Hiawatha National Forest

Your Great Lakes National Forest

Located in Michigan's wild and scenic Upper Peninsula, the Hiawatha National Forest's dramatic shorelines lie nestled up to Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan -- three of the five great lakes. Our lakeshores, lighthouses, islands and abundant snow create a place of respite and play within a day's drive of urban and rural areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, other nearby states and international locations.  Learn more: check out these feature stories about your Great Lakes National Forest!

Planning Your Trip

Features

Monarch Migration

In the late summer and early autumn, one generation of monarch butterflies undergoes a mysterious transformation, pausing their development into mature adults. Find out more here!

Fall Color

Warm days and cool nights bring out the colors of the forest. Leaves begin to change from the vibrant green of summer to the warm tones of gold, orange and red. Visit the Hiawatha National Forest to discover your favorite place to view fall color!

Spotlights

Great Lighthouses

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

Great Lakeshores

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

Great Snow

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!

Great Islands

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