Delectable & Delicious Food Fads in Paradise, Michigan

Lift your fork and experience the delectable flavors every foodie will encounter in Michigan's Paradise.  You may want to use a spoon, so that you don't miss a drop of The INN's Roasted Hubbard Squash Ravioli sauce.  Culinary creations with local Whitefish, herbs, and vegetables will dance on your palette as your summer vacation is an ideal opportunity to sample the best in local favorites.  

Here is a listing of dining options in and near Paradise. About 60 miles northwest of the Mighty Mac bridge on the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, state route M-123, Paradise is situated east of the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, north of the Hiawatha National Forest and south of Lake Superior with Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay to the east. 

Courtesy FreshwaterFeasts.com 2019, Brown's Fisheries 

The Brown family has been instrumental in the economic development of Paradise since the 1930's. Brown's Fisheries Fish House is located just west of the blinking light in Paradise at 32638 West Michigan State Route 123.  Open traditionally from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, the Brown family serves the best Whitefish you'll find in the Great Lakes Region.  Be sure to get there early as once the fish is gone, they are closed for the day.  

Smoked Whitefish Dip, Courtesy the INN

Allow your taste buds to dance at The INN, Gastropub and Smokehouse,  located just north of O'brien's Creek and in front of the Magnuson Grand Lakefront Hotel.  Open pretty much year round (double check their hours in November, December, March and April) You will be astounded at the musings of Chef Josh Winkler as he works with fresh foods, herbs, and vegetables.   You'll find tantalizing photos and up to date postings on their Facebook page, 8112 North M-123. 

The Wheelhouse Restaurant & Goat Locker Saloon is located just west of the blinking light at 32520 West M-123.   Open year round, you'll find one of Captain Jack's boats next to the parking lot, and good times in the saloon. 

Compliments Tahquamenon Brewery Camp 33 Website

The Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub, Camp 33 is located in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Upper Falls entrance.  The brewery offers a wonderful collection of flavors that range from a Black Bear Stout to a Wild Blueberry enhanced ale to celebrate the summer months.  Brews on tap vary from time to time to take advantage of seasonal flavors.  The restaurant's  chefs have developed a wild rice soup and smoked fish salad that calms your hungry soul and often in the fall and winter months you'll find a hearty pasty, a local favorite.

Fresh Whitefish Image Compliments
 Catch of the Day Food Truck

Catch of the Day food truck offers Fresh Lake Superior Whitefish.  Deliciously fresh and delicately prepared.  Serving the BEST hand-dipped onion rings around!  Just ask anyone!  Catch of the Day is located on M-123 with in the Paradise commercial district.  Parking is available and limited outdoor dining spaces.  You won't regret grabbing a delectable filet at this food stop.

Compliments Fresh Coast Cafe Facebook Page  

The Fresh Coast Cafe is located just north of the Paradise Recreational Sports gas station at 8239 North M-123.  The offer a wide selection of assorted subs and sandwiches.  

The Berry Patch Restaurant is located at M-123 open year round for breakfast and lunch.  Specifically located at 8324 North M-123.

Compliments RJ Regan

Silver Creek Grill & Pub offers a popular Friday night fish fry and a hearty hamburger.  Located along the snowmobile trail, north of Eckerman and south of Paradise, at 151 M-123.

Places to Stay! 

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.

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Indelible, Incredible Photographic Opportunities in Paradise

Photography can be a gratifying experience. Given today's technology through smart phones and digital cameras all one has to do is point and click to capture a remarkable image. Share your images on Instagram (#michigansparadise, #paradisemichigan) and you are published! 

 An image though that doesn't actually capture the beauty and wonder of your target is not gratifying. Have you ever had that happen? You take a perfect shot, look at it a month later and you just shake your head. The picture is lacking in the shear wonder of the experience. Sometimes you don't have to wait a month. A quick peek in the view finder and behold, somehow, the picture is lacking. Some digitally savvy photographers apply filters and effects yet not capturing the true natural beauty. 

Paradise, Michigan is a scenic location. Let's face it, the scenes can make anyone appear to be a photographic genius. Looking at the many images taken by professional and semi-professional photographers is confirmation that Paradise, offers photographic opportunities even for the most novice photographer. Take a few moments and explore the many indelible sights of the region captured by the photographers listed below.

In recognition and appreciation to these artists and to share their information with you it is our hope you will take some time and visit their websites, postings and realize that to truly Experience Michigan's Paradise, make plans to witness these vistas yourself, take your own family photos and rely on those photos to serve as an indelible reminder of your incredible Paradise experience.

There are a number of photographers that live in the Paradise area.  Frances Czapski has opened a gallery and gift shop just north of The INN in Paradise.  She posts images regularly on her Facebook page.  Her favorite image at the time of this writing is a splendid capture of the Shipwreck Museum complex reflecting in melted snow, March 20, 2022.  The blue skies are reflected as well providing an unusual;y dramatic scene.

You'll find the work of local artist Frank Fruzyna quite often on display at the gallery located at the offices of Superior Shores Reality (7967 M-123, Paradise, Michigan) and a number of local souvenir gift shops.  You can also contact Mr. Fruzyna through his Facebook page.  For years he provided the Wild Blueberry Festival and Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce images that could be used to promote the region.

Terry Humphrey resides south of Paradise along the Tahquamenon "Wilderness" River near Eckerman, Michigan. You'll find indelible images on his website, www.TerryHumphreyPhotograpy.com.  He posts regularly on Instagram and Facebook.  

In the photograph above, Mr. Humphrey has also made magic of the skies over Lake Superior as a Freighter moves past Whitefish Point.  The enormity of the Lake, sky and waters are magnified by the presence of a shoreline visitor.  Somehow this image captures the essence of the area and a "feeling" one can experience when physically present.

The photograph above was taken by a young man that has moved to another area but provided a number of incredible images of the region.  While living north of Paradise, he worked with the Paradise Area Night Riders.  They use a number of pictures to this day on their website.  Over the years he sold his work to many visitors of the Wild Blueberry Festival.  Ben Musielak still has his Facebook page and remains a favorite local photographer.

Over the past couple of years, a number of professional photographers have visited the area.  Their images have appeared on Facebook and we've shared them on the Paradise Area Tourism Facebook page.  A case in point is the work of Norris Seward of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  He has a wide range of images on his website

Sewards Wood n Crafts  and posts on his Facebook page ,

The Mr. Seward's photo above is an amazing capture of Northern Lights from the shoreline of Tahquamenon "Wilderness" River Mouth Park.  

There are many gifted novice photographers.  Over the years in our photography contest, visitors to the area have shared some indelible pictures of their visits.  You'll see many of those pictures in our gallery.  Did we overlook a photographer?  In the comments below please let us know their names and a link to their website or Facebook page.

As you can tell from these many images, there is much to see in the Paradise area, make plans to stay a few days, immerse yourself in the beauty of Paradise and create your own memories with photographs to document the experience.  Experience photography in Michigan's Paradise.

Places to Stay!   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.

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How far might you travel for your Summer Vaca?

Tahquamenon Lower Falls Image by Kristen Daniels of Caro, Michigan

No one has missed the rising price of gasoline at the fuel pump.  You are already calculating the impact to your summer vacation.  But you can manage the increase in cost by traveling a shorter distance, selecting a location with reasonable food costs options, and competitive rates for lodging. We appreciate your concerns regarding fuel prices.  But for your health, we highly recommend that you proceed with your summer vacation plans.  You will be better for it.

We did a little research.  If you live in Lansing Michigan, how far would it be to travel to Paradise, Michigan? 298 miles.  Below is a chart comparing a Paradise trip to alternative popular summer vacation venues.

Paradise Michigan is located in the Upper Peninsula, about 50 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge along scenic M-123, offering a wide range of natural and cultural experiences that provide you with that stress lowering change of pace you so need.  For your health, keep that summer vacation plan viable.  In Paradise Michigan you can avoid high-cost amusement park fees, watch the shoreline of Lake Superior, hike the trails in the Hiawatha National Forest, and witness the breathtaking site of Tahquamenon Falls.  Negotiate food costs by selecting a facility that offers cooking accommodations or even a kitchenette.  While enjoying Yooper food delicacies unrivaled by any other favorite summer spot.   

You are right, you can't control gas prices, but you can manage other costs while taking time for your health.

Places to Stay!   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.

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SUMMER VACATION

FOR THE BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH

Vacation in Paradise, Michigan

Allina Health outlines the personal value of a vacation in order to thrive!  Kathryn Isham, PsyD LP, describes the need for a vacation as the time when your "work-life balance feels out of whack."  "People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals".  Benefits like these are a win for your employer, a win for your family, and big win for you. 

Paradise Michigan offers solutions for vacation planning.  Our destinations provide sanctuary, quiet, social distancing, cultural exploration, historic documentation, and reconnection with nature so that you are able relax and decrease the potential for burnout. 

Out of the Office, Gone Waterfall Watching! Discover Tahquamenon Falls State Park home of the Tahquamenon Upper Falls, 2nd largest falls east of the Mississippi and the Tahquamenon Lower Falls!

Gone Shipwreck Hunting! The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has already put together a lot of information about shipwrecks in the Great Lakes at the very popular, Shipwreck Museum.  They are one of the few internationally known mar-i-time museums that continues the research into Shipwrecks along the Shipwreck coast. 

Gone Star Gazing!  Living in urban areas and now even in many rural areas, well-lit for safety and security purposes, one of the greatest light shows in the galaxy is obscured.  There is something about watching an object larger than ourselves or our surroundings that seems to put "life" into perspective.  People watch the continual waves of Lake Superior, largest freshwater lake in North America or gaze at the unending light show of the Milky Way after a long experiencing the wonders of nature in Paradise, Michigan.

Gone Lighthouse Exploring! There are three lighthouses in the immediate region of Paradise:  Crisp Point Light built in 1875, Point Iroquois with a native Indian history going back to 1662 and Whitefish Point Light Station sanctioned by U. S. President Abe Lincoln.  Each offers a glimpse of the Lighthouse keeper's duties and family culture.

Gone Boating!  Work with a local outfitter and make plans to take a guided tour with the Woods, Taqhuamenon River Canoe & Kayak Rentals, or rent a boat at Paddle U.P.  to explore the many tributaries in the region.  Combine waterfall watching and cultural exploration with a cruise on the Tahquamenon Riverboat Tours, a family-owned and operated business since 1927.

Gone Rock-Hounding! Lake Superior continually washes an assortment of stones and pebbles to the shoreline.   Agates, basalt, rhyolite, granite, quartz, feldspar, mica, slate just to name a few can be found, skipped back into the lake for a therapeutic stress release or polish the stones for a number of crafts.  Keep in mind that private property is off limits for carting off bags of rocks.

Gone Bear Scratching!  Oswald's Bear Ranch is a destination enjoyed by all ages.  The Oswald family has rescued black bears across the country and provided for them a natural safe environment in their sanctuary.  

Gone Tree-Hugging! Paradise is surrounded by waters to the north and east and by state and federally designated wooded areas, Tahquamenon Falls State Park to the West and South, and the Hiawatha National Forest to the west and south.  Showcasing sugar maple, red maple, American Beech, white pine, red pine, northern white cedar, eastern larch or tamarack, Jackpine Savannahs, and balsam fir in the region.

Gone Hiking! The North Country Scenic Trail, an 8-state hiking trail of 4,700 miles and identified by its famous "blue blazes", meanders through the Paradise region and the Tahquamenon State Park Falls.  The Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers some 35 miles of trails.  Both systems offer unique vistas and a range of skill levels to provide you with hiking opportunities for years to come.

Gone Four-Wheeling!  Side by Sides, 4-wheelers, ORV's and ATV's, we do like our machines, and they are a lot of fun!  The Paradise area offers a number of two track roads and a facility that offers equipment for rent, Paradise Recreational Sports.  As with all motorized equipment, stay informed about Michigan Laws and road use.

Gone Foodie! Paradise offers a broad range of food experiences from Fresh Whitefish to Pastie's and always popular Carrott Cake with micro-brewed Black Bear Stout and Lumberjack Lager.  

Gone Fishing!  A region located in the midst of Michigan state's Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Hiawatha National Forest and nestled within Lake Superior, Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay and Tahquamenon River has to offer incredible fishing opportunities.  It does and the state offers specifics instructions to Tahquamenon area's fishing holes.

Learn more details about the Importance of Taking a Vacation and boost your level of happiness!  The region of Paradise Michigan is less populated than many favorite destinations, but lodging facilities fill quickly, place your reservations early and make note of cancellation policies.  We want you to stay at your preferred facility, when you want to stay there.

Places to Stay!   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.

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Winter in - Paradise

Yes, you are right; Paradise brings to mind for many, a secluded sandy shoreline, waves cascading with the rhythm of the surf and tall palm trees gently moving in the breeze.  It is winter, summer has passed; fall colors have given way to pristine shimmering crystals of snow.  

We need you to change your mental image of Paradise to crisp cool mornings, picturesque snowshoe hikes, and  120+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails inviting you to immerse yourself in the natural winter world of generations past.

Paradise is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan along the shores of Lake Superior.  The Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, M-123 is the primary route, only automotive/truck route to Paradise.  

Visit the Tahquamenon Upper Falls!  The Tahquamenon Upper Falls is one of the most photographed falls in Michigan.  With a 50 foot drop and 250 foot span, the volume of water cascading over the falls validates the Tahquamenon Upper Falls as the 2nd largest falls east of the Mississippi.  It is breathtaking in spring, summer, and fall, but in the winter; it is a phenomenon.  Continually changing and different from year to year it is truly a sculpture of nature.

Ride the Trails! Snowmobiling has long been a very popular activity in Michigan.  120 + Miles of pristine groomed trails, maintained and groomed by local volunteers, Paradise Area Night Riders.  Check their website or Facebook page for trail conditions. Snowmobiling is a busy time in the region.  Many folks will ride to Sault Ste Marie Michigan from Paradise.  Then the next day connect with trails leading west and Pine Stump.  That's a fabulous ride along the southern shoreline of Lake Superior.

Snowshoe the Trails! The Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers snowshoes that you can borrow and test your muster.  You'll be amazed with the ease of walking on 18 inches of snow, not sinking, and enjoying the sights and sounds that abound.  In February, the park often offers lantern lit trails at dusk.  

But there are trails just west of Paradise along the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway (M-123) at Paradise Pathways.  A local team of volunteers, Tahquamenon Country Pathway Association grooms this trail for snowshoe enthusiasts and cross country ski enjoyment.

Mush the Trails! Sled dogs get very excited to pull a sled.  Nature's Kennel offers you an opportunity to mush (guide the sled dogs) or to ride in the sled.  Amazingly, the sled dogs are barking and jumping with excitement but once they get a chance to pull; they are so quiet as you glide through the incredible terrain of the eastern Upper Peninsula.  Nature's Kennel offers overnight packages and many opportunities to work with the sled dogs.

Embrace the Fireplace! Stay warm and snuggled next to the fireplace with a glass of wine, a good book, or conversation with family or friends.  Stop in at Camp 33 and enjoy a Black Bear Stout after a walk to the Tahquamenon Upper Falls.

Take in the Lake Superior View! Whitefish Point is 14 miles north of Paradise.  The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is closed in the winter months. Whitefish Bird Observatory's Owl's Roost is closed in the winter months, but the Lake Superior shoreline is open and visible.  

Places to Stay!  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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Tahquamenon River

The Tahquamenon River flows 87 miles in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The headwaters are north of Newberry, Michigan; the river mouth drains into Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay just south of Paradise, Michigan.  The Tahquamenon Scenic Byway offers phenomenal views and access to the river beginning just east of the Tahquamenon Logging Museum, north of Newberry and provides details as to the critical role logging played in the region. To see the waters up close and personal The Woods offers canoe rentals and guided tours. If you would rather sit back and ride a riverboat, Tahquamenon Train and Boat Tours offers a unique view of the Upper Falls from the south side of the river and a well scripted narration of folklore, fauna and flora.

Sculpting the region, Tahquamenon carved the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and island. The Department of Natural Resources identifies some 67 tributaries. Tahquamenon means Our Woman in the Chippewa (Ojibwa) language.  Perhaps they refer to the nutrients the river provided to their survival  Ancient Indian lore describes a beautiful maiden that loved a man she couldn't have, so she threw herself over the Upper Falls.  Supposedly to this day her spirit, dressed in a white buckskin dress can still be seen near the falls.  Be sure to search the mist for her spirit!

As a source of fish and fresh water in the area closest to the Lower Falls, the Chippewa camped to survive the harsh winters.  In spring, the community would relocate closer to the river mouth, tap the trees for sweet syrup, trap, hunt, and fish to provide for their families. To this day Department of Natural Resources identifies the Tahquamenon Lower Falls and river mouth sections as popular Tahquamenon Area Fishing Holes continuing to serve the community as a natural food resource.

The most popular tourist stop in the Upper Peninsula is the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Officially designated the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in 1947 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to preserve the magnificence of the region, today the park consists of 46,000+ acres of pristine forest.

 

There are three entrances to the park, just south east of Paradise on State Route M-123, Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. The first entrance takes you to the Lower Falls, the second to administrative offices and information and the third to the Upper Falls. Visiting the Falls in any season is extraordinary. During the summer months, July and August are the busiest. The best time to visit the falls during these summer months is early morning 7 - 10 AM or later in the evening 7 - 10 PM. There should be fewer cars waiting in line and fewer people walking the paved paths to the falls.    

 

The Upper Falls is 200 feet across and has some 50,000 gallons of water per second flowing over the brink. This volume of water cascading over the 50 foot drop designates the Upper Falls as the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. The water has a copper color from the tannic acids in the Tahquamenon River basin from the many Beech and Birch trees.  The Upper Falls is sometimes referred to as the Root Beer Falls.

      

The Lower Falls is a series of five cascading falls surrounding an island, Tahquamenon.  During the summer months, it is possible to rent a row boat, paddle across the river, explore the island, dip your toe in the cool waters and paddle back.   A popular activity is to hike from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls.  Often a shuttle is available for the return trip.  This trail is not paved, has tree roots, hills, twists, and turns so not for those with health concerns.

South of Paradise along M-123, the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, and north of the bridge that crosses the Tahquamenon, there is a county road, West Tahqua Trail Road that follows the river.  There are several North Country Scenic Trail heads and small areas where you can  pull off the road and look across the span of the river.

 The river mouth is 17.5 miles down river from the Lower Falls.  In September the Michigan Canoe Racing Association sponsors a canoe race for teams of two to paddle from the Lower Falls to the river mouth. Spectators take advantage of West Tahqua Trail road to observe the race.  Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers a campground near the river mouth with boat access.  There is also a public boat ramp east of M-123 with a walkway and fishing access.

 

   

The Tahquamenon River is an incredible tributary, rich with beauty, natural resources, and history.  It served as a back drop to Hemingway's popular poem, Hiawatha.  Nearly designated as "Wilderness", the Tahquamenon River may be one of the few, true, time-travel pathways of Ojibwa, French Canadian Voyageurs, fur traders, and missionaries. Experience the Tahquamenon in Michigan's Paradise!

 

PLACES TO STAY!
 
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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