Tuesday, August 20, 2024

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
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

 

 





 


 

 




Sunday, August 11, 2024

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.

 

Thursday, August 8, 2024

History & Culture in Paradise, Michigan

 

Tahquamenon Falls State Park
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

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.

 

Shipwreck Museum
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.