Vermilion Point Nature Preserve - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Crisp Point Lighthouse, is a picturesque structure with a powerful past. Built in 1904, it was utilized to warn ships of the treacherous shoals that surrounded Lake Superior. The beloved lighthouse has been preserved with careful renovations throughout the years and changed from manual operation to automation in 1971. Today, visitors can enjoy striking views of Lake Superior from atop the 128-foot tower and learn French River's lighthouse history through guided tours.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a great place for the whole family to explore the rich history of the area. The museum offers visitors a chance to dive into stories about 19th and 20th century shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with exhibits and artifacts from notable wrecks throughout the series of lakes. There are also interactive elements such as life-size recreations that put guests at the center of exciting accounts from disaster on Lake Superior - both educational and entertaining.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse is a historic Michigan landmark located on the remote and rocky shores of Lake Superior, this lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime navigation since its construction in 1849. The stunning structure stands 45 feet tall and its light has been seen by many vessels navigating the nearby waters over the years. It is also home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum which holds many artifacts related to shipwrecks.

The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a solemn reminder of the courage and strength of those on board the famous vessel. Located in Whitefish Bay, the memorial was dedicated in 1995 as a way to honor the 29 crewmembers of the vessel that tragically sank in 1975. It also serves as an inspirational landmark for visitors to learn about and contemplate on the heroic actions taken prior to its sinking.

The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory provides one of the most tranquil bird watching spaces in the world. Located on Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline, this expansive observatory serves as a stopover for birds that migrate through its lands each year. From May to July, the Observatory offers weekend bird-banding demonstrations where visitors can get up close and personal with our feathered friends. The Observatory also offers fun educational days for youth.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park lays along the Eastern Upper Peninsula shoreline and includes over 50,000 acres of trails, forests and campgrounds that offer guests a unique and extraordinary opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of nature's finest features. The highlight of this park is the majestic Tahquamenon Falls - which are 300-foot cascades that drop off to a five mile stretch of river ending in the vast expanse of Lake Superior.