Fayette Historic State Park

4785 II Road
Garden MI, 49835

906-644-2603
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

850 (Acres)

Required

Find unmatched scenery and take a walk back in time at Fayette Historic State Park. Blending history and nature, the park is located on the shores of Big Bay de Noc – on Lake Michigan between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay – on the southern side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
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Find unmatched scenery and take a walk back in time at Fayette Historic State Park. Blending history and nature, the park is located on the shores of Big Bay de Noc – on Lake Michigan between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay – on the southern side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Visitors will also find a historic townsite, a modern campground, Snail Shell Harbor, a visitor center, a boating access site, a designated swim area and more. The park’s 5 miles of trails offer impressive views from 90-foot limestone cliffs that surround the harbor.

Fayette Historic Townsite represents a once-bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891 at the tip of the Garden Peninsula. Visitors may walk through the well-preserved buildings that have been standing for 150 years and learn about life during the 19th century. There are self-guided and guided tour options (summer months only) available.

track chair iconComing soon! The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – will expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

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Campgrounds

Fayette - Furnace Hill Lodge
906-644-2603
(1)
Fayette - Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(61)

Trails

Fayette-Foot Trails
Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Kayaks and an 18-foot canoe are available to rent June through September at the park's contact station and October through May at park headquarters. The rentals include personal floatation devices and paddles, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Call 906-644-2603 for more info.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: .
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Big Bay de Noc provides some of the finest perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and salmon fishing in the Great Lakes. The park also offers plenty of fishing opportunities from shore and the harbor or on open waters via boat.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
History Programs Item is accessible.
History Programs: Fayette Historic Townsite represents a once-bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891 at the tip of the Garden Peninsula. Visitors may walk through the well-preserved buildings that have been standing for 150 years and learn about life during the 19th century. There are self-guided and guided tour options (summer months only) available.
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: There are 400 acres of land open to hunting.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity in Big Bay de Noc.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline, with the exception of the designated swim beach. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming:

A designated swim area is in the park’s picnic area.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water. Pay attention to changing conditions.

WiFi Item is accessible.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available at the historic townsite, visitor center and modern campground.
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: Located between the campground and the day-use area, the boating access site provides access to Big Bay de Noc.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: The A. Gene Gazlay Visitor Center houses a museum store and concessions.
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: The park’s fishing pier is located on Big Bay de Noc in Snail Shell Harbor.
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: There are modern restrooms in the visitor center.
Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform: There are scenic overlooks onto Big Bay de Noc and the townsite from 90-foot limestone cliffs.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is located adjacent to the designated swim beach and offers grills, a picnic shelter, a water fountain/spigot and vault toilets.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: A playground is located in the picnic area.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located between the contact station and the modern campground.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Visitor Center Item is accessible.
Visitor Center: The A. Gene Gazlay Visitor Center houses a scale model of the 1880s company town of Fayette, information on the ancient forest and bluffs, a museum store, concessions and modern restrooms.
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

The park is situated along Lake Michigan’s Big Bay de Noc in the Upper Peninsula.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water. Pay attention to changing conditions.