Michigan Roadside Attractions: Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan

Michigan Roadside Attractions is a periodic feature on Travel the Mitten that will explore the many interesting things that can be found on the highways, byways and back roads of Michigan, ranging from the interesting to unusual.

The drive on U.S. 2 from St. Ignace to Manistique is one of incredible scenic beauty as the road follows the Lake Michigan shoreline. The route was recently name the Top of the Lake Pure Michigan Byway, one of our state’s 23 scenic byways. A roadside park along this route (three miles east of Naubinway) highlights a unique location, the Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan.

The Michigan historical marker at this rest area reads: “About a mile west of here is the northernmost point of Lake Michigan. This geographical location is of historical importance because the act of Congress which created the territory of Michigan in 1805 used it to mark the western boundary of this new frontier governmental unit. The boundary ran up the middle of Lake Michigan ” to its northern extremity, and thence due north to the northern boundary of the United States.” West of this line the Upper Peninsula was part of Indiana Territory. In 1818, Michigan’s boundary was pushed west to the Mississippi River. All of the U.P., along with what is now Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, came within the limits of the territory.”

In addition to clean indoor restrooms, this rest area has several viewing platforms, a pet exercise area, picnic tables, and a few paths that lead to the Lake Michigan beach. This also marks the halfway point of the trip between Manistique and St. Ignace, which makes it an ideal spot for a quick rest stop.

Nearby attractions include the Heath Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge, GarLyn Zoo, and the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum. You can also check out our list of 20 Things to See and Do along the Top of the Lake Pure Michigan Byway.