Spread the love!

Escanaba, Michigan: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Escanaba is the Upper Peninsula’s port town and it wears that history openly. Two lighthouses you can climb, a preserved 19th-century iron smelting village down the shore at Fayette, and a mile of beach in Ludington Park where the harbor used to work. The outdoors is the other half, with the Hiawatha National Forest running to over 880,000 acres behind the town. Summer is short here. Use it.

Welcome to Escanaba, Michigan, a charming city in the Upper Peninsula with a genuine spread of activities and attractions. Outdoor adventures, historical landmarks or cultural experiences, all three are covered here. This article works through the best and most fun things to do and places to visit in Escanaba.

A Brief Glimpse Into Escanaba’s History. Before the activities, the background. Founded in 1863, Escanaba was a major lumbering center and port city. It is known now for its beaches, its green spaces and its cultural scene. And as you work through the city you see the remnants of the old trade, the historic buildings and the lighthouses that guided ships into the harbor.

Lighthouses: The Guiding Lights of Escanaba. Speaking of lighthouses, Escanaba holds several, and they give you the best views of Lake Michigan available here. The Sand Point Lighthouse through to the Peninsula Point Lighthouse, and both are working structures as well as attractions. So pack the camera for the lake and the country around it.

Key Takeaways

• Escanaba, Michigan offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
• The city has a rich history as a major lumbering center and port city, and remnants of its past can still be seen today.
• Escanaba’s lighthouses are not only functional but also serve as popular tourist attractions.

A Brief Glimpse Into Escanaba’s History

So you want the history of Escanaba? You are in luck, my friend. This town has a past going back to the 19th century.

Escanaba was founded in 1863 and named after the Escanaba River. The town grew fast into a hub for the timber and mining industries. At one point Escanaba was the largest iron ore shipping port in the world. That is not a small thing for a town this size.

But the boom ended, as booms do. The timber industry declined and the iron ore shipments slowed. Escanaba was not finished by it. The town adapted and found other ways to work.

Escanaba is a working community now that keeps its history in view. The Delta County Historical Society preserves the town’s past and explains it to visitors. So history readers should make the society’s museum and archives.

Escanaba has had its ups and downs and it has always come back. From a small town on the Escanaba River to what it is now, the place has a lot to show. So come down and see it.

Lighthouses: The Guiding Lights of Escanaba

For something historical and unusual, the lighthouses of Escanaba are the answer. These structures guided ships to safety for over a century, and now you climb them for a panoramic view over Lake Michigan.

Sand Point Lighthouse

The Sand Point Lighthouse is the one to make in Escanaba. Built in 1867, it has been restored to its original appearance and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Climb to the top of the tower for a view over Ludington Park and downtown Escanaba. Bring the camera, because this is where the photographs are.

Peninsula Point Lighthouse

The other lighthouse worth the trip is the Peninsula Point Lighthouse. This 40-foot tower is an easy climb up a circular staircase to the platform and the view. And the rocky shoreline below yields fossils estimated at 400-500 million years old, which makes it work for history readers and geology people at the same time.

History, panoramic views, or simply an unusual afternoon, the lighthouses of Escanaba cover all three. So pack the bags, grab the camera, and go and see the guiding lights of Lake Michigan.

Outdoor Adventures in Escanaba

Outdoor enthusiasts do well in Escanaba. The natural country around it is the real draw, and there is plenty of it. These are the best activities in Escanaba:

Hiking Trails: From Leisurely Strolls to Challenging Treks

Escanaba holds some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula. A leisurely stroll or a hard trek, there is a trail for both. The Ludington Park Trails run an easy walk along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. And for something harder, the Days River Natural Trail is a 6-mile trek through forest.

Biking Escanaba: Pedal Your Way Through Beauty

Biking is the other way to see Escanaba’s country. With miles of trail, you can ride through forest, along rivers and past the lakes. The Escanaba to Gladstone Bike Path is the popular route, following the shore of Little Bay de Noc. And for a harder ride, the Rapid River Bike Trail runs 25 miles through the forest.

Kayaking in Escanaba: Paddle Your Worries Away

Kayaking is the third way into it. With calm rivers and open lakes, it is the peaceful version of the outdoors here. The Escanaba River is the popular destination, with calm water and good scenery. And for a harder paddle, the Days River runs 6 miles through the forest.

Fishing: The Great Escanaba Pastime

Fishing is a real pastime in Escanaba and the reason is obvious. Sitting this close to Lake Michigan, the area holds a genuine range of species. Salmon, trout or bass, all three are in the water. And the Escanaba River is the popular spot, with calm water and plenty of fish.

Winter Sports: Skiing and Snowshoeing

Winter sports people find plenty in Escanaba. With the snow this town gets, the area is built for skiing and snowshoeing. The Terrace Bay Ski Trail runs 5 miles of groomed trail for cross-country skiing. And for something harder, the Rapid River Ski Trail runs 25 miles of ungroomed trail for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.

A leisurely stroll, a hard hike, or a slow paddle, Escanaba covers all three. Get out and use it.

Beach Bumming in Escanaba

Looking for a slow day by the water? Escanaba’s beaches are the answer. Clear water, soft sand and long sunsets. These are the best beaches to check out:

Little Bay De Noc

This beach works for families with young children. The shallow water and gentle waves make it easy for the little ones. And there is room to spread out and sit in the sun. Bring sand toys.

Big Bay De Noc

For somewhere more secluded, head to Big Bay De Noc. This quieter spot is tucked away on the Stonington Peninsula with long views over Lake Michigan. Pack a picnic and spend the day on the beach, or get into the cool water.

Stonington Peninsula

For the full beach day, head to the Stonington Peninsula. With miles of sandy shoreline, finding a spot to yourself is not hard. Play volleyball with friends, or walk the water at sunset.

Whichever beach you pick, bring plenty of sunscreen and a good book. It is a day of sitting still and doing very little.

Historical Fascination: Fayette Historic State Park

Looking for a historical adventure? Fayette Historic State Park. This park is a preserved 19th century industrial community, with a museum village and costumed interpreters working in it.

Explore the park’s historic townsite and get the iron smelting industry that once ran here. The museum village holds 20 historic buildings restored to their original 19th century appearance.

You feel the time shift as you walk the village and talk to the costumed interpreters who bring the place back. You get the daily life of the people who lived and worked in the townsite at its height.

History readers should not miss Fayette Historic State Park. It is a genuine look into Michigan’s industrial past and it works as a family day out. And who does not love a good costume party?

What you notice is how much of the past is still standing. The Sand Point Lighthouse dates to 1867 and you climb it. Fayette is an entire industrial town left in place, twenty buildings restored, with people in period clothing walking about in it. The fossils on the shoreline at Peninsula Point are hundreds of millions of years old. Everything here is older than it looks.

Escanaba’s Green Spaces

Looking for fresh air? Escanaba has the green space for it. Playgrounds through to national forests, these are the two not to miss:

Ludington Park: A Playground for All Ages

Ludington Park is where you take a picnic, play, or simply sit and look at the water. The park runs a mile-long beach, tennis courts and a playground for the little ones. But that is not all, because there is a bandshell with live music through the summer months.

And there is more. The park also runs a bike path along Little Bay de Noc. So bring the bike and take the water views. And with luck, a bald eagle over the top of it.

Hiawatha National Forest: Nature’s Wonderland

For something more rugged, Hiawatha National Forest is the place. With over 880,000 acres of land, there is more ground than you can use. Hike the forest, fish the streams, or camp out under the stars.

But the real event is the fall colors. Through the fall months the forest turns over into orange, yellow and red, and it is worth timing a trip around. It suits a camping trip or simply a scenic drive.

So pack the bags and head for Escanaba’s green spaces. You will not regret it.

Escanaba’s Breweries: A Toast to the Good Times

Beer drinkers do well in Escanaba. With the breweries here, a craft beer that suits you is not hard to find. These are the two to check out:

Upper Hand Brewery: The Upper Hand in Craft Beers

Located in the heart of Escanaba, Upper Hand Brewery is the stop for anyone who loves craft beer. They run a wide selection, from the flagship UPA, the Upper Peninsula Ale, through to seasonal brews like the Yooper Ale.

The brewery is known for its brewing process, which uses water from the nearby Lake Superior. That gives the beer a taste you will not find elsewhere.

For a place to sit with friends, Upper Hand Brewery runs a spacious taproom that takes large groups. And they offer tours, so you can see how the beer is actually made.

Yooper Ale: A Taste of the North

For a beer unique to Escanaba, try the Yooper Ale. Brewed by Upper Hand Brewery, it is made with wild thimbleberries native to the Upper Peninsula.

The beer is fruity and it suits summer, and it is the clearest taste of the north you will get in a glass. And if fruity beers are not your thing, Upper Hand Brewery has plenty else.

Escanaba’s breweries are a good way to spend an afternoon. Beer enthusiast or someone simply after somewhere to sit with friends, both are covered at Upper Hand Brewery or Yooper Ale. So raise a glass.

Escanaba’s Cultural Scene

Escanaba is a small town with a real cultural scene in it. Art through to literature, both are covered. These are the two spots that give you the measure of it:

Bonifas: The Heart of Art in Escanaba

Art lovers should make a beeline for the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. It is the hub of the arts scene in Escanaba and the reason is obvious once you are inside. The collection covers local and international work, paintings through to sculpture through to mixed media.

But that is not all. The Bonifas also runs events through the year, art classes and workshops and exhibitions among them. And there is live music and theater. It is where you go to get the creative side of the town and to meet people doing the same.

Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

If you are more of a reader, check out the Escanaba Public Library. It holds a deep collection that will satisfy a serious reader, books and magazines and newspapers alongside digital resources like e-books and audiobooks.

But the library is more than somewhere to borrow books. It runs events and programs through the year, author talks and book clubs and writing workshops among them. And local artists get a dedicated gallery space to show work in.

Art aficionado or book lover, Escanaba’s cultural scene covers both. So take a break from the everyday and get into the creative side of the town.

Family Fun in Escanaba

Looking for family activities in Escanaba? There is plenty here that the whole family can use together.

UPutt Family Fun Center: Fun for the Whole Family

Get ready to putt at UPutt Family Fun Center. This indoor mini-golf course works at every age. With 18 holes of challenging obstacles and good themes, the round takes longer than you expect.

But that is not all. UPutt also runs an arcade, with classics like skee-ball and air hockey alongside modern favorites like Mario Kart and Jurassic Park. And you win tickets to redeem at the prize counter. Mini-golf pro or arcade master, UPutt Family Fun Center covers both.

Interactive Visitor Center: Learning Made Fun

Looking for something fun and educational for the whole family? The Interactive Visitor Center. This hands-on museum works for kids and for the adults with them.

Work through the history and culture of Escanaba on interactive exhibits and displays. You get the area’s Native American heritage, the history of the logging industry, and a go at piloting a Great Lakes freighter.

But it is not all serious at the Interactive Visitor Center. There are plenty of activities for kids, dressing up in historic costumes and playing with the miniature logging camp among them. So for something fun and educational, check out the Interactive Visitor Center in Escanaba.

Escanaba’s Golf and Wine Scene

Looking for something else in Escanaba? The city’s golf and wine scene. Seasoned pro or someone who simply wants to sit with a glass of wine, both are covered here.

Sweetgrass Golf Club: Swinging in Style

Golf enthusiasts should not miss a trip to Sweetgrass Golf Club. This course runs 18 holes of genuinely challenging golf set against the Upper Peninsula’s landscape.

But Sweetgrass is not only the golf. The course runs a pro shop, a restaurant and a bar, which makes it work for a whole day. And there is a casino a short walk away for anyone wanting more.

Leigh’s Garden Winery: A Toast to the Good Life

If golf is not your thing, try the wine tasting at Leigh’s Garden Winery. This family-owned winery runs a range of wines made from locally grown grapes.

Take a tour of the winery and see how the wine is made, then settle in for the tasting. And if the hunger arrives, there are snacks and appetizers alongside.

Leigh’s Garden Winery is where a relaxed afternoon goes, with friends or with anybody else. So raise a glass and use what this charming winery has.

So there you have it, two good options in Escanaba’s golf and wine scene. Swinging in style or sipping something good, both work. So what are you waiting for? Get out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with UPutt Family Fun Center in Escanaba?

It is not only mini-golf and go-karts, my friend, it is a good deal more. There is an arcade, batting cages and laser tag. It works as a family day of fun and games. And who does not love a round of mini-golf?

Can you really find good beaches near Escanaba, MI?

Absolutely. Escanaba sits along the shores of Lake Michigan, which means there are beaches within reach. Check out Ludington Park, which runs a beach, picnic areas and a playground. Or head over to the Sand Point Lighthouse Beach for the views and a slow day in the sun.

Are there any unique outdoor activities to try in Escanaba?

You betcha. How about a round of disc golf at the Pioneer Trail Park? Or a hike through the Escanaba River State Forest? And for the more adventurous, kayaking or canoeing on the Escanaba River.

What are some must-try restaurants in Escanaba?

You cannot go wrong with a classic pasty from Dobber’s Pasties. Or, for seafood, the fresh catch at Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub. And for something sweet, Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts for the chocolates and candies.

What are some interesting things that Escanaba, MI is known for?

Did you know Escanaba is home to the world’s largest steam-driven logging shovel? Or that it is the birthplace of Tom Izzo, head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team? And Escanaba is the hub of the Upper Peninsula’s fishing industry. History reader or fishing enthusiast, both are covered here.

Frequently asked questions about Escanaba, Michigan

Can you actually climb the Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba?

You can. It was built in 1867, restored to its original appearance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The climb takes you to a view over Ludington Park and the whole of downtown Escanaba. The Peninsula Point Lighthouse is the other one, a 40-foot tower on an easy circular staircase. Take the camera up with you, because the view earns it.

Is Fayette Historic State Park worth the drive from Escanaba?

Yes. It is a preserved 19th-century industrial community rather than a museum about one, with a townsite of twenty restored buildings and costumed interpreters working through the daily life of the people who lived there. The iron smelting story runs through the whole site and is the spine of it. Give it most of a day and go in the warm months.

Which Escanaba trail suits a first-time visitor?

The Ludington Park Trails, which run along the Lake Michigan shoreline and ask nothing of you. For something harder, the Days River Natural Trail is a 6-mile trek through forest. The Escanaba to Gladstone Bike Path follows the shore of Little Bay de Noc if you would rather ride than walk. All three start close to town and need no special gear.

Spread the love!