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