Must Do In Paradise, Michigan

     What is there to do in Paradise, Michigan!  LOTS!  Trip Advisor has their "Things to Do" option, others might say this is a Bucket List.  For your convenience, we've grouped them by natural wonders, history, culture, and personal revival.  Regardless of how you might refer to this list, you'll want to check out all seven possibilities.  After all, you are in Paradise!

NATURAL WONDERS IN PARADISE!

Freighter Transporting Goods, Lake Superior Shipping Lanes

   1.  Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and as reported by Wikipedia the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area!  Canada is located to the North and United States to the South.  The maximum length is 350 miles; the maximum width is recorded is at 160 miles.  There are some 1,720 miles of shoreline and at it's deepest point, 1,333 feet.   Paradise, Michigan is located south of Lake Superior and to the west of Whitefish Bay along the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, M-123.  Popular areas to view Lake Superior are the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Crisp Point Lighthouse.

   2.  Hiawatha National Forest is a vast area, 894,836 acres, that touches (100 miles of shoreline), three of the Great Lakes, Superior, Michigan, and Huron.  Preserving the wildlife species and vegetation for years to come.  In the Paradise area, you can enter the national forest through the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway that travels along the southern shore of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay.  There are road side parks that offer incredible views of Whitefish Bay and its shorelines: Big Pine, Bark Dock, Naomikong Point Site.  Be sure to stop at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse as you explore the Hiawatha National Forest.  There is an elevated walkway that meanders the shore line permitting you to explore St. Mary's River-mouth as it empties into Whitefish Bay.  You may even have a chance to observe an up-bound or down-bound freighter up close and personal.

Tahquamenon Lower Falls

     3. Tahquamenon Lower Falls is accessible along the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, M-123.  It is a popular destination within the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 50,000 acres west and south of Paradise, Michigan.  The lower falls is a series of five cascading falls  around an island.  There are some 35+ miles of hiking trails in the state park, including a trail that traverses from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls.  Today, it is possible to walk to the island utilizing a bridge.  The island is certainly worth the walk.

Tahquamenon River Mouth Park

  4.Tahquamenon River-Mouth is where the wilderness river meets Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. South of Paradise, Michigan along M-123, the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.  There is campground and road side park.  The park offers a boat launch and a great opportunity to wade into the cool, refreshing waters of Whitefish Bay.

Tahquamenon Upper Falls

  5. Tahquamenon Upper Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River given the volume of water that cascades over a 50 foot drop and a span of some 200 feet across.  A gem of the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the golden brown color of the river gives the falls its nickname: Root-Beer Falls.  The color is due to the tannin acids absorbed from the cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees in the surrounding forests.  You can access the Upper Falls along M-123, Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.  There is plenty of parking and a paved walk that goes back to the viewing decks of the falls. 

 

Sunrise on Whitefish Bay

   6. Whitefish Bay provides freighters a safe harbor when Lake Superior's waters are dangerous for travels.  You'll find freighters traveling up-bound (entering Lake Superior) or down-bound (headed toward the St. Mary's River and ultimately the Soo Locks) through Whitefish Bay.  Sunrises over Whitefish Bay are a favorite of photographers.

Whitefish Point

    7. Whitefish Point is located at the junction of Lake Superior and Whitefish Bay.  Geographically,  it is the location of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.  Located within a major bird migration route between North and South America, many ornithologists study the migration habits of a multitude of birds and bird enthusiasts hope to capture a sneak peak of a rare species.  Whitefish Point is often the last stop for these migrating birds to rest before venturing forth across Lake Superior.  Whitefish Point offers a grand view of Lake Superior and beaches of world class splendor.     

    This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce.  For additional information regarding lodging and food services please visit www.paradisemichigan.org

 

 

 

 

 

Lifting Your Spirits in Paradise!

Sometimes a person just needs to take a break and refill their soul.  Paradise offers many historic and natural wonders to explore.  And the Paradise area also offers family entertainment, fine dining, craft beers, music, souvenirs, and fine arts!  Tourism is a thriving industry in Paradise and folks appreciate your support!

A Piece of Paradise is a quaint store that offers souvenirs and a great selection of t-shirts, sweat shirts and hats.  Is your group looking to have a group identity?  Consider a custom design shirt for your event!  Jody offers great designs on quality shirts!  

Catch of the Day a food truck you'll find parked on M-123 just south of the blinking light in Paradise!  Offering the "best FRESH Whitefish, nicely seasoned,"  you'll wish you had ordered more.  Kids seem to clean their plates. 

 Oswald's Bear Ranch offers rescued bears a natural habitat to roam and live their days in comfort.  Housing and supporting some 40 bears in two large habitats, a popular stop for everyone in the family.

 

Paradise Food Pantry is located in Paradise along M-123 just south of the blinking light.  You'll find a large selection of groceries including snacks, ice cream, and candies to fill your pantry and camper!

Photography by Frances Czapski Gallery & Gift Shop offers an incredible collection of photographs by an extraordinary photographer with an eye for fine composition and color detail.  

 

 

Tahquamenon General Store is located just east of the Tahquamenon Lower Falls Park Entrance.  This locally owned family operation opens a wide variety of supplies including beer, wine, and liquour for camper's, hiker's, fishermen, snowmobile riders, all travelers.

Tahquamenon Falls Brewery  is located within the pristine beauty of the Upper Falls State Park. Fine Family Casual Dining. Handcrafted beer and root-beer. Open 7 Days, Serving 11am-8:30pm. Saturday till 9pm. Gifts & Souvenirs. Call for hours in "off season". Summer Only: Window Service/Hand-Dipped Cones. 

 

 

Tahquamenon Pizza is available for pick up and is delicious! Just check out their rave reviews.   You'll find it available at the Tahquamenon General Store on M-123 east of the Tahquamenon Lower Falls Park Entrance.  

The Inn, Gastropub & Smokehouse is located in front of the Magnuson Grand Lakefront Hotel, the Inn provides an unconventional dining experience. An UP North Rustic Cuisine with a slow, southern drawl. 

Wheelhouse Diner & Goat Locker Saloon Offers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. There is always something going on at the Goat Locker Saloon; Euchre Night, Live Music, Oil Painting Creativity Sessions, Special Guest Visitors!

For lodging and food accommodations, go to www.paradisemichigan.org.  This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

History & Culture in Paradise, Michigan

 

Upper Tahquamenon Falls

Immerse yourself in fall colors, blue skies, and cooler temperatures while exploring history and culture in Paradise Michigan.  Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where the Tahquamenon River empties into Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay and the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway meanders along the Hiawatha National Forest and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  It is an ideal time to capture natural beauty and an opportunity to explore four of the finest historical facilities in Michigan.

 

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Crisp Point Lighthouse  Open through October 18 in 2024, Crisp Point captures the feeling of solitude along the southern shores of Lake Superior.  Built in 1875, Crisp Point is located 14.5 miles west of Whitefish Point.  There is no direct route between Whitefish and Crisp points.  You'll find additional history  about the U. S. Life Saving Service Stations story and their critical role in the region.

Shipwreck Museum

 

Shipwreck Museum  Open through October (Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM), the Shipwreck Museum is an active research facility, uncovering shipwreck mysteries in Lake Superior.   The museum hosts the rescued bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald (1776) and in depth records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, recoveries,  and the perils of early maritime transport.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois Lighthouse  This museum is open through October 13, but exterior walkways are open through October. Located at the mouth of the St. Mary's River,  French explorers are recorded in the area in 1620 while the name references a battle between the Iroquois and the Ojibwa in 1662.  The lighthouse was built in 1855.  Learn details about these stories at this wonderful facility located along the scenic Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway.

 

Whitefish Point Light Station

Whitefish Point Light Station Open through October (Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM).  Whitefish Point Light Station is a portion of the Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point Road, 11 miles north of Paradise.  Still operating as a beacon to ships leaving Lake Superior; Whitefish Point was established in 1849.  The museum includes information about the U. S. Lighthouse Service and U. S. Coast Guard. 

For lodging and food accommodations, go to www.paradisemichigan.org.  This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce.

Snow, Sun, and Sandhill Cranes

Compliments AZGFD

This winter Paradise residents located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can have it all.  Snow and sun are understandable at this time of year but what about the ever popular Sandhill Cranes?  These birds migrate to southeastern Arizona in the winter time.  Now Paradise residents can watch their favorite friends through a live feed stream viewed at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/webcamlist/sandhillcrane/cranecam/.  Michigan’s Sandhill Cranes migrate to the Whitewater Draw in late October through March according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.  They join other Sandhill Cranes from as far away as Siberia to winter in southeastern Arizona.

The best time to see the birds is a half hour before sunrise until up to a half hour afterwards, just before they leave the roost to feed for the morning.  They return to Whitewater Draw sometime before noon (about 2 PM Michigan Time) and typically remains at the wildlife area the reminder of the day as reported in the Economic Development Journal of Mohave County, December 2018 issue, p. 14. 

The live feed cameras are supported in part by public donations.  To view the live-streaming cameras or to find information on wildlife viewing, visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife and click on “Wildlife Viewing.”  So while waiting for the snow to get deep enough and the temperatures to get cold enough for the perfect snowmobile ride, get a feel for Sandhill Cranes' winter home watching this video on youtube.

Nearly 130 Artists & Crafters At 34th Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise

Paradise, Michigan - - Friday, August 17, the Wild Blueberry Festival, established in 1984, will begin with its highly attended Blueberry Brunch at 9 AM until noon each day.  Some 130 artisans ranging from Mari-time arts, oil and acrylic paintings, refurbished furniture, herbalist, metal sculptures, fishing lures, fiber artists, chefs, and jewelers will be descending on Paradise at the Whitefish Township Community Center.  94% of the artists hail from Michigan, 31% from the Upper Peninsula.  The art show is open from 9 – 5 Friday, 9 -5 Saturday, and 9 – 4 Sunday. 

Making the Wild Blueberry Festival extraordinary is the broad range of entertainers roaming through the arts and crafts show and performing live on stage within the community center.  This year’s entertainers include the always popular juggler/daredevil/magician from Sault Ste Marie, Chet Mitchell; Jewls the Clown, Doc Pawlaczyk’s Family Medicine Man Show, Papa Crow, Michael Deren as an 1875 Schooner Captain, a  mime, Michael Lee, Carl “Bearfoot” Behrend,  Richard Paul, Ventriloquist,  Soleil Garcia-Johnson, Pianist, and The Blue Water Ramblers.   2018 is the second year that the Buggy Down Carriage Company will be offering a petting zoo and pony-ring rides for children of all ages at the Whitefish Township Community Schools, slightly north of the community center on M-123 from noon until 3PM Friday and Saturday, and from 10 until 1 pm on Sunday.    Details for the weekend’s schedule and entertainers can be found in a Wild Blueberry Festival brochure available at Visitor’s centers in the area or www.WildBlueberryFestival.org.

Don’t forget to stop by the Blueberry Bake Sale inside the community center; open from 9 – 5 PM Friday and Saturday and 9-4 PM on Sunday.  Delectable treats available include handmade Wild Blueberry Pie, muffins, Wild Blueberry Sauce, and buckle.  A popular treat is the Blue Streak made with a piece of Wild Blueberry Pie, topped with vanilla ice cream, wild blueberry sauce, and whipped cream.   Whole pies and jars of Wild Blueberry Sauce will be available as well.  Oh, don’t ask for cherry pie, as this is the Wild Blueberry Festival.  Each year, someone asks for Wild Blueberries.  They are available for the picking along the trails and two tracks of Whitefish Township.

Since its inception the Wild Blueberry Festival has offered Wild Blueberry related competitions. 

This year is no different.  Friday at 2:30 pm and Saturday at 2:30 pm enthusiastic children will be meeting at the Souvenir Tent at the community center to get organized for the Blueberry Pie Eating Contest sponsored by the Berry Patch in Paradise.

Friday and Saturday’s evening Blueberry Jamboree offers free buggy rides from Sawmill Creek at 6 PM until Dusk with the Buggy Down Carriage Company.   Carl “Bearfoot” Behrend will be performing from 6 PM – 7 PM at Sawmill Creek Park, Friday evening, kicking off this year’s Blueberry Jamboree. A locally popular guitarist, Raan McLean is headlining, the Friday evening Blueberry Jamboree at Sawmill Creek located just north of the Paradise Inn at 7:30 PM and will be performing Saturday evening from 6 PM  -7 PM, kicking off Saturday evenings Blueberry Jamboree. Project 906 will be headlining Saturday evening beginning at 7:30 PM.  Bring your favorite lawn chairs and get comfortable for this popular outdoor concert.

The 2018 Wild Blueberry Festival Chairperson, Wendy Skeans extends her sincerest appreciation to the many volunteers that contribute to the success of each year’s festival.  The steering committee of 12 volunteers meets a short time after the festival, to review what worked and didn’t work, and they begin plans for the next year.   This is one major event in the Whitefish Township Community that utilizes residents, seasonal residents, and visitors from downstate.  From pie building done in July, to pie baking and serving it takes many hands to support the entire event.  In appreciation to the community funds raised by the festival a given back to the community; two years ago, the festival contributed equipment to the Whitefish Township Fire Department. This last year the festival contributed to the library, the school’s playground improvement fund, winter decorations and new summer banners for the Paradise community. 

The ever popular Souvenir Tent will be offering popular t-shirts, sweatshirts, and assorted accessories to commemorate the festival throughout the weekend.  The festival chairperson expressed appreciation to the many donations from area businesses for the Fish Bowl activity and the corporate sponsors: Cloverland Electric, the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, and the Hiawatha Telephone Company. The Fish Bowl , game of chance,  will be available inside the community center from 11 to 4 PM each day.  It is a popular activity for people at all ages.

Recognizing the culture and heritage of the Wild Blueberry in the Paradise area, the Wild Blueberry Festival Committee with the support of the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a great program for 2018. 

Working Together In Support of the Michigan Lighthouse Festival

L - R: Joanne Cook, Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce, Nikki Craig, Paradise Area Tourism Council, Marge Ellenberger, Michigan Lighthouse Festival.

Michigan Lighthouse Festival Director, Marge Ellenberger extended sincerest appreciation to the sponsors of the Third Michigan Light Festival, August 3, 4, 5, 2018 in Paradise, Michigan.  Marge gave a plaque of appreciation to Joanne Cook, Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce, President, and Nikki Craig, Paradise Area Tourism Council, Vice- President.  The plaque will be on display in the visitor’s center in Paradise and the Whitefish Township Community Center during the festival.   

The three lighthouses in the 2018 Michigan Lighthouse Festival's beam are the Crisp Point Lighthouse, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and Whitefish Point's Light Station.  Each lighthouse has its own unique history and group of individuals that are involved in the preservation of the structure and its related stories.  Sincerest appreciation was expressed to Bruce Lynn, Great Lakes Historical Society Director, Rick Brockway, Crisp Point Light Historical Society, President, and Kari Vanderheuel, US Forest Service for their contributions to the success of the festival.  This, the third Michigan Lighthouse Festival, incorporates a kick-off banquet dinner and concert, The Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, held at the Bay Mills Resort & Casinos in Brimley, Michigan.  Special programs will be held at each lighthouse Saturday and Sunday. More specific details about the festival are available at www.MichiganLighthouseFestival.com  At the Whitefish Township Community Center, located south of Paradise on State Route M-123 there will be a Lighthouse Market Place,  various lighthouses will be sharing information about their specific programs. Booths and vendors with arts and crafts of lighthouse related memorabilia will be available.  

Additional sponsors of the 3^rd Michigan Lighthouse Festival are the Sault Ste. Marie C.V.B., Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce, Mackinaw Pasties & Cookie Co.  and Eagle Radio. The Sault Ste Marie Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has added these lighthouses built in the late 19^th century as a supplement to their year-long schedule of activities celebrating 350 years of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce President, Roberta Huffman is pleased to see Crisp Point included in the festival activities and encourages festival attendees to make reservations early.  Eagle Radio  has been announcing festival information since March.  Mackinaw Pasties & Cookie Co., located in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City are thrilled to be a Michigan Lighthouse Festival sponsor.  

The great adventure continues as Michigan Pure and Simple Tours has developed a Lighthouse Festival Tour Package that incorporates the Michigan Lighthouse Festival.  This charter motor coach tour offers a pickup in West Branch, Michigan, Friday, August 3 at 8 AM and then a pickup in Gaylord at 9:15 AM.  Details about this tour are available at this link, Michigan Lighthouse Tour 2018.  

Families with children are encouraged to attend the Michigan Lighthouse Festival.  To enhance the children’s experience FREE activity pamphlets, which will be available at each lighthouse and the marketplace, include images of the lighthouses to color, a cross-word puzzle, a word search, and a chart-the-water activity. For those children unable physically visit the lighthouses, an easy printout of the pamphlet is available on the Paradise Area Tourism Council’s web server.   Igniting a flame of intrigue in the lives of young people assures the future of the lighthouse movement.  Join this great adventure and attend the 3^rd Michigan Lighthouse Festival in Paradise, August 3 – 5, 2018.