20 Attractions to Explore Near Thunder Lake

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wagner Falls is a popular tourist attraction. Situated amidst the rolling hills of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Wagner Falls offers many spectacular views of nature. The crystal-clear water cascading from the sandstone gorge and falls down into the depths of Lake Superior are simply breathtaking. The rugged terrain combined with the lush vegetation creates an idyllic and peaceful setting for visitors to explore. In springtime, wildflowers dot the landscape, brightening up this scenic site.

Alger Falls is one of the most stunning wonders of nature located on the Junior and Trenary Creek near Munising, this iconic waterfall towers as high as 70-feet and offers a magnificent view for all who visit. From its landscape composed of majestic forests and lush meadows to the delightful wildlife found in the area, Alger Falls is an unmissable natural attraction for any outdoor enthusiast.

Hiawatha National Forest is more than 870,000 acres, boasting over 500 miles of hiking trails and many lakes ideal for swimming and fishing. Not only is it an excellent spot for outdoor recreation, but it also features impressive geological features--mostly consisting of thick pine forests and limestone bluffs that are part of the Niagara Escarpment. Those exploring the nearby rivers can even find petrified trees which are estimated to be between 11-14 million years old.

Tannery Falls, is an outdoor oasis just waiting to be explored. This incredible setting features a striking waterfall cascading over limestone terraces that were carved out by the Tannery Creek. With lush vegetation sprawling around the terraced rocks and the surrounding white pines and hardwood trees, the landscape provides stunning views for visitors all year round. There are recreational trails that travel through rock gorges for some of the best hiking in the area.

Memorial Falls is a popular and beautiful spot for tourists and locals alike. Located adjacent to Memorial Park, the waterfall runs along the Tahquamenon River and can be easily accessed via a short hike from the parking lot. Named for its blooming array of wildflowers during the warmer months and its cascading, bowlder-strewn falls all year round, visitors flock to the area for its beauty as well as to enjoy several outdoor activities like fishing and picnicking at the site.

Munising Falls, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a stunningly beautiful waterfall. Accessible through Munising Falls Park, visitors can meander along hiking trails before catching a glimpse of the powerful cascade of water tumbling 66ft into the picturesque pool below. Enjoying the wonders of Munising Falls often requires a bit of exploration as the spectacular sight lies just off the beaten track. Yet with its crystal blue waters and lush greenery surrounding it.

Munising Rear Range Lighthouse, is a marvel to behold. It stands tall, located on a spur off the southeastern tip of Grand Island, overlooking the Municipality of Munising. This eye-catching sandstone beauty was first lit in 1896, becoming the state's 8th rear range lighthouse. Munising's double tower pairs two different colored lenses - one red and one white which are timed differently so ships know exactly where they are.

Munising Bay, is a picturesque coastal vista. Its untouched shoreline and crystal clear water provide visitors with breathtaking views of Lake Superior, creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway or fun-filled family vacation. Here you will find opportunities for fishing and nature photography, as well as plenty of activities such as swimming, kayaking, biking, and snowmobiling for the more adventurous traveler. There are also several trails that lead to some of the beautiful places.

The Munising Front Range Lighthouse stands proudly over Lake Superior. First lit in 1874, this fifty-eight foot tall vessel marks the entrance of the bayou that leads to the city of Munising. For sailing vessels, walking up 154 steps of the tower and purchasing a pass are required before proceeding further. The lighthouse has become a well-known landmark due to its unique location on the shore of Grand Island overlooks the harbor entrance.

The Curtains – Ice Climbing Wall provides a unique and challenging experience for visitors of all skill levels. The mural-like structure was created out of a concrete wall featuring several routes for ice climbers. The attraction spans about 25 feet across and 100 feet high with sections between 5–50 feet tall. Not only is the wall superbly crafted, it also mixes inviting natural views with convenient amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits located nearby.

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.