18 Attractions to Explore Near Wilderness State Park
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Sturgeon Bay BeachSturgeon Bay Beach is a stunning natural beach known for its spectacular sunsets. The magical glimmers of the sun as it sets over the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan create breathtaking vistas. The area also offers stunning scenic hiking trails, bike paths and picnic sites. Visitors enjoy this beach all year round; during summer months they can relax in the warm sunshine on the soft sand and during winter months they can appreciate the beauty of frost-covered sand dunes.
Waugoshance PointWaugoshance Point is a truly remarkable place. It is home to the oldest known lighthouse on the Great Lakes and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan from its picturesque bluffs. It is also home to 15 species of endangered plants, as well as wildlife like coyotes and cardinals. A National Historic Landmark, it features expansive beach areas for exploring, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. With lush forest trails for hiking around the nearby Sturgeon Bay.
Headlands International Dark Sky ParkHeadlands 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.
McGulpin Point LighthouseMcGulpin Point Lighthouse, has protected the waters of Lake Michigan since 1869. The lighthouse stands an impressive 49 feet tall and was constructed of cut stone with a circular spiral stairway enclosed in its center. The beacon can be seen from up to 15 nautical miles away, protecting vessels that would have otherwise been at the mercy of treacherous waves and hidden rocks. There have been many adjustments over the years to update the century-plus old structure.
Waugoshance LighthouseWaugoshance Lighthouse is a 102-foot wooden tower built in 1851 and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Located at the most dangerous location on the lake, Waugoshance stands as an iconic reminder of early efforts to ensure safe navigation between Lake Michigan ports. Although it sustained heavy damage from ice during numerous winters, Waugoshance continued to be staffed until 1924 when an automated light was established.
St. Helena Island LighthouseSt. Helena Island Lighthouse offers a stunning view of the Straits of Mackinac. The original lighthouse was built in 1862, with a two-story wooden structure framed around an octagonal tower that provided visibility for ships traveling through the straits. As time went on and ship technology changed, it became clear that the light could not be seen from certain angles. In 1903 a new tower was built adjacent to the old one, with a higher-powered electric beacon.
St. Hellena Island LighthouseThe St. Hellena Island Lighthouse is a classic example of lighthouse architecture from the 1900’s. This white brick structure emphasizes its distinctive brick tower, which stands 54 feet and was rebuilt more than once since the original construction in 1877. Inside the lighthouse is a set of winding stairs that leads to the light gallery with fantastic views of the surrounding Great Lakes.
Lake ParadiseLake 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.
Colonial MichilimackinacColonial 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.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company - Mackinaw City Dock #1Star 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.
Old Mackinac Point LighthouseOld 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.
Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime MuseumThe 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.
Mackinac BridgeThe Mackinac Bridge is an iconic sight in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Spanning 8 miles of the Straits of Mackinac, it is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and was opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. Many visitors make the drive across this awe-inspiring structure each year to take in stunning views of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Some come for a day trip while others stay longer to explore the quaint towns along Lake Huron's shoreline.
Mackinac BridgeMackinac Bridge, is the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. Spanning more than five miles of open water from St. Ignace on the North side to Mackinaw City on the South side of the straits of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, it is hailed as a marvel of modern engineering. It was opened for traffic in 1957 as part of an effort to make travel easier between Michigan’s two peninsulas and has become an iconic symbol for residents throughout the state.
Grays Reef LightGrays Reef Light, located near the northernmost part of Lake Michigan, is an iconic beacon. Built in 1932, it stands 92 feet tall with a cylindrical tower measuring just over 16 feet in diameter. The light from the beacon can be seen from as far away as 8 nautical miles and exhibits a signature flashing pattern of red and white. It has been used over the years not only to guide sailors but to provide a sense of security and hope for those who call the Great Lakes home.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery ParkHistoric 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.
Father Marquette National MemorialFather Marquette National Memorial located on the Lake Huron shore, the memorial is an ode to the French explorer Father Jacques Marquette. The site pays homage to his incredible journey by providing detailed educational info on his travels and relentless determination to discover the region of Michigan in 1673-74. The memorial's main pavilion highlights these remarkable adventures as well as housing other helpful related info such as his living quarters.
White Shoal LighthouseThis can truly be called a beacon of beauty in the Great Lakes. Standing tall against the horizon at 80-feet and outlined with red brick, it's a structure that often takes your breath away. Constructed in 1910 to ensure safety of ships passing through Lake Michigan, White Shoal features both a light tower plus an adjoining keeper's house. The lighthouse lens, fueled by oil and electricity intermittently throughout history, guided hundreds of vessels safely along its journey each year
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Wilderness State ParkWilderness State Park in Emmet County, Michigan boasts 10,000 acres of stunning scenery. The sprawling park features a variety of unique attractions and activities; from tantalizing trails for cyclists and hikers to breathtaking beaches and serene nature views that are unrivaled by any other place in the county. This area of Michigan provides an array of experiences for visitors to enjoy ranging from birding and kayaking to swimming, fishing and so much more.