Experience Escanaba, Michigan's Many Delights
A Hidden Treasure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Jul 16, 2008
A Boater’s Delight
This delightful U.P. town of about 13,000 sits nestled on a small peninsula jutting out into Little Bay de Noc, part of the greater Green Bay, itself a part of Lake Michigan. With a 120 acre lakefront park, an island beach sporting a 1960s era beach house, and a modern marina with state-of-the-art harbor service, Escanaba is a prime destination for anyone who loves the water.
Escanaba's Municipal Marina sports 165 boat slips, docks, and moorings, providing plenty of room for both seasonal and transient berthings,. There's also broadside docking for vessels 60 foot and larger. Across the road from the marina, visitors can explore the Sand Point Lighthouse. Built in 1867, it has been restored and converted into a museum. Next door, the Delta County Historical Museum showcases the history of the area through local artifacts.
The expansive Ludington Park is bordered along its upper avenue by dozens of stately and grand old homes whose views of the lake are just as grand. The lawns of the park have more than enough room for picnickers to share with a large adventure playground for the younger set, tennis and sandlot volleyball courts, and a band shell where the Escanaba City Band and Bay Area Jazz Band take turns giving weekly concerts on summer evenings.
An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Delight
However, Escanaba offers more than just waterfront fun. With average summer temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70's, this friendly community is a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Golfers can choose from three public golf courses. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are always popular, as are hiking and biking.
In the off-season the harbor is dotted with the shanties of ice fishermen. Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and hockey entice people to experience the outdoors in the winter months.
Hotels and Dining
Escanaba offers a wide range of moderate and budget priced hotels. The Comfort Suites at town’s edge sports an indoor water playground. For a truly U.P. experience, try one of the many beach cottages along M-35. Fishery Pointe and Sandy Shores are popular choices for families who like something a bit more rustic and campfires on the beach. For a taste of historic elegance the House of Ludington Hotel, just off Ludington Park, offers a bit of nostalgia.
For a uniquely Yooper dining experience, try the locally caught lake fish at the Buck Inn north of town on US 2-41 & M-35, with its antlered lamp-lighting, mounted deer heads, and snowshoes gracing the walls. Or head downtown to the Swedish Pantry where breakfast is served all day, and the Swedish pancakes are served with lingonberries. The Stone House & Carport Lounge on the corner of Lincoln Road and Ludington Street is the essence of casual elegance, while Hereford and Hops, a busy little steakhouse and brew pub on Ludington Street, brews its own Cleary Red that’s a favorite of the locals.
How to Get There by Car
From Wisconsin, take scenic Hwy. M-35 which winds along the lovely Green Bay.
From Lower Michigan, drive east along U.S.2 which curves around the northern shore of Lake Michigan.
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