What is the number one reason to visit Escanaba? Pure, unbridled FUN all year round! 

There’s so much to do along the northern shores of Lake Michigan. So, stay a few days to take it in and truly unwind.  

Your favorite outdoor passions are waiting in our parks and recreational areas. Keep reading to see where you will vacation next. 

Pristine Beaches and Lakeshore Relaxation

Choosing the best places to spend a day at the beach is easy in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — visit Escanaba! With over 200 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Delta County, you are never more than a few minutes from enjoying your favorite water sports, swimming, reeling in a trophy walleye, spiking a volleyball or soaking up some rays with a good book. Find your ideal beach time, ranging from the family-friendly Escanaba and Gladstone municipal beaches to the secluded Portage Bay or Sac Bay stretches of sand. 

Nine of the Best Beaches

Scenic Trails for Every Season, Every Passion

Escanaba and the surrounding region are home to a wide variety of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Days River Pathway offers nine miles of looping trails for all skill levels, with access to wooded ridges and scenic views along the Days River.

Long-distance adventurers will appreciate the 40-mile Bay de Noc Grand Island Trail, which follows an ancient Indigenous portage route connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Superior. Meanwhile, urban trails like the Little Bay de Noc Trail and Escanaba Walk of the Planets offer paved pathways perfect for runs or leisurely family walks through town.

Best ATV/ORV Trails

Road and Mountain Biking Trails

Picturesque Hiking and Equestrian Trails

Snowmobiling Trails

Winter Silent Sports

Historic Lighthouses

Delta County’s lighthouses are iconic reminders of the region’s maritime past. The Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba is fully restored and open for tours during summer, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of 19th-century keepers. Nearby, the Peninsula Point Lighthouse at the tip of the Stonington Peninsula offers panoramic views of Big and Little Bay de Noc and interpretive trails rich in natural and historical significance. It’s also a layover in late August to early September for hundreds of monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico.

Other notable lights include the Gladstone Lighthouse, near the marina and the offshore Minneapolis Shoal Light Station. Both continue to operate as navigational aids on Lake Michigan.

Lighthouses

World-Class Disc Golf 

The Escanaba area is quickly gaining recognition as a premier disc golf destination in the Midwest. The 27-hole North Bluff Disc Golf Course in Gladstone’s John and Melissa Besse Sports Park was designed by world champion Eric McCabe and offers a range of terrain challenges in a stunning natural setting. Also, Ludington Park in Escanaba features a community-friendly disc golf course within walking distance of beaches, marinas and seasonal events. These and other courses welcome players of all skill levels and provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation close to town.

Rattle the Chains

Lake Michigan Marinas and Harbors

From powerboats to sailboats and yachts, boaters find Escanaba and its neighboring communities an ideal base for exploring Lake Michigan. The Escanaba Municipal Marina and Gladstone Harbor offer transient slips, electric hookups and walkable access to restaurants and shopping.

Further south, Snail Shell Harbor at Fayette Historic State Park provides a unique opportunity to dock at a 19th-century iron smelting townsite, where visitors can explore preserved buildings and scenic trails. Cedar River State Harbor is another excellent stop, known for its peaceful setting and easy access to amenities. Here’s where to boat and launch your craft.

Boating on Lake Michigan

Legendary Fishing

Dog-Friendly Vacations

Calling all dogs! There is no need to leave your best friend behind at the kennel or in an empty house under the watchful care of a neighbor. Grab your dog’s leash and bring your dog to Escanaba for a tail-wagging good time. 

From scenic trails to lakeside parks, there are plenty of places where pets are welcome. Leash your pet and explore the Days River Pathway, stroll the shoreline at Ludington Park or roam the boardwalk at Van Cleve Park. Visit historic sites like Fayette Historic State Park and Sand Point Lighthouse. Or, for off-leash fun, let your pet run free and socialize at the Escanaba Dog Park. Check out this list of parks, pet-welcoming restaurants and hotels.

Dogs Are Welcome Here

Plan Your Visit

As you plan your next vacation — any time of year — set your sights on the Escanaba area. The Big and Little Bays de Noc are among the Upper Peninsula’s most beloved outdoor playgrounds! Here, you’ll find endless ways to connect with nature: heart-pounding adventures, peaceful escapes, intriguing stories from the past and memory-making experiences for all ages.

Before you lock in your plans, check out our upcoming events to make your trip even more exciting. Then book your stay — ideally for more than a night — because new adventures are waiting tomorrow, and the next day and the next.