Welcome

Hiawatha National Forest

Your "Great Lakes National Forest"

Grand Island North LightLocated in Michigan's wild and scenic Upper Peninsula, the Hiawatha National Forest is known as "the Great Lakes National Forest." The Forest's dramatic shorelines lie nestled up to Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan -- three of the five great lakes -- where our outstanding lakeshores, lighthouses, islands and snow create a playground and place of respite within a day's drive from major urban and rural areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, other nearby states and international locations. 

Divided into two major blocks of land (our East and West Units) and five districts, we're home to Grand Island National Recreation Area, Whitefish Scenic Byway, six lighthouses, five Wildernesses, and Clear Lake Education Center.  In addition to recreation opportunities, visitors will find a wide array of habitats, including northern hardwoods, jackpine & other conifers, and a variety of inland wetland habitats.

With so many opportunities in one place, it's easy to see what makes us special!  Explore our web pages for more natural history information and vacation ideas, and let us know if you need additional information!

Features

Hiawatha National Forest Brings Over $11 Million in Economic Stimulus Funds

To date, Hiawatha National Forest has been allocated over $11.1 million of Recovery Act funds to implement projects related to road maintenance, watershed restoration, ecosystem restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, ecosystem restoration, and facilities and trails improvement.


Round Island Lighthouse Supporters Rally

A new partnership brings lighthouse fans and the Forest Service together to maintain Round Island Lighthouse, one of the Hiawatha National Forest's key landmarks.  For more details, follow this Success Story link.

Spotlights

Great Lakeshores

Visitors enjoy the Hiawatha

The Hiawatha offers visitors access to undeveloped shores of three of America’s great inland seas -- Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron.

Great Lighthouses

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Six historic lighthouses stand on Hiawatha’s Great Lakes shorelines, five of which are owned entirely or in part by the Forest Service. 

 




Great Islands

Relax and enjoy our islands and lakeshores!

The Hiawatha boasts four distinctly different Great Lakes islands. Each offers something unique to visitors.

Great Snow

Skiers follow trail in wooded area.

When there’s no snow elsewhere, winter sports enthusiasts look to the U.P. With 200 inches of snowfall yearly in some areas, it’s no wonder!