What to See in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Whitefish Point

Lake Superior and Shipwrecks

Whitefish Point Tik Tok

Lake Superior is known for her unpredictability, massive force, and immense beauty.  

​She's also known for claiming lives on those who've crossed her.

Sitting at the turning point from Superior towards Huron is a small peninsula called Whitefish Point.  Here, ships make their way towards the St. Mary River and eventually into Lake Huron, passing through the Soo Locks.  It's a beautiful spot along Lake Superior, with a lighthouse and an infamous beach for those who enjoy the scenery and geological features. 

It is also home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. 

Whitefish Point has the oldest, continuously used Lighthouse on Lake Superior.  It marks the edge of what is considered Shipwreck Coast.  The waters around Whitefish Point have claimed at least 200 of the 550 shipwrecks in Lake Superior.  

The most famous of these is the Edmund Fitzgerald.  In 1975, the freighter lost communication with the Pointe, and was claimed by Superior, taking all lives aboard.  

You can find the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald in the Shipwreck museum.  There is a cost to enter, but it's well worth it.  The museum shares information of various ships lost within the lake, while the song for the Edmund Fitzgerald plays in the background.  
You can still walk the area without visiting the museum for free.  There's a small shop as well.  Parking can get tricky, so go earlier when possible.
(information validated on Home - Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (shipwreckmuseum.com)
Whitefish Point is near Tahquamenon Falls, and you can easily do both in the same day.

(Side note:  When traveling in the Upper Peninsula, you will lose service.  If using maps on your phone, you will be able to keep going until you reach your destination, but you won't be able to change locations.  If you are not familiar with the Upper Peninsula, we recommend printing maps or using a sat nav system.  You can find one on our Travel Road Trip page.)

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