Baraga - Michigan's Upper Peninsula

<html> <head> <title>Baraga - Michigan's Upper Peninsula</title> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=ISO-8859-1"> <META Pragma: No-Cache> <META name="Pragma" No-Cache> <META Cache-control: No-Cache> <META HTTP-EQUIV="expires" CONTENT="Wed, 26 Feb 1997 08:21:57 GMT"> <META name="description" content="Town profile & history plus candid recommendations of attractions, restaurants, lodgings, shops, & campgrounds."> <base href="http://hunts-upguide.com/"> <link href="/style.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" /> </head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF">  <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-16592122-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>  <center> <table width="100%" bgcolor="#F5F5D5" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 border=0> <tr> <td width="45%" colspan=2 height=82 bgcolor="#306799" valign="top"> <table width="100%" cellpadding=22 cellspacing=0 border=0> <tr> <td align="left" class="tinyfont"> We welcome your feedback & experiences.<br> <a class="whitelinkunderlined" target="_top" href="http://hunts-upguide.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/dehunt/feedback.pl">E-mail us</a> </b> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="63%" height=82 bgcolor="#306799" align="center" valign="top"> <table cellpadding=22 cellspacing=0 border=0> <tr> <td align="center"> <img src="/images/online_words.gif" width=386 height=13 alt="The online version of the popular regional travel book""><br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=500 height=2 alt="---"><br> <nobr><font color="#FFFFFF" size="+2" face="Georgia,Times New Roman,Times"><b>Hunts' Guide to Michigan's UPPER PENINSULA</b></font></nobr><br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=500 height=7 alt="---"><br> <img src="/images/candid_words.gif" width=391 height=13 alt="A candid guide to enjoying and understanding the U.P."> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td valign=top width="1%" bgcolor="#F5F5D5" rowspan=3>  <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=9 height=25 alt="|"></td> <td width="18%" rowspan=3 valign="top"> <table bgcolor="#99CCFF" cellpadding=6 width=160 height=209 style="border: 3px solid #000000; " > <tr> <td valign="top"> <B> JUST OUT!</B> A new edition of <I>Hunts' Mapguide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula</I>. Over 300 entries, all conveniently located on maps and chosen because we think they are the coolest things to do in the U.P. (No ad tie-ins!) Great choices for restaurants, hikes, shops, adventures, museums, boat trips, waterfalls, vistas, road trips, and much more! To learn more click <A HREF="http://www.hunts-upguide.com/up_travel_map.html">UP MAP GUIDE</a> </td> </tr> </table> <br> <p>  <a target="_top" href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/MI/Baraga.html?bannertypeclick=bigtemptr"> <img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/bigtemptr_both/language/www/US/MI/Baraga.gif" border=0 alt="Click for Baraga, Michigan Forecast" height=94 width=185></a> <br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=20 height=3 alt="---"><br>  <center> <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </center> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan=5 width="100%" height=9> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=790 height=9 alt="---"></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="17%">  <table width="100%" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <tr> <td width="100%" valign="top">  <table width="100%" cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor="#306799"> <tr> <td valign="top" bgcolor="#306799"> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-2"> <b> <a class="sidebar" href="/" target="_top">Home</a><br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="85" height="5"><br> <a class="sidebar" href="keweenaw_peninsula.html" target="_top">Back to Keweenaw Peninsula</a> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="85" height="20"><br> </b> </font> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"> <table width="100%" border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 bgcolor="#FFE09B"> <tr> <td align="left"> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=100 height=10 alt="-"><br> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-1"> <center><font color="#C82F2C"><b>BARAGA<br>POINTS<BR>OF INTEREST</b></font><br> </center> <font color="#263692" size="-2"> <p> <a name="e1100"><b>Baraga State Park.</b></a> A great place for a pleasant break from one's trip along U.S. 41, at the beach with picnic area and bathhouse on Keweenaw Bay—or on an interesting 3/4 mile trail along old beach ridges and past a beaver pond, away from highway noi ... <a href="http://hunts-upguide.com/baraga_baraga_state_park.html"><font color="#C82F2C">more</font></a> <p> <a name="e1429"><b>Ojibwa Recreation Area</b></a><br> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> Many Keweenaw residents are familiar with the side of the recreation area that's <b>under the pines,</b> where the popular <b>POWWOW or Maawanji-iding</b> (906-353-6623) is held on the last full weekend in July. It attracts Native Americans from near and far. For outsiders, it's a wonderful window on a living culture. <br><br><br>The Powwow has Grand Entry processions, drumming and open dancing, plus crafts, recordings, books, and other merchandise and food booths. At some powwows elsewhere, dance competitions overwhelm the community aspect of the get-together, but not here. There's only one small dance competition, and several dance segments where all ages, male and female, dance together. Grand Entires and dances are held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. <br><br>At Powwows it is interesting to see the diversity among self-described Native Americans, and to see the bumper stickers in the parking lot. For instance, "Alcohol is not traditional," "I was Indian before Indian was cool," and "The BIA [Bureau of Indian Affairs] hates competition."<br><br>In the Powwow part of the Ojibwa Recreation Area is a little bay where motocross events are held. On the other side of the recreation area, the right-hand drive leads to the newish <bcampground and marina.</b> It's an open area right on the bay, with a very good view and a wonderful sense of being surrounded by water. <br><br>The drive to the campground entrance continues farther and ends at the <b>SAND POINT LIGHTHOUSE</b>. Built in 1878, it has been acquired by the tribe. It's a trim brick lighthouse with a square tower. Now, after many years, it can be seen from land without trespassing. It is not now open to the public. <p> <a name="e1102"><b>Baraga County Historical Society Museum.</b></a> Picnic area with a grand bay view. Seasonal museum with interesting artifacts, photos, and books on area Ojibwa, Father Baraga, English/Ojibwa town founders stranded by an early winter storm. logging, railroads, Arvon slate, Finnish homesteads, James Oliver Curwood, Pettibone Cary-Lift. ... <a href="http://hunts-upguide.com/baraga_baraga_county_historical_society_museum.html"><font color="#C82F2C">more</font></a> <p> <p>   </font> </td> </tr> </table>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center">  <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </td> </tr> </table>  </td> <td valign=top width="1%" bgcolor="#F5F5D5">  <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="9" height=500 alt="|"> </td> <td valign=top width="63%">  <table width="100%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 border=0> <tr> <td valign=top align=center bgcolor="#018650" colspan=2> <center> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="30" height=8 alt="-"><br> <b><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-1"><a class="whitelink" href="keweenaw_peninsula.html" target="_top">Region: Keweenaw Peninsula</a></font></b><br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="100%" height=3 alt="-"><br> <h1>BARAGA</h1> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width="30" height=8 alt="-"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="63%">  <table width="100%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=8 border=0> <tr> <td align="left">  <font face="Georgia"> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=6 alt="-"><br> <center> <table cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=449> <tr> <td> <img src="http://hunts-upguide.com/photos/558.gif" width=449 height=247 alt="Baraga downtown-old" border=0> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right"> <font face="Gill Sans Light,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-3"> <a target="_top" href="http://www.highway41north.com/photo_history.html">Highway 41 North</a> </font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-2"> <b>It's hard to believe this is what Baraga's downtown looked like around 1900. Little of that vitality remains.</b> </font> </td> </tr> </table> </center><p> Tucked at the bottom of a hillside going down to Keweenaw Bay's west shore, the village of Baraga, population 1,285, is located at a natural townsite. It's of those congenial protected spots along the Great Lakes where the French voyageurs in the fur trade liked to camp. Baraga the town and Baraga County are both named after Frederic Baraga, the famous "snowshoe priest" from Slovenia.<br><br>Several points have <B>bay views</B> and public areas, beginning with <B><a href="http://hunts-upguide.com/baraga_baraga_state_park.html" target="_top">Baraga State Park</a></B> at the south edge of town, then the terrace by the restaurant at the <B>Best Western Lakeside Inn</B>, and then the grounds and picnic tables by the <B>Baraga County Historical Society</B>. At the foot of Michigan Avenue is the village of <B>Baraga's Municipal Marina </B>with two<B> boat launches</B>. Its American, Canadian, and Finnish flags add an international touch to a down-home place. The marina is mostly rented by the season but the harbormaster tries to accommodate overnighters. The marina office is also the <B>Disney Bait Shop</B> (906-353-8110). Visitors can walk out on the marina's long <B>public pier</B> and be surrounded by beautiful Keweenaw Bay, with views across to L'Anse and the red sandstone bluffs at the end of the bay. It's really one of the area's <B>special places</B>, once you're out there. By the pier parking lot are a simple playground and a few <B>picnic tables</B>. <br><br>Father Baraga established his last mission at Assinins, two miles north of here, in 1843. He helped native Ojibwa here get title to their land, and enabled them to stay here rather than being relocated to the Great Plains by the United States government. <br><br>Many Ojibwa have lived in the area ever since. Today they are a recognized tribe, the <i>Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.</i> It owns and runs the Ojibwa Casino and bingo hall, up the hill on M-38 a mile west of U.S. 41. Like other recognized tribes, it is now considered a sovereign nation, which can make for confusion.<br><br> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-1"><b>...continued below...</b></font> <br clear="all"> <hr> <center> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </center> <hr> To many motorists, Baraga is a confusing blur on the highway. With a good map, it makes more sense. The village of Baraga is a spread-out patchwork of tribal and private land, more so than any other Michigan community. Tribal land is under tribal jurisdiction, with its own laws. The KBIC police force is several times the size of the village's. <br><br>Just behind the casino off Beartown Road is the large <b>tribal center</b>, akin in its functions to city hall for a city with lots of services, but with the extra department of gaming compliance. Next to the tribal center is the Ojibwa Community College, opened in 2004. It houses the KBIC library, open to the general public. <br><br>Legal gambling on Indian reservations, begun in Michigan right here in Fred Dakota's garage, has turned the tribe and its Ojibwa Casino into one of the few economic powerhouses in this small county of only 9,000 people. (The other large employers are the Baraga State Prison outside of town just west of the state park; Pettibone, maker of large forklift-type trucks, on Baraga's south side; and the BPB ceiling tile plant in L'Anse.)<br><br>KBIC also has a substantial <b>fish and wildlife component</b> to its environmental department, including a hatchery. The natural resources department collaborates with other governmental entities. It was instrumental in helping the village of Eagle Harbor on a wastewater project.<br><br>The tribe owns other businesses in addition to the Baraga casino and adjacent hotel: the Four Seasons Motel, a casino east of Marquette, a construction company and the Pines gas station and party store on U.S. 41 north of town. <br><br>KBIC owns two 50,000-watt FM radio stations, WGLI FM 98.5 (Rockin' Eagle; <a href="http://wglifm.com" target="_new">wglifm.com</a>) and WCUP FM 105.7 (Eagle Country; <a href="http://wcupfm.com" target="_new">wcupfm.com</a>) hosts <b>"Indigenous Insights,"</b> a blend of Native American music, stories, and history, on Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. And it features <b>Dick Storm,</b> a U.P. radio legend. He had been a longtime Houghton radio station owner and an outstanding news director. He's also a devout fan of classic country music. His "Music Hall of Country Stars" is on WCUP from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, repeated from 7 to 9 a.m. Sunday. And <b>"Keep It in the U.P."</b>with general manager Ed Lamasse is on WGLI at 11 a.m. weekdays. <br><br>A visit to the tribe's web site, <a href="http://kbic-nsn.gov" target="_new">kbic-nsn.gov</a>, indicates the breadth of tribal activities. It has a downloadable newsletter.<br><br><b>To be enrolled as a tribal member,</b> a person needs to be at least quarter blood — one grandparent or two great-grandparents — and descended from people listed on the 19th-century allotment rolls. <br><br>Tribal businesses don't have to pay sales tax or other state or federal taxes, resulting in lower prices for gasoline and alcohol. Sales of fireworks, strictly regulated in most places, are not regulated here, so Morin Fireworks (906-353-6650) on U.S. 41 a mile north of town can sell skyrockets and roman candles. Pete Morin also orchestrates professional fireworks shows. <br><br>Baraga's commercial area is mostly along U.S. 41 and Keweenaw Bay. The traditional downtown, never much to begin with, is along Superior Avenue south of M-38/Michigan Avenue. On the southern extension of Beartown Road, the second big employer, the <b>Baraga Super-Maximum Correctional Facility,</b> spreads out, mostly behind barbed wire. It employs over 400. <br><br>Baraga also has sizable manufacturers. In the late 1940s, a local man, Phil LaTendresse, invented the prototype <b>Cary-Lift,</b> a kind of specialized forklift. that could lift heavy loads of steel and timber on uneven ground. He sold the rights to Pettibone materials handling manufacturers in 1951, with the stipulation that manufacturing remain in Baraga County. An early Cary-Lift is on the lawn by the historical museum. <br><br><center> <table cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=420> <tr> <td> <img src="http://hunts-upguide.com/photos/407.gif" width=420 height=254 alt="Pettibone Extendo" border=0> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="-2"> <b>The Extendo, made in Baraga by Pettibone. Sold worldwide, it can lift a 10,000-pound 56 feet high.</b> </font> </td> </tr> </table> </center><p> See <b>pettibone.com</b> for dramatic videos of the Cary-Lift in action, accompanied by rock music, aimed at the operators of heavy equipment. In the early 1970s, the Tele-handler with extended forward reach enabled the Extendo to pick up 6,000 to 10,000 pounds on contstruction sites and be able to move them beneath an 8' door. The Pettibone plant, just south of downtown on Superior, visible from U.S. 41, also makes a $90,000 telescopic boom that can lift pallets of building materials as high as five stories. Today only a small proportion of sales are for use in logging. More are for lumber mills and contruction sites. Dealers are across the U.P. and around the world. <b>Terex,</b> a rival company founded in 1984, also makes extendable-boom forklifts for rough terrain. <br><br>Baraga is also home to one of the dozen or so large U.P. sawmills, Besse Forest Products. Its employees can saw six million board feet of hardwood a year, 65% of it hard maple. Furniture makers buy its top grades, leaving the rest for pallet manufacturers. <i>(—May, 2008)</i> <p align="right"><a href="keweenaw_peninsula.html" target="_top">Back to Keweenaw Peninsula</a></p> </font> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="37%" valign="top"> <table width="100%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=8 border=0> <tr> <td height="4" width="37%">  <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=1 alt="-"></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center" bgcolor="#C7302D" width="37%">  <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" color="#FFFFFF"> <b> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=8 alt="-"><br> <font size="-1"> BARAGA<br> RESTAURANTS,<br> LODGINGS<br> & CAMPGROUNDS </font> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=6 alt="-"><br> <font size="-2">These are our choices, not ads.</font><br> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=8 alt="-"><br> </b> </font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top bgcolor="#FFE09B" width="37%">  <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=9 alt="-"><br> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"> <center><font size="-1" color="#C82F2C"><b>BARAGA<br>RESTAURANTS</b></font></center> <br> <font size="-2"> See also: L'Anse, Keweenaw Bay, Chassell.<br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=8 alt="-"><br> <a name="e1103"><b>BEST WESTERN BARAGA LAKESIDE INN</b></a><br> (906) 353-7123; BestWestern.com, then "Baraga, Michigan" <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> The hotel dining room at the enjoys a beautiful setting and has popular prices ($5 and up. Burgers with fries are from $5.25-$6.35. The big menu features fresh Superior whitefish or trout, a prime rib sandwich, and much more). Dinners in the evening range from $11-$22. Every table has a good view of Keweenaw Bay, with nighttime lights twinkling across the water. There's a terrace where you can take your food out, too. Pizza, stir-fries, and lighter fare dinners are also served in the evening. A limited sandwich and salad menu is available any time. The separate lounge has no view. <i>(—May, 2008)</i> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On U.S. 41, 4/5 mile south of M-38 at the south entrance to Baraga. Open daily, year-round. Sun-Thurs 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri & Sat to 10 p.m. May stay open later on summer weekdays. Wheelchair-accessible. Family-friendly. Full bar.</i> <p> <a name="e1104"><b>IRENE'S PIZZA</b></a><br> (906) 353-6717 <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> Irene's Pizza (906) 353-6717 <br>Irene's is a simple little place, locally popular, opening at 4 p.m. It serves good pizza, tacos, burritos, and sandwiches like Italian beef and cudighi (that Italian sausage patty from the Marquette Iron Range). There are salads, too, like a taco salad and a shrimp salad. The pizza log is something like a pasty with pizza filling. Vegetarian pizzas and sandwiches are available. Picnic tables are on the deck, with a bay view. Phone ahead for speedy pizza pickup. No credit cards. <i>(—May, 2008)</i> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On U.S. 41 south of Baraga, almost opposite Baraga State Park. Open daily except Mondays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Fri & Sat to midnight. Handicap access: 4 steps. </i> <p> <a name="e1105"><b>THE DRIVE-IN</b></a><br> (906) 353-6202 <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> Wonderful things from days gone by magically appear at this former A&W. Here are draft root beer; frozen custard cones ($1.85-$2.25); malts, floats, and shakes made with frozen custard ($1.85 to $3.15); sandwiches; quarter-pound burgers on nicely grilled buns ($2.55, more with fries and homemade coleslaw). Carhops give curb service with a smile. "I think it's the greatest! My kids can come in their jammies!" says a fan. Two salads are for the diet-minded. Hot dogs and coney dogs with local Vollwerth's sausage are considered tops. Here too are chicken nuggets and other fried things. <br> Some picnic tables are under the birches in back. There's no indoor seating yet, but plans call for a year-round restaurant with seating some day. Phone orders welcome. There's no place else north of Marquette with frozen custard. Tradition-minded Suzette and Pat Reilly bought the drive-in in 2000. <i>(—May, 2008)</i><br> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On Superior Avenue where it meets U.S. 41, just north of the state park. It's not quite on the highway, but visible if you turn your head inland.. Wheelchair-accessible. Open from April 1, perhaps even late March, to October 1, perhaps a bit later. Open daily from 11 to 9 in spring and fall, to 10 from Mem. to Labor Day. Family-friendly. No alcohol.</i> <p> </font> </font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#CDCCAD" valign="top"> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=9 alt="-"><br> <center><font size="-1" color="#C82F2C"><b>BARAGA<br>LODGINGS</b></font></center> <br> <font size="-2"> See also: L'Anse, Keweenaw Bay, Skanee, Three Lakes, Chassell.<br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=8 alt="-"><br> <a name="e1430"><b>FOUR SEASON INN</b></a><br> (906) 353-6680 <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <br>This former Super 8 Motel is now owned by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. There's nothing special about this 40-room motel's setting, surrounded by parking, across the road from the Ojibwa casino. But it, Carla's in Keweenaw Bay, and the Best Western Copper Crown in Hancock are the only places from L'Anse to Hancock to take pets of any kind. Double occupancy costs $60.77 including tax. Continental breakfast. Casino package available. <i>(—April, 2008)</i><br> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On M-38, a mile west of U.S. 41 across from Ojibwa Casino in Baraga. Some wheelchair-accessible rooms. Dogs permitted in some rooms. Call ahead. </i> <p> <a name="e1106"><b>BEST WESTERN BARAGA LAKESIDE INN</b></a><br> (906) 353-7123; bestwesternmichigan.com/hotels/best-western-baraga-lakeside-inn/ <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> Snowmobiling and gambling business enabled this attractive hotel to be built, and now it has expanded. It's the area's only full-service hotel, and the only lodging in Baraga or L'Anse on the water. Most of its 68 rooms on three floors overlook Keweenaw Bay, as does its restaurant, open daily for three meals, and its indoor pool room. (There's also a bar with no view.) A sauna and whirlpool are part of the pool area. The view is striking, especially at dawn and dusk. There's a also a pleasant outdoor sitting area by the bay. The front desk competently serves as a local information center for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and points of interest. Standard rooms: $74 to $89 double occupancy. <i>(—April, 2008)</i> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On U.S. 41 4/5 mile south of M-38. Some rooms wheelchair-accessible. Children: 16 and under free, $5/extra person. No pets. </i> <p> <a name="e1107"><b>FOUR SEASON INN</b></a><br> (906) 353-6680 <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> This former Super 8 Motel is now owned by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. There's nothing special about this 40-room motel's setting, surrounded by parking, across the road from the Ojibwa casino. But it, Carla's in Keweenaw Bay, and the Best Western Copper Crown in Hancock are the only places from L'Anse to Hancock to take pets of any kind. Double occupancy costs $60.77 including tax. <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On M-38, a mile west of U.S. 41 across from Ojibwa Casino in Baraga. Some wheelchair-accessible rooms. Dogs permitted in some rooms. Call ahead. </i> <p> </font> </font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#B6DBA4" valign="top"> <font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"> <img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=9 alt="-"><br> <center><font size="-1" color="#C82F2C"><b>BARAGA<br>CAMPGROUNDS</b></font></center> <br> <font size="-2"> See also: L'Anse, Skanee, Sidnaw.<br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=8 alt="-"><br> <a name="e1108"><b>BARAGA STATE PARK</b></a><br> (906) 353-6558; michigan.gov/baraga; reservations at (800) 44-PARKS or midnrreservations.com <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> Campers at this tidy, 56-acre state park get to look out across the highway at Keweenaw Bay. Many, often from the western and central Upper Peninsula, come back year after year. The staff aims to make up for the park's small (56-acre) size with a friendly, service-oriented, shady and very clean campground. 106 modern sites ($18/night) have 20 amp or 30 amp service, 10 semi-modern sites ($16/night) have no electricity. The mini-cabin here ($45; sleeps 4) has a kitchenette. There's also a colorful canvas tepee ($28) sleeping 4. <br> Except for the July 4 weekend and the powwow weekend (the last full July weekend), at least some campsites have been available any time. Tents and pop-ups can set up anywhere. But it's a good idea for those with campers 16' and over to make reservations for July.<br> Traffic on U.S. 41 whizzes right by the campground, but campers don't seem to mind. A grassy lakefront picnic and day-use area is across the road. An informal swimming beach is ¼ mile away, toward the head of the bay. The park's ¾ mile nature trail along old beach ridges and past a beaver pond begins at the campground. (See Point of Interest for details.)<br> Baraga State Park is a handy overnight stop going to or from the northern Keweenaw. It's close to Mount Arvon and the Sturgeon River Gorge. Depending on your fuel efficiency, it's a good base camp for day trips to the Skanee waterfalls, the Porcupine Mountains, Calumet, Copper Harbor, and Van Riper State Park. <b>Summer Explorer nature programs</b> for families are from early June into late August, Tuesday through Saturday, mostly afternoon and evenings. Call for upcoming programs. The staff goes all-out for special-events weekends with games, parades, and popular contests for campsite decorating. These are July 4, a Christmas in July on July's last weekend, and the mid-September Harvest Festival with Halloween-type activities. <i>(—April, 2008)</i> <br><img src="images/1x1.gif" width=15 height=5 alt="-"><br> <i>On U.S. 41, 1 1/4 miles south of M-38 in Baraga or 2 1/2 miles west of L'Anse. Open year-round. Water and showers available May 15-Oct. 15. State park sticker required: $6/day for Michigan residents, $8 for non-residents, or $24 and $29 a year. Wheelchair access: not officially, but it works. Drives are asphalt. Dogs permitted on 6-foot leash except for small pet-free camping area.</i> <p> </font> </font> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan=5 align="center">  <br> <center> <font size="+1" color="#454545" face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica">Copyright © 2010 Midwestern Guides</font> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </body> </html>