Newberry MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newberry, Michigan.
1. Oswald's Bear Ranch
LARGEST BEAR SANCTUARY
Oswald's Bear Ranch offers visitors the chance to see over 40 rescued bears in natural habitats as the largest bear-only ranch in the United States. Guests can observe these magnificent creatures from raised platforms that provide barrier-free views of the black bears in their four spacious habitats. Families particularly enjoy the opportunity to take photos with bear cubs and watch them splash in waterfalls, making this one of the top family-friendly attractions in the Upper Peninsula.
2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
THUNDERING MAJESTIC WATERFALLS
Tahquamenon Falls State Park features one of the most powerful waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, drawing nature enthusiasts from across the country. The Upper Falls, with its distinctive amber color from tannins leached from cedar swamps, cascades nearly 50 feet down with a width of over 200 feet during peak flow. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, viewing platforms, and scenic overlooks that showcase both the Upper and Lower Falls throughout all four seasons.
3. Crisp Point Lighthouse
HISTORIC LAKE SUPERIOR BEACON
Crisp Point Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon on the shores of Lake Superior, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the greatest of the Great Lakes. Built in 1904 and one of the most remote lighthouses in Michigan, this preserved structure has survived decades of harsh weather and shoreline erosion to become a favorite destination for lighthouse enthusiasts. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower during the summer months to experience spectacular vistas and learn about the lighthouse's role in preventing shipwrecks along this treacherous coastline.
4. Seney National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WILDERNESS SANCTUARY
Seney National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 95,000 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and meadows that provide sanctuary to an incredible variety of wildlife. Visitors can observe white-tailed deer, bears, wolves, and more than 200 bird species while exploring the refuge's scenic drives, hiking trails, and observation platforms. The refuge's Marshland Wildlife Drive offers a 7-mile auto tour route where nature enthusiasts can experience the tranquility of this pristine ecosystem from the comfort of their vehicles.
5. Toonerville Trolley
NOSTALGIC WILDERNESS RAILWAY
Toonerville Trolley offers a unique adventure aboard an authentic narrow-gauge railroad that winds 5.5 miles through thick Upper Peninsula forest. This nostalgic journey takes passengers through pristine wilderness that serves as habitat for bears, deer, moose, wolves, and countless bird species. At the end of the rail line, visitors board a riverboat for a spectacular 21-mile cruise down the Tahquamenon River to the rapids just above the famous Upper Tahquamenon Falls.
6. Tahquamenon Logging Museum
LUMBERJACK HISTORY PRESERVED
Tahquamenon Logging Museum preserves the rich heritage of Michigan's logging era through original buildings, artifacts, and memorabilia from the region's lumberjack days. Located just north of Newberry, the museum features authentic Civilian Conservation Corps structures filled with historical photographs, models, and original logging equipment that tell the story of this important industry. Visitors can enhance their experience by enjoying a traditional lumberjack breakfast prepared on a wood stove in the authentic Cook Shack, providing a taste of genuine logging camp cuisine.
7. Muskallonge Lake State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Muskallonge Lake State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat nestled between Muskallonge Lake and Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park's 217 acres feature beautiful sandy beaches, prime fishing opportunities, and hiking trails through forests once home to a thriving logging community. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the park's natural beauty throughout all seasons, with spectacular fall colors, winter snowshoeing, and summer water activities making it a year-round destination.
8. Big Springs Kitch-iti-kipi
MICHIGAN'S ENCHANTING EMERALD POOL
Big Springs Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring, mesmerizes visitors with its crystal-clear emerald waters that remain a constant 45 degrees year-round. Guests can board a self-operated observation raft that glides across the 40-foot-deep spring, providing perfect views of ancient tree trunks, limestone formations, and thousands of trout swimming through the 10,000 gallons of water that surge upward each minute. The name Kitch-iti-kipi, meaning 'big cold water' in the Ojibwe language, reflects both the physical characteristics and cultural significance of this natural wonder located just north of Newberry.
9. Tahqua Land Theater
HISTORIC CINEMATIC LANDMARK
Tahqua Land Theater stands as a beautifully preserved piece of entertainment history in downtown Newberry, offering moviegoers a nostalgic cinema experience. This historic theater, with its vintage marquee and classic architectural elements, screens current films while maintaining the charm and character of a bygone era. Visitors appreciate not only the affordable ticket prices and concessions but also the opportunity to step back in time while enjoying modern entertainment in this community landmark.
10. AuSable Point Lighthouse
REMOTE MARITIME SENTINEL
AuSable Point Lighthouse stands majestically on a sandy peninsula extending into Lake Superior, guiding ships away from the treacherous Au Sable Reef since 1874. Visitors can experience this historic landmark by hiking a scenic 1.5-mile trail through the picturesque Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to reach the 87-foot tower and keeper's quarters. During summer months, guided tours allow exploration of the lighthouse interior and provide fascinating insights into the lives of the keepers who maintained this remote beacon through harsh Upper Peninsula winters.
11. Shopping
LOCAL TREASURES AND SOUVENIRS
Shopping in Newberry offers visitors a charming small-town retail experience featuring unique local businesses and specialty shops. The downtown area showcases stores selling authentic Upper Peninsula crafts, outdoor gear, and regional food products like maple syrup and thimbleberry jam. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to find distinctive souvenirs and practical items while supporting the local economy of this historic logging community.
12. Dining
TASTY UPPER PENINSULA FARE
Dining in Newberry provides travelers with a taste of authentic Upper Peninsula cuisine through a variety of local eateries and restaurants. Visitors can savor regional specialties like pasties, whitefish, and hearty comfort food designed to fuel outdoor adventures in this wilderness gateway community. The town's restaurants range from casual family diners to unique establishments showcasing locally-sourced ingredients, offering something to satisfy every appetite after a day of exploring the natural attractions surrounding Newberry.
13. Hiking
WILDERNESS TRAILS EXPLORATION
Hiking around Newberry presents outdoor enthusiasts with miles of scenic trails winding through the diverse ecosystems of Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. Adventurers can explore paths ranging from easy boardwalks at Tahquamenon Falls to challenging backcountry routes that showcase dense forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The region's trail systems offer exceptional seasonal experiences, from wildflower viewing in spring to spectacular fall colors and snowshoeing adventures during winter months.
14. Fishing
PRIME ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing in the Newberry area provides anglers access to some of Michigan's most productive freshwater fishing spots across numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. The region's waters teem with prized game fish including brook trout in cold forest streams, northern pike and walleye in inland lakes, and salmon and steelhead in Lake Superior tributaries. Year-round fishing opportunities attract enthusiasts in all seasons, with ice fishing becoming particularly popular during the winter months on local lakes.
15. Camping
SCENIC WILDERNESS RETREATS
Camping near Newberry offers outdoor enthusiasts a range of options from developed state park campgrounds with modern amenities to remote backcountry sites for a more primitive wilderness experience. Popular camping destinations include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Muskallonge Lake State Park, and numerous rustic forest service campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding Ottawa National Forest. Campers are rewarded with serene natural settings, dark night skies perfect for stargazing, and the soothing sounds of nature that make the Newberry area a camping paradise in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.