Visit Escanaba
Aerial view of Aronson Island & Escanaba Harbor Basin
Visit Escanaba whether you are looking to plan a month-long tour of Lake Michigan or just a quick weekend getaway. Escanaba is the perfect destination. Escanaba is nestled along the Upper Peninsula’s southern shoreline, in the heart of Little Bay de Noc. With a population of 13,104, Escanaba is large enough to offer fine dining, entertainment, and many locally-owned storefronts, yet small enough to find the peace and tranquility needed with any vacation.
The friendly people, great service, and serenity of Escanaba are not comparable to any other place on the map.
Escanaba’s Municipal Marina offers many amenities including, but not limited to: restrooms, showers, gasoline, diesel, pump out, ice, day-use dockage, grills, picnic tables, laundry, cable TV hook up, laundry, and high-speed internet.
Upon tying up, you may wander the marina, check out the Yacht Club, take a walk across the street to the Delta County Historical Society’s Dr. Beaumier Museum & Archives and/or visit Sand Point Light House. The Escanaba Yacht Club is available for use by transients as long as it is not booked for a private event. Check out the calendar in the club to see the full list of events happening this summer! The Museum and Lighthouse are open for the season 11 am – 4 pm (EDT) every day, including weekends and holidays, while the Archives is open from 1 pm – 4 pm (EDT) weekdays until Labor Day.
If walking isn’t your style, Escanaba offers a wonderful service by the name of the Escanaba Yellow Bike Program. You can borrow a bike for free! Anyone 18 years of age with a valid I.D. can check out a bike right from the marina to use for the day. Ride through Ludington Park, down Aronson Island, & take in Escanaba’s beautiful Municipal Beach! In Ludington Park, you will find Harbor Hideout for the kids, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a ball field, and even a disc golf course along the shoreline.
The Municipal Beach is supervised from 12 pm – 7 pm (ETD) 7 days a week, weather permitting, through about mid-August. The Beach House offers bathrooms, showers, & changing facilities. Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks along this journey. “Rock Delta County” is a group that was created to “spread kindness throughout the community.” If you happen to find one, head over to the Facebook Page “Rock Delta County” & read more.
Travel down Ludington Street and you will find an array of local shops and restaurants. UP North Roast is headquartered in Escanaba and offers a variety of fresh coffee flavors sure to please every connoisseur. Continue your Ludington Street tour with a stop at Positively for unique & fun gift items or U.P/Escanaba apparel & trinkets. Positively’s sister store, Sign UP, does a wonderful job on boat decals and other signs or prints too. Grab a gyro from a fellow boater at Bobaloon’s or a slice of quiche at Stone’s Deli.
After lunch, you can indulge in dessert at Sayklly’s, Escanaba’s very own confectionery & gift store. On your way back to the marina, a must-stop is Leigh’s Garden Winery where you can do a wine tasting or purchase a bottle or two for later. If wine isn’t your thing, Hereford & Hops has an award-winning brewery just a few blocks from the harbor. The Black & Tan and the Whitetail Ale are highly recommended. They also have a pretty neat Mug Club! Be sure to ask for details. When you’re ready for dinner, head down to the Stonehouse and enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere.
Music Mondays take place Monday evenings from 7 pm – 9 pm at the Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park. Enjoy a concert with a view! If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday afternoon or Saturday morning, Escanaba built a beautiful new Marketplace which is the hub for the local Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is open for business Wednesdays 3 pm-6 pm (EDT) and Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm. Here you may find fresh produce, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, as well as other locally made goods.
Watch for the upcoming playground located at the Marketplace as well! The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center offers gallery exhibits, workshops, classes, and theater productions and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm (EDT), Thursday 10 am – 8 pm (EDT), and Saturday 10 am – 3 pm (ETD). Be sure to check their calendar for their scheduled events.
Escanaba is a must-stop for any and all boaters on Lake Michigan. There is no better time or place to visit! Be sure to give us a hail upon arrival at 906.553.6249, we would be happy to show you our great waterfront.
Visit Escanaba!