You'll find there's always time for a warm smile and a kind word to brighten your day. Hugged by Lake Michigan's Little Bay de Noc and Upper Peninsula wilds, the outdoor life reigns supreme here. Gather the family together and head outside to explore Escanaba's beautiful nature and cultural gems. You'll quickly fall into the flow of the Upper Peninsula lifestyle—and chances are that you’ll love every minute of it.
Summertime Sanctuary
Revel in your favorite summer activities at the mile-long Ludington Park, which is nestled beside the calm waters of Little Bay de Noc. In warm weather, young and old alike can enjoy sunning themselves on the beach, and the lifeguards will keep a careful eye on the little ones as they splash in the water, giving parents peace of mind. There are also quiet inlets for paddling canoes and kayaks, and a fishing pier gives fathers an opportunity to teach their kids how to put some bait on a hook and then be patient! The paved trail is ideal for walking, biking and inline skating; and there are courts for games of volleyball and basketball, and a disc golf course as well. Wednesday nights are the time to enjoy a free concert at the band shell, and your kids can get their wiggles out on the 22,000-square-foot playground! If you're a history buff, you won't want to miss touring the adjacent Sand Point Lighthouse.
Culture on Display
You can view Escanaba's beautiful people and places through the creative works of local artists, which are showcased at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. The Center’s galleries will inspire you year-round with an ever-changing calendar of highlights and shows. The Players Bay de Noc invite you to enjoy a theatrical production, listen to a concert or join a workshop to tap into your inner creativity.
On the Food Trail
You won’t want to leave Escanaba before enjoying a tasty pasty, the Upper Peninsula's iconic menu item that satisfies any appetite. Filled with meat or fish and vegetables, pasties were the staple meal of the region's Cornish miners in the 1800s. Try traditional beef versions at Gram's Pasties, where you can also find kid-pleasing pizza and taco versions. Release your inner chef at Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewery. Located in a historical building, the casual neighborhood eatery invites you to grill your own steak or design your own stir-fry with the help of a professional chef. To complete your culinary adventure and dining experience, menu items are paired with the microbrewery's very own signature and seasonal brews.
Seasonal Splendors
The whole family can delight in the wonders of the Monarch butterfly at Peninsula Point Lighthouse Park. In late summer and early fall, thousands of these beautiful and delicate creatures cross Lake Michigan during their southward journey and rest in Lighthouse Park's cedar trees. Watching this glorious spectacle of nature is one that you’ll never forget. In the chilly wintertime, Escanaba's snow sparkles like diamonds, creating a serene and magical wonderland, where your cares seem a million miles away. The six-mile Escanaba Pathway Trail System is groomed for cross-country skiing treks and is also an ideal venue for snowshoeing and winter hikes.
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