the best! She has so much knowledge and has so much extra information, there is not one boring minute! The gem cars are comfy and convenient and Edith even provides a blanket for you, if you forgot to bring one for cold days. This tour is a MUST!
Historic complex offering tours, with a WWI museum, gardens & a large outdoor model railroad.
So my wife wanted to go here I wasn't sure if I'd like it but I ended up liking it. The trains were my favorite. The event halls also caught my attention. We were on our anniversary vacation so it brought back a lot of memories. Very good memories. 32 years later she is still the love of my life.
Bub Dawg's What do you think? (Todd) — Google review
Castle Farms looks like a wonderful place for an event. However, as a tourist destination remains a bit wanting. If you like tchotchkes, you will love the few exhibits. Staff friendly and attentive. Building and grounds immaculate. Plenty of free parking. They did offer a season long admission for the $15, which is far more reasonable than for only a single visit. Hedge maze may challenge a 3 year old.
Bill Cleveland — Google review
Visiting Castle Farms was well worth it! My wife and I had a great experience. The grounds are meticulously maintained, the restoration of the castle and the history of the renovation, shown in a 10 minute video, was fascinating. There are tons of artifacts and items that Linda Mueller collected over the years from items purchased from a Sears catalog to wedding cake toppers. I have never seen so many wedding toppers. The rock and roll history of the site (early to mid 80s), prior to the restoration, is very interesting as well. To see ticket prices for less than $20 was comical compared to what it cost now days to attend a concert. It is also a fantastic venue for a wedding and reception. There is also a very big display of small model trains running around tracks. Kids will love the display.
We had a lot of fun visiting and highly recommend it for families. The cost pretty much goes towards maintaining the venue and it is well worth it.
G Rexer27 — Google review
Stunning venue and grounds-I mean it’s a castle! We had an elopement type wedding for 32 people on a weekday afternoon. We were going to get married in the Queens Courtyard, but due to rain we ended up inside in Kings Galley (it was still very beautiful) Taylor was amazing to work with. She was VERY QUICK to respond to all questions and offered several suggestions-I have no doubt she would make any wedding memorable, stress free and FUN! Thank you for making sure we had a wonderful wedding day, I’m forever grateful. For anyone reading this, don’t hesitate to book them immediately!
im dawn — Google review
We had our wedding on December 17th this year, in the King's Great Hall. We were very happy with the service of the venue and the staff. Tyanna was our coordinator day of and was exceptional! Very patient and professional. My only complaint would be that the castle doesn't offer a refund at all only offers a transfer or postponement option for money paid in the event of the pandemic etc. But overall we were very happy with the Castle and the staff very quick to respond to any and all questions and very courteous. Thanks for making our day special!
Cathy Peelman — Google review
This house is a nice wedding venue and not much else. A beautiful shell that looks like a castle but not much else. The grounds are pretty but I was overall very disappointed in the self tour for the price. It makes sense why it is the way that is after you learn the history but I feel that calling it a castle tour is misleading. Just assume that you are visiting a wedding venue and you will not be as disappointed.
Aaron N — Google review
I love to stop by Castle Farms when im in the area. Its fun to roam around the area looking in all of the rooms and out buildings. This was the first time we were given drink tickets for a tasting in the 1918 Cellar. We tried the hard cider, cinnamon and raspberry, they were both very good. I also like feeding the fish in the pond and looking at the train set up in the garden area.
janet — Google review
Beautiful place. The restoration is thoughtful and authentic. The gardens remind me of the estate gardens in England. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Gail P. She had so many interesting stories. Would recommend the wine tasting room after finishing the tour.
Sandy R. — Google review
Exquisite! Huge cudos to the current owners for honoring the history of this property and transforming it into MI treasure. Family fun includes the train exhibit, enchanted forest walk, (watch for gnomes) and don't miss feeding the friendly ducks at Birch Lake. Lots of collections on exhibit too for the curious. Wedding venues galore!
Brian Bopp — Google review
Beautiful place. I would say it's a must see. A lot of land to see and the architecture is amazing. Just breath taking. Their wine is perfect.
Racheal Parmeter — Google review
Such a beautiful venue for a wedding. The staff were helpful and friendly. Only disadvantage is you can’t stay there. There was more than one wedding that day but they made you feel like it was the only one. The grounds are spacious and well maintained.
Suzy Godsted — Google review
Castle Farms - what a delight! The architecture is intriguing, especially with the history behind it all. The tour is well worth the small fee. The history of the transformation from Albert Loeb's working farm to what now is Linda Mueller's Castle Farms was absolutely intriguing!
I do not remember the exact details but I do recollect Linda Mueller bought the farm for $300,000 invested over 1.5 million! 😳
Upon giving only $25 for over-an-hour Tram guided tour (the ride was a short portion of the tour) I was fascinated by the history of the place; not only the history, also the stonework is architectural beauty! 🤩 The buildings/ surroundings visited with the tour include: the King's East Garden Room, East Garden, Butterfly Garden, Reflection Pond and Sid the Sea Monster, Octagonal Gazebo, Serenity Garden, The Dragon's Lair, Queen's Castle Tower, and Queen's Courtyard. 😍 This delightful venue is a huge place for weddings and other social events. There's just too much information to share here, so I highly suggest visiting the majestic Castle Farms. ❤
Mary B — Google review
A beautiful historic place to visit. The tour guides provide history and insight to the owners and uses of the property over the years and to the extensive restoration efforts required to make it the beautiful venue it is today for weddings and receptions.
Mark Hawley — Google review
Beautiful grounds and Castle, fully restored close to it's glory in early 1900's minus the farm part. Lots of history throughout. Pleasant tours and excellent for weddings. Favorite part is the model trains.
Rich Clark — Google review
Beautifully manicured grounds. Beautiful buildings. They were preparing for 2 weddings...looks to be an amazing wedding venue. The $20 pp was a bit much for self guided tour...although we did receive a wine sample voucher! Wine was tasty 😋
Joanne Jeter — Google review
Amazing place to visit in Charlevoix, MI! You can do a self-guided tour of the grounds and castle, but the guided tour gives you the detailed history and stories about the previous and current owner. The grounds are spectacular! They also have a winery on the grounds as well.
Shanty Creek Resort - Summit Village is a relaxed and uncomplicated hotel located within a vast resort that includes a golf course and ski slopes. The resort attracts novice and intermediate skiers, who can enjoy two distinct ski areas with a total of 53 runs, more than 60% of which are suitable for their abilities. Advanced skiers will also find challenging terrain at the resort.
Shanty Creek has always been a staple in my family life. It's a place I go to for family events like Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and other functions. Friendly staff as well as a quiet setting. None of the high energy crowd you get from other resorts. Here you can actually relax without feeling like you're being rushed. Sitting on a hill, you get a great view of Lake Bellaire as well as view the woods below. The lodge maybe old but it's charming with features you don't see anymore. The grounds are well kept and there is plenty to do all year round.
meikooceans — Google review
We have stayed many times and always enjoy it! The area is lovely, the rooms are big & spacious.. our balcony looked out over the ski hill, which was fun to watch! We had a king room with a fireplace, which was lovely in the evening. There was a huge jetted tub in the bathroom. Only thing I’d like to see them get some new beds and full size pillows. The bed was a bit squeaky and those tiny square pillows drive me bonkers! Overall, a great place to stay.
Julie Rowse — Google review
I upgraded to a deluxe room. It was dated and we had an ant problem. The water in the jet bath turned orange after the 1st use. The filter on the furnace was filthy dirty. The filter was replaced and they tried to take care of the ants but there were too many.
Bob Eluskie — Google review
Stayed for 4 nights over Christmas New Year break 2022. Even though temps hovered around freezing, they did a good job keeping the slopes in reasonable shape for skiing. Love skiing here because it never feels crowded, wait times for lifts are always pretty short.
Rooms are nice and hotel is well kept. The one thing I'd like is if they could work on venting the gas fireplaces to the outdoors. I'm not a huge fan of carbon monoxide and it's a little silly to have to open the patio door if you want to run on the fireplace.
Mark G — Google review
There is a hotel. The rooms are around $260.00 per night
We are RCI members so we are staying in a condominium in a wooded area. The resort is on Torch Lake. The biggest attraction is three golf courses. There are also some restaurants and shops. It is near other interesting towns the closest being Bellaire, MI.
Lauren Ewing — Google review
Love the location. Great place for a weekend getaway. Options to golf, snow tube or ski depending on the season. I had a balcony off the room which was delightful! I came here for a conference. The food wasn’t great for the conference but the rest of it was wonderful
Kelly Olson — Google review
Great off season price,great pool and Jacuzzi's. A nice place to stay!
Raichel Lucas — Google review
Had a great weekend of lodging and skiing. Whole family enjoyed the experience. I hadn’t been there in years and they have added many more facilities and updates. Schuss mountain was excellent Michigan skiing. Short’s Brewery in Bellaire was a great place for food and beer also
R JL — Google review
The rooms are always inviting and have beautiful views surrounding you. The Lakeview Hotel's jacuzzi suites are amazing!!! The tub is giant and centered in the room . Most rooms have a balcony. The bathrooms are very roomy and have nice showerheads. They also have in room full size coffee pots and mini refrigerators.
Rebecca Grody — Google review
Stayed @ a condo! Olivia was great. We will book again!
Michele Geldersma — Google review
We just stayed in one of the condos through the hotel in Trappers Lodge and it was a DUMP. Highly doubt it’s been throughly cleaned in quite some time.
Beds had no mattress pads or pillow covers and they were filthy. Beds desperately needed to be replaced and both sunk in the middle. Lock on door was very finnicky and did not work well at all.
Furnishings were very dated and run down. Had two TV’s both did not work.
For a three night stay, we paid close to $2k for a one bedroom and one room place and have actually paid less to a two bedroom place that was clean and updated in Breckenridge.
While we loved our time skiing, this place was absolutely disgusting and I would never stay here again.
Michelle D — Google review
Unimpressed with the food, rooms were excellent and clean.
The tubing hill Crew,were exceptional at making sure everyone had fun and maximized the experience..
Personal shout out to "brad""...
Mike Gwyn — Google review
Love this place!!! View is beautiful!! So many great pics, rooms clean and so comfy. All the staff encountered were kinds. So many amenities in room and on property. Great food on property and nearby.
Nicole Pappas — Google review
Staff is fantastic, very accommodating. The room was very clean and spacious. We had a balcony, which was nice. We were there for a special occasion and it could not have gone better. My brothers room did smell of cigarette smoke but out of eight or so rooms we had, that's not too bad. The pool was not clean. I would not recommend the breakfast buffet. Everything was cold, the pancakes were crunchy, the eggs tasted like styrofoam, biscuits and gravy tasted like flour water, etc. If you want to pay $20 for bacon, go for it, that was good. We had a good time.
Lisa Matheson — Google review
Was there for a conference. Stayed in one of the King rooms at Summit Village. It was like staying at my grandparents house. Everything is extremely dated, down to the push button microwave..like actually old school push-in, push-out buttons and an electric stove with crank adjustable mechanical clock. All the switches are in almond, the jacuzzi tub has been thru years as well, which is also in almond color. Shower door would not shut due to the hinges being worn out. It was like this before at our stay for another conference several years ago. They need to spend money on updates and basic maintenance. Staff was outstanding all the way around the block.
jkjk 3524 — Google review
I took my daughter for a day on the hills with her friends. There were lots of people taking advantage of the snow. It was a great day.
Heather Leigh — Google review
Was here for a conference in fall 2023. Location is amazing and the colors were excellent. Some updates recently but still a very dated resort complex.
Andrew Jameson — Google review
I stayed here for a conference and the water went out while I was staying here and no one was able to take a shower. The building decor was outdated and hallways were claustrophobic.
Odawa Casino is a modern destination that provides calm accommodations, as well as a pool and convenient transportation to the casino area. The resort's rooms have a restrained aesthetic to ensure guests can relax in comfort. Additionally, the hotel offers shuttle service at no cost for easy access to the casino grounds.
We stayed overnight in their RV parking area. No hookups, but it was a nice paved area. I believe you can request shuttle service to the casino, but I walked.
It's not a real large casino, but it was nice. There is a smoking room, but you can smell the smoke when you're close to it in the main non-smoking area.
The beer was nice and cold, and not too bad of a price ($3 for a domestic bottle).
They had some table games. I believe they were all either $10 or $25 minimums.
The slots were good to me, so I can't say anything negative about them. But I don't go in there thinking that I'm going to win a lot. After all, it's gambling.
The servers were great. They were friendly and quick. No waiting 20 minutes to get your drink.
I would definitely come back.
Jim — Google review
Everything was great! The staff at both the hotel and casino were extremely friendly and kind. The casino was clean and sanitized. The breakfast buffet at the hotel is wonderful! One person seemed to be running it all and they did a phenomenal job!! Thank you, Odawa!! We'll be back soon!
Nicole ?Nikki? Powley — Google review
My wife Sandy and I spent three days at your beautiful Casino. It was clean and spaced out quite well.
While Sandy played slots, I pretty much played the table games. The dealers that I came in contact with that stood out were Vic, Thomas, Vickie and a Gentleman with a braided pony tail at the Craps table. Each and every one of these staff members were kind, courteous and at times hilarious! These folks are great assets to your Casino!
Thanks to all for providing a great time, we look forward to our next visit soon!
Dave and Sandy Mohn
david mohn — Google review
Casino is a mixed bag
THE GOOD
->The casino is very clean and I love how lowkey it is… despite everything the vibe is good
->Decent video poker pay tables
->Sometimes they have $5 3-2 BJ but it’s only one table and it’s usually full so ymmv
->The dealers are super friendly
->The Cherry Pepsi from the soda machines tastes better than Cherry Pepsi from anywhere else
->I’ve heard the hotel is lovely
THE BAD
->They close at 12 on weekdays which I didn’t know when I walked in at 11.
->Hospitality is almost non existent… I wanted to sign up for a players card and couldn’t find anyone to help. I eventually asked at the pay window and they told me the players club was closed for the night and that there was nothing they could do for me… the kicker is the guy said I wasn’t missing much since I was only planning to play video poker and BJ. When I was leaving a guy in a suit “came down from upstairs” and said he could help me… to his credit he was friendly and helpful but it’s clear signing up new players wasn’t normally part of his job.
->The slot machine I played was a bloodbath… since the $5 free play can’t be used on table games and the place was closing in 1/2 an hour I put $40 into a slot and figured I would play on that until close and walk away with whatever I had…. I was betting the minimum and my $45 didn’t last 15 minutes. It wasn’t a slow bleed where you get some nice little wins on the way to losing either, it was like throwing money into a burning pit. But hey the grift worked because they got me to play slots which I almost never do.
->The sportsbook is a self serve kiosk a lot of the time because no one is working the desk. This wouldn’t be a big deal but the kiosk doesn’t dispense cash so if you have a winning ticket you have to re-bet or cash out onto a ticket that is supposed to be redeemed at the desk. If the desk is closed you have to walk over to the pay window where sometimes they can cash it and other times they tell you it can only be redeemed at the book in person. More than once I’ve left with a winning ticket instead of cash because of this, which is frustrating. Also you can’t use your players card with the book so you don’t get credit for betting on sports.
->The comps seem stingy… look i’m grateful for everything but holy cow I’ve been playing VP and BJ here 2-3 nights a week for a few months now and haven’t gotten anything so much as a mailer. Meanwhile I still get food and freeplay offers from other Michigan Casinos that I only go to once or twice a year. I’ve also never been offered drinks here which usually happens at other casinos. I don’t drink so this isn’t a big deal to me but others will want to know.
Sketchy Friends — Google review
Went to the room 94 restaurant and we were not impressed.
Lacking several drinks listed on the menu. We asked for two different beers and they brought the same to both without consulting different choices. They did correct the issue after we brought it to their attention, we were just shocked they did it. The food is basic.
They seem to focus on smoked brisket…. They should learn how to cook it as well. It was tough, we had to use a knife to cut it…sad.
I like this casino o won’t give up on them, just marking this visit as a negative experience.
Ron Hart — Google review
We had a good time for three hours here! My husband took me in a pre-Christmas trip on Nov. 30, 2021. They opened right on time! (We went early in the day.)
we didn’t win much but we didn’t spend much. We had fun trying. ☺️
The staff was incredible. The kind lady at the players club window, helped us get our cards, told us about various attractions,in the casino & out. She answered any, and all of our many questions.
We had drinks at the bar, (the bartender was friendly) & since it was a Tuesday, there wasn’t too many other people. We wore our masks & had fun trying to win back our twenties!
Good Variety of slot machines.
I would have liked to have gone when there was entertainment and also to have tried the in house restaurant.
Every single employee (floor person, bartender, players club personnel) we came into contact with, treated us with respect and answered any questions we might have about machines, or slot play, or dining, or other betting areas; being the novices we were.
apple engisch — Google review
We had a great experience. Only a couple things I wish that were different. One the hotel is not right next to the casino (would definitely be more convenient if it was) 2nd there needs to be some updating. Beds are hard and the room just felt average.
Amanda Lomason — Google review
We stayed the night in our R.V. and they had plenty of parking. They have a parking garage or open parking your choice. The casino is very nice and clean. There are lots of great games to choose from.
Ryan Sailor — Google review
It's was our first time at this Casino.
We really liked the way the smoking are was cl I see off. We had a super time. We were able to play the slips for over 2 hours, I left with my original $50. Plus. We will go back.
Floyd Harrison — Google review
Dinner was not the greatest had garlic bread with beef tips, beef tips were good bread was very hard, the hamburger my husband ordered was saturated with grease served with rotten tomatoes, we were seated with two small tables together instead of a comfortable dinning table, were told they were all taken but not one person occupied any of those empty spots while we had dinner,,, not one person sat at any of those empty tables!!!!! The casino is nice The restaurant needs attention especially the greeter and the waitress. They are there to serve Us, not for us to be made to feel so very uncomfortable. Food options need to be rethought.
Renee Hoeft — Google review
Cleanest casino in Northern Michigan, slots are loose compared to other casinos, this is far better than turtle creek. Meals are quality, affordable and great staff.
Vic Ouellette — Google review
We stayed at the casino hotel. Our heater in the room was noisy and going on and off all night, also blowing cold air. The tub was plugged, stood in water while taking a shower. We have gone to the casino multiple times and don't do anything. Also, because I don't use my card all the time, I wasn't able to receive a birthday slot play. We use my husbands. The slots are getting to expensive to bet max anymore. We're retired, and we don't bet $5, $8, $10. As we've experienced in the past, betting max on a machine, you win more frequently. Sad, your pricing people out of being able to go gamble.
Franklin John — Google review
Not much traffic. Spent 3 days here and seen less than 50 people at anytime. ( I was there a minimum of 4 hours each time.)The slots are super tight, no poker during the week, and the blackjack table doesn't open until 4pm. the payout kiosks are all out of order. I will drive to other casinos before I come back here.
Dan — Google review
I enjoy a casino experience where you can play and have fun. I like to think of it like an adult arcade but Haven't had much fun at this one. It's like the games don't even give you enough to let you keep playing for a little bit.
Ashley and the funny Fam — Google review
The games were fun, but did not win a dime (which I expected). I had never been to the casino before, so for a first timer the atmosphere was pretty good. Free soda and such. Alcoholic Drinks are expensive and so is the food court. Probably won't be going again, but I was fun for a first time experience.
Tegan Fletcher — Google review
It was easy to get here, but ticket area to cash our tickets were hard to find. Had to ask guard to get help with machines. Workers were hard to find for help.
Lynn Thompson — Google review
I understand there are lucky days and not so lucky days, but even when I hit bonuses they paid next to nothing. It's now clear to me why the place was empty on a Saturday night and why they aren't open 24 hours.
Mark Tomesek — Google review
I was part of a batcholor party that played here. It was a busy Saturday night but we had a good time and managed to find a few seats at the tables. I did alright with slots while by friends did well at blackjack.
Ali Abdul-Wahab — Google review
My mother and I decided to take a spontaneous trip out to this Casino since we've never been before. Upon our arrival, we loved the overall look of the outside of the Casino. Very inviting and beautiful design. Once we entered the Casino, we noticed the Security post was empty. No employee greeted us upon entering what so ever. We headed over to get our players card since we had a coupon for $5 free play. The woman who was at the window was extremely rude and cold to us. I believe her name was Anita. She acted as if we were an inconvenience to her right away and was short with us the whole time. We both were completely put off by her attitude. Having people at the *welcome desk* that don't even want to be there, sucks the fun out of the experience. At least fake that you enjoy your job. We walked around for a short while and played a couple games and left. Very underwhelming experience overall.
Aleasha Miller — Google review
The five minutes it took us to lose all our money was fun. Machines are tight with absolutely no return. We’re not looking to win a jackpot but it would be nice to sit and play for a while since we bothered to get up and out for the night.
Mel — Google review
What a fun little casino! Played a little, won a little, got to have a nice romantic dinner with my husband with my winnings! Great little nugget rewards of $5.00 on your players card with X amount of points earned! Super fun!
Tammy B — Google review
Worst hotel experience ever. Gentleman at front desk was quite put out that he had to take time to check us in, had to continually ask for info on shuttle, where elevators were etc. No one else in line waiting to check in at the desk, three people behind the counter so they were not busy. Wrote the hotel, no response. Casino was so so, some older machines not working but no signs showing they were out of order. 40 years of traveling and never received the disrespect this hotel staff provided. Never again.
John Deguise — Google review
Went here, immediately got racially profiled. Always went here the last three years, got accused of smoking, so I took my money and left. Absolutely disgraceful. Imagine being told you have something you DONT and being threatened that it’s a felony. Yeah good luck. I definitely won’t be giving you my money in the future. What a joke
sky - — Google review
Didn’t stay at the hotel. However, we took two elderly aunts of ours there for some pre-holiday fun in the casino. It was perfect! We were there on Friday before Christmas. The casino was clean and smoke free. The machines all looked as though they were cleaned and sanitized. Our Aunts had a blast, as did we. Btw…. After 2 hours of fun for 6 of us, we headed to Sage for dinner.
Chris Bearss — Google review
First time there, very nice place, clean and comfortable atmosphere. We will be returning very soon.
Dave Earl — Google review
We were sent an invite to get luggage boyfriend is elite myself I am premier, hours were 2 -8 for luggage we got there at 4, all gone, if you send invites for luggage, shouldn't you have enough for invited guests? Bummer, heard they were gone in an hour. False advertising I would say.
Petoskey State Park is a natural getaway with various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking through the diverse woodland trails, and walking along the bay's mile-long beach. Although some visitors have reported litter on the beach, the campground remains clean and accommodating for families. The check-in process may require a phone call and additional questions at the ranger station but provides clear directions on how to obtain a pass. Despite no water access at campsites, there are clean bathrooms available.
Love this campground so much. I've driven up there twice now (from Columbus, OH) and it's perfect! Clean, spacious, family friendly, and a super short walk to the beach. Also perfect place for hammocks! So many trees.
hannah gorby — Google review
Beach was fine. If you want to sit and layout or sift through the sand for Petoskey stones, this is your beach. Open area of sandy beach overlooking Petoskey and Harbor Springs. I'm sure the sunsets aren't too shabby either.
Roberta Peek — Google review
My wife and I and our kids loved Petoskey State Park. The beach is wonderful! Lots of space to stake your own area! The waves really start going sometimes, but can be a lot of fun! 🌊
Recommend having younger kids wear a life jacket if they plan to go out in the water some.
If you have the state park pass, it gets you in. Not quite sure on the pricing without it. Def a must have relaxation destination if you are in the area for a visit or live there!!
Matt Modify — Google review
Awesome place to stay. #134 so close to water and beach.
Bathrooms are a little dated, but still, they were clean. Hated we couldn't take our dog to the beach. This was disappointing, but everything was so clean. Clear water. Beautiful rocks. Beautiful sunsets. We will still be back.
There are so many places here that are good spots. If you have a bigger camper, it will be tight getting it in .
It's so beautiful that we loved it here. A pleasant surprise
Lora Hall — Google review
The bay was beautiful but lots of trash on the beach. Campground clean. Check-in a bit disorganized, a phone call on the yellow bat phone, then proceed to the ranger station for them to ask more questions and then give you a pass. No water at sites, but bathrooms clean.
Deb Richter — Google review
Beautiful views! The beach is lovely and Old Baldy Trail had some spectacular views!!! The campground is quiet with nice sites. Shower facilities are relatively clean and the rangers are wonderful!
Kelly Remus — Google review
We camped here two years ago and loved it!! Reserved a spot for this summer and can’t wait to go back. The beach is very relaxing and only a few minute walk from our RV. Bike trails are extensive and the people are so kind
Jon Scott — Google review
Incredible trails, lake views, lake access. Excellent year-round place to visit.
Mark Sickmiller — Google review
Excellent campground at the Petoskey State Park. The dunes campground is largely for tents while the tannery campground is mostly RVs. Very close to the beach. All sites have plenty of tree shade. Highly recommended for family stay. A couple of trails attached to the campground. View from the old baldy trail top is good.
Gautam Kabe — Google review
First time to Petoskey State Park and it's beautiful. We hiked all the trails and went to the beach. Water was too cold so we did some rock hunting and played in the sand.
We went there 3 times during our 4 day trip
angela demski — Google review
Great state park with one of the best Lake Michigan beaches in the area. Plenty of parking, sand dunes, and hiking trails. You can also camp here, which we did, but you have to book far ahead of time for prime camping months of June-Aug. Surprisingly few mosquitoes in the camping and hiking areas.
Alexander Babin — Google review
We stayed in site 130 on a weekend in the beginning of October. The site is fairly level. We only had to use one leveling block under each front tire of our suv. If you are tent or car camping, this a quick walk to the bathroom/showers, but not so close that you have to deal with the traffic, which is nice as this is the only restroom facility for approx. 100 sites and people were constantly coming and going while we were there. There is a parking area for a few cars in front of the bathhouse, which is great if you have a site further away. The bathrooms were clean. We did not use the showers. Not a lot of privacy from your neighbors at site 130. It's not a spacious site. There are no designated tent pads at any of the sites that we saw. It was quite cold so we car camped, but if we'd wanted to put up our tent, there was a small area to the left (where you see the picnic table in the photos) that looked like it might have worked if we'd moved the picnic table closer to/along the other side of the fire pit. The tent/gazebo you see in photos belonged to site 132. The path to the lakefront is very close (just two sites away). Overall we enjoyed our stay. We would definitely come back, but would try to get site 133 (or similar) next time, with more privacy, more space, and also near a lakefront path. I included photos of site 133 (empty) as well.
Sherri Harrington — Google review
We enjoy this park in the off-season when it slows down. Becomes a nice place to relax away from the traffic, hustle and bustle of all the towns. Make sure you have a state park pass for entry and of course to support your parks.
Grant G — Google review
This is a gem of a State Park. Great beach with beach concessions and lots of parking. Some 180 campsites with power, nearby water, and modern restrooms and showers. Ready access to the local bicycle trail network and nice hiking trails inside the park. Campsites nearly all great and roomy enough for most trailers and rvs.
John Crankshaw — Google review
The park itself is beautifully taken care of, staff are welcoming and full of information not to mention humorous! We had what felt like a huge site next to the boardwalk that lead up to the beach. The beach is a mile long and half is sand the other half where our site was is rocky. For other rock lovers like myself it was paradise. The lot had electric but no sewer or water hookups. Our neighboring campers were quiet and it was such a nice weekend! There are nice bike trails, conveniently located at the north side of Petoskey which was close enough to shop and restaurants! We are planning to return next year.
Stacy Massaway — Google review
Our favorite Michigan State Park, and there are a lot of beautiful parks. We have been coming here for at least 2 vacations every summer.
Dan Ross — Google review
Decided to go “Up North” for a week day getaway with my husband. Surprisingly, it was a warm October day in the high 60’s!! We’ve been wanting to come here for a while to look for Petoskey stones. The beach was almost empty so we were able to pick a spot to look for that famous stone!! We did find a few small stones so they are there if you look hard enough. The public restrooms were still opened and clean. Over all, the beach was so peaceful and beautiful! Can’t wait to visit again soon!
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry is a renowned and dependable transportation service in Mackinaw City, Michigan, offering visitors a convenient and delightful way to access Mackinac Island. With over 70 years of experience, Shepler's is the preferred choice for travelers in the area. Captain William Shepler established the company in 1945 with a vision of providing faster and more efficient ferry services.
Me, my boyfriend, and his dad had a quick and amazing trip from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island and back yesterday September 18th 🙂 we took the 2:00pm ferry and explored the island for about 3 hours, took the ferry back to Mackinaw City at 5:00 to head back home!! We are from the Gaylord/Vanderbilt areas so it was a quick little adventure to get out of the house for a few hours!! Overall it was a great trip!! Totally worth it!! Will definitely do it again next Summer!! Thank you Shepler's!!
Erica Hunter — Google review
Cool experience that I would recommend to anyone. My family and I took the morning ferry that goes under the Mackinac Bridge and it was totally worth it. Great service beyond as well, they sent a shuttle for pick up and drop off and the staff was very friendly and informative. Highly recommend their service to the island.
Bryan Stock — Google review
Safe and smooth ride to the island! I’d definitely recommend. Pricing not bad, employees very knowledgeable and friendly, and the ride is informative and fun. Would recommend Shepler’s as opposed to other companies. They have 2 different parking locations with a $20 difference. One has a shuttle that will take you right to and from the ferry from the parking lot if you don’t pay $40 to park right at the dock. It’s quite convenient and very inexpensive per day.
Maurielle C — Google review
Great ferry service to Mackinac Island. Bathrooms at both mainland and island boarding areas were clean. Lockers were readily available on the island side if you wanted to store anything after the crossing (like a jacket!). The 'Mighty Mac' ferry trip was sort of an accident on our part but had I known what the difference was before hand I would have planned to try to go on one of those crossings. The run under the Mackinac bridge over into lake Michigan then back over to the island was a cool view of the bridge that I had never had the opportunity to see before and definitely worth it in my view!
Charles Vandenberg — Google review
Staff were super nice ! Love the shuttle ride between lots. Line was long and we were still able to get seats st the top of the boat. This is definitely our go to ferry to the island!
Aenil Abram — Google review
I didn't ride any other Ferrys so I can't tell you if Shepler's is the best or not. But they were great at communicating luggage, times and prices. They made the trip painless. The ride was comfortable and quick and well worth it.
Great staff. Great communication. On time.
Joseph Mackay — Google review
Top notch from beginning to end. Nice new boats, super fast and super smooth. The Captain was so good docking the boat: the docking process was flawless - we touched like a feather against the dock. Every employee was so professional. This ran with Disney Theme Park efficiency. We did the free day-parking away from the dock and took the shuttle to the boat liading queue - no issues.
Mark Lillis — Google review
Smooth and easy ride. Ferries were on time both directions. We had ample space for the whole family. Riding up top was a beautiful way to see the bridge just after sunset and was the perfect way to end a day on the island.
Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.
Parking was also smooth and easy with their overflow day lots and shuttle service.
Andy Noel — Google review
This was such an incredible experience! Make sure to bring a warm jacket or sweater for the ride because it does get very windy and cold when in motion! If you go a certain morning times they include a free tour under the Mackinac Bridge!!
Emily O — Google review
Very fun experience. Had a very short wait both to and from the island but Sheplers did a great job and the staff was very friendly. Offer a free shuttle to and from your hotel in Mackinac City to the docks. Our ferry to the island was during the mighty mac time slot so it took you under the bridge. Great views!
Mike Lehman — Google review
Great ferry to take to Mackinac Island if you’re traveling with pets. They offer a short “detour “ to the Mackinac Bridge on the way to the Island. Highly recommended!
Paulina Maxx — Google review
Great ferry service to the island! We were disappointed that we weren’t able to do the ‘Mighty Mac’ tour under the bridge or even see the bridge on our trip to the island due to thick fog, but we enjoyed the short journey anyways. Top deck was fun, but we were happy for the enclosed main floor on the way back
Kevin Horst — Google review
A Ferry Service that was a great experience! The upper deck gives a great view of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge, going to Mackinac Island in just a few minutes. Their Lighthouse cruise, Eastern side was also enjoyable with a narrator on board. Bring a good coat cause the wind can be chilly on the trip if you are on the upper deck. Their porters take good care of your luggage and you can claim them easily on your arrival or they can bring to your hotel with a tip of course…
Maria C Gonzales — Google review
Easy parking. Quick shuttle service to the ferry. Clean bathrooms. Easy on and off the ferry.
The boat made a quick trip under the Mackinac Bridge and then headed out toward the island.
The return trip was equally as pleasant and enjoyable.
Lisa A — Google review
Very awesome ferry. We luckily got on the newest. Not sure if it was the fastest, but the biggest fastest boat I've ever transited on. I've spent some time at "30 plus" knots back in the Navy, but almost 40 knots on a these ferry boats was something else. We lucked out and got seats on the top deck. Beautiful sunny calm day to scoot across the water.
Jeff Snyder — Google review
If I could rate them 10 stars I would! They do allow well behaved dogs on the ferry, which is amazing! We took our dogs on a trip to Mackinac Island and they loved riding on the ferry! We have done the trip that goes under the bridge as well as the one that goes jus to the island. The crew is always very kind to us! Can't wait for our next ride!
Massive water park inside a resort featuring slides, a lazy river & children's pool.
Everyone was friendly and helpful. Midweek wasn't the least crowded and the price wasn't extravagant either. Great section for smaller kids, with fountains and shallow pools to splash in. Lots for the big kids too. Four bigger slides, the surfing wave and a nice arcade.
Amy Stevens — Google review
We arrived at 1105 and had a short wait to get inside. The park was perfect for our 2.5 year old. The lines for the slides were minimal. The food was what you’d expect from a water park. The life guards were polite and plentiful. The restrooms were clean and the towels were always available. The chlorine wasn’t overwhelming like other parks we’ve been to. The only “issues” were the other patrons inattentiveness and the occasional rudeness. We would definitely come back.
Kevin G — Google review
Went to Avalanche Bay for our youngest son's birthday, and even though the main dropout slide was still down, we still had a good time. The place was clean, and the guards were attentive but not overbearing. My wife got in free b/c it was Mother's Day, so that was nice. Would recommend it since there really aren't too many indoor parks available in N. MI just plan on arriving early to get a decent parking spot! Well done, Boyne!
Dave M — Google review
Amazing indoor water slides. There are a bunch of great slides for the brave and all very different. The spaces for the younger kids isn't as great but good enough.
They must be short on staffing now. One guy was hustling his butt off to send people down all of the slides at the top of stairs. The food counter had just one person taking orders or handing them out and was slammed so that was very slow. Food that was ready sat there waiting to be handed out for over 10-15 mins.
A little cold on the food side of the building. Better on the other end by the hot tubs.
Great water park really just marred by short staffing.
Marcus Bergstrom — Google review
Strictly talking about the Waterpark, nothing really stands out in terms of slides and such. Having the surf wave is a huge boon and really fun. It's an average indoor Waterpark. What separates Avalanche Bay from other places I've been is the life guards. Not only were they attentive, but they were professional and friendly. They were everywhere and I felt confident in letting my kids go about without my supervision, and that my kids would be safe. They were helpful and helped all my kids learn to surf and such. The lifeguards are what make this place great.
Raymond Hadley — Google review
Really fun place for the family! There are a lot of fun rides, the play structure for the kids is amazing (2 entry points, ready to watch the kiddos).
Food prices are a little rough, however the loaded waffle fries are awesome and the drinks were very good.
Highly recommend, probably the best waterpark we've been to in Michigan!
Michael Cowper — Google review
Where do I start! If you're like me and research everything and the tickets are still in your cart, CHECK OUT NOW! Lol it's worth every penny! We went from noon till 8pm and we had fun the entire time! We didn't even make it to the arcade! I lost my glasses in the lazy River and when I tell you the staff went diving! They put on a 3 hour search and found them for me! I was so grateful I can not begin to tell yall! Ther was a bottomless bucket of towels! Never a wait for rest rooms. The Bar,,,,Rides,,,and snack shacks were busy. But when I tell you the staff had the lines going! We waited no more than 10min for anything! I will be back a few times this year! Jacuzzi, kiddie pools, we found seating right away. Do not listen to the negative reviews. This water park is exactly what it should be! WET...BUSY...SPLASHY FUN AND WORTH EVERY DOLLAR🤸🏾♀️
Ebony Pies — Google review
Clean wonderful place! If your child is 48-52” note that their 48” sign at the bottom and measuring post at the top for the tube slides is off by quite a few inches and they won’t be allowed to ride. Two other fun slides they can enjoy and my littlest enjoyed the toddler area.
Bri Dixon — Google review
My toddler loved it! I.. as a 38 yr old enjoyed the slides haha. Spent about 4 hours there. Couldn't get him out of there!
Stacy Templeton — Google review
We come to BM every year for our sons birthday. We always have the best time! The staff and rooms are great! Clean and has everything you can imagine on site! Would recommend to anyone!!
Kristen Harrington — Google review
Disappointed!!! We heard this was a largest water park in Mi. The lighting is dim, the air hurt our eyes from chlorine! Even before we got into the cold water! They aloud high school age boys to throw balls at each other in the little kiddos pool! Hit our 1 year old in the head with a ball! Not as much to do compared to other indoor water parks!!! Anyone can walk right in there, they don’t check to see if you have a tickets!!! Bathrooms/locker rooms not clean! Will not go back!
joy — Google review
Nice room. It wasn't cleaned well when we arrived. Water park bracelet on the floor and the dishes were spotty. The kitchen table had grime and crumbs on it. Outrageous prices at stores and eateries. I know it's a resort, but dang.
Jason — Google review
Loved this place, it was so fun!
Only reason i didn't give 5 stars is bc they really need to make the kiddie pool a little more inclusive to learning walkers.. and not only have 1 big slide with 3 mini water fountains.
And bc this place needs WAY MORE seating. Considering how busy this place was (bc they're only open 3 days a week) and how pricey the tickets are there should be guaranteed seating for at least 2 ppl per party of 5.
Karla G — Google review
For the high cost and the great quality of the rest of Boyne Mountain resort, I’m shocked that this has good reviews. The waterpark does not look as nice as the pictures. It is gross, outdated, and so so cramped. Everything is on top of each other with very little walking space. There is not a single inch of this place to relax - one hot tub is full of kids, a chaotic short lazy river, and the only sitting places are a couple chairs scattered.
If you are staying here and need to entertain your kids and $50/person doesn’t mean much to you then sure. I would never drive out of my way for this waterpark, there are so many better ones like Kalahari.
Andria W — Google review
It’s alright for a small indoor park in tiny town USA. If we’re going to say that the best water parks are 5 stars it’d be hard to give this one more than 3. It’s just very small and compact. You can run through everything they have in about an hour. So you end up paying resort prices to do the same 6 things all day or float in a circle on the miniature lazy river that mostly runs under the slides. It’s clean well presented. The attractions they do have are fun. Most of the life guards are young kids that look like they partied hard the night before / on the way to work & I wouldn’t fully trust their attention to detail if I brought little ones here.
Ryan Michael — Google review
We took the kids to Avalanche Bay on a Sunday. It wasn't to packed. The kids had a great time. I even did a few rounds of going down the water slide.
Tina Thoel — Google review
This place!!!! It’s so much fun. I don’t even have kids!
Just kidding…I have three. Their ages range from 4-14 and they all had a blast. The lodging has a lovely Scandinavian vibe and everything is well made. We will return; it was a wonderful family getaway.
Erica Walsh — Google review
We took our son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren here and had a great time. A very well run operation. Plenty of towels. The staff was helpful and kind. The food and drinks are expensive, so be prepared.
Barbara Hall — Google review
Was am amazing experience. I have a 3 year old and he had so much he could enjoy!! They offer life vests if needed which I thought was great!! Life guards were always patrolling and there wasn't a moment I couldn't see at least 1 in my view. Prices were very reasonable for the amount we had to do. Highly recommend
Vanessa Sanda — Google review
Everything was great except for when I was on the Rip Zone a bunch of kids were laughing at me. Life guards need to stop them instead of also laughing. Oh well I'm pretty sure everyone is just jealous of how rad I looked shredding it up so whatever. Also slushies at the snack shack are super yummy.
Rick Sanchez — Google review
Avalanche Bay offered so much fun for my 12, 13, 16, and 18 year old. Many slides and activities to do. Several water slides, a pool with basketball hoops and a bunch of activities, a surfing thing, lazy river, a couple hot tubs, a huge activity tower with lots to do, and a little kid area. Lifeguards. All the safety things.
Positives: It really is a great place to go for kids of all ages. Its well kept and clean. My kids had a fantastic time and kept them very busy.
Negatives: I feel it's pricey. If you've ever been to Cedar Point or Great America...during the "on" season its similarly priced with not nearly as much to do. But...if you go during a day thats 20 to 30 dollars=worth it.
GET THERE EARLY. Lots if seating but definitely not enough to accommodate everyone there. Same for the lockers in the locker room. They were all taken when we got there with no alternatives. So...no seats, no lockers. The locker rooms were quite a mess because of this.
THE FOOD: Although there are several restaurants in the resort, they do have a little Cafe eatery in the water park. By 2:30 they had run out of most of their menu (no pizza, garlic, bread, or chicken tenders). They still had hot dogs and cheese curds. The prices are horrendous $6.50 for a hot dog. The pizza price was decent but not available. We were able to go to a nearby pizzeria and order pizzas to go. However...we went during the peak ski season so the wait at any other place was awful.
All in all the things that sucked were adult worries and my kids had no idea. They had a great time and it was worth it.
Just...get there EARLY.
Kara Courtney — Google review
Just a day trip with the kids.
Our first time there, and it was excellent!
However, I just wish they had a family changeroom. I'm a single father with 2 young daughters. Instead, we had to wait for a family washroom to change in. It is what it is... we made it work.
Dan Leduc — Google review
Not a whole lot for adults, the waterpark passes themselves are expensive for the amount of other things you have to pay for while there. Realistically, the passes should be like 30 dollars considering that's about all it's worth. Friendly staff. Locker rooms were sopping wet and crowded, should at least squeegee the floors every once in awhile. Especially with all of the kids running around. Waits weren't too long for slides, only 2 slides running but overall, decent experience. The room was almost 240 dollars. The couch squeaked all night long. Room felt very dated.
Rockelle Romano — Google review
It was okay. We got the 30% off deal for a day pass before spring break, but I would have been highly disappointed if we'd paid full price (~$260 for 4 people). Definitely needs some updates as you can see paint peeling off in several places. It was mostly clean when we first got there at opening time, however no one keeps up on anything that we saw, I had a clump of someone else's hair stuck on my ankle at one point. Lots of hair and food pieces on the floors. Highly suggest water shoes because of this. Locker rooms were filthy, disgusting, and you can't use your own lock, you have to pay for a locker.
It's nice that they have two medium sized water slides for younger kids, that don't empty into a pool at the end. The large water slides were fun, they just didn't have the one running that we looked forward to using (the toilet bowl one).
There's a good sized area for smaller kids to play safely in.
The water is too cold and the chlorine was harsher on our eyes than most places we've been.
A lifeguard whistled and yelled at my husband for having our 5 year old on his shoulders in the basketball pool (he was the only thing between her and all the teenagers throwing basketballs).
There's not really a pool adults can enjoy, only one with lots of basketball hoops where kids are playing. Which leaves the lazy river being the only place adults who can't use waterslides can enjoy.
It says it's the biggest indoor water park in Michigan, however I don't see how it's any bigger than Great Wolf or Soaring Eagle they all look the same. Definitely not worth the full price, if you get a discount it's worth the kids being able to do something different in the winter.
We won't be back anytime soon.
Erin E. — Google review
My family only visited the water park, Avalanche Bay, we did not stay in the hotel. The water park was okay. The stairs going up to the slides were painted gray and black, and it made it a little weird to walk up... they should maybe have a brighter color on the edge of the step for safety purposes. It didn't seem like there was enough chlorine in the pools. There was an odd background smell across the whole water park that smelled like a lack of chlorine and almost like a mechanical oil issue? The area for the kids, the big fort, was good overall. Again, there are a few safety issues with one area that is a wooden bridge that was SUPER slippery that they had rubber rugs on, but they really should come up with a more permanent solution...the rugs didn't cover the entire bridge and were slid down themselves a little even. There were also a few different step areas in the fort that were a little raised that if you're not careful and picking up your feet enough will trip you, or potentially hurt the bottom of your foot. The locker rooms as a visiting day guest were ok. I was really only SUPER concerned about the shower areas. I went in to shower off before leaving as I was a day guest, and there were little moths on my legs and body in the shower that were living in the shower, and the walls of the showers could use a good deep clean. We did enjoy the racing slides, the lazy river, and the big slides. We most likely will be back, but we may utilize the bathroom of the hotel lobby as that was quite a bit cleaner to the eye, and there were no moths in that restroom.
Abigail Richard — Google review
Cost way too much money to go in here. Website did not say much more than it needs to be saying way over cost that it should be in this park. I wouldn’t come back here again way too expensive for a little to do. not to mention, the food was way too expensive understand it cost a lot to run apart but the food was not the greatest and it was way too expensive
Mackinac Island State Park, occupying 80% of the car-free island, boasts of limestone bluffs, a rocky beach and forests. It spans across 1,800 acres with over 60 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking or horseback riding. The park showcases unique geological formations like Arch Rock on Lake Huron's shoreline and historical monuments exclusive to the island revered by Great Lakes Indian tribes.
Such a beautiful view of the water from this historic island. Very pet friendly! Walk, ride a carriage or bike around the island at your own leisure. Great place to visit for people of all ages. I can't wait to go back. (Give yourself sometime to adjust to the smell of the horses. 🙂😅)
Sheree Campbell — Google review
Beautiful place to visit with a lot of history! Lots of little shops, especially with a huge variety of fudge! The people who work on the island are all pretty friendly. You definitely want to explore the butterfly house, it's amazing! The one thing that I'd highly suggest is that if plan on eating, stand outside the door at least 15 minutes prior to the restaurant opening! Trust me, the wait time can be almost 2 hours! Have fun!
Jennifer Manninen — Google review
Mackinac Island State Park is an amazing destination for a visit in any season, with a beauty so captivating you'd wish you could stay forever. I visited last fall in October and its about 5-6 hour drive from Detroit, you'll reach Mackinaw City and from there, take a ferry to the island. You can book ferry tickets online or buy at ferry entrance. Embrace the unique experience of a car-free island, where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the primary modes of transport. The island features incredible hotels and restaurants that cater to every taste, ensuring your stay is comfortable and delightful. Be sure to catch the breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan, a sight that truly showcases the lake's grandeur. Mackinac Island is a perfect getaway for those seeking an amazing time with friends and family, offering both relaxation and adventure. I would definitely 💯 recommend it to anyone looking for a truly memorable experience.
Krishna — Google review
You need to buy a ticket for a cruise to enter the island.The island is beautiful. I recommend renting or bringing your bike to ride around it and also go up through the center of the island. And you can have make a ride around the island.Make sure you check out Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, Sugar Loaf, British Landing, Fort Mackinac, The Grand, and any other little pull off you come to. We had a great time exploring the island with group of friends especially when fall colors were.♥️
You get fresh hot chocolate fudge there
vishnu vardhan reddy — Google review
You need to take a ferry to get to this park. This is a historic and a scenic park. The coolest thing about this place is that there are no cars inside and the transport is either through Horse Carriage or by renting a bike. There are lot of scenic attractions. The Arch Rock was our favorite. You can bike/hike through the entire perimeter of the island. You can see amazing turquoise color water here. Some great food options available near the ferry terminal.
Saiprabhu B — Google review
Mackinac Island is always amazing. No motor vehicles. Nice walking, horseback riding or bikes. You must take a ferry to and from the island. Several to choose from. Plan on spending the whole day shopping, walking, exploring, eating and just taking in the spectacular views. If you'd like to stay over, there are plenty of hotels including, of course, the Grand hotel which is not only beautiful but haunted 👻
Coolette Stanbury — Google review
This place is magical. There are no cars just transportation by bicycles and horses. Traveling around the whole island is amazing. I do recommend getting a bicycle to bike the whole island. I will say there are some hills to bike up. Everything about this place is great and amazing. I would recommend going to the fort and the grand hotel and also checking out the areas away from the main part of town.
Jessica Ware — Google review
This place is a must see, you just have to experience it to appreciate it. No cars, all bike, walk or horse drawn carriages!! The history This place offers is amazing. Our carriage driver was wonderful, I forget her name but she was from Portland Oregon and she was great! We went to the Ft. Macinaw, butterfly conservatory, the grounds of the island is beautiful no matter where you go and the views are all amazing!!!
Elke Ream — Google review
We visited the island over the Memorial Day weekend. We had high hopes based on the reviews and vlogs. Unfortunately, we didn’t find it as good of an experience overall as we expected.
We took the Shepler’s ferry and I think they have a great service. We made it there in time to catch the Mighty Mac which takes us under the Mackinaw bridge, that was nice.
As soon as we got off at the island, we realized how crowded it was in the downtown area. The roads are chaos with people who don’t have the skills of riding a bike going all over the place. They don’t even stop at pedestrian crossings!
We skipped the Grand Hotel and the Fort. We walked to the Arch Rock which looks beautiful, then the Greens of Mackinac which was also a nice place to hangout. We tried the fudge and that was a waste of money!
Overall, I’m “not” rating it as a bad place or not worth the visit. It’s more of a highly commercialized and crowded tourist place than a place with worth-seeing attractions. If you have the time and budget, I’d still recommend seeing the island. Just don’t expect too much, unless your desire is to try a bike, horse carriage and spend money on restaurants.
TG Gunasekara — Google review
Had a great time exploring the island on my bike. Loved that the trails led to beautiful landmarks. Plenty of shops for souvenirs and food choices. Given we visited in July, it was very busy on the island. Just beware there are horses on the island so lots of poop to avoid 😅
Liz Almaraz — Google review
I would definitely go again. The bike ride was a lot of fun. You can stop and take amazing photos too. Hikes on the way here and there, actually you can't finish everything in one day, at least two.
Recipe Trips — Google review
I have been up to mackinaw island close to ten times in my young life so far. I simply can’t get enough of the beautiful one of a kind island. I’ve visited the island with family, and with the BSA mackinaw honor guard two years. Not only is mackinaw island truly an experience you won’t get anywhere else (due to it being without motor vehicles) but it has some stunning scenery, such as arch rock, mackinaw fort, fort Holmes, etc. you literally will not run out of things to do and see while visiting this beautiful treasure.
Andrew Gawrych — Google review
The State Park is an amazing adventure. Some of the wooded areas are so quiet, and then some you may see a squirrel or a crow. We rode our bikes through it. There is a location that has bathrooms, food, and ice cream. There are some signs throughout to give you directions and downtown has free maps as well.
Lisa Coker George — Google review
It's a gem of Michigan state parks. Summers here are busy. We stayed 2 nights on the island and it was memorial. Rode bikes and ate good food. All touristy full of souvenirs. Away from town it gets quiet. Watch great lakes freighters go by. Very nice and safe.
David Kiesel — Google review
Amazing place. I biked around the entire island( 8 miles) and had a great time. There were so many horses around the island. There were bugs on the ferry on the way there, but I sat outside on the way back and there were none. Most people would enjoy the butterfly house, and insect world. They are very beautiful and peaceful. Overall great atmosphere and fudge, and lots of things to do
Abigail Bebee — Google review
What an awesome place to visit! We brought our own bikes, but rentals are everywhere. There are also horse-drawn taxis. Beautiful gardens and estates.
Princess K — Google review
A place like no other. Took the wife there for a 3 day 10 yr anniversary vacation and it was awesome. The island is like a living theme park and the state park part has gorgeous scenery. It can be biked in an hour at a leisurely pace and there are ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, boating, and trail riding. Town is pricey yes and touristy (coming from a tourist to be fair) but a unique experience none the less. Again, we stayed on the island for a few days and that's a great way to take it in but not one I would do often as it is very expensive (like $2500 bucks for 3 days expensive) but visiting for the day can check a lot of the boxes for the experience. It was a bucket list thing and I don't regret a single minute.
Fort Mackinac, established in 1780, is a historical landmark that offers exhibits and tours. The vintage architecture and unique shops along the main street provide visitors with a glimpse of the past. The island has a rich history dating back over 400 years, from Native Americans to French settlers who used it as a resort and trading center. Jacques Marquette's statue stands near Fort Mackinac, which was built by the British in 1780 and is one of Michigan's oldest structures.
Even if you're not too into the history, the sights from up top are amazing. If you are into history, there are exhibits all over the fort. They also do a couple cannon firings each day, with ample warning for your ears, and several reenactments. I've never had a bad time here, or really a meh time at all.
Michael Schmidt — Google review
Half the fun of coming to the fort was seeing all of town from on top of the hill! The views are great from the walls of the fort. The fort and demonstrations are great, as well as the restaurant within the fort, however, there were some areas that were blocked off and some of the exhibitions seemed rather skimpy, and didn't have as much as they could have (take the barracks, for example). It kept us busy for a little over an hour (with reading most of the signs and not watching the small educational videos that played in some of the rooms).
Jacob Brower — Google review
Fort Mackinac is a cant-miss place when visiting the island. The historic fort is well-maintained with a very informative museum chronicling the island’s history and the forts role in the War of 1812. The fort also has some of the best views on the island, looking down on the town and harbor and across to the Mackinaw Bridge. Many of the buildings are open and contain exhibits showing how life was like for soldiers stationed there 200 years ago. Definitely one of the highlights of our time here!
Kevin Horst — Google review
This vital part of the legacy of Mackinac Island began during the Revolutionary War, and it has been well preserved for our education and enjoyment. We spent a little over two hours touring as much as we could and still ran out of time to see all of it. We also stopped for lunch at the Fort's dining area, The Tea Room, hosted by The Grand Hotel. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and, of course, some afternoon tea. (Kinda almost felt a little British there for a moment, but me Irish and Welsh kicked me back to reality.) The Fort is a must see, and do take the time to read about everything as you tour to get the most out of your adventure.
Mike knott — Google review
The Fort is cool, but the whole Island itself is an amazing little place. Feels like a flashback to the past and the no car rule makes it amazing for biking of course. So definitely bring or rent a bike once you land. Fun little shops and buildings to explore so definitely get there early in the day if you aren't spending the night!
TheLeakingGenius — Google review
Family spent a good part of the day here while on Mackinac Island. Lots of very interesting historical information and equipment etc on display and some in action too! The 'staff' if that's the right term for them are super friendly and engaging especially with kids! They'll explain the uniforms they wear, what a day would have been like for the people stationed at the fort and demonstrate their equipment as well! The cannon firing is definitely worth seeing especially if you've never witnessed a muzzloading cannon loaded and fired. These are salute shots same as would have been the standard when the fort was actively manned and interestingly were the only type of shots fired since the cannons of the fort itself were never actually fired in anger. The fun things you learn from the 'soldiers' at the fort!
It was a great time, the kids had a blast running around, seeing all the displays and living history etc.
Charles Vandenberg — Google review
You won't experience anything like it anywhere else. It's more than just an island. It has a certain type of atmosphere that will leave you longing for the days when everyone wasn't walking around nose deep in their phones and taking selfies every couple minutes. I highly recommend going off on your own and exploring the least taken paths. Stay away from all the huge groups of people as much as possible. You'll have a much more enjoyable experience.
D. Saunders — Google review
Enjoyable for all history buffs. You will see a demonstration firing off a cannon as well as a period rifle. I suggest taking a horse drawn carriage up to the fort (they are reasonably priced), and you will see other sights on the way such as the grand hotel which has the biggest veranda. Don't forget to get the best fudge while on the island.
Benjamin Korhorn — Google review
Definitely a place to check out on your journey through Mackinac Island. Be willing to hike up a steep hill. Full of history, historic structures, and informational displays (exhibits; some are interactive) and surrounded by beauty. Demonstration of the canon firing was cool to watch. The tickets were $15.50 a person.
JustMe — Google review
Incredible fort! The restoration efforts to keep this historic site alive are amazing. Some incredible views of the island and Lake Huron greet you at the top of the ramp to the entrance. Fun activities for the kids and much to learn here. For what you’re able to see/learn about, it’s well worth the price. If you’re sightseeing all around the Straits, I highly recommend a Mackinac Family Heritage Pass to be cost-effective.
Kaden Kirtley — Google review
It is definitely a climb to get up there, but it's so worth it. What a great place with lots of history. We enjoyed wandering around and learning about the for. They have some great events during the day, like shooting the cannon. There is a store for souvenirs and a Tea Room is available. The views from the for are amazing. They also offered a military discount, which was wonderful.
Donna Smith — Google review
The history is incredible and the staff was friendly. Took off stars because it is not stroller friendly. We had prepaid tickets and there was no "express line" to bypass the wait.
We ended up climbing the hill to the left of the entrance to avoid the front entrance stairs which helped us get the stroller into the fort, but once we were in there, most buildings had stairs so you couldn't take it in.
If you have mobility issues or young kids, this is not a good place to visit. It's a good place for history buffs or families with older kids.
Selena Beers — Google review
The history of this fort is pretty cool! Be sure to do the half hour tour when you get there. Firing and cannon demonstrations every 60-90 minutes. Tea room on site has salads and sandwiches. We didn’t eat there, but it’s an option. Lots of stairs to get into the buildings and around the fort. It takes about 1 1/2-2 hours to go through. Really cool piece of American history.
Elizabeth Dawes — Google review
It was full of history and really nicely kept.
Beautiful views as well!
Make it a place to visit. You won't be disappointed!
Becki Miller — Google review
Very romantic and relaxing! Beautiful everywhere you look. Absolutely must go visit if you haven't been. The air is fresh, water is clear blue, food is delicious and lots to do! Bring your wallet full of cash.
Tonya D'Amato — Google review
The fort was very interesting with great exhibits. We ate lunch at the Tea Room. Reasonable pricing! A chicken wrap was $13 with chips. The view was worth every penny. Would not recommend for handicap as there were many steps and the hill is very long and steep. For the able bodied this is a must when visiting Mackinac Island!
Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch located in an island state park, is a breathtaking scenic spot accessible by trails. It is situated just past the one-mile marker and considered to be the most impressive of all Mackinac Island's features. Visitors can climb up 200+ steps to see the arch, which offers stunning views of the lake. While there might be lines, they move quickly to access these viewing spots.
Photos never do it justice. Gorgeous view, cool rock formation. Many ways to get there bike the outer loop and walk the stairs up, bike the middle of the island up, walk or catch a carriage ride. We stop every time we visit the island.
Amber Yanovich — Google review
We visited Arch Rock twice during our visit to Mackinac Island. The first time we visited was during the Horse Carriage Tour of the Island. You only have about 6 minutes to get of the carriage and snap a few pictures. The view was very beautiful and there was a kayak group in the water below. The second time we visited was the following day on a bike ride around the island. This time we could see the arch from the beach looking up. There are also stairs that you can climb to the scenic area at the top.
Chris M — Google review
We rolled in at 6:45 am, and it was like stepping into a scene of perfect calm. Not a soul around, just the soothing sounds of nature. Watching the sunrise was a real treat, like catching a secret show just for us. Its hardly a 10 minute walk on the steps, but the view is something you don't stumble upon every day. We went down to the beach also which is right below the arch rock.
Shashank — Google review
Wow, this is a breathtaking view! Words and pictures can’t describe it. Plan to wait in line but the line moves quickly to get to these viewing spots. The trail from the road around island was closed, so we had to navigate through the streets; easy to find but uphill most of the way! You can also take the wagon ride here if you are not into biking or walking.
H Cab — Google review
Brings back memories from being a kid. A huge piece of Michigan’s tourist attractions you want to see the beautiful arch. The water and view from here is breathtaking. I’m glad I finally can enjoy it more now that I’m older. Definitely one of my favorites places to visit.
Nick Leach — Google review
My husband couldn't climb to the arch, but it was wonderful. There are 207 steps to the top. There is a great view from up there. You can see the arch from down on the road, if you don't want to climb to the top.
Donna Smith — Google review
Arch Rock is a breathtaking natural wonder on Mackinac Island. This stunning limestone arch stands as a testament to the power of erosion and time. The view from the observation point is nothing short of spectacular, with Lake Huron stretching out endlessly. The short hike to reach Arch Rock is relatively easy and well worth the effort. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Mackinac Island, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and geological wonder. Don’t forget your camera – this is a place you’ll want to capture and remember.
Harry — Google review
Unique experience as part of a carriage tour of Mackinac Island. Highly recommend the carriage tour as you see many aspects of living on the island. Stayed 2 nights at the Grand Hotel - absolutely fabulous experience including awesome meals. No two rooms are the same!
Kirk Gentry — Google review
Must visit spot in Mackinac Island. We parked our bikes at the bottom of the stairs and climbed 200 odd steps to reach the arch. The views are breathtaking. The water is turquoise in color and reminds you of the Emerald Coasts of Florida. Easily, one of the highlights of the park.
Saiprabhu B — Google review
Gorgeous! We were able to see more of the arch from the ground but climbing up the steps was definitely worth it.
Erin Timmer — Google review
Beautiful spot to observe a natural formation. Two ways to get there: 1) walk about 10 minutes (or faster bike ride) past Mission Point Resort to the staircase (207 steps). This is the quickest to the top. There is a natural spring at the base of the staircase. 2) Bike Arch Rock Road from the center of town and skip the stairs.
Robert Pagliaro — Google review
Short bike ride from the downtown area. It took about 20 min one way to hike up if you prefer the steps. There are about ~200 steps and can be doable by most. If you have time at least it is doable up and down with some 19 min time spend on that too (considering you have rented the bike ). Top of the rock view is amazing to watch the lake for top. Restrooms are at the top and I don’t find any vending machines or fountain. Steps are well maintained. There is an another way you can reach the top by road way from inland and we haven’t tried. Plenty of spaces at the top to park the bike as well as some spaces available to park your bike at the bottom of that hill as well. Worth the hike and we had a party of 4 year old kids and baby too.
Prabha Shankar — Google review
Nice stop if you like to enjoy beautiful vistas and get in some cardio. There are over 200 stairs to climb to reach the viewpoint, but there are benches interspersed along the route if you need to take a breather. We climbed the stairs with an 11 year old, and it felt perfectly safe. The views along the climb are wooded, so you may peek the lake as you ascent, but there are no real vistas until you reach the top.
At the top, there is a crowd in the summertime, and you can wait for your perfect photos of the Arch with the beautiful blues of the waters below. Don't forget to take in the view from the lake level by riding/walking just past the arch stairs entrance.
There are bathrooms at the top and also other places on the island loop, which was great. You never felt uncomfortable from not being able to find a restroom.
Lisa A — Google review
This is probably the coolest spot on this island. Only a 207 step walk up to the top, great panoramic views from the little ledge.
C R — Google review
There's two ways to get here, on the coastal road and take the 207 steps up. Or bike/hike/horse carriage ride up the inland road to the top. Both are incredibly easy to find/navigate.
The stairs are well maintained and even, our 2yr old was able to do most of the climb unassisted. There's a bathroom at the top as well but I did not see a water fountain (though I didn't look closely).
Plenty of parking spaces for your bikes. Plenty of space for multiple people at the top.
Selena Beers — Google review
It is well worth the trek to the top. We chose to hike from town thru the woods /trail system than climb the 200+ stairs. The view at the top was breathtaking.
Michael Brady — Google review
It's an arch made of rock.
There's steps from the outside trail you can walk up. I think it was a little over two hundred steps.
Or there's a road that goes right to the top. Your choice I guess. But the steps have great scenic views and are more fun
Dean Stobinski — Google review
Free once you are on the island. We walked from the fort. Beautiful spot, but confusing to get to with the construction going on.
Catholic shrine in a park with a huge crucifixion sculpture plus a nun doll museum.
I am not catholic but this really gave me pause and I definitely felt humbled. It is a beautiful work. The setting is peaceful and spiritual. The cross walk made you mindful of the suffering of Christ. Plenty of parking. It’s free to enter but there are places you can donate.
Ruthie march — Google review
Quiet and serene. A perfect place to sit, relax, and pray or contemplate. Several areas to give prayers and other offerings.
Gary Roehm — Google review
This place is amazing and the cross in person is huge. It's a beautiful place. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Richard ?Dick? Fuller — Google review
We enjoy this shrine. There is a doll museum and other interesting artifacts and stories inside. But the best part is walking up to the crucifix and walking and praying through the garden. It’s a beautiful and serene place where my family will visit every year.
J Sheldon — Google review
You’ve GOT to see this place!
So peaceful and beautiful.
Very well kept grounds, decent gift shop, especially if you are looking for rosaries and crucifixes.
Giant- I mean GIGANTIC crucifix on a hill outside! A must see. Prayers abound in your heart when you are here🙏❤️
Marcia Vandermus — Google review
Only been to the cross of the woods with an old girlfriend once, it was a magnificent area lots of woods, the Cross itself is just absolutely magnificent. It definitely honors Jesus Christ beautifully. I'm going to go up as soon as I can, because I don't really want to forget going up there. It's a great place to go. And the wooded areas are thick with beauty.
Steven Russell — Google review
Cross in the Woods is a lovely and relaxing place for contemplation and prayer. There were winding paths through a beautiful wooded area with various shrines to different saints. You could also follow a path to contemplate upon the Stations of the Cross. At the center of this place, stands a gigantic cross with Christ upon it, reminding us of sacrifice, love, and grace. It was a very peaceful place, even with many people visiting.
Christine Olson — Google review
Always a beautiful visit! I have made a special trip at least once a year for many years now. Very welcoming atmosphere. The grounds and buildings are always in wonderful condition, the ladies in the gift shop are always pleasant to interact with. One of my favorite places in Michigan ❤️
Love Sparkle — Google review
Beautiful church and outdoor areas. Cool museum with nuns outfits from all over. I wish we would have been here to attend one of the outdoor masses.
Melissa G. — Google review
Amazing, beautiful, peaceful place to reflect and worship. Features an outdoor mass with a huge cross of Jesus as the center focus. The surrounding wooded areas have stations with saints and a meditation walk. The gift shop is abundant, and the service friendly and informative. It is just a wonderful, spiritual place to reconnect, pray, and slow down to worship for a bit. I hope to be able to attend a mass one day.
Thomas — Google review
Made a quick detour on a drive down I-75 to visit the Cross in the Woods and it was absolutely worth it. The visit took about 45 minutes but that was entirely a result of how much we enjoyed the stop and wanted to take our time enjoying the serenity of place. The grounds were well maintained and lined with easily walkable paths. Worth knowing there is no cost to visit and there are restrooms available near the parking lot. The Cross (Crucifix) was stunning and the outdoor setting was the absolute picture of peace and calm on the day we visited. The giftshop is not a a requirement in any way but had a few decent souvenirs.
Luis Francisco González — Google review
Completely breath taking. This place will completely move you if you are Catholic or not. If I lived a little closer, I’d attend mass here once and a while, as the drive would be worth it. You will get a sense of peace while visiting the grounds. We couldn’t stay long, as it’s still pretty cold up here. We’ll be back this summer, for sure. Love and peace to all who visit.
Large nature park featuring a herd of wild elk, which can be viewed from inside your car.
The animals seem to be well taken care of. We have been visiting for over 10 years now regularly. They have a lot of elk, fallow deer and sometimes we see turkeys. We love this time of year because the elk have babies and their antlers are still in velvet.
PattyJean78 — Google review
Such a neat place to see the elk. Fenced in property. Easy to see the animals. Great place for kids to observe
Mia Saxour — Google review
It's a cool treat to see these amazing animals up close. They're beautiful ❤️and It's interesting to watch their behavior with each other.
Windy Ronteltap — Google review
Such an interesting experience so close to town. It was a fun break away to enjoy some nature and see the elks enjoying the land.
Maria Cook — Google review
What an amazing and unique thing to experience these animals in this way. Thank you to the City of Gaylord for doing an unconventional thing so very well.
Anne Porter — Google review
Wonderful place to see a bunch of very amazing creatures. During my visit they had both Elk as well as Moose. Phenomenal place especially for the kids!
A Person (Dark Slasher) — Google review
I absolutely LOVED this place when we finally got to go!
We went and bought lunch and eat in the car well..
The elk also where eating lunch!
This is really a neat place to be able to observe Elk of all sizes in a close up and personal way! Besides being able to pet it's pretty cool!
I think it's very neat that someone has dedicated their time to preserving these beautiful animals!
Emily Williamson — Google review
GREAT PLACE for anyone - especially younger set, little kids to 30's, to see Elk and white deer up close.
Beautiful animals, you want to be there a 'dinner time' for them, hay bales rolled to within 30 feet of fence. They come right up to the fence! Roughly 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Bill McCarthy — Google review
It was awesome to see the Elk and Deer . They are beautiful. BEST TIME to Come to see them is around 6pm to 9pm !
Karen Taylor — Google review
Great place to sit and just be quiet. Peaceful just to watch the animals.
Laura Teichow — Google review
We love stopping by Gaylord's City Elk Park to see the elk, and do it EVERY time we're in the area. They're are a lot of them, and yes, they are beautiful! The have a huge fenced in area to roam in so may not always be visible, but it's definitely worth trying, as it's a quick and easy off/on stop from I-75. We've been stopping for years to see these beauties, and only missed them once. Gorgeous and Beautiful! (10-26-2021)
G and T Graham — Google review
I'm so impressed that we were able to walk right up to the Elk and say hi! The kids were amazed with how huge they are! The sign said no feeding them but the kids did pick dandelion leaves and fed them through the fence. One of them was so nice and gently took the leaves!
Heather Ann Laginess — Google review
Really awesome to be able to me see the Elk. We couldn't get them to come see us at the fence as they were tired. But really good to see them.
Joseph Sanchez — Google review
A must-see if you haven't had much exposure to elk before. There is a cart with food to bring them near the fence line so you can get fairly close to the wild herd. There is a nearby business, but the park itself has no amenities.
Suzanne Harris — Google review
So amazing to see! Tucked behind a depot, takes a little searching. In the fall you can hear the males “bugle”, which is honestly the weirdest and coolest nature thing I’ve seen 😂 they don’t like cameras but this lady was following me around so I snapped a couple and she didn’t seem to mind. No feeding them though! I think it makes them a little aggressive. Awesome experience! Free of charge too!
Alex White — Google review
Free, fun park where one can see part of a herd of Elk both up near the fence and far afield in part of the 60 acres they have to roam. Best place to see a variety of Elk up close. 3rd time there, won't be our last.
Sprawling park land covered in old growth forest features rolling hills overlooking AuSable River.
If you are a avid fan of forests then this is a great state park to visit it has a beautiful area it's a beautiful area of old growth forest of which many are old pines that are just fantastic great place to take pictures if you are a landscape photographer and a great place to have is great place to have some solitude. In the Winter the pathways were quite icy so probably not a great place for older adults or young children but I'm sure in the summer it is perfectly fine not aware of other facilities only visited the old growth forest while visiting.
3rd Coast Images — Google review
Serene…there’s just something majestic about the pine trees and walking where you feel like you’re completely alone yet with friends in nature. Highly recommend if you’re in the area. The bridge crossing the river is out of order but otherwise worth a hike. We had a little picnic and just enjoyed walking the trail with lots of cute mushrooms hidden along the way.
J Sheldon — Google review
Nice place to camp. Quiet and polite campers. Visitor center had lots of info. Nice hiking trials inside and outside the park. No cell phone service for Verizon which was actually nice. Very clean showers. Only 1 dump station.
Brianne Shadewald — Google review
Hartwick Pines is a really nice state park campground! Many of the sites are large, have level asphalt pads, are wooded/full-shade, and are very secluded. Some of the sites are full sun/partial shade but the draw to them is they are pull-through.
The showers and bathrooms were always clean and I noticed employees there frequently checking and cleaning them.
It was very quiet on the weekend we stayed there even though it was fully booked. The only sound complaint is of the extremely loud, low-flying helicopters going to the air force base nearby. Four or five flew over during the duration of our stay.
The only other complaint is that there isn't really a beach area or place to go fishing. Also, the park is very sprawling and expect to drive 5+ minutes to get anywhere inside it. The paved trail through the old growth forest definitely made up for it though! That in itself is worth a visit.
Kaitlyn — Google review
Very easy, relaxing trail to go on. A few historical buildings worth stopping at. Definitely kid friendly and all trails are paved. A picnic area and park are accessible here by the Mertz trail or directly from the lower parking lot.
Lyndsey Geyer — Google review
Beautiful park, well maintained trails. Very quiet and peaceful, trails were well marked and taken care of. They had plenty of dog stations also. Will be going back again.
aaron ayala — Google review
This park and campground were very nice. The hikes were quite fun and the museum area was really cool to walk through. The campground was well maintained and the showers were some of the best ones I've seen. We will definitely be returning at some point in the future.
Isaac Fankhauser — Google review
When we stayed at the campground, it was before they really opened up for the season. Unfortunately, we had wild fires while we were there. We didn't get to see inside the buildings because they were closed by the time we got there. Bathrooms were clean. Sites were semi level. Over all I say it is a nice park. The lakes were nice and looked like they would have good fishing.
chase hampton — Google review
This is another place where I spent some serious summer time as a child. Lots of great memories. Was disappointed as I couldn’t find a concession store but I thoroughly enjoyed the many trails. Most were completely empty on a beautiful day in May. Some were still quite wet but the solitude and beauty were exactly what I remembered. Tall pines. Logging camp history. Chapel in the Woods. All good.
Stephen Balza — Google review
Awesome!! We walked the trail from the logging camp on the first loop. About 3 miles. Nice trail for walking or biking. Plenty of hills for a good challenge.
Bonnie Bellner — Google review
Very nice campground, bathroom and shower facilities are the best I have seen. We took our two grandchildren which us why I rated. 3, the playground is unusable which I was not aware of when booking. The hike to the Glory and Bright lakes was very nice, however I did not realize when I booked there is no swimming at the campground or these lakes you need to drive to other state parks nearby. The museum, chapel and memorial building were great although more for adults than kiddos.
A very nice place for adults and a couple days with kids, not a full week.
Roxie Miller — Google review
It's probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen
Bigwood — Google review
This is a must visit if you want a fun, easy and gorgeous hike/walk. The lady in the Memorial Building was amazing, so friendly and informational. We had the best time talking to her. She even had a fun interactive hand out to make winter hats! The walk/hike is easy and 90% paved and the non paved parts were flat. The historical part is so interesting. Very family, individual or couple friendly. You do have to have a pass to get in or a small fee.
Brandi Beech — Google review
Beautiful park. The cleanest bathrooms I've seen in a state park. Nice size lots. Wish there was more shade on the full hookup sites. Lots of shades on electrical only sites. Only downside - no cell service. Which could also be a good thing depending on how you look at it. 🙂