The Hiawatha's Great Lakeshores, Lighthouses, Islands and Snow set us apart from every other National Forest; we are truly unique.
Visit your "Great Lakes National Forest," to:
Explore our islands ...Cross Over to Adventure on Grand Island National Recreation Area
Discover on our lakeshores ... explore our Great Lakes shorelines on Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan
Visit a lighthouse ... Tour the Pt Iroquois, Peninsula Point or Christmas Lighthouses; see Round Island Lighthouse as you travel to Mackinac Island; view North Light and the East Channel Light as you boat around Grand Island.
Experience the bountiful snow ... Our "lake effect" winters bring with them over 200 inches of snow. Enjoy the Hiawatha's renowned cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails.
In addition, you'll find facilities for many of the outdoor activities you seek:
build a campfire and visit with friends
canoe down a river or drive a scenic byway
hike or ride mountain bikes
watch birds and see wildlife
fish or hunt
ride horses or ATVs
Best of all, we're not that far away from many of our visitors, including people from major urban and rural areas of Michigan, Wisconsin and other nearby states; and increasingly for international visitors.
It's easy to see what makes us special, and we’re ready to share!
Points of Interest
Check back: Downloadable Brochure for Sites to See on the Hiawatha National Forest coming soon!
Six historic lighthouses stand on Hiawatha’s Great Lakes shorelines, five of which are owned entirely or in part by the Forest Service. “Lighthouse lookers” eagerly seek out views and interaction with Pt. Iroquois, Peninsula Point, Round Island, East Channel (Grand Island), and Christmas Rear Range Light. The area’s unique maritime history, and the personal accounts of those who ran the lighthouses are interpreted at Pt. Iroquois Lighthouse and museum.
Automated aids to navigation replaced most of these facilities in the mid 1900’s, leaving these unique pieces of our cultural heritage available for other uses. The Hiawatha seeks to increase access to these treasures, while ensuring they are properly cared for.
Located along the shore of Lake Superior on the Hiawatha's Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District, the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway offers many opportunities for visitors to connect with the natural beauty and cultural history of this impressive Great Lake!
