20 Attractions to Explore Near Fayette Historic State Park

Fayette Historic Townsite is a popular charming town features a unique limestone blast furnace and a variety of other historical sites that give visitors an insight into the area’s past. In addition to this, it boasts well-maintained trails through the Fayette State Park that make for a pleasant afternoon of exploring. You can also take advantage of the swimming beach or picnic area, or just enjoy the scenery from one of the scenic overlooks overlooking Snail Shell Harbor.

The Poverty Island Lighthouse, is an iconic beacon of the Great Lakes Coast. Completed in 1867, it was integral to helping ships navigate and avoid shoals that threatened their journeys. Spanning nearly 70 feet tall and made entirely of wood, the lighthouse remains one of the oldest lighthouses found on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay. Its history has been preserved by being opened and operated as a museum by local associations since 1978.

Peninsula Point Lighthouse is the oldest existing lighthouse in Michigan and has been a fixture of Delta County since 1868. Situated atop a rocky outcropping 40 feet above Lake Michigan, the site offers spectacular views from the top of its 56-foot granite and brick tower. Early pioneers in the county relied on the beacon of Peninsula Point to aid them safely across the lake, though today it serves primarily as an inland landmark with historical significance.

Sand Point Lighthouse was built in 1870 to guide sailors safely into the harbor of Bay de Noc. This lighthouse lies on the northern shores of Lake Michigan, right near the twin cities of Escanaba and Gladstone. Today it has become a museum and is open for public tour purposes from May through October, offering spectacular views and interactive programs for visitors. This red brick building is 85 feet tall, equipped with a fresnel lens from France that can be seen 16 miles out to sea.

Ludington Park is an outdoor paradise for anyone looking for a peaceful escape. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, it offers breathtaking views and activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking and more. It also features three campgrounds, over four miles of trails winding through forests thick with wildlife and various other facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters. The park is open year-round allowing visitors to admire the stunning scenery.

Indian Lake State Park is a beautiful destination waiting to be explored. This peaceful park is nestled amongst 8,400 acres of beautiful forest and is centered around the sparkling waters of Indian Lake. There are a wide range of activities to enjoy, from hiking on the many surrounding trails to fishing or swimming in the refreshing lake. The stunning scenery and tranquility of this state park make it the perfect destination for anyone seeking a break from their busy day-to-day life.

Kitch-iti-kipi is a beautiful, vivid natural spring in Michigan. It is otherwise known as The Big Spring and offers visitors stunning views that are truly breathtaking. Its magnificent turquoise waters spread across 45 feet of width and 40 feet of depth with thousands of gallons of crystal clear water flowing every minute. This remarkable spring is also believed to reach down as far as 180 feet to the bottom of the Palms Book State Park, which makes it the deepest spring in Michigan.

Palms Book State Park is a unique and beautiful destination located in Schoolcraft County. This hidden gem boasts a 200-foot natural spring, known as Kitch-iti-kipi, which creates a stunning emerald green pool that visitors can float on in a self-operated raft. Along with this incredible experience, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to fish for trout and other species. The park also includes a nearby campground for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature.

Indian Lake, is a picturesque body of water that spans over 8,200 acres. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. In addition to swimming and boating, visitors can enjoy fishing for a variety of species, including northern pike, Walleye, and bluegill. The area surrounding Indian Lake is also home to a diverse ecosystem, including forests, wetlands, and hills.

This Lighthouse stands tall and proud, guiding ships into the harbor of Schoolcraft County. With its classic red brick exterior and distinctive green lantern room, the lighthouse is a symbol of maritime history and a testament to human engineering. Originally built in 1916, this beacon of light has been a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry for over a century. The lighthouse is now automated, but visitors can still admire it from outside and learn about its fascinating history.

Thunder Lake is a serene and picturesque body of water located in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a refreshing dip. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the natural beauty of Thunder Lake is truly breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding area, or simply relax and take in the peaceful ambiance of the lake.

Hiawatha National Forest offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty of nature. Spanning a total of 894,836 acres, hikers and campers can explore lush forests and traverse shorelines on their journey through the many scenic trails, beaches and bays. After a day of intensive trekking or sunbathing along lakeshore drifts, adventurers can catch a glimpse of the majestic wildlife that call Hiawatha home, such as black bear, timber wolves and bald eagles.

The Hiawatha National Forest with nearly 900,000 acres, it is one of the largest national forests with a variety of habitats including hardwood uplands and lowlands, swamps, wetlands, and coniferous forests. Visitors to this breathtaking region can take part in some of the best recreational opportunities the Great Lakes state has to offer - hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, boating, horseback riding and camping are just some of the activities available for exploring this great forest.

Big Island Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful body of water located in Michigan's Schoolcraft County. With its crystal clear waters and verdant surroundings, the lake is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors to the area can also enjoy scenic hiking trails and campgrounds that overlook the water. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature, Big Island Lake is the perfect place to escape and unwind.

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.

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.

Wells State Park is a charming getaway nestled amidst lush greenery and glistening blue lakes, the park boasts a range of outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. Trails for hiking and biking offer marvelous views of the countryside, as well as opportunities for birdwatching or watching the sunset over the lake. For overnight stays, cabins equipped with kitchens and sleeping quarters provide restful places to stay.

Powell Lake, is a natural beauty that serves as the centerpiece of Marquette County Park. Its clear waters support a variety of fish and wildlife, offering outdoor enthusiasts plenty of recreational activities like swimming, fishing and boating. The lake also boasts camping spots for those looking for an overnight getaway under the stars. With limestone cliffs providing a picturesque backdrop, visitors often take advantage of the picturesque photography opportunities.

Au Train Falls is a picturesque sight, that cascades from a height of 40 feet and creates a tranquil atmosphere as the water flows into Au Train Lake. Visitors often explore the area on foot or by boat, appreciating the beautiful scenery and wildlife found around the lake. In particular, visitors often get to catch glimpses of Ospreys fishing in the waters. Both canoeing and kayaking are popular activities at Au Train Falls, perfect for those who want to experience nature up close.

The IXL Historical Museum is an essential destination for anyone looking to discover the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula. A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the local history of Menominee County and promoting its historical assets, the museum boasts a wide range of artifacts including clothing, tools, furniture and pictures. Visitors can learn more about what life was like in the past with a trip through the pioneer cabin.