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