20 Attractions to Explore Near Cheboygan River

The Cheboygan Crib Light is beautiful historical landmark located in the harbor of Cheboygan County, Michigan. It is a hexagonal shaped wooden crust on a wide stone foundation with a two story tower reaching high into the sky. First erected in 1875, this lighthouse was used to help guide ships through the dangerous passage to Lake Huron. The original lens of this structure was powered by kerosene until 1954 when it was electrified.

This is a historic lighthouse built in 1911, the tower was constructed of reinforced concrete and featured an octagonal shape with an attached dwelling. Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the lighthouse has stood watch over both sailing vessels and recreational boats that use the canal to pass through. Its bright white light is visible for up to 5 nautical miles in all directions. By 1962, it had been decommissioned and replaced with a modern-day buoy orientation system.

Duncan Bay is a beautiful area in the northeast corner of Michigan's Cheboygan County. It stretches for about 11 miles along the coast of Lake Huron and boasts gorgeous views and wildlife. Visitors to Duncan Bay love to take advantage of stunning sunsets and picturesque walks on its peaceful beaches, as well as all the opportunities for watersports throughout the bay. Boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming are all popular activities in Duncan Bay.

Cheboygan State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for travelers and locals alike. A scenic spot near Lake Huron, the park features many miles of hiking trails, as well as cycling paths, fishing spots, and camping grounds. There are even boat launch areas if visitors want to get out on the water. For those looking to unplug and relax, the nearby beach is ideal for swimming or simply lounging in the sun.

Poe Reef Lighthouse is a remarkable sight. Constructed in 1877, it marks the dangerous reef just off of Hammond Bay and the northern tip of Bois Blanc Island. The lighthouse is an octagonal brick structure connected to an attached dwelling. From its distinctive red and white bands to its impressive shingled roof, the lighthouse stands tall - despite many storms that have battered it throughout the years.

Aloha State Park is a popular destination for campers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Its 200 acres span the shoreline of Burt Lake, offering beautiful views and plenty of boats to launch. Guests can stay at the campground to fully experience the park's tranquil atmosphere, complete with modern amenities such as pit toilets, showers and water hydrants. There is also a playground and baseball field to keep kids busy while adults join in on any number of hiking or biking trails.

Mullett Lake, is a beautiful tourist destination. The lake is well known for its incredible depth and length which span 4.5 miles from end to end and 125 feet deep throughout. The surrounding forests provide the ideal environment for visitors to hike, camp or enjoy one of the local beaches. Boating on the lake is also incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike taking part in everything from paddling to sailing and fishing.

Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse, is an iconic spot for many visitors to the beautiful Great Lakes State. Standing sturdy for more than 150 years, this impressive red-roofed tower stands 39 feet tall and contains a spiral staircase that takes you up a mere 55 steps to get you to the top of the lighthouse where remarkable views of Lake Huron await. Constructed in 1854 by order of President Franklin Pierce, this landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is an amazing recreational park that the whole family can enjoy. The park offers many activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowshoeing. There's also a campground for overnight stays and shelters for gathering with friends and family. The park itself is filled with history, featuring a dam built in 1873 and a lighthouse built in 1921 - both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Douglas Lake, is a natural gem for tourists and locals alike. Sitting on 25,000 acres of crystal clear waters, the lake offers endless beauty and activities such as fishing and boating. The summer months are especially popular for visitors hoping to soak up some sunshine while relaxing at one of the many beaches. With its idyllic setting, Douglas Lake has emerged as an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape into nature without having to travel too far from home.

Round Island is both a majestic and historical place. With an area of 468 acres, It is home to thousands of bird species and other native wildlife. For centuries, Round Island has been a popular destination for adventurers looking to explore the diverse terrain and take in some of the stunning views. In addition to its natural beauty, the island has significant historical importance as it played host to strategic meetings between various tribes during the 19th century.

Black Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake that offers visitors gorgeous views and plenty of recreation options. It is the third largest inland lake of all the Great Lakes, covering nearly 11,000 acres and spanning 32 miles long. The lake itself is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, along with perch, walleye and muskie fishing areas. Swimming and boating activities are also popular on the lake due to its clear waters and protected shores.

Lake Paradise, is a true gem of the Great Lakes region. This peaceful lake boasts crystal-clear water with miles of pristine shoreline, perfect for swimming or paddling around in a canoe on a sunny afternoon. For those looking for adventure, the nearby forests provide ample hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines out into the lake, where they can look forward to catching walleye and pike.

Round Island Light, is one of the most well-known and iconic lighthouses. It was first illuminated on June 1st 1842 and is designed with a characteristic red brick lighthouse tower that stands forty-five feet tall at its peak. The landmark remains famous from its prominent appearance in an episode of the classic television show, The Bionic Woman, aired in 1975. It has been lovingly cared for since then, maintained by the US Coast Guard for safe navigation along Lake Huron to this day.

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company's Mackinaw City Dock #1 is quickly becoming a popular tourist spot situated directly between the Straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron, offering visitors breathtaking views and incredible experiences. Those looking to hop on a ferry will be delighted to find options ranging from trips across the lake for casino visits and shopping to a narrated tour of the area that allows passengers to take in stunning sights from Old Mackinac Pt. Lighthouse.

The Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum is a great place for anyone interested in the maritime activities of the Great Lakes. Visitors to the museum can explore restored World War II-era work areas and quarters, along with interactive exhibits dedicated to U.S. Coast Guard operations, maritime navigation, navigation equipment, and meteorology on the Great Lakes. There is also a recreation area for visitors to learn about shipbuilding techniques.

The Historic Mission Church is a truly remarkable sight. Built in 1895 and now set amongst the trees, the church is a classic example of the Gothic Revival style. Every detail speaks to its elegant yet rustic beauty; from the eight-sided steeple bell tower with wood shingles to the pointed arches of the windows and doors. Inside, you can find exposed wooden beams, beautifully crafted original pews, and a marble altar from Spain.

Sainte Anne's Catholic Church is a beautiful Romanesque-style sanctuary located on Mackinac Island. Initially built of limestone and red sandstone in 1875, the church stands as an architectural testament to Michigan's Victorian era. Visitors to the island can explore its many unique features such as the Rose window that dominates the front façade, stained glass windows, a crypt below its chancel and impressive interior pieces.

Biddle House offers an interesting and educational experience for visitors. As the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, it celebrates the culture and history of the Ojibwe people of the area. The museum pairs displays with interpretive exhibits that explain how life used to be for these native peoples. Visitors also learn about how their legacy still survives today through displays like a birchbark canoe built by traditional methods.

The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is filled with a range of artistic masterpieces, honoring the culture and heritage of Mackinac This museum has brought together collections from a special selection of artists who are either established or up-and-coming talent within the state. Drawing inspiration from natural surroundings, they provide visitors with intricate paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations that represent the quirky character of the city.