20 Attractions to Explore Near Donegal Bay

Beaver Island Harbor Light, is one of only two surviving lights from the state's earliest range lights. It was first established in 1839 and marks the entrance to Lake Michigan for ships sailing from Peninula Point Harbor. The 45-foot tower and small attached lighthouse keeper’s house were built on a rock platform about 900 feet offshore. The light was automated in 1967 and continues to guide ships safely into the harbor at night.

Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve is a delightful park situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the preserve covers 29 acres of majestic views and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the nature trails, beach areas, and observation points overlooking Little Sand Bay. A wide variety of wildlife call the area home including birds, turtles, foxes, deer and more. Kayakers can spend an afternoon paddling along the bay while anglers fish for trout and salmon in Michigan's most productive fishery.

Whiskey Island is a vibrant coastal community known for its abundance of natural beauty as well as recreational opportunities. Located near the northern tip of Lake Michigan, Whiskey island offers ample access to charming white sand beaches, picturesque sunsets, and tranquil harbor towns. Visitors can explore public trails along the waterfront or take part in various activities such as fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, or sightseeing on a charter boat tour.

Squaw Island, located off the shore of Charlevoix County in Michigan, is a beautiful natural wonder. Surrounded by freshwater and tranquil waters, it is an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. The island boasts numerous amenities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking trails to explore the area's flora and fauna. Whether you're wanting to take a leisurely boat ride around the island or venture out on adventure in a kayak or canoe, Squaw Island has something to offer everyone!

Beaver Head Light is located in Charlevoix County,and was first lit in 1884. It stands 95-feet tall, with a brick tower covered in brick lining and completed with a black lantern room made from cast iron. The lighthouse also features a fog signal room where the foghorn can still be heard for miles depending on weather conditions. Its purpose was to guide Great Lakes shipping vessels safely through treacherous waters near Deer Park Point.

The Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, is a sanctuary for some of the most unique and diverse species of wildlife. Home to more than 130 migratory, resident, and endangered bird species, the refuge also provides a safe haven for several species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Meandering through the marshy islands are old growth forests including maple-beech forest and carpets of wildflowers. The refuge offers nature lovers the ability to explore endless opportunities.

Ile Aux Galets Light is a historic lighthouse built in 1927, the lighthouse boasts a 65-foot rock tower with an upper gallery made of steel and whitewashed bricks. It is the only active light house along Lake Michigan's northern shore. The light keeper's residence is also located on-site and features Whitefish Point Shingle Style architecture. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and today stands as a beacon for lake-goers around the area.

Grays Reef Light, located near the northernmost part of Lake Michigan, is an iconic beacon. Built in 1932, it stands 92 feet tall with a cylindrical tower measuring just over 16 feet in diameter. The light from the beacon can be seen from as far away as 8 nautical miles and exhibits a signature flashing pattern of red and white. It has been used over the years not only to guide sailors but to provide a sense of security and hope for those who call the Great Lakes home.

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse is a towering structure that has been guiding ships along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan since its construction in 1892. Standing at an impressive 78 feet tall, this lighthouse is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of American engineering. From the top of the tower, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the shimmering waters of the lake and the verdant forests that stretch out to either side of the shoreline.

This can truly be called a beacon of beauty in the Great Lakes. Standing tall against the horizon at 80-feet and outlined with red brick, it's a structure that often takes your breath away. Constructed in 1910 to ensure safety of ships passing through Lake Michigan, White Shoal features both a light tower plus an adjoining keeper's house. The lighthouse lens, fueled by oil and electricity intermittently throughout history, guided hundreds of vessels safely along its journey each year

Waugoshance Lighthouse is a 102-foot wooden tower built in 1851 and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Located at the most dangerous location on the lake, Waugoshance stands as an iconic reminder of early efforts to ensure safe navigation between Lake Michigan ports. Although it sustained heavy damage from ice during numerous winters, Waugoshance continued to be staffed until 1924 when an automated light was established.

Waugoshance Point is a truly remarkable place. It is home to the oldest known lighthouse on the Great Lakes and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan from its picturesque bluffs. It is also home to 15 species of endangered plants, as well as wildlife like coyotes and cardinals. A National Historic Landmark, it features expansive beach areas for exploring, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. With lush forest trails for hiking around the nearby Sturgeon Bay.

Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park is an incredible destination for all ages. The family-friendly park allows visitors the chance to observe some of the most beautiful and diverse animals from around the world up close. Here, guests can take a guided tour through the winding trails in search of creatures such as elk, mountain lions, timber wolves, black bears, bald eagles and turkeys. Other activities include a petting zoo with farm animals that are sure to be a hit with visitors to the park.

Tunnel of Trees is one of the most spectacular views in the world. Located on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, it's a picturesque drive through an expanse of beautiful hardwood trees that shape and frame the road for miles. Winding along Lake Michigan's shoreline, drivers can witness the changing of seasons, with brilliant fall colors to the lush greens in summertime. On cool clear days passengers can catch glimpses of strong windswept sand dunes towers.

Sturgeon Bay Beach is a stunning natural beach known for its spectacular sunsets. The magical glimmers of the sun as it sets over the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan create breathtaking vistas. The area also offers stunning scenic hiking trails, bike paths and picnic sites. Visitors enjoy this beach all year round; during summer months they can relax in the warm sunshine on the soft sand and during winter months they can appreciate the beauty of frost-covered sand dunes.

The Cut River Bridge is an iconic part of the county's heritage. This 1930s bridge is the only remaining example of a "Camelback" bridge in the Lower Peninsula, and has withstood more than eighty years' worth of storms and wear-and-tear. With its two pointed arches connecting to piers of rusting iron reinforcing bars, it could very well be a scene out of a history book. it still incorporates modern features like sidewalk railings and a guardrail system for maximum security and safety.

Wilderness State Park in Emmet County, Michigan boasts 10,000 acres of stunning scenery. The sprawling park features a variety of unique attractions and activities; from tantalizing trails for cyclists and hikers to breathtaking beaches and serene nature views that are unrivaled by any other place in the county. This area of Michigan provides an array of experiences for visitors to enjoy ranging from birding and kayaking to swimming, fishing and so much more.

South Manistique Lake, is one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Michigan. The crystal clear blue hues and lush vegetation surrounding the lake make it a great place for fishing, swimming, and even boating. The lake is known for its abundance of bass, pike, walleye and panfish, so anglers can spend hours casting their luck for a big catch. On the shorelines visitors can find plenty of nice spots for sunning or taking a nap along the tranquil beach.

Manistique Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake measures 6,850 acres and has depths of up to 90 feet. Due to its size and picturesque views, the lake is well suited for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, canoeing, sailing, or just taking in the scenery. An array of wildlife can be spotted along the shoreline including bald eagles soaring above looking for a meal.

Fisherman's Island State Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors. The park offers 2,678 acres of beaches, dunes, forests, and wetlands to explore. Visitors can find plenty of activities to enjoy from exploring the trails to fishing in the harbor. In addition to the beachfront recreation area, there are two campgrounds for overnight stays, offering over 300 campsites for those who want to truly immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.