Find unmatched scenery and take a walk back in time at Fayette Historic State Park. Blending history and nature, the park is located on the shores of Big Bay de Noc - on Lake Michigan between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay - on the southern side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Visitors will also find a historic townsite, a modern campground, Snail Shell Harbor, a visitor center, a boating access site, a designated swim area and more. The park's 5 miles of trails offer impressive views from 90-foot limestone cliffs that surround the harbor.
Fayette Historic Townsite represents a once-bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891 at the tip of the Garden Peninsula. Visitors may walk through the well-preserved buildings that have been standing for 150 years and learn about life during the 19th century. There are self-guided and guided tour options (summer months only) available.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Located between the campground and the day-use area, the boating access site provides access to Big Bay de Noc.
The A. Gene Gazlay Visitor Center houses a museum store and concessions.
Big Bay de Noc provides some of the finest perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and salmon fishing in the Great Lakes. The park also offers plenty of fishing opportunities from shore and the harbor or on open waters via boat.
The park’s fishing pier is located on Big Bay de Noc in Snail Shell Harbor.
Visitors can walk through the well-preserved Fayette Historic Townsite to learn about life during the 19th century. There are self-guided and guided tour options (summer months only) available.
There are 400 acres of land open to hunting.
There are modern restrooms in the visitor center.
There are scenic overlooks onto Big Bay de Noc and the townsite from 90-foot limestone cliffs.
Kayaks and an 18-foot canoes are available to rent 1) June through September at the park's contact station and 2) October through May at park headquarters. No reservations available. Call 906-644-2603 for more info.
Paddling is a popular activity in Big Bay de Noc.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline, with the exception of the buoyed swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
The picnic area is located adjacent to the designated swim beach and offers grills, a picnic shelter, a water fountain/spigot and vault toilets.
A playground is located in the picnic area.
The park’s sanitation station is located between the contact station and the modern campground.
A buoyed swim area is near the picnic area.
The A. Gene Gazlay Visitor Center houses a scale model of the 1880s company town of Fayette, information on the ancient forest and bluffs, a museum store, concessions and modern restrooms.
The park is situated along Lake Michigan’s Big Bay de Noc in the Upper Peninsula.
Free WiFi is available at the historic townsite, visitor center and modern campground.
The modern campground is divided into three loops. Most sites are moderate in size and are shaded by maple and cedar trees. At the end of each loop, there is a small pathway leading to Lake Michigan's Big Bay de Noc. All sites have 20/30-amp service, and pull-through sites have 20/30/ 50-amp service. Fayette Historic Townsite is a short walk to the north, and the buoyed swim beach and picnic area are a short walk to the south. Recycling is available.
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Nestled in the edge of the woods directly off the entrance road, the rustic-feeling lodge offers a private setting within walking distance of the Fayette Historic Townsite.
The kitchen includes maple cabinetry, a refrigerator, an electric stove, a microwave, a toaster and a coffeemaker. Dishes, pots, cutlery, glassware, mixing bowls and other essentials are included. A single bathroom includes a tub/shower unit, flush toilet and sink. A fuel-efficient furnace, central air conditioning, bedding, towels and all kitchen linens are included. The lodge has cedar-framed beds (full, queen and a single-over-full bunk). In addition, a futon and pull-out (full) sofa bed are in the living area.
Wood fires are permitted in the backyard fire circle only. Firewood is not provided but is available for purchase at the contact station.
To make a reservation, call the park. A two-night minimum stay is required for reservations Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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