Discover Baraga County

Baraga County stretches along Lake Superior and reaches into the Ottawa National Forest. Lakes, mountains, river landscapes, and cultural sites offer a range of options for planning your trip. You can plan your excursions around scenic experiences, historic sites, or seasonal activities.

Lakes, Rivers, and Scenic Overlooks

Craig Lake State Park covers more than 9,700 acres in Baraga and Marquette counties. It includes six lakes, including 374-acre Craig Lake. The park has 22 designated backcountry campsites; reservations are required for these sites.

The Sturgeon River flows through a canyon-like valley with an average depth of 200 to 300 feet and through the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Views of the river are available along Forest System Roads and from Sturgeon River Campground. Point Abbaye sits at the tip of Huron Bay; from there, views extend across Lake Superior, the Huron Islands, and the Huron Mountains.

At 1,979.238 feet above sea level, Mount Arvon is Michigan’s highest point. The Mount Arvon trail passes through pristine forest and by several impressive waterfalls. Silver Mountain and Little Mountain also offer their own overlooks: a staircase at Silver Mountain leads to panoramic views of the Sturgeon River Valley and Prickett Dam Lake. The climb up Little Mountain ends with views across Keweenaw Bay and the Huron Mountains.

History in Several Places

The Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum covers 40 acres and includes eight preserved buildings. Through a Finnish farmstead from the 1920s, it offers insight into the lives of immigrant families and their experiences in the Copper Country.

The Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest commemorates Bishop Frederic Baraga and rises six stories above Keweenaw Bay. The grounds include a Memorial Grotto and views of Lake Superior. At the original site of Assinins, a statue commemorates Baraga and Indigenous community members. The site is also home to the old Assinins School and the cemetery containing the remains of Chief Assinins and other contemporaries.

The Slate Quarry preserves 19th-century quarry ruins that visitors can walk through. The Baraga County Historical Museum is currently closed to visitors for expansion and renovation work. Since visitor information may change, check the museum’s latest information before visiting.

Hiking, Paddling, and Winter Activities

At Mount Arvon, visitors can drive to within two miles of the summit and walk the remaining distance. Driving conditions may vary by season; during the rainy season, the roads may not be suitable for passenger cars. This excursion combines a drive with a walk, while the overlooks at Silver Mountain and Little Mountain are reached by stairs and a climb, respectively.

Baraga State Park is located on Lake Superior along scenic Keweenaw Bay. From there, visitors can ride ORVs directly on motorized routes to other parks and scenic destinations. Paddling is a popular activity on Keweenaw Bay. In winter, the Pinery Lakes X/C Ski Trails offer 3.9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.

Discover more destinations: L'anse, Baraga, Isabella, Roberts County, Ionia County, Benzie County, Leelanau County, Delta County

For the regional travel overview: Michigan.