Links to Local Attractions
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
This is the land of Longfellow's Hiawatha: "by the rushing Tahquamenaw" Hiawatha built his canoe. Long before the white man set eyes on the river, the abundance of fish in its waters and animals along its shores attracted the Chippewa Indians, who camped, farmed, fished and trapped along its banks. In the late 1800's came the lumber barons and the river carried their logs by the millions to the mills. The lumberjacks who harvested the tall timber were among the first permanent settlers in the area. Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 50,000 acres of climax forest, seen now as it was in the beginning of time. Centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls.
Recreational Activities in Paradise, Michigan
Paradise, Michigan offers a great variety of attractions for the visitor. Families come to the area year-round in search of good fishing, camping, swimming, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and for the Annual Blueberry Festival in August.
Paradise is a small town with interesting history in the shipping, logging and fishing industries, as well as blueberry and cranberry harvesting.
A community rich with nautical folklore and Native American history, visiting Paradise is truly a unique experience.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Bald eagles, common loons, and trumpeter swans are regularly seen at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, especially in the summer when they are raising their young. In 1935 Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, Seney supports a variety of wildlife, including endangered and reintroduced species. The Refuge Visitor Center is open 9 am - 5 pm May 15 to October 15.
www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/index.htm
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
Located at the northeastern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Whitefish Point is a phenomenal concentration spot for migrating raptors, waterbirds, and song birds. The surrounding land and water features create a natural corridor, funneling thousands of birds directly to the Point each spring and fall as they travel through the Great Lakes region. This makes for spectacular bird-watching and provides tremendous opportunities to study and monitor bird populations. The key to finding birds at Whitefish Point is to know where and when to look for them. The Visitors Center has interpretive displays and a knowledgeable staff to help you get started. Guided birding tours are available from mid-April. There are also night excursions to see those wonderful owls. Bring your binoculars and a jacket and spend some time wandering around the Point.
Point Iroquois Lighthouse Museum
The Point Iroquois Light was first illuminated in 1857 and its fourth order fresnel lens shone over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world - the entrance to the St. Mary's River and the Soo Locks. Today, the lighthouse and tower have been renovated thanks to the concerted efforts of the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Research Society and the current land owner, the National Forest Service. The historical society has renovated the interior of the house; antiques and exhibits have been arranged to show what life was like during this lighthouses heydey. Point Iroquois is open to the public daily May - October. Climb the tower for great shoreline photos.
Centennial Cranberry Farm
Michigan's Only Historic Cranberry Farm-over 125 years old - offers fresh seasonal cranberries, daily tours and unique gift items. This is another exceptional stop to the many attractions in the Paradise area. The Centennial Cranberry Farm is close to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon River Cruise
Experience Upper Michigan's wilderness via our 24 inch gauge railroad. Ride 5 1/2 miles through the habitat of bear, deer and many other mammals and birds. The train brings passengers to the Tahquamenon River where our spacious riverboat waits to take you on a 21 mile narrated cruise along the pristine river to the rapids 1/2 mile above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. The Captain gives commentary on river history, Indian lore, and points out any wildlife that is spotted along the way. Then stopover for a nature hike (5/8 mile ) through virgin forest to view the mighty Falls. Passengers then board the boat for the return trip to the waiting train and the ride back to Soo Junction.
www.exploringthenorth.com/toonerville/trolley.htm
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot. Surrounded by water, Machinac Island has escaped the vast changes of time.
It's real Victorian image is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents, maintaining bluff cottages in original state. Families, especially children, love their relatively new found "mobility", exploring the historic, natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park, honored by National Geographic as one of the ten finest in America.
