Must Visit Attractions
Michigan’s Northeast Lower Peninsula is home to a diverse array of attractions, where history, nature, and adventure seamlessly intertwine. From the rugged beauty of state parks and recreation areas to historic sites that capture the regionโs past, these locations offer something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the wild forests, serene lakes, or fascinating museums, each stop unveils a unique story of the Northeast Lower Peninsula’s cultural and natural heritage.
40 Mile Point Lighthouse
๐7323 US 23 North, Rogers City
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Located on the northern shoreline of Lake Huron in Presque Isle Countyโs Lighthouse Park, 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was completed in 1896 at a cost of $25,000. Since May 1897, its 4th Order Fresnel lens has guided sailors safely along the coast and remains operational today.
Alcona Historical Society
๐Sturgeon Point Lighthouse – 6071 Point Road, Harrisville | Bailey School – Point Road, Harrisville | Lincoln Depot – Lake Street at Fisk Street, Lincoln
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The Alcona Historical Society offers educational tours and programs that provide visitors the chance to explore three fascinating museums: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, Bailey School, and the Lincoln Depot.
Aloha State Park
๐4347 Third Street, Cheboygan
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Nestled on the northeast shore of Mullett Lake, near the Straits of Mackinac, Aloha State Park offers a modern campground, a boating access site, a designated swim beach, and a protected boat basin. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to camp, boat, and enjoy the lake’s tranquility. Park Map
AuSable River Center
๐606 Lake Street, Roscommon
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Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, the AuSable River Center served as an administrative building for the Michigan Department of Conservation for nearly 40 years. Today, it remains a historic landmark and community resource.
Besser Museum
๐491 Johnson Street, Alpena
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The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan offers enriching cultural experiences in art, history, and science. The museumโs 42,000-square-foot facility houses over 47,000 artifacts and features a planetarium, a Foucault pendulum, and a unique fossil exhibit. Visitors can even dig and keep Devonian period fossils at the outdoor Lafarge Fossil Park.
Bush Creek Mill
๐121 S. State St., Hillman
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The Brush Creek Mill dates back to the 1880s when it was first built as a grist mill. After falling into disrepair in the 1980s, it was revitalized in the 1990s. The green space incorporates a 22-foot water wheel that generates electricity to power the millโs lights and appliances. Visitors can observe this fully functioning grain mill in action.
Cheboygan State Park
๐4490 Beach Road, Cheboygan
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Open year-round, Cheboygan State Park offers diverse activities, including trout fishing in Elliot Creek and boating access to Duncan Bay. The shallow, clear waters of the beach make it an ideal spot for children to splash around. Park Map
Clear Lake State Park
๐20500 M-33 North, Atlanta
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Clear Lake State Park offers a serene environment along two-thirds of Clear Lakeโs shoreline. It features a modern campground, hiking trails, a designated swim beach, and even a disc golf course. Known for its elk population, you might hear the bugling of elk in the distance while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Park Map
Colonial Michilimackinac
๐102 W. Straits Ave. Mackinaw City
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Step back in time to 1775 at Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort and fur trading village. Based on extensive archaeological excavations, this historical site offers interactive experiences, with historical interpreters portraying voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families. Watch cannon demonstrations, see food preparation, and witness ongoing archaeological excavations throughout the summer. Park Map
Gaylord Car
๐319 W. Main, Gaylord
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The Gaylord Motor Company (GMC) began operations in 1910, with cars initially assembled in Detroit and returned to Gaylord. The Gaylord Model 30 was the first vehicle produced, with 50 cars built in the first year. In 1911, the company introduced the D-S Touring Car and the R-20 Utility Roadster, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
Gaylordโs City Elk Park Viewing Area
๐Golden Elk Ct, Gaylord
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Located in Gaylord, the city maintains an impressive elk herd, with over 60 elk roaming freely in a 108-acre enclosure. The park offers viewing areas where visitors can observe these majestic animals up close, making it a popular stop for wildlife enthusiasts and families.
Grayling Fish Hatchery
๐4890 West North Down River Road, Grayling
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At the Grayling Fish Hatchery, visitors can see more than 1,000 rainbow trout in the raceways, along with wild trout populations that are always ready to eat. The hatchery also features a marsh raceway with turtles and frogs. Kids aged 16 and under can fish in the Childrenโs Fishing Pond at no cost, practicing catch and release.
Great Lake Lore Maritime Museum
๐367 N. Third Street, Rogers City
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This museum honors those who worked the Great Lakes, including captains, crew members, Coast Guard lighthouse keepers, fur traders, and Native American traders. The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum offers a deep dive into the region’s maritime history and freighter culture, perfect for lake lovers.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area
๐7601 Old Lake Road, Grayling
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Hanson Hills offers year-round outdoor fun, from downhill skiing and snowboarding to tubing and mountain biking. It also features two disc golf courses, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a softball field, and hiking trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Harrisville State Park
๐248 State Park Road, Harrisville
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Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron, Harrisville State Park is one of Michiganโs oldest parks. The park offers a mix of natural beauty with a modern campground, trails, and a designated swim beach. Visitors can enjoy the 2-mile Heritage Trail that connects to the nearby town of Harrisville. Park Map
Hartwick Pines State Park
๐3612 State Park Dr., Grayling
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Famed for its 49 acres of old-growth pine forest, Hartwick Pines State Park features scenic views of the East Branch of the AuSable River. One of the largest state parks in Michiganโs Lower Peninsula, it offers trails, spring-fed lakes, and a rich natural history that dates back centuries. Park Map
Historic Mill Creek
๐9001 W, US-23, Mackinaw City
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Experience the power of the creek at Historic Mill Creek, one of the oldest industrial sites in the Upper Great Lakes. Watch demonstrations of the pit saw method for cutting lumber and feel the energy of the creek as it powers the sawmill, offering a glimpse into the regionโs early industries. Park Map
Irons Park
๐335 Shrigley St., West Branch
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Irons Park features a variety of amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and rentable gazebos. The 5-mile River Trail is perfect for bikers and hikers, while geocachers can search for hidden treasures throughout the park.
Loud Creek Ski/Hike Trail
๐4356 Cauchy Road, Mio
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Loud Creekโs Ski/Hike Trail features seven interconnected loops, with distances ranging from 1.36 to 4.34 miles. Hikers and joggers will enjoy peaceful paths through hardwoods and pine, with scenic streams and beaver ponds along the way. In winter, the trail offers sledding opportunities. Park Map
Louis M Groen Nature Preserve
๐10950 Heatherton Road, Johannesburg
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Located in Johannesburg, the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve spans nearly 800 acres of scenic property, featuring Kujawa and Johannesburg Lakes. The preserve was once home to the Johannesburg Manufacturing Company and Echo Valley Resort and now offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Park Map
Lumbermanโs Monument
Website
๐5401 Monument Road, Oscoda
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At Lumbermanโs Monument, visitors can learn about the timber industry and the men who helped build northern Michigan. Explore displays on lumberjack life, use a peavey, and take a short hike to the dune observation deck for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Michigan State Firemenโs Memorial
๐1337 Robinson Lake Road, Roscommon
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The Michigan Firemenโs Memorial honors the brave firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The site features a dedicated wall inscribed with the names of those who gave everything to protect the communities they served.
North Higgins Lake State Park
๐11747 N. Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon
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๐Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum
Set on the north shore of Higgins Lake, this park offers camping, mini cabins, and scenic hiking trails. The park is home to the historic Higgins Lake Nursery and the CCC Museum, a Michigan History Center site that celebrates the state’s first tree nursery and the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Park Map
Ogemaw Hills Pathway
๐651 S. Fairview Road, West Branch
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Located near West Branch, the Ogemaw Hills Pathway offers 15 miles of scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Two trailheads provide access to lush, wooded terrain, making this a popular spot for outdoor adventures in all seasons. Park Map
Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway
๐Millersburg
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This pathway leads visitors to Ocqueoc Falls, the only publicly owned waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The site features small rapids and a cool-water pool, making it a favorite for families who want to enjoy a refreshing splash. Park Map
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
๐526 N. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City
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Since 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has helped guide ships through the Straits of Mackinac. Visitors can explore its authentic exhibits, including the original lens, lighthouse tower tours, and a museum about shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac. Park Map
Onaway State Park
๐3622 N. M-211, Onaway
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Onaway State Park offers beautiful scenery along the southeast shore of Black Lake. The park includes a campground, designated swim beach, and a 3-mile trail, with opportunities for hiking and picnicking. The Overlook Shelter and newly constructed Onaway Pavilion provide space for group gatherings. Park Map
Otsego Lake State Park
๐7136 Old 27 S, Gaylord
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Located near Gaylord, Otsego Lake State Park is a popular destination for lakeside recreation. With a beautiful sandy beach, fishing pier, picnic areas, and easy access to the Iron Belle Trail, the park offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking to swimming and snowmobiling. Park Map
Pigeon River Country
๐9966 Twin Lakes Road, Vanderbilt
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The Pigeon River Country State Forest is a rugged, remote wilderness cherished by hunters, anglers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. With over 105,000 acres of wild land, this area is ideal for those seeking peace and solitude in northern Michiganโs untamed forests.
Presque Isle Township Museum Society
๐4500 East Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle
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Presque Isle is home to a trio of historic lighthouses: the 1870 Lighthouse, the 1840 Lighthouse, and the 1870 Harbor Range Light. The museum in the beautifully restored 1905 Keeperโs House showcases local history, including the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.
Rifle River Recreation Area
๐2550 E. Rose City Road, Lupton
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This year-round recreation area offers a wide range of activities, including fishing, paddling, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Visitors can enjoy 10 no-wake lakes, the scenic Rifle River, and numerous streams. An observation tower along Ridge Road provides sweeping views of the parkโs landscape, while a suspension bridge crosses the Rifle River. Park Map
Rockport Recreation Area
๐Alpena
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Rockport Recreation Area, with its fascinating history as a limestone quarry, spans 4,237 acres along Lake Huronโs shoreline. The park blends natural beauty with historical intrigue, offering hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and opportunities to explore the remnants of the quarry and unique geological features. It’s also a designated dark sky preserve for stargazing. Park Map
South Higgins Lake State Park
๐106 State Park Drive, Roscommon
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Known for its water recreation, South Higgins Lake State Park is located on one of Michigan’s clearest, spring-fed lakes. The park features a large boating access site with multiple launches, a boat-washing station, and offers excellent fishing and recreational boating opportunities. Park Map
Tawas Point State Park
๐686 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas
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๐Tawas Point Lighthouse
This 183-acre park, known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is located at the tip of a sand spit on Lake Huron. A prime birdwatching destination, the park is a migratory stopover for thousands of birds each spring and fall. The historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, with its Victorian-era design, is a must-see for maritime enthusiasts. Park Map
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
๐500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena
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Protecting nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers a fascinating glimpse into Michigan’s maritime history. Through research and educational programs, the sanctuary ensures the preservation and enjoyment of these underwater treasures for future generations.
Wellington Farm USA
๐6944 Military Road, Grayling
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Step back in time to the 1930s at Wellington Farm USA, a living history museum that showcases life during the Great Depression. Visitors can experience the hardships and resilience of a midwestern farming community in this immersive, educational attraction.
Wurtsmith Air Museum
๐4071 East Van Ettan Street, Oscoda
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Explore the rich history of military aviation at the Wurtsmith Air Museum, which traces the evolution of this former military base from its early days as Loud-Reames Aviation Field to its role in national defense as Oscoda Air Force Base. The museum offers a fascinating look at the baseโs role in shaping U.S. defense strategies.
Each of these destinations represents a different facet of what makes Michigan’s Northeast Lower Peninsula so special, from tranquil outdoor retreats to places steeped in history. No matter your interests, exploring these hidden gems promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Michigan’s charm and beauty.
