Michigan Vacation Day Trip

Travel Bays de Noc!

Historic Guardians

Anchored in stone and in the past, two Delta County lighthouses have survived the ravages of time and still stand vigil on the Bays de Noc. In years past the beacons of both Sand Point and Peninsula Point lighthouses guided sailors and their ships to safe harbors. Today the lighthouses draw visitors to explore the romance and architecture of a bygone era.

The Sand Point Lighthouse and Historical Complex is at the end of Ludington Street and across the street from the Escanaba Municipal Marina. The lighthouse is fully restored, furnished and is complete with a fresnel fourth class lens still residing at the top of the tower. Mary Terry was one of the first women lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes, and would feel right at home in the fully furnished and restored light house if she visited today. Rumors abound that decades after her death she occasionally makes an appearance to check on the lighthouse.

Ghosts and rumors also surround the ruins of the Peninsula Point Lighthouse. A fire destroyed the keeper’s house and today all that remains is the lens tower. The grounds where the lighthouse once resided is a park that comes to life every spring with the blooming of the lilac bushes. The park is complete with an interpretive geological trail, signs explaining the history of the light house, and plaques discussing the Monarch Butterflies that migrate through the area every fall. Visitors can still climb the wrought iron spiral staircase to the top and enjoy panoramic views and the clean breezes of Big and Little Bays de Noc.

Paths of Discovery

Winding through endless forests, along meandering streams, or next to the pure waters of the Bays de Noc the path ways and trails of Delta County are waiting for you. Our hiking, biking, snowmobiling, off-roading, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and horse back riding trails will connect you to your next adventure or beckon you to enjoy the silence of your own thoughts set against the soul renewing sounds of Mother Nature at her best. The paths are yours to discover.

Snowmobile Trails

The Nahma Grade Snowmobile Trail is 31 miles long. It is marked and groomed for your winter enjoyment. Connections can be made to other trails to increase your total ride. These trails are maintained jointly by the USDA Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources along with local snowmobile clubs. Grooming of the trail is done by the Michigan DNR. Maps and regulations are available at the District Rangers Office or the Supervisors Office of the Hiawatha National Forest.

The trail head is on I-40 near County Road 509, 2 miles east of Rapid River in Delta County. The first segment is 11 miles long and is located on a natural gas pipeline. It passes through lowlands, stands of jack pine and sand flats. Near Forest Highway 13, the trail takes you north 20.3 miles to connect with the Baldy Lake Trail at Road 440. Much of this segment uses the old abandoned logging railroad grades.

Cross Country Trails

Escanaba River State Forest 6833 US-2 historic buildings of a century old iron smelting village. The trail overlooks the village of Fayette from limestone cliffs, winds around the ancient buildings, then traverses the wooded park. The trailhead is located at the Fayette State Park entrance off M-183 on the Garden Peninsula, 16 miles south of US-2.

Gladstone Sports Park - A few years ago, the City of Gladstone made renovations to the Ski Park adding more than just skiing. The Ski hill is a beginner to intermediate with 130’ vertical drop, 3 rope tows, 1 wire and 1 t-bar. A Snow-board run with regulation half-pipe, 3 tube runs and lifts were added. This enhanced the activity, now giving more people a chance to use the hill. Also available is the indoor chalet for food & warmth. They have rerouted the Snowmobile Trail that follows the skiing area. The trail has been moved to stay away from activity, greatly minimizing the danger of accidents.

Days River Pathway - The postcard scenery and rolling hills on the Days River Pathway makes this the most popular trail on Bays de Noc. The trail winds along side of the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. Four loops on the trail offer conditions for beginner, advanced, and expert skiers. The trailhead is located two miles northwest of US Highway 2 & 41 between Gladstone and Rapid River. 17.9 miles of DNR maintained trails. 906-786-2351

Rapid River Ski Trails - The Rapid River ski trail offers five loops of Nordic ski trail opportunities as well as two skating loops. The trail is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Upper Peninsula, as it winds thru pine covered ridges and drops into thick lowland swamps. The topography offers beginner through expert skiers a wide rang of challenges, from gentle, flat terrain to long, steep hills. The trailhead is located six miles north of Rapid River on US Highway 41.

Hiking and Horseback

Bay de Noc—Grand Island Trail - The 40-mile trail overlooks the Whitefish River basin from a ridge running from Rapid River to Munising. Trail follows the ancient portage route of Chippewa Indians from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior. Trailhead two miles east of Rapid River on County Road 509. 906-474-6442

Days River Natural Trail - The short trail winds through cedar and oak stands along the mouth of the Days River. Tree identification markers are located along the trail North of Gladstone on North Lake Shore Drive. Bay de Noc State Forest. Near Gladstone. 17.9 miles of DNR maintained trails. 906-786-2351

Fayette State Park - About 17 miles of hiking trails wind through the park’s historic town site and hardwood forest. The trail overlooks the town from limestone cliffs. There is a picnic area, beach and campground at the park. Located south of Garden on Garden Peninsula. 906-644-2603

Maywood History Trail - Located in Little Bay de Noc Recreation Area. This .6 mile trail winds through 200 year-old hemlocks and pines along Lake Michigan. Twelve interpretive panels describe the history, dating back to the days of the Noquet Indians and more recently the old Maywood Hotel. The trail is located 5 miles south of US 2 on County Road 513, Rapid River. 906-474-6442

Haymeadow Creek Falls Trail - A one-mile walking trail follows Haymeadow Creek to a footbridge at the falls. Trailhead start on both sides of the river. 11 miles north of Rapid River on County Road 509. 906-474-6442

Peninsula Point Lighthouse Interpretive Trail - A 1-mile long trail shows historical and geographical features along Big Bay de Noc. The trail follows the shoreline ridges marking ancient lake levels. Limestone fossils are evident along the shorelines. The trail ends at the 1865 Peninsula Point Lighthouse. 19 miles south of Rapid River on County 513. 906-474-6442

Pioneer Trail Park - A historical trail takes the path of Chippewa Indians. French Missionaries once met with Native Americans nearby. A cemetery of early white settlers is on the trail. Located on the Escanaba River north of Escanaba on US 2, 41 & M-35. 906-786-1020

Spectacular Hues: Fall Color Tours

The Peninsula Point Lighthouse tour takes you around Little Bay de Noc. From US 2, take County Road 513 down the Stonington Peninsula. Climb the steps of the 40 foot lighthouse and gaze at the panorama view of Lake Michigan. The lighthouse was built in 1865 to help guide the wooden sailing vessels into both Little and Big Bays de Noc. Beside the lapping water of the bay is a good place for a picnic. On the way back, take County Road 511-15th Road through the farm country of the peninsula back to US 2.

Monarchs of the North. Home to the a breathtaking Monarch Butterfly migration. The cedar trees and lands surrounding the Peninsula Point Lighthouse Park, at the end of the point, separating Little from Big Bay de Noc, becomes the stop-off-point for thousands of Monarchs in late summer and early fall. The butterflies gather at the peninsula for their flights across the open waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay on their way south. The best time to see the Monarchs is August. However migration continues throughout September, when the peninsula’s hardwoods begin their annual fall change over, making for a spectacular fall color show in the sky as well as in the trees.

Tunnel of Trees. The Haymeadow Creek tour takes you through the Hiawatha National Forest. Haymeadow Creek Campground is located about 11 miles from Rapid River on County Road 509. Take the peaceful 1/4 mile hiking trail that winds along Haymeadow Creek. Further down County Road 509, the color of the trees can be spectacular. For a tremendous view of the Whitefish Basin, turn left on Forest Road 2236-38th Road to US 41. On the way back, stop at the Rapid River Falls Park and sit back, relax and just watch the water fall.

Garden & Ghost Towns. The Fayette tour takes you down the Garden Peninsula to historic Fayette State Park. Off of US 2, turn right at Garden Corners and follow County Rd. 483 to LL Road Turn left on LL Road and then right on 13th Road to finally end up at Fayette State Park. This turn-of-the-century iron smelting town features over 20 original buildings. Some are furnished as they may have looked in the 1800’s. A hiking trail along a limestone cliff provides a breathtaking view of the town and Big Bay de Noc. Before passing through Garden, stop at the quaint stores and try some smoked fish. On the way back, take a scenic detour on County Road 495 and 499 through Nahma for a last look at the bay.

The Escanaba River Tour takes you up the majestic Escanaba River. Your first crossing of the river on County Road 420 is upstream from Dam 3. A nearby access area provides a view of the impounded water. County Road 426 to Cornell takes you through farming country. Whitetail deer can often be seen in the fields. Past Cornell to the right, County Road 519 again crosses the flat limestone bed of the Escanaba River. Turn right on St. Nicholas 31st Road to go through Perkins and into Gladstone where an overview of Little Bay de Noc is seen from the Bluff.

Delta County Can Offer You Peaceful Relaxation or Various Adventures. Here are a few suggestions to get you going.

Lighthouses, mystery, and waterfalls. Sand Point lighthouse and Ludington Park are the starting point for this adventure. Enjoy the cool breezes from Little Bay de Noc while you explore the lighthouse and browse through the historical museum. Logging implements and enormous ship rudders are yours to photograph and marvel at. From the light house head east on Ludington Street driving through downtown Escanaba (the longest and largest downtown in the Upper Peninsula). Take the time to stop at the various restaurants and shops that dot Ludington Street.

When you reach the corner of US 2, turn right or north on US 2 and continue until HWY 41 in Rapid River. At the blinking light turn left and drive 7 miles to the Rapid River Falls, at the sign turn left, and follow the road. This is the perfect spot for a picnic at the park, the falls are only about 200 feet from the parking lot. Rainfall will determine the strength of falls flow. Leave the park following the same road that brought you to the park. Turn right on 41 following it back to Rapid River. At the stop light turn left and drive through Rapid River, if you have any questions stop at the Rapid River Ranger Station on the right hand side of US 2 about one mile outside of town. Continue through Rapid River up the hill about 3 miles, and turn right on 513. Follow the signs to the Bays de Noc Recreation area and the Peninsula Point Lighthouse. Stay on this road until the very end about 17 miles, where you will find the Peninsula Point Light House.

Gladstone Gallivant. Visit the historic town of Gladstone, named after an English Prime Minister. Gladstone’s victorian style store fronts and restaurants invite you to walk and stay a while. While in Gladstone, take a free tour of the only pet casket manufacturer and model pet cemetery in the United States, and explore Van Cleve Park. Walk along the shores of Little Bay de Noc on an elevated board walk, visit hand carved wooden statues of Native Americans, or check out the full size locomotive on US 2.Water, Woods, and a Ghost Town. Travel just 50 minutes east of Escanaba down the beautiful Garden Peninsula and stop at Historic Fayette State park, www.michigan.gov.

Just a few more miles east on US 2 near Thompson, visit Palms Book State Park and take a wonderful raft ride over a series of underground fed springs in Kitch-iti-kipi, just west of the Palms Book State Park, www.exploringthenorth.com.

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Travel south from Escanaba to visit Menominee’s unique historic waterfront and the Menominee North Pier Light, http://www.terrypepper.com/Lights/michigan/menominee/menominee.htm.

Then take US 2 & 41 north toward Escanaba stopping in Wallace, MI to see the white Bengal tiger at the DeYoung Family Zoo, www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com.

Under the Earth and on Top of the Water. Norway is about 45 minutes from Escanaba and Iron Mountain is 60 minutes. Take Hwy 8 towards Norway to experience Piers Gorge’s White Water rafting on the Menominee River, www.kosirs.com, or take a guided trip into a preserved mine just off US 2.

In Iron Mountain, visit the Cornish Pump Museum, www.exploringthenorth.com/cornish/pump.html or visit one of the ski hills for a breathtaking view of the area, www.norwaymountain.com.

A “must see” is the Iron Mountain Iron Mine and Museum, Vulcan, MI.

Waterfalls. From Escanaba to Munising is about a 65-minute drive. Travel east along U.S. 2 to Federal Hwy 13. Head north through the Hiawatha National Forest to M-28. Take M-28 west 3 miles. Browse the quaint gift shops in downtown Munising, www.munising.com.

Visit beautiful Munising Falls and Miners Castle, then take a boat trip to see Pictured Rocks or take the glass bottom boat ride to see a sunken ship – both in Munising, www.picturedrocks.com.

Return to Escanaba by same way or you can turn to go to Trenary on Hwy 94 and then take Hwy 2 & 41 back. You can also travel on M -28 from Munising to Autrain and take Hwy 67 to Trenary and US 2 & 41 back – all routes are scenic.

Horses, Fudge and History. Mackinac Island has played the gracious host to tourists for centuries. It is a two hour trip from the Garden area in Delta County. To get to Mackinac Island simply follow US 2 to St. Ignace and board a Ferry. The historic island is an official travel partner of Delta County.

The Island is approximately 2200 acres with signs directing visitors through the many riding, bicycling, and walking trails to all the natural features the Island offers. Great times on the Island include the Lilac Festival, tours of the Governor’s Mansion, Yacht races, and many historic sites.

Regional Cuisine & Everything in Between

From hand dipped chocolate, sweet breads, hearty meat pies, interesting sausages, fresh fish straight from the Bays, or for the more adventurous a raw meat dish there is something to appeal to every palate and every level of interest for the culinary adventurer. Some of our regional specialties are...

Chocolate. In 1906, a young Lebanese immigrant named Joseph Sayklly pursued the American dream by opening his own shop on Ludington Street in Escanaba, on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Together with his wife, Mary, and their nine children, Joe built Sayklly’s into a thriving local landmark. Folks stopped by to take home a bag of Sayklly’s famous candy or lingered at the soda fountain to savor treats made with hand-cranked ice cream (and maybe flirt with a sweetheart). Some of the biggest sellers in the early days, like peanut brittle, hand-pulled taffy, hand-dipped chocolates, peanut clusters, and fudge, are still sold today.

Cardamom (car·da·mom) Twist Bread. This is a wonderfully moist flavorful sweet bread that has spices that play gently across your palate while the exotic heady aroma of cardamom stimulates your senses. Part bread, part coffee cake be sure to pick one up to enjoy while in Delta County.

Limpa Rye Bread. This bread is a light brown dense flavorful bread that gets its unique characteristics from the rye flour and a touch of molasses that adds a sweet smoky character to this regional bread. Served with real butter or a butter alternative, Limpa Rye is a must have while in our area.

Pasty (pass-tee). The pasty is a traditional Upper Peninsula food, it is the original fast food of miners and lumberjacks alike. Made with beef, potato, onion, rutabaga, and carrots wrapped in a light flaky dough with a crimped edge in the shape of half moon. The pasty originated in Cornwall, England and was brought to the area Cornish miners. The mythology of the food is that miner’s wives took everything left over from Sunday dinner and wrapped it in a pastry shell for their husbands and sons to heat up on the end of a shovel using their miners’ lanterns. Pasties are readily available through out Delta County with every restaurant having their own “secret” family recipe that has been handed down through the generations.

Potato Sausage. This type of sausage arrived with the Norwegian and Swedish settlers and with the abundance of potatoes that are grown in our area it seems a perfect dish. For every 15lbs of potatoes in the sausage there is only 6 lbs of meat.

Fresh Fish. Walleye, whitefish, and perch straight from the Bays are served in a variety of ways by a wide variety of restaurants in Delta County. The Friday night fish fry is a community tradition, and as much an occasion to socialize with friends as it is to enjoy the bounty and benefits of living in a waterfront community.

Radawg (raw-dog). The origins of this dish remain a mystery, possibly Scandinavian, and it is not served in any restaurant. This dish is served in households and at many deer camps during the Holidays. The dish is raw hamburger, chopped onion, a raw egg, and lots of spices all mixed together served raw on crackers. We do not recommend serving this dish as eating raw meat or eggs can be hazardous to your health, we just wanted to share some UP extreme cuisine.