Fall Colors May Be The Ideal Escape

Given today's social distancing and mask debates, the thought of driving through brilliant autumn colors or hiking a trail seems to me to be the ideal get away.  Goodness knows we could take a break from all the digital technology.

USA Today initiated a 10 Best Reader's Choice Survey for "for your favorite autumn leaf peeping destination".  There are 20 nominees citing locations across the country.  As of this writing, there are still 20 days to cast your vote.   If you haven't had a chance to cast your vote go to this link:  10 Best Reader's Choice or click the picture to the right.  You can vote once a day!

Having moved to northeast Indiana just a year ago from Paradise, Michigan; I thought I would study these locations with just a little more vigor.   As the years go by, the marvel of color changes seems to mesmerize my mind. It is one component that is not digitized, promoted with huge fanfare, or altered to meet the needs of a target market.

Six of the 20 nominees are more then 1,000 miles from my home.  In 2020, I dialed in to three locations Iron Range, Minnesota (700 Miles from my home); Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania ( 367 Miles from my home, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania); and Michigan's Upper Peninsula (429 Miles from my home to Paradise). 

The Iron Range Minnesota colors  begin in mid September through Early October, starting in Virginia Minnesota (northeast corner of Minnesota) travel through Biwabik to Tower and then return to Virginia, Minnesota to complete the Iron Range Loop.  This loop is approximately 70 miles, an estimated hour and a half.

Colors in the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, a 68 mile route, peak mid October. The byway is located in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The entire region of Michigan's Upper Michigan is identified as the color region nominee.  Colors begin mid September through mid October.  You'll find ten color routes, across some seven million acres of color throughout the Upper Peninsula.  Many of the routes are 2 - 3 hour drives filled with many photographic opportunities.

The best value of my time and color indulgence is Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  I hope you'll get a chance to experience fall colors in Michigan's Paradise soon. 

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PARADISE

Ten years ago when my husband and I purchased a small motel just two miles north of Paradise’s blinking light, we discovered that I had to continue to work the winter months in Indiana before I could retire with a pension. When people would ask me about my husband, I would tell them that he was living now in Paradise. Their gasps quickly alerted me that I needed to fully explain. He hadn’t died and gone to heaven, he continues to live but now in heaven on earth, Paradise, Michigan, about 90 minutes north of the Mighty Mac bridge.

Some people think of Paradise as balmy breezes in temperate climates while ocean waves roll along the sandy beaches and palm trees sway in rhythm with the waves.

The bounty of fish in the Lake Superior Whitefish Bay waters, the shear numbers of elk, deer, beavers, raccoon, mink, coyote, fox, and bear flourishing among the wide range of cedar, spruce, oak, and beech trees had sustained many Ojibwe families throughout the seasons supplementing their diets with wild blueberries and cranberries that flourished through the summer months. Trade with European voyagers had been going on for a couple of hundred years. There appeared to be an unlimited supply of resources for trappers, fishermen, and lumber companies.

In the mid 20^th century, community leaders Ed, Tom, and Curlie stood along the fresh water shores of Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay contemplating future settlements and developments. They couldn’t help but profess their joy at the blue skies and turquoise colored fresh waters of Whitefish Bay. In this magnificent region, rich with natural resources and beauty, they refereed to it as Paradise.

The culturally rich region is surrounded by Michigan’s Tahquamenon State Forest (50,000 acres), the National Hiawatha Forest (880,000 acres), and Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Hiking trails, kayaking, canoe paddling, strolling shorelines, world-class sunrises, and sunsets, nestled in an area referred to as Paradise.

Experience Michigan’s Paradise, connecting to the grandeur and beauty of the earth

Bucket List

On your next holiday or family vacation, add these items to your bucket list to fully Experience Michigan's Paradise !

World Class Sunrise at Whitefish Twp Community Center

Photograph a Spectacular "World Class" Sunrise

If you spend the night at one of our members located on Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay shores, you'll be able to enjoy the comfort of their facilities while taking in this incredible view.  Sometimes you can even capture the moon rising over Whitefish Bay.  You can also witness this phenomenon sitting on a bench behind the Whitefish Township Community Center.

Many times in the summer, I have witnessed an incredible sunset in the eastern sky as colors reflect off Lake Superior's western sky to the lake and then to the eastern sky.  Yes, that's right, a sunset to the east.

Spot Freighters at Whitefish Point

Freighters are the bulk cargo haulers of the Great Lakes.  They may haul limestone, iron ore, grain, coal, or salt from the Great Lakes region to industrial areas to the east.  Many will navigate through Soo Locks as Lake Huron is at lower elevation then Lake Superior.  You'll be mesmerized by their size as they round, Whitefish Point.

Explore Great Lakes History at the Shipwreck Museum

The Edmund Fitzgerald met is fate in 1975.  The bell of the Fitz is on display at the Shipwreck Museum managed and maintained by the Great Lakes Historical Society. The society actually manages two historic properties and conducts research to find, locate and document shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.  The museum has the added adventure of the Whitefish Point Light Station, established by Congress in 1849 and still providing service to this day.

Rock-Hounding

Walk Lake Superior's Shoreline to Find an Agate  

Rock-hounding is the exploration of many rocks for that one rock that sends a thrill to your senses.  Most people like to look at them wet as this accentuates the minerals or colors in the rock.  Many will pick up a rock and casting it along with their worries and woes, skip it back into the lake!  Keep in mind that much of the shoreline in the Whitefish Point region is private property so be respectful, leave the shore as you found it and any trash you may take in with you, be sure to take back out.

North Country Trail along Tahquamenon River

Hike the North Country National Scenic Trail

The nationally renown 4,600 mile, scenic trail traverses seven states. It connects to the Appalachian Trail, Michigan Iron Belle Trail and meanders through the Paradise region as well as the Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  A favorite bit of the trail marked by their infamous blue flags (paint strip on the side of a tree) is along the Tahquamenon River.  The picture above was taken in January but the vistas is just as breathtaking in July.

Paddle the Tahquamenon River

The Woods, Tahquamenon River Canoe and Kayak Rental facility offers guided tours for even the most inexperienced paddler. Unfortunately due to the Covid 19 precautions they are not offering any tours in 2020 so, you'll need to add this to your 2021 agenda.  But when they do open they offer 1 1/2 hour trips and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hour trips with experienced guides or maybe you just want to rent the equipment.  They can do that too.

Tahquamenon Upper Falls from the Southern Shore (Tahquamenon Riverboat Rides)

Discover Root Beer Waterfalls

The tannin acids in the Tahquamenon River color the river water a stunning amber color which stands out notably at the upper waterfalls, the 2nd largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, hence the popular root beer waterfalls nickname.  The 200 foot span of the waterfalls drops some 50 feet into a foam, reminiscent of a really cold root beer.  The tannin acids accumulate from the many cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees in the river basin.  Visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to access the upper and the lower wataerfalls just west of Paradise, Michigan.

Enjoy a Black Bear Stout Ale

Camp 33 hales from the days of logging companies in an earlier time of the Paradise Michigan region.  Camp 33 is the local name of the Tahquamenon Brewery and Restaurant located within the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, upper waterfalls entrance.   After a hike to the upper waterfalls (.5 miles) along a paved path, the ale is refreshing brew and is a local favorite. 

Paddle to the Tahquamenon Lower Falls Island

Rent a Small Boat to a Small Island

The Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower Waterfalls has a vendor that will rent you and your family a boat to paddle across the Tahquamenon River to an island nestled among five cascading waterfalls.  The island has well manicured and maintained trails making exploration easy and fun for the entire family.

Savor the Best, Freshest Whitefish in Michigan

Brown Fisheries has been serving up succulent, fresh Whitefish from Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay for two generations!Located just west of the blinking light in Paradise on M-123, Michigan's Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. Aside from Whitefish, check their specials board, you might find fresh trout, smoked dips, and smoked Whitefish chowder.  Open for lunch and dinner but when they run out of fish, they close.

Catch a World Class Sunset off Lake Superior at Whitefish Point 

Remarkably just 12 miles north of Paradise, you can catch an incredible view of the sun setting over Lake Superior.  Take the hawk count walk that meanders behind the Shipwreck Museum to a hawk counting platform. Here you'll catch just a few more seconds of the sun, just before it slips beyond the Lake Superior horizon.

Campfire with Moon Rise Over Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay

Enjoy Family Conversation Around the Campfire!

You are right, a conversation around the campfire is a delight visually and socially. Reflect on the day's experiences and consider the adventures of tomorrow.  Indulge in a rich, chocolate s'more while enjoying family stories. Indulge.

Capture Northern Lights Over Lake Superior 

The point of a Bucket List is to have goals for the future.  Many people have enjoyed the Northern Lights while exploring the Paradise region but they are not an everyday occurrence.   Several factors have to be in place, clear skies, dark skies, and atmospheric particles to reflect lights to the night sky.  So watch your weather forecasts and consider Whitefish Point to capture the light reflections; but don't be disappointed if there happens to be clouds that night.


There are many other incredible experiences in Michigan's Paradise,  please share your favorite with our readers!


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This vacation 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

Hidden Gems | Paradise Pathways

Paradise Pathway

Health professionals recommend that you consider social distancing during travel or vacation times this summer of 2020 and that ideally a visit to a natural environment could offer the most comfort.  The Paradise area is a less frequented location then say, Disney World, Florida or Traverse City, Michigan but it offers several hidden gems including the  Betsy River and Vermillion Point.  Both offer a unique history and story of local culture, but neither offers the comfort of a groomed hiking trail such as Paradise Pathways.

Paradise (top center above) in Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Paradise Pathways is located just west of Paradise, Michigan along M-123, Michigan's Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.  In the map below you'll find in the bottom right corner, Paradise.   For your convenience, the trail head of Paradise Pathways offers a large paved parking lot and Paradise Pathways to the west.  The smaller of the three trails is located on the same side of the road as the parking area.  The southern trail is groomed by a group of local quiet trails enthusiasts, Tahquamenon Country Pathways Association, and covers 1.6 miles.  The two northern trails will be more of a challenge and, as of the writing of this article, have not been groomed for awhile.  This region is owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources within the Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Paradise Pathway Trailhead (star)

A casual walk within hardwoods and pines offers the soul a means to release the anxieties of the day.  The shade offers respite from the afternoon sun and the rustle of the leaves a charming distraction from the discussions and debates in the media. Welcome to Paradise, Michigan and enjoy the quiet nature that surrounds the community.

Other non-motorized trails in the Tahquamenon River basin are listed in the table below.

List of Tahquamenon Country Non-Motorized Trails
Name	Nearest Municipality	Length	Hiking	Biking	XSki	Canoe/Kayak Access	Photography
Bodi Lake	18 mi. NW of Paradise	1.3 mi.	H	B		X	X
Canada Lakes Pathway	5.5 mi. SE of Newberry	14 mi.	H	B	X		X
Michgan's Iron Belle Trail	4.6 mi. S of Paradise	1,259 mi.	H	B	X	X	X
Muskallonge - Hiking Trail	26 mi. NW of Newberry	1.5 mi.	H		X		X
North Country Trail	4.6 mi. S. of Paradise	4,600 mi.	H	B	X	X	X
Paradise Pathways	.5 mi. W of Paradise	5.2 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Clark Lake Loop	12 mi. W of Paradise	5.6 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Emerson Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	1 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Giant Pines Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	3.5 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Nature Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	1 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - River Trail	4.6 mi. S of Paradise	4 mi.	H			X	X
Tahquamenon - Wilderness Loop	12 mi. W of Paradise	7.4 mi.	H		X		X

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This vacation 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

Hidden Gems | Vermillion Point

Rock-hounding at Vermillion Point

A popular past time in the Paradise, Michigan area is rock-hounding. Strolling Lake Superior shores, perusing the many, many rocks washed on shore or near the shore and locating that one particular rock that strikes our fancy.  Viewing the wet rocks often highlights special colors or minerals.  Sometimes casting a rock back out into the waves can offer a cathartic release; in these days and times, that can be valuable.

The most frequented shoreline is Whitefish Point, but many travelers have discovered the magic of Vermillion Point.   Photo to the right is by Jennifer McKay.


In the late 1880's and through the first few decades of the 1900's, Vermillion Point was a productive settlement offering two industries: agriculture through cranberry bogs and a U. S. Life Saving Station.  Vermillion Point, located along the southern edge of Lake Superior in the Whitefish Point region of western Chippewa County, Michigan, is located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  This region along Lake Superior is regarded as the "Graveyard of the Lakes". *  Today the shoreline is recognized as the Shipwreck Coast.  The Shipwreck Museum can offer many more details of these shipwrecks and the U.S. Life Saving Station history.

Vermillion Point Light-Saving Station Remnants

Today, there are only remnants of one of the four buildings that had been the Vermillion Point Light-Saving Station.  The photo on the left is by Frank Fruzyna.  It wasn't until the late 1940's that the location on Vermillion Point was deemed no longer practical.  Boating vessels and communications had come a long way since the 1920's.  Whitefish Point Light Station however continues as a beacon to Lake Superior freighters.

This remote region provides incredible views of world class sunsets.  Less populated by tourists than Whitefish Point, Vermillion also offers shorelines for hiking, rock-hounding, and self-reflection.

Only stories of lives rescued and lost remain here but you and your family can create new stories and vacation memories along this shoreline.

*Remotely Yours, A Historic Journey Into the The Whitefish Point Area, Jan McAdams Huttenstine, May, 2010, p. 40.

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This vacation 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
 

Hidden Paradise Gems | the Betsy River

Betsy River Compliments Jennifer McKay

North of the blinking light at the intersection of the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway and North Whitefish Point Road in Paradise, Michigan, you'll find the Betsy River on North Whitefish Point Road.  Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, north of Paradise, Michigan and south of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, the Betsy River meanders through Whitefish Point.  It is not as large or as well known as the mighty Tahquamenon River. There are no jaw-dropping falls but the serenity of the Betsy River offers incredible photographic opportunities, wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, and a re-connection to our precious earth.  A true hidden gem is the history behind the river.  The history is almost as intriguing as a visit to its shores.

The headwaters of the Betsy River begin at Betsy Lake, it flows until it becomes the Widewaters area, then river again to Shelldrake Lake, another short stretch of river into the Shelldrake Flooding Area, then the Shelldrake Dam, then finally River until it empties into Lake Superior at what was once the town of Shelldrake.  As far as kayaking, there is excellent paddling* from the dam all the way up through the Widewaters with plenty of wildlife to see. Moose, eagles, large pike, beaver, turtles and plenty of water fowl have been sited. North of the Widewaters the river gets too gnarly to navigate and the same for most of South of the dam.  Close to the mouth one can paddle again.

Jan McAdams Huttenstine identifies the name, Betsy as a local identification of the Shelldrake River.  The name hails from the daughter of George and Betsy Brown, one of the last remaining Objibwe** families.  George Brown used his fishing and trapping skills along the broad stretch of Whitefish Point finding moose and deer to feed his family.  While, trapping beaver, otter, mink, rabbit, fox, wolf, and bear, selling and trading their hides to provide other essentials.   During the fall and winter months he followed the habits of this local game as did his predecessors moving his family to the Shelldrake River shores where he could provide for his family.

Today the Shelldrake offers habitat for fish and wildlife.  The Michigan Tahquamenon River State Park posts the Shelldrake as a viable fishing hole in their Tahquamenon Area Fishin' Holes Flier. Listing the Shelldrake as location five (5) offering northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead,and bluegill in the main channel.  Local fisherman identify fishing the Shelldrake Dam area as ideal for fishing without a boat catching Perch and Pike, encouraging the use of crawlers, mepps, roostertails, and spoons.  A good color for this area is orange.

At North Whitefish Point Road bridge over the Betsy River you'll find the Little Traverse Conservancy https://landtrust.org/ of Harbor Springs, Michigan, has added to their conservancy a donation of land along the southern shore line of the Betsy River.  The Little Traverse Conservancy "serves to protect the natural diversity and beauty of norther Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas."   Little Traverse Conservancy preserves remain open to the public for appropriate and respectful use. The rich history of this region can be preserved for future generations.

You'll also find a few wild blueberry bushes close to the bridge.  Bushes that provided life sustaining nourishment to the Objibwe for generations and peak into the history of the Betsy River.

*As reported by avid local paddlers
**Remotely Yours, A Historic Journey Into the The Whitefish Point Area, Jan McAdams Huttenstine, May, 2010, p. 56-57

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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 Waterfalls

Tahquamenon Lower Falls

Waterfalls offer an escape! There is a calming effect watching that precious water cascade over the edge to pooling waters below. Stress seems to follow the water, leaving our bodies as we are mesmerized by the cooling flow.  Transformed and reinvigorated to meet the challenges ahead, we draw near these natural wonders to repeat the cycle and nourish our psyche.

Paradise is located north of the Tahquamenon River mouth.  As the river meanders southeast along the Tahquamenon River basin it traverses elevations resulting in waters falls.  There are actually six waterfalls: the Tahquamenon Upper Falls and a series of five encompassed as the Tahquamenon Lower Falls. 

Tahquamenon Upper Falls

The Tahquamenon Upper Falls which span a width of 200 feet, dropping some 50,000 gallons of water some 50 feet.  Based on the volume of water flowing over the falls, Tahquamenon Upper Falls is considered the 2nd largest waterfalls west of the Mississippi.  The Tahquamenon Upper Falls park entrance is located 12 miles from the blinking light in Paradise. Commonly referred to as the Root Beer Falls, the Tahquamenon Upper Falls' amber color water is caused by tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock in the swamps drained by the river. The park has an asphalt path that stretches 1/2 mile to an observation deck of the Upper Falls.  The path can be navigated by wheelchair and there are benches along the route to rest as needed.  There are signs that identify various plant species indigenous to the area.  There is an observation deck near the surface of the falls which is accessible by steps. 

The entrance to the Tahquamenon Lower Falls is located just seven miles southwest of Paradise on M-123, Michigan's Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. The lower falls is a a series of five waterfalls that cascade around an island situated within the Tahquamenon River.  As of 2022, it is possible for site visitors to walk to the island over a bridge built in fall, 2021.  Managed by the Michigan Tahquamenon Falls State Park, these falls are preserved in their natural environment. The lower falls can be observed from the riverbank, the bridge, or from the island.  Boat rentals will be available again to row to the island in 2023.  The boat excursion is a family favorite!  Each of the falls are incredible in every season.

The ultimate experience is a hike between da falls; a 4.6 mile trek that meanders between the falls.  The trail is not for the faint of heart as it changes elevations among tree roots and plants.   There is a concession stand at the lower falls and a microbrewery, restaurant at the upper falls.  There are gift shops at each location.  We invite you to travel to Paradise in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to experience the grandeur of Waterfalls.

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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