Did you you know that there’s a ghost town on Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point on the U.P.? Shelldrake is a former logging community that faded away as the logging jobs did in this part of the state. Today, though, you can pitch your tent at a nearby state forest campground, hike to this abandoned Michigan village in less than an hour, and explore what remains of it.

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground is a beautiful (but rustic) camping spot on a serene, forested lake on the Upper Peninsula.
Andrew Carrick/Google Reviews
The campground offers 25 first-come, first-served (i.e., no reservations accepted) sites that are suitable for tent camping or small trailers.
Andrus Lake State Forest Campground, W Vermillion Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, USA
Jeff Van Vleet/Google Reviews
There are no water or electrical hook-ups in the campground. Vault toilets and a hand-pumped well for drinking water are available.

You’ll find a boat launch and fishing pier at the campground, so be sure to bring your gear. There’s also a small beach for splashing in the lake.

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Andrus Lake State Forest Campground is an awesome spot to set up your base camp for exploring the Whitefish Point area.
Whitefish Point Lighthouse, 18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, USA
Browermd/Wikimedia Commons
Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the adjacent Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are just a short drive from the campground.
The abandoned village of Shelldrake is located just two miles south of the campground.
Wpwatchdog/Wikimedia Commons
You can follow Whitefish Point Road above the lake and hike to the ghost town in about 40 minutes.
There, you can explore the ruins of the old tramway that was used to move timber out to waiting barges and freighters on the lake.
Wpwatchdog/Wikimedia Commons
There is also a historical marker, as well as some old building structures.

Join Upper Limits Media as they explore the ghost town of Shelldrake, Michigan in this video:

Even if there’s not much of Shelldrake left to see, you’re sure to appreciate the stunning U.P. setting and the Lake Superior Shoreline. For another great hike to an abandoned Michigan village, head to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and follow the trail to the mining ghost town of Nonesuch.

Have you visited Shelldrake on the Upper Peninsula? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments!

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Shelldrake, MI 49768, USA