History and sweeping vistas await in this picturesque UP town and the surrounding area.
Lake Michigan, near the boardwalk in Manistique, MI
Manistique, Michigan, may not be as famous a vacation spot as, say, Yellowstone National Park or Hawaii. But this hidden gem is one of the most beautiful places in the country, tucked away against the stunning backdrop of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The UP is dotted with thousands of lakes, and is bordered by two great lakes. To the north is Lake Superior; to the south is Lake Michigan, where you'll find the small coastal town of Manistique. Its population is only 2,814 as of 2021, but every year thousands of tourists visit to see the sights and enjoy the area's many resorts.
Quite a few of those resorts surround Indian Lake, which is on the way from Manistique to one of the area's most popular attractions, Kitch-iti-kipi (rough translation: the Big Spring). It's the largest spring in Michigan at 40 feet deep, and every minute, more than 10,000 gallons of crystal-clear water gush forth from fissures in the limestone underneath.
Kitch-iti-kipi from the shore
The water is so clear that you can easily see all the way to the bottom, where ancient logs provide a habitat for several different types of trout, clearly visible due to the clarity of the water. That water - a constant 45 degrees - is protected by the state, and no swimming or fishing is allowed. The best view is via a a self-operated observation raft with a glass panel in the bottom.
Another local attraction is Fayette Historic State Park and Harbor. Did you ever want to explore a ghost town? This is a safe and legal way to quench your thirst for abandoned beauty while learning about the history of Michigan's Garden Peninsula. Fayette State Park is located a short drive from Manistique, and the abandoned town sits on the shores of Lake Michigan's Big Bay de Noc, between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay.
Old stone ruins galore await exploration in Fayette.
As you drive down the Garden Peninsula, you'll be treated to liminal views of wide green fields dotted with windmills. When you reach the national park, you can stay at the campground, get a quick intro to the town's history in the visitor center (where you can also buy ice cream!), even boat up to the docks in the history bay.
And that's where you'll venture into the jewel of the Garden Peninsula, the Fayette Historic Townsite. There are 5 miles of trails to explore, and the remnants of Fayette are surrounded by breathtaking 90-foot limestone cliffs, which encircle the harbor.
Fayette was once a vibrant industrial town that produced charcoal pig iron from 1867 to 1891. The old buildings are meticulously preserved, and have stood for over a century and a half. Plaques throughout the town reveal glimpses of life in the 19th century; you can take self-guided tours anytime, or catch a guided tour during peak times during the summer.
Limestone cliffs rise from the bay, towering above remnants of the old docks.
Then there's the town itself - Manistique, small, quaint, with a coastal vibe yet all the modern amenities, is delightful in and of itself. It stretches not quite 2 miles from the eastern boundary of town, with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manistique Lighthouse. The boardwalk leads under the US-2 Bridge and into the heart of downtown. The scenic walkway provides visitors with a fishing pier, access to the east breakwater light, and picnic areas.
The town boasts quite a few restaurants, including some fast-food staples - my kids' favorite was the Big Boy, where we had some of the best burgers ever. There's a large grocery store, and while I wasn't familiar with the chain (Jack's Fresh Market) there was an excellent selection. I recognized the store brand "Essential Everyday", which is carried in our local Wisconsin Northwoods small chain, Trig's. So it was like a piece of home.
Stony Lake Michigan shore, just off the boardwalk
After a day of exploring - whether it's learning the secrets of Fayette's past, admiring the shimmering blue trout in Kitch-iti-kipi, or strolling the Manistique boardwalk - you'll want to relax. And there's no better place to do that than in a cozy lakeside cabin. Indian Lake - about a ten-minute from downtown Manistique - is surrounded by rental cabins, most of which can be found on short-term rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb.
We stayed on Indian Lake, at a small resort that boasts a sandy beach, multiple docks, and a range of cabins in various sizes. The cabins are historic but fully renovated with all the comforts of home - even Wifi and cable! While not all accommodations have all these amenities, there are plenty of choices. And for those who prefer room service, Manistique is home to many hotels and motels, from vintage/kitschy drive-up motels to more modern establishments.
Sunset on Indian Lake
Here's my biggest Manistique travel tip: BOOK EARLY. There are quite a few resorts in the area, as well as privately owned STR properties and the aforementioned hotels/motels - but if you want your pick, think December or January for a July or August vacation. If you don't book early, you might have to compromise. This is the case, honestly, for all accommodations in the UP, a region that enjoys a quiet sort of popularity for those who know.
© T.H. Figg 2024
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