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Fayette Historic State Park – Perfect Blend of History and Nature

Fayette Historic State Park is a 711-acre state park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The park is located along Route 2 on the southern shore. It is about a six-hour drive from Detroit. While the park encompasses Snail Shell Harbor, the whole peninsula forms the eastern border for the Big Bay De Noc.

The park offers visitor’s an amazing blend of history, nature, together with adventure in one beautiful location. The park features a historic townsite, a modern campground, harbor slips, boat launch, beach, as well as five miles of trails. Visitors can even spend the night at the Fayette Furnace Hill Lodge.

Fayette Historic State Park

Fayette Historic State Park Townsite

Fayette is home to a historic townsite that was once a busy iron smelting community. Currently, the site features more than 20 historic buildings where guests can learn about life in the 19th-century town. Both self-guided walks and guided tours are available.

Fayette Historic State Park Historic Townsite

Fayette Nature Trails

The five miles of hiking trails offer impressive views from the limestone cliffs that overlook Snail Shell Harbor. In addition to the diverse plant and wildlife viewable along the trails, the paths are littered with 1000-year-old cedars. Guests may also observe the remains of other buildings along the path.

Fayette Historic State Park also offers biking, boat rentals, cross country skiing, fishing, geocaching, hunting, paddlesports, swimming as well as scuba diving.

limestone bluffs

Fayette Historic State Park Hours and Fees

This state park is always open. However, it is important to note that visitors must have a State Recreation pass.

  • Free with the purchase of the Recreation Passport ($11 via the Secretary of State or $16 at a State Park)
  • Non-Resident Annual Pass $33
  • Non-Resident Daily Pass $9

Connect with Fayette Historic State Park

Website | Facebook

More Upper Peninsula Adventures

Just a few miles west of Escanaba, Michigan lies Island Resort & Casino. It’s the perfect vacation destination for those who love to gamble, golf, or enjoy a spa getaway. Nature enthusiasts will love the plethora of State Parks within the area, including the amazing Pictured Rocks, as well as Kitch-iti-kipi.

Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.