Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite

In the Upper Peninsula’s history of boomtowns gone bust, Fayette is one of the most fascinating stories. But that recounting jumps off the page when you visit Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite, home to several buildings from the original town’s heyday that you can still tour. When you spot the sign for Fayette Historic State Park at the junction of U.S. 2 and M-183, please don’t pass it by. There is more here than meets the eye.

Where is Fayette?

Set on the Garden Peninsula’s Lake Michigan coast, this historic state park overlooks Big Bay de Noc, tucked between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay. With such a gorgeous view, it’s easy to see why Fayette was built here years ago! On U.S. 2, turn south on M-183 and drive 17 miles along the Garden Peninsula’s coast to reach the park.

Hours

A popular history and nature destination, the state park is open 365 days a year from  8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. The park’s historic townsite buildings and campgrounds are open from mid-May to mid-October and the boat slips from early May to early November.

Why did this town last only 24 years?

What happened to one of the 19th century’s vibrant industrial towns — a place that once produced some of the finest pig iron and played a key role in building America, only to vanish in just 24 years?

In the video, Why This Michigan Town Only Lasted 24 Years, Michigan-based science communicator and storyteller, Alexis Dahl, takes you deep into the mystery of Fayette. Learn why this remote Garden Peninsula location was perfect for the “Jackson Iron Company.” What was life like for the men, women and children who labored and lived here? And what forces caused it to fade while even older Upper Peninsula towns still endure today?

Filmed on location among Fayette’s preserved blast furnaces and limestone cliffs, this video invites you to imagine a gritty, whistle-shrieking company town where today’s forest trails and tranquil harbor welcome travelers to stay awhile.

History

This site was strategically chosen in 1867 by its founder, Fayette Brown, the general manager of the Jackson Iron Company in Cleveland, Ohio, to build the company’s iron smelting operation. Here, smelters used dolomite from nearby cliffs as flux to purify molten iron and relied on the region’s hardwood forests to produce the charcoal that fueled the furnaces.  Before long, Fayette roared to life under sooty skies, bustling with men, women and children, many from Canada, Finland and Norway. 

Ghost town

However, in 1891, Fayette became a ghost of its former self as Garden Peninsula’s forests were stripped and new methods for making iron and steel made pig iron less desirable. But the story of Fayette didn’t die when most of the residents’ wagons rattled up the dusty road. The State of Michigan acquired the area in 1959 and preserved it as a state park and one of the nation’s premier historic industrial townsites.

Things to do throughout the year

Spending a day at this park without getting bored is easy! Between discovering the townsite’s past, hiking, summer boating, snorkeling, camping, winter recreation and annual events, there is plenty for everyone to do.

Tour the ghost town

When you visit, stop by the Visitors Center to see the exhibits that recount the lives of the people of  Fayette after the U.S. Civil War. Then take a guided or self-guided walk through the townsite, exploring more than 20 buildings and gazing up at the giant furnaces that once darkened the sky with smoke. You are welcome to spread a blanket in the grassy area and picnic just as the townspeople once did.

Also, of historic significance, are the trees growing across the harbor. These ancient eastern white cedars – some dating back 1,900 years – are the oldest in any Michigan state park!

Hiking

There are 3.5 miles of scenic trails to take you through hardwood forests, along the bluff and through the townsite. Depending on the time of year, you can hike, bike, snowshoe and fat tire bike. In the winter, the park also grooms a single-track for cross-country skiing.

Watersports

Paddle or boat past scenery that rivals the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Snail Shell Harbor, shaped by picturesque limestone bluffs, is a stunning place to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. You can also navigate your pleasure boat or larger yacht in the harbor. Transient slips are available so you have more time to explore.

There is also a beach for swimming, picnicking and sunset watching.

Fishing

Few places in the Midwest rival the fishing that awaits in Big Bay de Noc and Little Bay de Noc.. Walleye draws anglers from across the country and nearby Canada, but these waters are also favorite places to reel in northern pike, perch and smallmouth bass throughout the year.

Dive into more history

Like to scuba dive or snorkel? You can discover some of Fayette’s past below the water’s surface. There are only certain times of the year when scuba diving is allowed. You need a permit from the camp office before you search for artifacts. These “finds” are to be seen, not taken.

Shareable events for all, including paranormal seekers

Time doesn’t stand still in the Fayette Historic State Park — but it sure feels like it does when you are here. It’s a natural place to bring people together for recreation, old-fashioned fun and eerie moments in an abandoned townsite steeped in stories. Check the park’s Facebook page for event dates and times.

Lantern-lit Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing: End of January, Evening: Hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe in the soft glow of kerosene lanterns lining the park’s 1.5-mile bluff trail. After taking a lap (or more!) enjoy some hot chocolate and marshmallows around a crackling campfire. Travelers are asked to park in the Visitor Center parking lot and then meet by the fire.

You do not need reservations, but you must have an annual or daily Michigan Recreation Passport pass to park your vehicle and enter the park. 

Christmas in mid-June: Daytime: Campers deck their sites with holiday decorations.

Heritage Day: Early August, Daytime: Treat the whole family to some “time travel” back in history. Event highlights include a live archaeological excavation, 19th-century music and crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, old-fashioned games and even a chance to play baseball by mid-1800s rules.

Paranormal Event: Mid-September, Night: Whether the thought of apparitions give you chills or a sense of awe, these two night visits to Fayette will immerse you in paranormal investigations. Pre-registration is required. 

Annual Fall Fest: Early October, Daytime: Day visitors and campers celebrate the season with hayrides, pumpkin decorating and kids’ activities that adults enjoy, too! Come prepared for the Halloween costume contest, and don’t forget to bring a bag for trick-or-treating in the campground!

Where to Stay

Sixty-one seasonal modern campsites, hammock camping, boat camping in Snail Shell Harbor and a rentable year-round lodge are available options at the park. Reserve your campsite, the lodge, or a marina slip up to six months in advance at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling 800-447-2757 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).

For the hotel amenities and rates you want all year-round, check out the lodging choices in Escanaba and the Bays de Noc area. Staying over opens up a lot more exploring tomorrow.