Museums Share Their Story

Ojibwa, Anishinaabe (the original people) migrated to the woodland rich and fertile waters of this region in the days of Christ.   French Missionaries and fur traders began moving about in the 1600's.  As a community rich with culture and a deep abiding respect for the magnificent nature that surrounds us, the eastern Upper Peninsula hosts some 21 museums.  Just a short drive from Paradise, are five of the best.  An ideal two-day stay these museums are a means to bring history to life for the entire family.


Shipwreck Museum  In 2018 the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum was ranked in the top ten of maritime museums in the world.  Dedicated to the ships of the Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Historical Society has an active locate, identify, and document shipwrecks program.  Hosting the bell off the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald that sank in 1975 off  nearby Whitefish Point, you will learn more about diving shipwrecks, life in the shipping lanes of Great Lakes seaman, and documentation efforts of long lost ships in the Great Lakes.  It isn't a surprise that this museum is located along Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast on Whitefish Point Road, 11 miles north of the blinking light in Paradise, Michigan.  The museum is open May through October, from 10 am to 6 pm daily.  You can reach the museum at 888-492-3747.


On the national register of historic facilities Point Iroquois Lighthouse stands as a beacon at the St Mary's river-mouth off Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. 45 miles south on M-123 from the blinking light in Paradise, then east on the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway and west of Bay Mills.  In 1662 Iroquois from the New York region were traveling the St. Mary's hoping to move into the plentiful lands settled by the Ojibwa.  A battle ensued and to honor the fallen Iroquois and serve as a reminder to other groups, the juxtaposed land off this Chippewa County bluff was then known as Point Iroquois.  The 1950's era home of the light keepers and their family are faithfully hosted by the Bay Mills-Brimley Historical Research Society yet the property is owned and administratively supported by the U.S. Forestry Division.. The Point Iroquois Lighthouse museum is open May 16 to October 7, from 10 am to 6 pm.  Open from 1pm to 5 pm on Sundays; the museum is closed on Mondays.  A phone number for additional information is 906-428-5800.


Tahquamenon Logging Museum  The 1871 Chicago fire generated a huge demand for lumber to rebuild the many homes and buildings destroyed in the fire!  The greatest natural resource of the Tahquamenon basin is timber, the river and the great lakes offered a ready means of transporting the fallen timbers before trains. Logging is still a primary industry in the Upper Peninsula region.  The Tahquamenon Logging Museum shares the story.  Located 38 miles south west  of the the blinking light in Paradise on M-123, Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.  The complex is west of the Tahquamenon River and east of Newberry. Income generated from museum fees is used for operating expenses.  If you can plan your trip during one of their many "All You Can Eat, Lumberjack Breakfasts" you won't be disappointed in this one of a kind experience of Lumberjack life.  The museum is open from May 22 to September 30.  Their phone number is (906) 293-3700.


Luce County Historical Society Museum; Constructed in 1894, this structure takes you back in time to experience early home life of eastern Upper Peninsula residents.  The structure was rescued by the Luce County Historical Society in 1975 and is registered as a state and national historic site..  Located just 35 miles south west of the blinking light in Paradise on M-123.  Turn right on Harrie Street in Newberry, MI.   They are open late June through Labor day, Wednesday through Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm or by appointment.  Special Tours are available. For additional information please call 989-306-1860.


Wheels of History Museum is a reflection of Early Life in Brimley; you'll find information about  the mills, trains, early telephones, logging, fishing, one-room schools, Great Lakes ships, CCC Camp Raco, local family histories, cemetery and veteran listings.  Maintained and managed by the Bay Mills-Brimley Historical Research Society the museum is open from mid-May to mid-October from noon to 5 pm, Friday through Monday.  Located in Brimley, 45 miles south on M-123 from the blinking light in Paradise then east on the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway to Brimley.  Then turn south or right on M-221.  You'll find the museum on Depot Street, admission to the museum is free but donations are greatly appreciated.  Call 906-428-3665 for additional information.


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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Inn (Hotel), Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area

Experience Lighthouses!

Are you a lighthouse enthusiast?  Paradise is conveniently nestled among three very different lighthouses along the shores of Lake Superior.  They are in relatively close proximity to Paradise and would be an ideal two-day adventure to learn the history and culture of lighthouses. 

Whitefish Point Light Station

Whitefish Point Light Station stands as a beacon at the entrance of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, a safe haven for vessels traveling the incredible Lake Superior. Located just 11 miles or 18 minutes north of Paradise, Michigan, Whitefish Point Light Station is owned and operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLHS). The route to the point is direct at the blinking light in Paradise, you would leave M-123 and travel north on Whitefish Point Road. This is a paved two lane county road with a few gentle curves. The light station is one aspect of the Shipwreck Museum complex. There is a parking lot at the end of the road. There is no charge to walk among the buildings or take in the awe inspiring Lake Superior Shoreline. There is a fee to enter the Shipwreck Museum, a number of the buildings in their complex, and to climb the tower. Keep in mind the GLHS does have an active crew researching, locating, and protecting shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. There is a gift shop on the grounds as well.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois Lighthouse serves as a beacon at the mouth of the St. Mary's River along the shores of Lake Superior. Vessels traveling up-bound and down-bound through the Soo Locks pass by this incredible facility on a Chippewa County bluff. Located just 36 miles or 45 minutes south east of Paradise you'll find the Point Iroquois Lighthouse owned and managed by the U.S. Forestry Division.  In 2022, the Bay Mills Indian community is more actively involved in hosting the museum and sharing the American Indian story of Point Iroquois.  The route is direct. From the blinking light in Paradise, take M-123 south about 11 miles. Turn left on the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway. As you meander through the Hiawatha National Forest, you will pass a number of incredible vistas and beaches overlooking Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. Be sure to plan a stop or two, depending upon the season, to put your toe in the Lake Superior waters.  Point Iroquois Lighthouse will be on your left. There is no charge for you to walk the grounds, enter the 1950's era-living-quarters museum of a light keeper's family, or climb the tower. There is also a gift shop featuring Point Iroquois memorabilia and related books hosted by the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Research Society.

Crisp Point Light

Crisp Point Light stands along the southern shoreline of Lake Superior. Located just 39 miles or 55 minutes northwest of Paradise, Crisp Point Light is located on property owned by Luce County, Michigan, maintained and managed by the Crisp Point Light Historical Society (CPLHS). There is no direct route to Crisp Point.  Do not rely on cell phone service or other GPS tracking equipment.  In fact, the trip to Crisp Point validates the remote and often isolated lives of light keeps and their families.  You will be traveling county roads (not maintained in winter months) some are unpaved and some would be considered two track.  Do not let the drive deter your adventure.  In fact a trip by snowmobile or 4 wheeler to Crisp Point is an added bonus.  By car, you would travel west on M-123 from the blinking light in Paradise.  You will pass the entrances to Tahquamenon Lower and Upper Falls (These falls are well worth a stop as well).  On your right you'll find Luce County Road 500.  There are signs at this intersection indicating that you would turn right.  At Culhane Lake and their campground, you will come to a "Y" ,  County Road 437 continues to your right, you will lean left.  At Little Lake you'll turn right on County Road 412.  Parking and the light will be at the end of CR 412.  There is a splendid map in the Crisp Point Light brochure.  CPLHS offers a light keepers program, an opportunity to serve in a representative capacity as a light keeper.  A learning opportunity for the entire family; look into their program early as registration to serve fills quickly.  There is also a gift shop on the grounds.  There is no charge to visit the grounds or climb the tower

Each of these lighthouses offers an incredible story, rich with history, adventure, and mystery.  Each offers an informative website with contact information, hours, and special activities. Bring the family and experience lighthouses in the Paradise area.

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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area

Life Along Lake Superior's Isolated Shores!

There are all kinds of people, cultures, and opportunities for travelers to experience.  We visit museums in an attempt to gain an understanding of lumberjacks, learn more about a former U S President  or reserve a seat at table set in the fields to literally taste the farm to table transition; dining on vegetables we've picked and prepared.  Some young families are scheduling an opportunity to stay on a farm, feed the chickens, bake a blueberry pie, or pet a lamb; to step back in time so to speak and experience what others have done.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Have you considered the life style of a lighthouse keeper?  Keeping the light clean and functional, scanning the horizon, and logging  the ships passing by?  Lighthouse keepers often lived on the lighthouse grounds in isolated regions of the country.  The Crisp Point Light Historical Society offers just such a Volunteer Keeper program.  Imagine staying on the remote, breathtaking grounds of the Crisp Point Light.  Overlooking the massive southern shoreline of Lake Superior.

You don't have to stay on the grounds to tend to your responsibilities; all of which are clearly outlined on their website  but working on the grounds, greeting site visitors, and sharing the Crisp Point Light story would be an incredible story to share with your friends, add to your college application, or resume.  Keep in mind there are some inconveniences, but isn't that what it is all about?  After all the lighthouse keeper dealt with incredible odds, serving as a beacon of hope and information to those passing by.

Shipwreck Museum

Have you considered the life style of a late 19th century lifeboat rescue crew?  Living in often a remote area of the country along grand lake shores keeping eyes open for a ship that might go down, tossing in the life boat and rescuing the ship's crew.  The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has renovated a 1923 U.S. Coast Guard Crews Quarters. The quarters are meticulous and located on the Shipwreck Museum's grounds.  No McDonald's or Burger King in walking distance, no residential neighborhood to your right or left.  Just the magnificent shores of Lake Superior, freighters passing by, and the museum's complex just a stone's throw from your front door.

Experience life along the shores of Lake Superior this summer!  You'll build memories for a life time.

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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Inn (Hotel), Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel.  Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area

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Uncharted Waters

Whitefish Point

This morning, March 18, I read a press release from Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijers.  He identified our current coronavirus environment as uncharted waters.  Like so many larger companies in our various communities their hearts go out to their team members as well as their customers as we maneuver our way through social distancing, virus testing, and community containment.

Yesterday, I read a post from one of Paradise's restaurant owners, Josh Winkler, The Inn, Paradise, Michigan.  He expressed his concerns for all our small businesses and unselfishly recognized that there are many small, tourism-centered towns in Michigan in the same boat.  As he was closing his restaurant by mandate of Michigan's Governor Whitmer, he encouraged each of his followers to support those small local businesses as much as possible.  He closed expressing concerns for families having limited incomes in the next couple of months; a major decline in discretionary income and concerns as to the impact of tourism come July, August, and September. 

In the federal government's coronavirus update, March 17, President Trump stated the unthinkable, the 'new' realities in these uncertain times, the coronavirus battle may last through August. At this writing at least one state has cancelled school classes for the balance of the 2019-2020 school year.  A parent expressed concerns for a gap in learning.  There is no quick fix or exacting model we can use to predict the next few months.

Tahquamenon Lower Falls (Social Distancing)

In these days, I ask you to turn your attention to nourishing thoughts; contemplate strolling the shores of Lake Superior, rock hounding along Vermillion Point or lost in the shear volume of water cascading over the Tahquamenon Upper Falls.  This region is not as populated as many and is considered a less expensive adventure then many get-a-way options.  Plan a visit this summer to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the rugged lives of those that sailed the Great Lakes to fill any learning gap. Add a visit to the Tahquamenon Logging Museum  which offers insight to the story and dangers of the logging industry.  Be in wonder at the technical genius of the Soo Locks.  Make yourself a promise that you and your family will get away this summer to immerse yourself in the beauty of  Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

The Woods | Canoe & Kayak Tours

Hike the North Country Trail, take a guided kayak tour of the Tahquamenon River, listen to the history and science of the region on the Tahquamenon Riverboat Tours. Relax at the end of the day and reflect with your children and friends; how good it feels to have moved beyond the coronavirus and celebrate the beauty of nature and the resiliency of the human spirit.





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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Inn (Hotel), Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area