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LAKE GOGEBIC STATE PARK
YOUR LAUNCH SITE TO FUN ON THE U.P.’s LARGEST INLAND LAKE
If you are a new or regular visitor to Lake Gogebic, this Michigan state park is a great starting point for memory-making adventures. Spend days exploring the park’s 360 acres or use it as your hub for day trips to some of the U.P.’s top attractions. Here’s a quick guide to this favorite vacation spot.
Where Is Lake Gogebic State Park | Hours and Entrance Fees | Things to Do | Where to Stay
Where is Lake Gogebic State Park?
The park is in the heart of the Ottawa National Forest on the west shore of Lake Gogebic in Marenisco Township. You can access it from M-64 between US 2 and M-28. On this side of Lake Gogebic, you are in the Central Time Zone.
Hours and entrance fees
The park is open year-round for day use and from May 1 through Oct. 31 for camping. Day users are welcome from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CT). All visitors will need a Michigan Recreation Passport or a daily pass.
Things to do at the park and around Lake Gogebic
The park is a recreation paradise for all ages, whether you come for the day or to camp. Here are some fun things you can do.
GREAT FISHING
Back your boat down the park's paved launch to wet your line in the spring through fall. That’s when walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass and northern pike bite.
After the water hardens in winter, walk or snowmobile onto the ice to reel in some of the best-tasting walleye and jumbo perch.
You can prove your angling skills by entering monthly fishing tournaments sponsored by the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce between May and early September. For tournament dates and fishing tips, check with local bait shops and guides.
Michigan also offers two free fishing weekends, one in February and the other in June. Both are good times to try fishing or introduce your family and friends to the sport you love.
WATER SPORTS PLAYGROUND
Besides fishing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and sunset cruises are popular summer pastimes on Lake Gogebic. Use the park’s launch to get your fishing boat, speedboat, pontoon, kayak, SUP or personal watercraft out on the lake. If you don't have a watercraft, the park office has kayaks and canoes for rent.
SWIMMING AND BEACH FUN
On a hot summer’s day, head to the sandy beach to cool off in the water, build castles, soak up the sun and read. A must-do is to take a refreshing walk or jog along the park’s nearly mile-long lakefront. Early morning and sunset are so tranquil.
PICNICS BY THE WATER
Pack a picnic lunch or dinner, fire up one of the grills and enjoy a lakeside meal with family or friends. There is a pavilion you can reserve for reunions or special celebrations. Your kids can enjoy the playground when they aren’t in the water. Modern, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and a vault toilet are convenient, too.
BACKCOUNTRY HIKING
The state park has a trailhead to the Lake Gogebic Forest Trail, a 2-mile pathway through the Western U.P.’s backcountry. This trail gets high reviews for bird-watching and photographing ferns and fungi.
METAL DETECTING FOR CAMPERS
Go on a treasure hunt! Registered campers can use a metal detector to find coins, jewelry and other metallic treasures. Search only in the designated area. Then, park staff must review your findings before you take them from the park.
MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND ATTRACTIONS
Some of the Western U.P.’s top outdoor recreation areas and attractions are minutes or a day trip away from the park. Use this guide to take off on more adventures. See for yourself why having fun around Lake Gogebic never stops.
WHERE TO STAY
ONSITE CAMPING
Lake Gogebic State Park has one thing that most other campgrounds in the U.P. do not. About a quarter of the 127 campsites are directly on the lakefront!
The remaining sites nestle among the trees, no more than 100 feet from the lake. Three sites are pull-throughs. The campground has two modern restrooms with showers. Leashed pets are welcome.
Make your campsite reservations up to six months ahead.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Want to enjoy the state park during the day and stay overnight with the amenities and comforts of a hotel or resort? Find lodgings around Lake Gogebic close to restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations. Several of them are near hiking and snowmobile trails.
Wherever you stay, the staff will warmly welcome you and your traveling companions.