Hiawatha National Forest

Hiawatha National Forest is a sprawling wilderness playground perfect for families who love the outdoors. With over 900,000 acres of pristine forest, gentle hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and sandy Lake Michigan beaches, this Upper Peninsula gem offers endless opportunities for kids to explore nature, spot wildlife, and burn off energy in a safe, scenic environment.

• ✓Bay Furnace Beach on Lake Superior with shallow, calmer waters perfect for wading and skipping stones
• ✓Easy waterfall hikes to Wagner Falls and Au Train Falls that even little legs can manage
• ✓Sand dunes and beaches along Lake Michigan for building sandcastles and swimming
• ✓Wildlife spotting including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and colorful songbirds
• ✓Scenic drives with multiple pull-offs for photo ops and picnic spots

1. 1.Stop at the visitor center in Manistique first to grab trail maps and get current conditions. Staff can recommend the best family-friendly trails based on your kids' ages and abilities.
2. 2.Pack layers and rain gear even in summer. Weather can change quickly in the Upper Peninsula, and forest trails stay cooler than open areas.
3. 3.Bring bug spray, especially in June and July. Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense during peak season.
4. 4.Don't miss Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring) just outside the forest. This crystal-clear spring accessible by self-operated raft is a hit with kids of all ages.
5. 5.Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty throughout most of the forest.

Late summer through early fall (August to October) offers the best conditions with fewer bugs, comfortable temperatures, and spectacular fall colors in September and October. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and morning visits mean cooler temperatures for hiking.

The forest is free to enter and explore, though some recreation areas charge small day-use fees. Most trails lack facilities, so plan bathroom breaks accordingly and bring your own snacks and water.

Best visited May through October. Many roads close in winter due to heavy snow. Summer (June to August) offers warmest weather but brings more bugs and crowds. Fall foliage peaks in late September to early October. Winter access is limited to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for adventurous families.

Head to Clyde's Drive-In #5 in Manistique for classic burgers and ice cream that kids love, or try Big Boy Restaurant for family-friendly meals with a kids menu and quick service.