Looking for a quiet lakeside retreat in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Head to Paradise! Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Superior, Paradise is a peaceful, nature-rich destination with access to forests, waterfalls, and some of Michigan’s most iconic views. Whether you're hiking, birding, or just unwinding, Paradise lives up to its name.
Paradise, MI Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park – View massive waterfalls and hike trails through pristine forestland.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Learn about famous Lake Superior shipwrecks at Whitefish Point.
- For Birders: Watch for rare species at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory – A major migration stop with viewing platforms and trails.
- For Hikers: Trek through the North Country Trail – Scenic paths through woodlands, bogs, and lakefront views.
- For Beachgoers: Walk the sandy shorelines of Lake Superior – Relax or hunt for agates and driftwood near Whitefish Bay.
Best Time to Visit Paradise, MI
The best time to visit Paradise is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer offers warm temperatures and accessible trails, while early fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Birding is best in spring and fall migration seasons.
How to Get to Paradise, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Paradise is located off M-123 in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula, about 1.5 hours north of the Mackinac Bridge.
- By Plane: Fly into Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) near Sault Ste. Marie (1 hour away), then drive to Paradise.
- By Ferry: For a scenic journey, take the Mackinac Island ferry before driving north on I-75 and M-123.
Where to Stay in Paradise, MI
- Magnuson Grand Lakefront – Lakeside hotel with views of Whitefish Bay and easy access to trails and the falls.
- Curley’s Paradise Motel – Simple, clean, and centrally located with great value and hospitality.
- Campgrounds at Tahquamenon Falls State Park – For those who love the outdoors, choose from rustic or modern sites near the falls.
Best Things to Do in Paradise, MI
⮕ Explore the Majestic Trails of Tahquamenon Falls State Park
At 46,179 acres, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second largest state park in Michigan. Most of the park is located in Chippewa County, near the town of Paradise, bordering the Lake Superior. The Tahquamenon River runs through the park and passes over Tahquamenon Falls until it spills into Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior. The Falls include one 50-foot drop, the Upper Falls, and a number of the cascades and rapids called the Lower Falls. Much of the park is wild and undeveloped but it has about 22 miles of hiking trails. Row boats and canoes can be rented to get closer to the lower falls. The upper falls can be accessed from the visitor center using a paved walking trail. The park has five campgrounds with 350 campsites.
41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768, Phone: 906-492-3415
⮕ Unlock Maritime Mysteries at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is located at the Whitefish Point Lighthouse near the town of Paradise in Chippewa County, Michigan. The light station property is owned by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the Michigan Audubon Society, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The museum features a range of exhibits that are mostly artifacts salvaged from shipwrecks from the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve. There is also the bell from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Visitors to the museum can take a tour of historic lighthouse buildings , which feature displays that describe the history of the Great Lakes, US Coast Guard, and US Life-Saving Service.
18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, Phone: 906-492-3747
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
⮕ Climb Whitefish Point Lighthouse for Unforgettable Lake Superior Views
The Whitefish Point Light is a 23-meter high lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the town of Paradise. The construction of the lighthouse started in 1847, making it the oldest operating light on Lake Superior. It is possibly the most important lighthouse on the lake because all vessels entering and exiting Lake Superior pass the light. It is standing on the rocky southern lake shoreline known as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes." This area has more shipwrecks than any other part of the lake. The lighthouse houses the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which features artifacts from shipwrecks in the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, including the bell from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The light is considered iconic, and has an official Michigan Historical Marker placed in 1974.
18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, Phone: 906-635-1742
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ If You Crave Stunning Waterfalls, Visit Tahquamenon Falls for a Breathtaking Adventure
The Tahquamenon Falls is the name of two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River near Lake Superior in the Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula. The color of the water is visibly brown, from the tannin leached from the cedar swamps that Tahquamenon River drains. The color gave the upper falls the nickname "The Root Beer Falls". The upper falls are over 200 feet wide and drop about 48 feet. The lower falls are located about four miles downstream and consist of a series of five smaller falls that cascade around an island in the river. The island can be accessed by rowboat. There is a hiking trail between the falls that runs along the riverside. Visitors like to splash in the lower falls in the summer to cool off. The falls are located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, between Newberry and Paradise, Michigan.
41382 W M 123, Paradise, MI 49768-9628
⮕ Catch Rare Bird Sightings at White Point Bird Observatory
The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is located in Chippewa County, Michigan, next to the Whitefish Point Unit, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The observatory is a non-profit research and education facility of the Michigan Audubon Society. The Society and the Observatory have recorded more than 300 species of birds at Whitefish Point. The Observatory is part of a network of bird observatories in the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. The observatory records and documents the bird population of the Great Lakes region by doing data collection, bird banding and research. Land and water of the Whitefish Point create a natural corridor for thousands of birds during spring and fall migrations. Golden eagles, merlins, peregrine falcons, boreal owls, red-throated loons, great gray owls, red-necked grebes, scoters, and jaegers are some of the birds that can be observed during migration.
16914 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, Phone: 906-492-3596
Where to Eat in Paradise, MI
- Brown Fisheries Fish House – A must-stop for fresh, locally caught whitefish, served grilled or fried.
- Little Falls Inn – Cozy café and bar offering classic comfort food and a friendly local vibe.
- The Inn Gastropub at Magnuson – Relax with lake views, cocktails, and hearty dishes after a day of exploring.
If you are interested in local events:
- Whitefish Point Birding Festival (April/May) – Celebrate the spring migration with tours, talks, and expert-led walks.
- Wild Blueberry Festival (August) – A family-friendly event with local crafts, pie-eating contests, music, and fresh blueberries.
- Shipwreck Weekend (July) – Special programs at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, focused on maritime history and lake lore.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Paradise, Michigan:
- Muskallonge Lake State Park (30 min) – Fish, kayak, and enjoy quiet forested lakeside camping.
- Point Iroquois Lighthouse (30 min) – Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Canadian shore.
- Newberry (25–30 min) – Visit the Logging Museum or stop for supplies and local dining in this nearby town.
- Two Hearted River (30 min) – Paddle or fish in the wilderness setting that inspired Hemingway’s famous short story.
- Big Two Hearted River Campground – Remote camping and legendary trout fishing near a pristine stretch of river.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Paradise located?
- Paradise is a small community in northeastern Michigan's Upper Peninsula, located on Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior.
- What makes Paradise an attractive destination for nature lovers?
- Paradise is surrounded by parks and forests and serves as a great starting point for visiting the area.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Paradise?
- The area is popular among snowmobilers, hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, and birdwatchers.
- What events are held annually in Paradise?
- Paradise celebrates a popular blueberry festival every summer.
- What is special about Whitefish Point near Paradise?
- Paradise is the main access point to Whitefish Point, a world migratory route that runs through the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
- What organization studies birds in the area?
- The birds in the area are observed and studied by the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.
- What museum is located near Paradise?
- Near Paradise is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located in the Whitefish Point Lighthouse.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures, melting snow, and serene natural beauty. | Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise – Comfortable accommodations with lake views. | Explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Enjoy hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather ideal for outdoor adventures and lake recreation. | Paradise Inn – Cozy lodging close to local attractions. | Visit Whitefish Point Lighthouse & Shipwreck Museum – Discover maritime history and scenic views. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool weather, spectacular foliage, and quieter trails. | Freighters View on the Bay – Relaxing cabins with beautiful lakeside scenery. | Birdwatch at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory – See migrating birds in their natural habitat. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold, snowy conditions ideal for winter recreation. | Paradise Shores Cabins – Cozy cabins perfect for winter retreats. | Enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing – Experience extensive trails around Paradise. |
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