Escanaba Michigan: 10 Freakin' Awesome Things To Do, Eh!

Fayette Town Site, Escanaba. Photo By: Michigan.govFayette Town Site, Escanaba. Photo By: Michigan.gov

Escanaba Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan at Travel-Mi.com

Escanaba Michigan (in da moonlight) has fun stuff to do, don't cha know! Discover sparkling waterfalls, tasty brews, lighthouses, the oldest trees in any Michigan state park, hiking and so much more! 

Are you ready to embark on one heck of a Michigan Adventure? Let’s travel Michigan!


Escanaba in da MoonlightEscanaba in da Moonlight

Escanaba in da Moonlight

with Jeff Daniels

(You Know You Have to Watch This Movie While You're Here)

Remnar Soady: "It's like Christmas with guns."

Albert Soady: "You Couldn't Hit a House If You Were Standing In It."

Escanaba Michigan Interactive Map

Sand Point Light House is a Photographer's Paradise!

16 Water Plant Road, Escanaba, MI 49829

Sand Point Lighthouse is considered a historical Michigan lighthouse and is fully restored. It's a photographer's paradise!

The Sand Point Lighthouse and Historical Complex is located near the end of Ludington Street and across the street from the Escanaba Municipal Marina.

Check out the fresnel fourth class lens at the top of the tower, it's pretty cool!

This Escanaba Michigan lighthouse is open to the public between Memorial Day Weekend to September 1st. See how the light keeps lived and walk up into the light tower for exceptional views of Lake Michigan.


Fayette Historic State Park and Historic Town Site is Incredible for History Buffs!

Fayette Town Site, Escanaba. Photo By: Michigan.govFayette Town Site, Escanaba. Photo By: Michigan.gov

4785 II Rd, Garden, MI 49835

Located about 55 minutes from Escanaba Michigan, Fayette Historic State Park and Historic Town Site is worth the trip.

Fayette was once a bustling industrial community that manufactured iron ore between 1867 and 1891. Come see what it was like to live in the 19th century by wandering through this well preserved museum village.

Costumed interpreters portray former residents giving a realistic idea of what it was like to live in this rural, wilderness town. 

Daily attractions include a modern visitor center, exhibits, scheduled guided tours, 20 historic buildings, kilns and a great interactive visitor center that tells Fayette’s story.

We recommend allowing two to three hours for your visit.

When Should You Visit?

The park is open year-round, 8 am to 10 pm, however, the historic townsite and campsites are only open mid-May to mid-October and the boat slips from early May to early November.

Is There a Fee?

There is no admission charge; however, a Michigan State Park permit is required.

Non-residents can purchase passes when they arrive. Day passes are $9 and annual passes are $32. These passes are good at all Michigan State Parks.

Can We Camp?

Seasonal modern campsites, hammock camping, boat slips and a year-round lodge are available at Fayette Historic State Park. Campsite and marina reservations can be made up to six months in advance online at www.midnrreservations.com or Mon-Fri: 8 am–8 pm, or Sat-Sun: 9 am–5 pm by calling 800-447-2757.

Are Pets Welcome?

Yes but they must be kept quiet and on an up-to-6-foot leash. 

What Else Is There to Do?

  • Picnicking
  • Swimming
  • Five miles of hiking trails wind through beech and maple hardwood forests and throughout the historic town site. 
  • Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing which circle throughout the historic town site.  
  • Look down at the cedars growing on the park’s limestone bluffs. Some are 800, 900, even 1,400 years old, making them the oldest trees in any Michigan state park!



Do You Scuba?


Scuba diving is allowed in Snail Shell Harbor during certain times of the day. A fee and use permit is required for this activity so all divers may participate. 


Haymeadow Falls and Trail

Haymeadows Falls and Trail, Map: USDAHaymeadows Falls and Trail, Map: USDA

Haymeadow Falls Trail is a 1.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Rapid River, Michigan that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. 

The trail is great for walking, spotting nature, and snowshoeing. The trail is best from March until October.  It is not groomed in the winter. The trails can be wet or muddy so wear boots.

Dogs are also able to use this trail.


Upper Hand Brewery in Escanaba Michigan

Upper Hand Brewery, Escanaba Michigan. Photo: Upper Hand BreweryUpper Hand Brewery, Escanaba Michigan. Photo: Upper Hand Brewery

3525 Airport Rd, Escanaba, MI 

Upper Hand Brewery, a division of Bell’s Brewery (Kalamazoo), was founded by Larry Bell, who always dreamed of opening a brewery in the Upper Peninsula.  The brewery broke ground in 2013 and has been going strong ever since.

I mean with beers called Deer Camp, Yooper Ale and Plaidurday, you just can’t go wrong!

Upper Hand Brewery also likes to get involved with the community so they host fun events throughout the year.   Check their website for fun events such as tie dying, night hikes, bon fires and more. 

 

Garden Peninsula Historical Museum 


State St. M-183 Garden, Michigan. Sometime only open by appointment so be sure to call (906) 644-2398

Garden Peninsula Historical Museum. Housed in a one-room schoolhouse it features stories about logging, fishing and going to school on the peninsula.

The friendly local volunteers can help you research your family history. It's neat to see historic clothing and tools of the past.


Peninsula Point Lighthouse and Interpretive Trail

Peninsula Point Lighthouse, Escanaba, MI Photo: VisitEscanaba.comPeninsula Point Lighthouse, Escanaba, MI Photo: VisitEscanaba.com

3722 County 513 T Rd, Rapid River, MI 49878

If you love spectacular views of Lake Michigan, this Michigan lighthouse is for you!

The 40 ft. lighthouse tower is an easy climb on a circular staircase. At the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of lake Michigan. 

Pit toilets are available. 

A parking area for RV’s is available at the beginning of the narrow, winding final mile of road.

A 1-mile long trail shows historical and geographical features along Big Bay de Noc.  The trail follows the shoreline ridges marking ancient lake levels.  The trail ends at the 1865 Peninsula Point Lighthouse.  

Did You Know?

  • The rocky shoreline yields fossils estimated at 400-500 million years old. 
  • Shaped like a funnel, the peninsula naturally collects thousands of  monarch butterflies at its tip each fall where they rest before continuing south across Lake Michigan on their annual migration. A few monarchs tagged on the peninsula have been found in Mexico, helping document this amazing migration of nearly 2,000 miles.



Upper Peninsula State Fair

Upper Peninsula Fair, Escanaba Michigan. Photo by VisitEscanaba.comUpper Peninsula Fair, Escanaba Michigan. Photo by VisitEscanaba.com

Did you know the Upper Peninsula State Fair is now home of the largest fair in the Upper Peninsula?!

Escanaba Michigan has been the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair ever since the first opening day on Sept. 17, 1928!

And what a fair it is! Held the third week of August, the extraordinary fair rocks seven days of midway fun, grandstand entertainment and tasty fair foods that entice 80,000+ through its gates each year!

So come on out to watch blue ribbon winners at the horse and livestock shows, see tiny animals at the Miracle of Life exhibit or try your luck by entering a raffle for a beautiful, handmade quilt.

Enjoy antique car shows, watch the vehicles zip around the track at the UP International Raceway and be mesmerized by the brilliant fireworks finale on Sunday. What a great way to make some memories in Escanaba Michigan!


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We hope we inspired you to make a trip to lovely Escanaba Michigan! 


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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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