20 Attractions to Explore Near Douglas Lake

Burt Lake, is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the entire Great Lakes region. Boasting crystal clear turquoise waters and surrounded by forests. Despite its reputation for being a popular fishing and recreation spot, Burt Lake remains protected from large-scale development due to its location within the boundaries of the state park. From exploring miles of trails to kayaking or fishing to find abundant wildlife, there are plenty of outdoor activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Cheboygan River is a beautiful, winding waterway flowing through the county for over 68 miles, it is not only a staple of the area but also an invaluable resource for outdoor recreation and scenic views. With its nearby watersheds, rushing rapids and abundant wildlife within its banks, the Cheboygan River provides endless opportunities for fishing, canoeing and camping. Home to a variety of bass, walleye and pickerel species.

Burt Lake State Park is a natural paradise situated at the southwestern tip of blue-ringed Burt Lake. It offers an abundance of recreational activities. Surrounded by majestic pines, visitors can go camping, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lake. There are also weekly interpretive programs available for nature enthusiasts looking to learn more about the local flora and fauna. The park also boasts excellent hunting opportunities.

Nubs Nob Ski Resort is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Boasting 52 slopes and trails of all difficulty levels, this resort offers endless wintertime excitement for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers alike. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can also enjoy snow tubing, Nordic skiing, and scenic chairlift rides that wrap up with a cozy ride down on an old-fashioned toboggan run. With its small-town ambiance, lovely mountain views and excellent lodging and dining options nearby.

The Cross in the Woods, is a sculpture that honors Christian martyrs. This 10-foot-tall steel cross was commissioned by the Rev. Paul Mittermaier in 1972 and created by local sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks. It displays a bronze figure of Jesus on its front side and was designed to evoke a sense of peace and pilgrimage for visitors. Behind the statue are 8 wood sculptures symbolizing Beatitudes of Jesus on its backside making it an ideal spot for reflection to many people.

Pickerel Lake is a scenic spot that offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The beautiful circular lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Just beyond the lake's edge lies a vast forest full of trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Many people also come here to observe the stunning array of wildflowers that bloom during the spring months. Nearby boat launches allow easy access to the lake, while campgrounds provide a comfortable stay.

Crooked Lake is a beautiful and inviting body of water that offers excellent swimming and boating within its crystal clear, spring-fed waters, making it an ideal spot for families or friends looking to spend a relaxing day. In addition to the activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, there is also great fishing as well - northern pike, walleye and large-mouth bass are all plentiful in these waters. Numerous hiking trails also envelope Crooked Lake.

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.

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.

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.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a unique public park that offers visitors unparalleled views of the night sky. With its pristine nighttime darkness, which is free from artificial lighting, Headlands provides astronomers and nature enthusiasts with the ideal environment to observe and photograph astronomical events. In addition, its dark night skies are also valuable habitat for bat species, nocturnal animals such as owls and deer, and other wildlife species adapted to darkness.

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.

Colonial Michilimackinac is a place full of history and cultural heritage. At the center of this charming attraction is Fort Michilimackinac, which was an important fur trading post during the colonial period. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore a museum filled with artifacts collected from archaeological digs, take a tour and browse through an impressive 18th century Great Lakes Fur Trading Village. The area is rugged yet peaceful.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, offers a captivating glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Built in 1892 to aid ships navigating around Mackinac Island, this landmark structure offers visitors some great opportunities to explore and experience its historic and cultural significance firsthand. Standing proudly on Lake Huron at the doorstep of the Straits of Mackinac, it's a popular attraction for tourists who are often treated to spectacular sunsets from the observation deck.