Visit Escanaba

09/05/2026

🦋 The monarchs are on the move in Delta County.

During late summer and early fall, monarch butterflies make their remarkable journey south toward Mexico. Along the way, the geography of the Stonington Peninsula creates an important stopping point, where monarchs can gather near Peninsula Point Lighthouse before continuing across the open waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay.

And here's part of what makes seeing them so special: you have to get a little lucky.

This isn't an attraction with scheduled showtimes. Wind, weather, temperature and timing all play a role in when the monarchs gather and when they move on.

If you're hoping to catch the migration, your best chances are before dawn or near sunset, when monarchs may be gathered in the cedar trees around Peninsula Point. In the evening, they roost for protection. As the morning sun warms them, they become active again and, when conditions are right, continue their journey south.

A cool front and favorable winds can help trigger movement across the water. Some days you may see only a handful. Hit it at the right time, and you could witness hundreds or even thousands gathered together.

That's what makes the experience so rewarding.

The migration is underway and should continue through September. If you're making the trip to Stonington, enjoy the drive, explore Peninsula Point Lighthouse and keep your expectations adventurous. Nature doesn't make appointments. 🦋

🎥 Watch the video to learn more about one of Delta County's most remarkable seasonal visitors.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Craving some sunshine and sandy shores? Delta County has some of the best freshwater coastline in the U.P.

Here are 4 cool waterfront spots along the Bays de Noc to check out:

🏝️ Gladstone Beach (Van Cleve Park) | Warm, shallow water and a fun park vibe right on Little Bay de Noc. Great for a lazy beach day.

🏖️ Escanaba Municipal Beach | Located in Ludington Park, featuring great views, easy walking paths and a super accessible shoreline.

🌲 Portage Bay | Tucked away on the Garden Peninsula with soft sand, pine trees and a nice, quiet escape from the crowds.

🏛️ Sand Bay at Fayette Historic State Park | A gorgeous spot to relax on the shore right after exploring the old 19th-century ghost town.

What is your favorite beach? Tell us in the comments!

08/31/2026

50 Years of Racing in Bark River 🏁

For 50 years, racers, families and fans have been coming together in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for one of the great traditions in off-road racing.

This year, Bark River International Raceway celebrated its 50th anniversary, an incredible milestone for an event that has grown into one of the most recognized stops in short-course off-road racing.

But maybe the best way to understand what makes Bark River special is to hear it from the people who experience it firsthand.

In this video, racers and longtime participants share a little about the experience, the tradition and what Bark River means to them. Their stories offer a glimpse into the people and passion behind an event that has been part of the U.P. for half a century, while a new generation of racers helps carry that tradition forward.

Congratulations to Bark River International Raceway, racers, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who has helped build this incredible U.P. tradition over the past 50 years.

And if you’ve never experienced Bark River for yourself, put it on the calendar for next summer. The roar of the engines, the jumps, the crowds and the atmosphere make this one of those Upper Peninsula weekends worth planning a trip around.

🏁 Bark River International Raceway
📅 August 13–15, 2027

Start planning your trip and learn more at BarkRiverOffRoad.com

08/31/2026

First lit in 1868, the Sand Point Lighthouse stood watch over Little Bay de Noc for more than 150 years. ⚓️

Rich with coastal history, it’s also known for the legacy of Mary Terry, one of the first female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes, who faithfully tended the light for years. Today, the beautifully restored lighthouse invites visitors to step back in time and experience an important piece of Delta County's maritime heritage.

08/27/2026

Looking through 45 feet of crystal-clear water to a spring that never freezes.

Floating on Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-Kipi (“The Big Spring”). More than 10,000 gallons of water per minute gush from fissures in the limestone, keeping it a constant 40°F year-round.

Save this for your Upper Peninsula bucket list! 📌

08/25/2026

🍁 Let’s take the U.P. straight to #1!

7 million acres of fiery forests, 1,500 miles of epic scenic drives, nobody does autumn quite like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

Help us snag the crown for Best Destination for Fall Colors! 🏆

Vote daily through Monday, Sept. 7 @ 11:59 AM EST
🎉 Top 10 winners announced Sept. 16!

Cast your vote today: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3YIrfnN

08/24/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 U.P. State Fair! 🎡

What a week in Escanaba!

Thank you to everyone who traveled to our area, spent time at the fair and helped make another U.P. State Fair one to remember.

And a special thank you to the staff, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors and countless others who put in the work behind the scenes to make an event like this possible.

It takes a lot of people to bring the U.P. State Fair to life each year, and we’re proud to have it right here in Escanaba.

Thanks for a great fair week. We’ll see you next year! ❤️

08/24/2026

Looking for your next Upper Peninsula adventure? From historic ruins to emerald springs, the Delta County area is home to some of the most breathtaking state parks in Michigan.

Here are four must-visit spots to add to your U.P. bucket list:

🏛️ Fayette Historic State Park: Step back into the 19th century in this remarkably preserved iron-smelting ghost town nestled on limestone cliffs.
🌊 Palms Book State Park: Home to Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. Take the self-guided raft across crystal-clear, emerald waters!
🌲 Hiawatha National Forest: Endlessly scenic trails, quiet inland lakes and pure peacefulness stretched across the heart of the U.P.
🏖️ J.W. Wells State Park: Perfect for sandy beach days, shoreline strolls and epic sunsets over the waters of Green Bay.