20 Attractions to Explore Near Lakenenland

Laughing Whitefish River, is a beautiful and unique spot to explore. The scenic river originates from the inland lakes of the Upper Peninsula and flows for about 80 miles before emptying into Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. Along its path, visitors will find lovely lakefront beaches, peaceful forests of pines and cedars, as well as abundant wildlife that one might catch a glimpse of while canoeing or kayaking on the picturesque waterway.

Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park is an idyllic and peaceful getaway spot with lush, pristine forests and enchanting waterfalls. Situated in the Ottawa National Forest, the park is named after the great cascading waterfall located near Lake Superior - The Laughing Whitefish River. It also boasts a number of smaller waterfalls, nature trails to explore and a myriad of opportunities for kayaking amongst towering cliffs and waterways.

The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse located at the mouth of Lake Superior, it has helped to guide vessels for over 160 years. This lighthouse stands 64 feet tall and currently acts as a tourist attraction for those looking for a unique experience on the coast. Connected to its base is the original 50-foot lighthouse tower from 1867 that is still used today. Visitors may take guided tours of the facility and learn about the history of Marquette Harbor while also enjoying picturesque views of Lake.

The Marquette Maritime Museum, celebrates the area's deep maritime history and highlights its ongoing relationship with the Great Lakes. Visitors are able to explore a variety of exhibits highlighting early Native American life, lumber schooners and freighters that have navigated the Great Lakes for over 100 years, and learn about the Lightkeepers who took on the great responsibility of maintaining lighthouses throughout Michigan.

Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. Situated on the serene shores of Lake Superior, the park offers something for everyone! Spend a morning exploring miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. Afterwards, relax with a picnic lunch along the beach. After dark, find a spot near the lake shore to watch the beautiful Northern Lights or hunt for agates washed ashore from centuries-old Lake Superior shipwrecks.

The Lower Harbor Ore Dock is an engineering marvel. Built by the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad in 1895 at a cost of $500,000, the Lower Harbor Ore Dock is a 2,400 foot long ore dock with a depth of 44 feet that was used to transfer iron ore from train cars to ships for transport. With 24 chutes leading from the shoreline and sides, each with a capacity of 110 tons per minute, it was one of the most efficient docks of its time with minimal spillage.

The Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light provides a unique glimpse into maritime history. Commissioned to be built in the late 18th century, the light stands as an impressive reminder of the need for lighthouse technology to guide sailors safely around the Great Lakes. Featuring red brick construction and a unique skeletal design, it offers a look at one of the most unusual lighthouses ever constructed. At night, its bright beacon guides ships through treacherous straits.

Saint Peter Cathedral is an inspiring example of 19th century church architecture. This extraordinary building was constructed from 1854 to 1863 out of sandstone quarried from nearby Negaunee. The impressive three-story structure is highly visible on the Marquette town skyline and features stunning interior architecture that includes several stained glass windows, a wooden balcony, and ornate stone carvings.

The Eben Ice Caves located on the aptly-named Cave Point Road near Lake Superior, the interior of the caves is always filled with several feet of ice, providing both surreal beauty and intriguing exploration potential. Temperatures always remain below freezing inside, allowing visitors to experience a rare sight of frozen walls and flooring. Adventurous types will also find plenty to explore in the caves since their icy depths reach nearly 500 feet into the ground.

Presque Isle Park, serves as a popular tourist spot for outdoor recreation. The coastal park is home to stunning white sand beaches and rugged trails for mountain biking and hiking. Visitors can explore the geologic past of Presque Isle Park at the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center, which showcases shoreline rocks and explains their formation processes. Adventurous souls can canoe or kayak along the coast or trolling for salmon along its rocky jetties.

Presque Isle is a picturesque peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior. This area is filled with many activities to do such as exploring its forests and sandstone cliffs or partaking in water sports like canoeing, kayaking and fishing. A lighthouse on the tip of the lake creates a stunning backdrop to explore nature's beauty while the nearby Presque Isle River provides the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely float.

Marquette Mountain Resort is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort boasts 53 ski slopes of various difficulty levels and 10 lift systems, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing down the terrain tailored to their individual skill level. There are also fun activities such as night skiing and grooming sessions available at the resort that allow guests to make the most out of their mountain experience.

Dead River is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the Midwest. A popular spot for boating and fishing, Dead River is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. It even has an accessible boat launch and dock making way for easy access - perfect for fishermen or paddlers looking to explore the river. With crystal clear waters and wide sandbanks, it's easy to appreciate why the river was given its name with its calm yet "dead" like atmosphere.

The K.I Sawyer Heritage Air Museum is a fascinating place to explore the flying heritage of the United States. Located on the site of an old air force base, this museum showcases a stunning collection of vintage and classic aircrafts from WWII-era bombers to helicopters and fighter jets. From self-guided tours of interactive displays to special exhibits highlighting significant moments in aviation history, this museum has something for everyone.

AuTrain Beach located on the shore of Lake Superior, visitors can explore the sandy beach, rolling dunes, rocky coves and lush greenery that make this destination a favorite amongst locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax with a book or kayak with friends, AuTrain Beach has something for everyone. With plenty of family-friendly amenities including restrooms, pavilions to rent and grills so you can barbecue during your visit.

Au Train Lake is an idyllic spot located in Alger County, Michigan. It offers visitors one of the best year round fishing experiences they can find in the Upper Peninsula. The lake is home to many varieties of fish, including walleye, perch and whitefish. Boaters will enjoy exploring the winding shoreline and there are plenty of spots for swimming and relaxing near the water. With its abundance of wildlife and stunning views, it truly is a sight to behold for all nature lovers.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a natural wonder that draws tourists and locals alike to its enchanting hiking trails. From the top of the mountain, visitors are treated with stunning views of Lake Superior and extraordinary wildflakes on the ground. The park has over seven miles of trails for biking and hiking adventures, along with a whopping 700 acres of outdoor recreation waiting to be explored. There are unique geological features like sinkholes, outcroppings, rock wall formations.

Scott Falls is a stunning natural attraction with a pristine lake, towering trees and majestic waterfalls, this area is a great destination for any nature lover. The landscape is truly beautiful; visitors will feel as though they have stepped into nirvana while exploring the rolling hills and winding trails of Scott Falls. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the area offers plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained; kayaking, fishing and swimming are just a few of them.

Little Presque Isle is a small jewel of nature surrounded by Lake Superior. With its beautiful and unique sandy beaches, clear blue waters, lighthouses and breathtaking views of the rocky shoreline and wooded islands, it's easy to see why this small park has become a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its size - just 32 acres - Little Presque Isle offers plenty to do, from hiking trails and bird watching opportunities to swimming in the inviting waters of Lake Superior.

Hogback Mountain, is a scenic wonder. Its rugged cliffs and bluffs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is home to many species of flora and fauna including a rare fern and orchid. Hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty lead along the ridgelines of the mountain to its highest point - a lookout tower at 839 feet. During winter months, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities on Hogback Mountain.