Article Overview: Michigan National Parks
Michigan National Parks! In this article, we feature some incredible park sites in the great state of Michigan. We’ve got 6 national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Wolverine State.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing these articles for More Than Just Parks.
These Michigan National Parks include amazing historic sites, incredible monuments, beautiful parks, legendary trails, and much more.
To be clear, these include national park sites (as in managed by the National Park Service) but not capital letter National Parks. There are only 63 of those (so far) and only one of these parks is included on that list.
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
Now if you’re planning a trip to the Wolverine State then I recommend: Michigan Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!
We’ll give you 6 reasons why you’ll want to make Michigan your next vacation destination.
Michigan National Parks FAQ
The National Park Service lists 6 sites in Michigan, and endless adventures are waiting to be discovered at all of them.
Michigan’s Isle Royale Among Least-Visited National Parks In The United States.
Why Trust Us About Michigan National Parks?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Table Of Contents: Michigan National Parks
Michigan National Parks
- Michigan National Parks FAQ
- Why Trust Us About Michigan National Parks?
- Michigan National Parks
Michigan National Parks
1. Isle Royale National Park
Michigan National Parks showcase the stunning beauty and brilliant colors of the upper Midwest. Isle Royale National Park is a case in point.
Isle Royale is not your typical national park if there is such a thing as a typical national park. It’s a rugged, isolated island, which is far removed from the sights and sounds of civilization. The park is surrounded by Lake Superior. It offers adventures for backpackers, boaters, canoeists, hikers, kayakers and scuba divers.
To enjoy the full experience, I recommend camping at the park. Isle Royale has 36 campgrounds located across the island. These campsites, however, are accessible only by foot or watercraft.
Of course you can make it a day trip as well. Ferries offer day trips to Rock Harbor on the northeast end of the island and Windigo on the southwest end. There are both ferries and seaplanes available to take you there and back during the daylight hours.
There are also a number of short and long hikes available in both of these areas. Be sure to bring provisions with you. The terrain at Isle Royale is rough and uneven so I recommend hiking boots or durable tennis shoes.
CHECK OUT: 11 FASCINATING Facts About Isle Royale National Park
There Are Many Things To Do At Isle Royale
There are many things to do at Isle Royale National Park, including:
- Hiking: There are over 165 miles of trails to explore on the island, offering a wide range of difficulty levels.
- Camping: There are several camping options available, including backcountry camping and campsites with amenities.
- Fishing and Boating: Visitors can rent boats or bring their own to explore the island’s many waterways.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddlers can explore the island’s many bays and inlets, as well as its interior lakes and streams.
- Fishing: Visitors can fish for a variety of species, including lake trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass.
- Wildlife Viewing: Isle Royale is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wolves, moose, beavers, and over 240 species of birds.
- Photography: The island offers many opportunities for photography, from its rugged natural beauty to its abundant wildlife.
- Ranger-led Programs: Park rangers offer a variety of programs, including guided hikes, boat tours, and educational programs.
- Winter activities: Isle Royale National Park remains open year-round, offering winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Eight Interesting Facts About Isle Royale National Park
- Isle Royale National Park is the only national park in the United States that completely closes in the offseason. The park is typically closed from November through mid April.
- Isle Royale was made a national park on March 3, 1931.
- Isle Royale National Park covers a total area of 571,790 acres.
- The number of people visiting Isle Royale in 2019 was 26,410 .
- The lowest elevation found in Isle Royale is 601 feet at Lake Superior.
- The highest elevation found in Isle Royale is 1,394 feet on Mount Desor.
- The entrance fee for Isle Royale is $7 per person per day.
- Despite being in Michigan, Isle Royale National Park lies in the Eastern time zone.
RELATED: 4 EPIC Indiana National Parks (Helpful Guide + Photos)
2. Keweenaw National Historical Park
Imagine a place where you can step back in time because when you journey to the Michigan National Parks that’s exactly what you’ll find.
The Keweenaw National Historical Park is such a magical place. There’s so many exciting things to see and do. Let’s start with the park’s heritage sites.
- The Calumet Theater is a historic opera house that was built in 1900. Guided tours are by appointment only and last approximately 45-60 minutes.
- The Central Mine at the Keweenaw County Historical Society was once home to over 1,200 people, Visitors can explore miner’s homes and see what life was like at one of the Keweenaw’s most successful early mines.
- The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was built in 187. It’s still a working lighthouse. At the site you can see the lighthouse, keepers quarters, and several museums.
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is another great heritage site. The U.S. army built the fort in 1844. It now serves as an example of mid-19th century army life on the northern frontier.
- And then there’s the Hanka Homestead. Herman Hanka settled here with his family after he was injured in a mining accident. Visitors to the site can explore the Finnish pioneer culture.
- If you want to see how the wealthy lived then check out the Laurium Manor Mansion. Thomas Hoatson, owner of the Calumet and Arizona Mining Company, built this 45 room, 13,000 square foot home in 1908 using the finest are rarest materials available. Tours of the mansion are run daily.
Other Fun Activities At Keweenaw
Many of the park’s heritage sites offer some excellent hiking trails. Adventure Mine has approximately 4 miles of biking and hiking trails around the former mine site, leading through old mine building foundations, and historic pits on the site.
Or you can go underground at Adventure Mine. It offers a variety of guided tours and visitors are furnished with a hard hat and headlamp. There are no other lights underground however. These underground trails are rough so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
There’s also a wonderful museum where you can discover the mineral heritage of the Keweenaw. It’s called the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and it’s definitely worth a visit.
As I retired history teacher, I love to have a blast with the past. One place I particularly enjoyed was the Copper Country Firefighters History Museum. Built in 1989, the historic Red Jacket Fire Station features displays dedicated to the history of fire fighting in the Copper Country.
RELATED: 6 (EPIC) Maine National Parks For Your Next Visit To The Pine Tree State
3. North Country National Scenic Trail | Michigan National Parks
Among the fabulous sites with comprise the Michigan National Parks is one of the loveliest hiking trails you’ll find.
The North Country National Scenic Trail provides visitors opportunities from bird watching to backpacking.
The trail traverses eight northern states, including Michigan, and connects a host of natural, historic and cultural sites. You can see everything from small towns to larger cities, valleys to hilltops and much more.
If you’re planning to go then I recommend picking up The North Country Trail: The Best Walks, Hikes, and Backpacking Trips on America’s Longest National Scenic Trail by Ron Strickland.
In addition to a full overview of the trail’s tread in each state, the guide describes in detail forty of the NCT’s premier segments, with helpful information including easy-to-read trail descriptions, physical and navigation difficulties, trail highlights, hiking tips, and precise maps incorporating the latest GPS technology.
The History Of The North Country National Scenic Trail
In 1980, the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) was authorized by Congress. It stretches 4,600 miles from upstate New Hampshire to its western terminus at Lake Sakakawea State Park.
The trail actually traversed seven states until 2019 when Vermont was added. The Vermont section is only about 70 miles long.
Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) the Trail primarily provides a wilderness experience. The UP’s prime scenery includes large lakes, old growth forests, rugged hills, numerous waterfalls and the colossal Lake Superior shoreline – all set amid some of the most remote, uninhabited country found on the North Country Trail.
The five-mile segment that is the Mackinac Bridge can be crossed on foot during the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk each Labor Day.
In Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the Trail winds through the expansive Manistee National Forest, and a wide variety of state and county parks, state forests, state game areas, small towns and urban areas. (Source: North Country Trail Association)
RELATED: 10+ Epic Ohio National Parks (first Hand Tips + Helpful Guide)
More Michigan National Parks
4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
One of my favorite sites among the Michigan National Parks is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and I’ll tell you why.
To begin with the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches 42 miles. It offers visitors the opportunity to marvel at its kaleidoscope cliffs as well as explore its pristine beaches, mammoth dunes, and seek out the quiet beauty of stunning waterfalls.
There are some great winter activities at Pictured Rocks. You can snowshoe through the woods, ice climb at Sand Point or enjoy more than 20 miles of cross-country skiing through a breathtaking landscape of different habitats and topography.
You can also view some amazing ice columns along the Pictured Rocks escarpment between Munising Falls and Sand Point along Sand Point Road.
Snowmobiling is another popular activity. Snowmobiles are permitted on unplowed park roads used by motorists in summer, as well as the frozen waters of Lake Superior and Grand Sable Lake.
Some Favorite Things To Do At Pictured Rocks
There are many things to do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including:
- Hiking: There are over 100 miles of trails to explore, offering a wide range of difficulty levels and stunning views of the lakeshore’s natural beauty.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds available for both tent and RV camping.
- Boating and Kayaking: Visitors can rent boats or bring their own to explore the lakeshore’s many bays and inlets.
- Fishing: Visitors can fish for a variety of species, including lake trout, salmon, and bass.
- Sightseeing: Visitors can take a cruise to see the famous “Pictured Rocks,” which are multi-colored sandstone cliffs that rise 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior.
- Waterfalls: The park has several waterfalls, including Miners Falls, Chapel Falls, and Mosquito Falls
- Beachcombing: Visitors can explore the lakeshore’s many beaches, including Twelvemile Beach, Miners Beach, and Chapel Beach.
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, eagles, and loons.
- Ranger-led Programs: Park rangers offer a variety of programs, including guided hikes, boat tours, and educational programs.
- Winter activities: visitors can enjoy the park in winter, activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
RELATED: 10 INCREDIBLE Things To Do At Voyageurs National Park
5. River Raisin National Battlefield Park
For a retired history teacher, I’m always looking for a chance to have a blast with the past and the Michigan National Parks do not disappoint. One of my favorites is River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
River Raisin National Battlefield Park, located in Monroe, Michigan, commemorates the Battle of Frenchtown, which was fought during the War of 1812. The battle took place on January 18 and 22, 1813, and was a significant defeat for American forces.
The battle began when a force of British and Native American troops attacked an American encampment in Frenchtown (present-day Monroe). The Americans, who were outnumbered and ill-prepared, were quickly defeated. Many were killed or captured, and the rest were forced to retreat.
The battle resulted in the deaths of over 400 American soldiers, many of whom were killed after the battle, in what has been called the River Raisin Massacre.
Remember The Raisin
The park was established in 2009 to commemorate the Battle of Frenchtown and the sacrifices of the American soldiers who fought there.
The park includes a visitor center with exhibits on the battle and the War of 1812, as well as several monuments and a memorial park.
It also includes a restored historic home, the River Raisin Heritage Center, which serves as the park’s main visitor center and offers additional information on the battle and the War of 1812. The park also features a walking trail, a picnic area, and a playground.
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park also hosts several annual events to commemorate the battle, including a reenactment of the battle and a memorial ceremony for the soldiers who fought and died there.
The park serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during the War of 1812 and the importance of remembering and preserving our nation’s history.
RELATED: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
You Can Also Enjoy The River Raisin Heritage Trail
On a lighter note, the River Raisin Heritage Trail has eight miles of paved biking and hiking trails which provide scenic routes. Visitors can walk, run, cycle and/or in-line skate on this trails.
The trail connects major historic sites, state and local parks, nationally significant buildings and ecological features.
RELATED: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
More Michigan National Parks
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Now if you prefer nature to history then have no fear because the Michigan National Parks will not disappoint you. A case in point is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
There are some wonderful things to see and do at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
If you’re a first-timer then I recommend that you begin your visit at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. There you can pick up maps, watch an informative slide show and ask the park rangers questions.
The park features 64 miles of curving sand shorelines and the largest dunes east of the Mississippi. There’s also scenic hiking through hardwood forests, climbing up to beautiful bluffs and paddling along crystal clear rivers. Did I mention the biking and camping options?
There are 21 lakes at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a great place to go fishing. Inland lakes like Otter, Bass, and Glen Lake provide great spots for catching trout, bluegill and perch.
You can even explore an island. The Mishe-Mokwa (Mother Bear) ferry at Manitou Island Transit will take you to South Manitou Island where you can explore its tall lighthouse, giant cedars, shipwrecks and isolated beaches.
If you prefer a bike to a boat then there’s 22 miles of biking trails along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
This biking trail conveniently connects to the kid-friendly Dune Climb, iconic Glen Haven and fun eateries and ships as well as the beach towns of Empire and Glen Arbor.
RELATED: 70+ Exciting NEW National Park Gifts
And Now For Something Entirely Different Because We’re More Than Just Parks
The Automotive Hall Of Fame
When visiting the Wolverine State why stop with the Michigan National Parks. At More Than Just Parks we’re about more than just parks. So, while you’re in the great state of Michigan, why not check out the Automotive Hall of Fame?
The Automotive Hall of Fame is an institution that was established in 1939 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry. The Hall of Fame is located in Dearborn, Michigan, and is affiliated with the MotorCities National Heritage Area, a partnership program of the National Park Service.
The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals in several categories, including automotive pioneers, industry leaders, and significant contributors to the automotive field. The first individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939, and since then, over 800 individuals have been honored. Some notable inductees include Henry Ford, Walter P. Chrysler, and Enzo Ferrari.
You’re In Luck – The Hall Of Fame Hosts Events Throughout The Year
The Hall of Fame hosts several events throughout the year, including an induction ceremony for new members, a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry, and an annual symposium on the future of the automotive industry.
The Hall of Fame also has a museum that features exhibits on the history of the automotive industry, including cars, engines, and other artifacts from the industry’s past. The museum also has interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
The Automotive Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the significant contributions that have been made to the automotive industry and serves as a way to honor and recognize the individuals who have played a key role in shaping the industry.
While You’re Visiting The Automotive Hall Of Fame Why Not Check Out The Henry Ford Museum Too
And, it gets even better than that because right next door to the Automotive Hall of Fame is The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
It recounts the story of American innovation and history across 250 acres, over 300 years and with the aid of 26 million artifacts, some of the buildings that were physically moved from their original locations in Ohio, Georgia and even Switzerland.
There are 4 unique attractions which include: a repository of artifacts from 19th century household items to JFK’s presidential limo; Greenfield Village with its incredible collection of historic buildings such as the Wright Brothers’ Cycle Shop; the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Giant Screen Experience theatre.
If you love cars or history or both than it doesn’t get any better than the Henry Ford Museum. From JFK’s limousine to the bus that Rosa Parks rode on to Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Complex and the Wright Brothers Cycle Shop, it’s all there for you to see.
Map Of Michigan National Park Sites
List Of Michigan National Parks
- Isle Royale National Park
- The Keweenaw National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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