15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Michigan That Defy Explanation
Natasha Kayes
Author
If you live in Michigan, you are likely aware that this state has a great deal of breathtaking natural scenery, from well-known tourist destinations to hidden small-town gems, and everything in between. Whether your idea of adventuring involves a scenic drive, hiking trails, mountain biking, or kayaking, these fascinating natural wonders in Michigan are just begging to be explored.
Best Gorges & Canyons In Michigan
There is a reason that the famous Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country. There is something wondrous about the power of water as it forges deep canyons and erodes solid rock to create beautiful cliffs and dramatic gorges. And guess what? We don’t have to leave the state to see this kind of natural beauty as we have some spectacular gorges and canyons right here in the Midwest.
1. Canyon Gorge
- Location: L’Anse, MI
- Wow Factor: Dramatic gorge known as “Grand Canyon of Michigan”
- Cost: Free
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Canyon Gorge - often affectionately referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Michigan” - is a stunning box canyon with a dramatic waterfall, surrounded by lush forest, and surprisingly accessible. A relatively easy and breathtakingly beautiful hike through Canyon Falls Roadside Park should be on every Michigander’s must-do list.
2. Piers Gorge
- Location: Norway, MI
- Wow Factor: Lush tree-lined winding river gorge with pier-like drops and falls
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
Piers Gorge, bordered on one side by Menominee River State Park and by Wisconsin on the other, is shaped by the rivers powerful waters. It takes its name from several drops along the river that resemble piers. With multiple hiking trails and breathtaking scenery, exploring the gorge is an unforgettable adventure.
Best Caves In Michigan
While it is true that, unlike some other places in the USA, this state is not exactly known for its caves, the ones we do have here are incredibly unique and among the most amazing wonders of Michigan.
3. Miner’s Castle
- Location: Munising, WI
- Wow Factor: Dramatic caves on the water at the base of 200-foot sandstone cliffs
- Cost: $10 to $20 for park entrance pass
Miner’s Castle is a unique rock formation on Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore consisting sandstone cliffs and a series of striking caves right on the water. The caves can be explored by kayak, which gives explorers up-close views of the otherworldly interior of the rock.
4. Eben Ice Caves
- Location: Deerton, MI
- Wow Factor: Massive icicles that turn a cliff into a fairytale-like ice palace
- Cost: Free
The Eben Ice Caves, also sometimes called “Rock River Canyon Ice Caves,” are a true hidden gem and a winter wonder in the Hiawatha National Forest. Water flowing over the face of a cliff freezes into dramatic walls of ice, forming a mesmerizing set of caverns that can be explored on foot (we recommend ice cleats for the trip). The thickness of the ice and varying temps create colors in the ice that add to the enchanting landscape.
Best Waterfalls In Michigan
Waterfalls are plentiful in this state, especially in the Upper Peninsula area, and are considered some of the best natural attractions in Michigan. We have selected a few of these glorious places that each deserve a spot on your bucket list.
5. Hungarian Falls
- Location: Hubbell, MI
- Wow Factor: 90-foot series of falls with three drops, including a dramatic 50-foot cascade
- Cost: Free
The Hungarian Falls Nature Area features a variety of hiking options and a cascade of waterfalls that flow down a steep gorge and finally into Torch Lake, Michigan’s longest inland lake, in the Northern Lower Peninsula. The area is densely wooded and offers several spots with beautiful views of the upper falls, middle falls, and lower falls.
6. Tahquamenon Falls
- Location: Paradise, MI
- Wow Factor: 50-foot high, 200-foot wide Upper Falls
- Cost: $17 per vehicle for MI residents; $9 day pass for non-residents
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfall in Michigan - with the Upper Falls being some 200 feet across - and its most famous. The awe-inspiring Tahquamenon Falls State Park becomes a wildly different landscape with each season - surrounded by vibrant greenery in spring and summer, fiery foliage in fall, and dramatic ice formations in the winter. When it comes to must-see nature in Michigan, it doesn’t get much better.
7. Douglass Houghton Falls
- Location: Calumet, MI
- Wow Factor: Impressive 110-foot tall waterfall tumbling down a rugged volcanic rock face
- Cost: Free
From the largest waterfall we go to the state’s tallest, Douglass Houghton Falls on the Keweenaw Peninsula, between Laurie and Lake Linden. Now only reachable by following Hammell Creek from Lake Linden, this is a difficult and dangerous spot to explore, but it is absolutely breathtaking.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Michigan
Some of the best nature spots in Michigan are scenic overlooks offering mind-blowing views, particularly over the Great Lakes. If you have never been to these vista points, you don’t know what you’ve been missing.
8. Log Slide Scenic Overlook
- Location: Grand Marais, MI
- Wow Factor: Stunning vista points on the shores of Lake Superior from the top of a giant sand dune
- Cost: $10 to $20 park entrance pass
Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior A short sandy trail in West Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore leads through the woods to the edge of Lake Superior and arrives at the absolutely magical,Log Slide Scenic Overlook, boasting sweeping views over the gorgeous turquoise water and sandy beaches below and Au Sable Lighthouse to the left. The overlook sits at the edge of the massive Grand Sable Sand Dunes which stretch out to the right.
9. Pyramid Point
- Location: Maple City, MI
- Wow Factor: Magnificent view of Lake Michigan from over 300 feet above the surface
- Cost: $20 per vehicle
Northern Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is itself a gorgeous national park, but Pyramid Point may just be the most beautiful place in all of Michigan. Rising over 300 feet above the edge of Lake Michigan, you will feel like you are on top of the world with the deep blue waters spreading out below.
10. Foote Pond Overlook
- Location: Oscar, MI
- Wow Factor: A high sand bluff overlooking a pristine lake surrounded by forest
- Cost: Free
Standing atop the steep sandy bluff, reached by means of the River Road scenic drive, offers unbeatable views of lush greenery and the glassy pond below. Foote Pond Overlook is a spectacular place to stand (or enjoy a picnic!) any time of year, but it is particularly breathtaking with the rich jewel tones that fill the dense forest in fall.
Best Rock Formations in Michigan
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind nature places in Michigan, the geologic formations found in this state are eminently worth visiting. The few we are featuring here are nothing short of jaw-dropping!
11. Arch Rock
- Location: Mackinac Island, MI
- Wow Factor: A natural limestone bridge rising almost 150 feet above the edge of Lake Huron
- Cost: Free
Mackinac Island Located on the ever-popular Mackinac Island, Arch Rock is among the most famous of Michigan’s natural wonders, and for good reason. The natural stone arch stretches over 50 feet in width and creates a striking frame through which you can view the vibrant colors of Lake Huron.
12. Turnip Rock
- Location: Port Austin, MI
- Wow Factor: An offshore formation that looks like a giant turnip!
- Cost: $20 state park pass required at Port Austin harbor
Turnip Rock is a fascinating and unique geologic formation in the Thumb region of Lake Huron, a mere few yards off the Pointe Aux Barques shoreline. The rock’s name comes from the vegetable it resembles and it is only accessible from the water due to the adjacent land being on private property. Kayak rentals and tours are available in nearby Port Austin so you can paddle your way out for a close-up view.
13. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- Location: Ontonagon, MI
- Wow Factor: Massive layers of eroded rock feel like something from another world
- Cost: $9 day use pass
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is quite literally full of natural wonders, including waterfalls, geologic formations, Lake of the Clouds, and more. But among the most fascinating are the eroded layers of rock that are found throughout the park - massive rock formations with a truly otherworldly feel, such as the fascinating Presque Isle.
Unique Natural Wonders in Michigan
Wherever you travel in America, you can find unique wonders and clearly this state is no exception. There are some bucket list-worthy natural attractions in Michigan that not only defy explanation, they are each in a category of their own.
14. Kitch-iti-kipi
- Location: Manistique, MI
- Wow Factor: Michigan’s largest freshwater spring with crystal blue water
- Cost: $20 state park pass required
Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park is the epitome of a must-see natural wonder. Measuring 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, with some 10,000 gallons of water per minute flowing through rock fissures below, the state’s largest spring is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Floating observation decks allow visitors to peer through the crystal clear water to the bottom.
15. Ancient Cedars
- Location: Garden, MI
- Wow Factor: Some of North America’s oldest trees growing slowly atop stunning white dolomite cliffs
- Cost: $20 state park pass required for vehicles
The Upper Peninsula’s Fayette Historic State Park holds a secret. While the park’s white dolomite limestone cliffs are a natural spectacle in their own right, the real wonders are the 1,400-year-old white cedar trees growing on them. Despite their deceptively small stature, these ancient slow-growing trees are among the oldest on the continent.
How many of these phenomenal natural wonders have you seen in person? Are there other places that you would add to this list of must-see natural attractions? Whether you visit them one at a time or set out on an unforgettable road trip, there is nothing like getting out and exploring this state’s most majestic features. So, pack the car, grab the keys, and hit the road!
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