20 Attractions to Explore Near Ottawa National Forest

The Hanka Homestead Museum is truly an amazing place. As visitors take a step into the historic museum, they are taken back to the Finn immigrant experience of the 1890s, as they explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of how these Scandinavian immigrants lived and worked in this region. From antique farm tools to cooking utensils, clothing and furniture, visiting the Homestead Museum is like taking a walk through history.

Baraga State Park, is the perfect destination for nature lovers. This stunning park offers many activities, including camping, swimming, fishing, hay rides and hiking. While camping at Baraga State Park, you can explore the park’s natural wonders such as Lake Superior’s shoreline as well as a variety of wildlife and plant life. One of the most popular activities of this park is taking advantage of its many trails and fishing spots. Boating is also available here.

Prickett Lake is a stunning sight to behold. Nestled deep in the woods and surrounded by soaring pines and birch trees, the lake glistens like a pearl and reflects the surrounding beauty in its waters. Its crystal clear depths are home to some of Michigan's finest bass, walleyes, northern pike and panfish which only add to its attraction for seasoned anglers. On sunny days, visitors flock to the area to take advantage of its serene atmosphere with peaceful canoe trips down the on-site river.

Prickett Lake is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Located in the northern reaches of the Keweenaw Peninsula, its waters are clear and inviting, revealed by a surrounding landscape of forests and rolling hills. This lake is home to several species of fish, including rainbow trout and lake trout. In addition to fishing, visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as kayaking and hiking around the lake's shoreline.

The Sand Point Lighthouse has been a beacon of guidance for sailors on Lake Superior since 1868. Its majestic brick keepers' quarters, 20-foot tower and 4th order Fresnel lens attract visitors from near and far to marvel at its grandeur. The lighthouse stands 57 feet from the base of the cliff that faces the lake, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the state. For more than 150 years, generations have preserved this beloved piece of Michigan heritage.

Twin Lakes State Park is a gem of the Midwest. Featuring lush, green forest and two crystal clear lakes, it offers plenty of recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. There are trails available for hiking or biking throughout the park and camp sites for those who prefer to spend the night. The facilities within Twin Lakes State Park also include beach areas for swimming, picnic tables for outdoor dining and several playgrounds for children.

This is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful scenery and abundance of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a day on the majestic Lake Superior, or take part in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and hunting. The city also boasts an array of historic sites that are worth exploring, including a century-old suspension bridge and numerous museums devoted to local history. For those looking for something more offbeat, Sturgeon Falls offers several unique attractions.

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to glimpse untouched nature. Spanning roughly 5,500 acres of terrain and water falls, this magnificent wilderness is home to plenty of majestic wildlife. From red-headed woodpeckers to coyotes and black bears, visitors can experience the beauty of nature during all four seasons. With various hiking trails and scenic overlooks, Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness truly is an adventurer’s paradise!

The Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entry Light is a navigational aid and historical landmark. Built in 1964, the cast iron lighthouse stands at 25 feet tall and is painted white and red. This light, which was automated in 1970, helps guide boats through the entrance of the Keweenaw Waterway into the Portage Lake shipping channel. It also serves as a reminder of the canal system built by William Burt which made shipping to and from the upper peninsula much easier than before.

The Chassell Heritage Center offers a unique experience into the history and culture of the area. Visitors can explore their collection of artifacts, photographs, and other documents which date back to prehistoric times. Through interactive activities and displays, guests are treated to a one-of-a-kind look into the past including the logging industry, mines of Copper Country, communities along the shoreline of Lake Superior, and much more.

Abbaye Peninsula, offers stunning views of Lake Superior. The peninsula is just under ten miles long and features scenic trails, spacious campgrounds, lakeshore beach accesses, a quaint marina and breathtaking limestone cliffs engulfed by wildflowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Rapids Bay Beach to refresh immersed in spectacular waters or gaze at the starry night skies while rug-up camping near Cozy Corner.

The Mine Shaft & Rock House offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the area. The Rock House is one part of this site, an abandoned mining house from the 19th century that was once used by miners as a residence. The second is Mine Shaft; a stunningly deep shaft originally carved into the rock by miners searching for copper ore in the late 1800s. Today, both spots offer fascinating insight into what life was like during this period.

Agate Beach Park, provides incomparable views of the Great Lakes shoreline. With miles of Lake Superior beach access and breathtaking views, this park offers something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of swimming and kayaking or prefer simply taking in the sights while hiking along one of the many trails, this is a must-visit destination. Be sure to take advantage of its pristine camping grounds as well!

Agate Beach is a stunning destination for beach lovers. Sitting on the banks of Lake Superior, the beach features picturesque views and beautiful agate stones from its volcanic past. With its inviting sand and crystal-clear waters, Agate Beach offers a calming escape from city life. There are numerous activities to do here, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the rocky paths around the shore while admiring the clear blue waters.

The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is a popular spot to explore geological artifacts and information amassed over decades of curation. Accessible to the public, the museum's collection includes over 5,000 specimens from around the world as well as a variety of exhibits demonstrating both scientific and cultural information about minerals. In addition to providing educational opportunities for visitors, this museum also serves as an important resource for researchers.

This is a scenic 25-mile-long stretch of Lake Superior that encompasses the rugged beauty of the area's clifftops and shorelines. From the charming towns of Copper Harbor and Houghton to the pristine wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, it's filled with majestic views, outdoor recreation and iconic lighthouses at Eagle River and Sturgeon Point. Popular activities for visitors include kayaking and sailing along its waters, hiking and biking nearby trails, fishing or birding.

The Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw brings to life the stories of the history, culture and people of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum preserves and shares local heritage with visitors from near and far. The Carnegie Museum offers a wide variety of artifacts from ancient times, as well as an extensive collection of artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can explore Native American mounds, discover stories about miners’ struggles.

Keweenaw Brewing Company, is a craft brewery with a commitment to bringing quality flavor and refreshment to the Great Lakes region. Founded in 2011, the company has more than 20 signature beers, ranging from classic lagers to creative and eclectic mixers. The beer is hand-crafted with ingredients locally-sourced from nearby farms. They also offer tours of their brewhouse so visitors can take an inside look into their exceptional brewing process.

Misery Bay, located in Ontonagon County, Michigan, is a captivating destination that offers visitors plenty of things to see and do. This serene spot is home to a stunning beach, which provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the water. The bay is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and rare birds, making it a haven for nature lovers. History buffs will be fascinated by the bay's connection to the ancient copper artifacts that were discovered in the area.

ortage Canal Lift Bridge stretches across the Portage Lake and River. This iconic bridge is one of the engineering achievements of the 20th century and offers a spectacular view of this part of the state. The bridge, which stands at a height of 350 feet and is 250 feet wide, consists of two vertical plates that are counterweighted and connected by steel cables. The upper plate rises 70 feet to make way for passing boat traffic while its lower plate remains fixed in place.