Discover Michigan’s Hidden Coast on an M-35 Road Trip
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Get ready to embark on a captivating road trip along M-35, Michigan’s hidden coastal gem that showcases the stunning beauty of Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
This scenic drive, stretching from Menominee to Gladstone in the Upper Peninsula, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the less-traveled northwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Along the way, you’ll discover quaint waterfront towns, picturesque parks, and historical sites, making M-35 an unforgettable journey.
Menominee
The journey from Menominee to Gladstone along M-35 takes a little over an hour, giving you plenty of time to stop and enjoy sights as you travel. Begin your M-35 adventure in Menominee, where the Menominee North Pier Light Station stands as a beacon, guiding ships for over a century.
Start Your Day With Breakfast
Start your journey with a meal at a Menominee restaurant. The Bagel Shoppe & Cafe is a local hotspot for warm, homemade bagels, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts. The menu includes nearly two dozen bagel varieties, six kinds of cream cheese, a lengthy sandwich list, fresh smoothies, coffee, and more.
For a hearty breakfast, The Serving Spoon’s menu includes tasty omelets, favorites like French Toast and eggs benedict, and of course, fresh coffee.
RELATED: While not on M-35, the seasonal DeYoung Family Zoo is just 20 minutes north of Menominee in Wallace and offers amazing animals in the tranquility of the U.P.
Explore Fun Menominee Shopping Options
After eating, take some time to explore Menominee’s historic downtown. There are several shopping options for travelers to explore:
- Home of Yesteryear is a unique antique store filled with vintage items of older times.
- Wind Rose North Ltd. Outfitters offers a wide variety of all-seasons apparel for outdoor adventures.
- Trends and Traditions is a premier gift shop and boutique in the area that offers dresses, outerwear, and more.
Go Beach Combing at John Henes Park
As you continue along M-35 stop at John Henes Park to stretch your legs. This serene park offers walking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
Henes Park is also a fun spot to beach comb and rockhounds of all ages can have fun searching for Lake Superior agates, Yooperlites, pudding stones, and other Michigan rocks.
Play a Round at North Shore Golf
If you start your M-35 journey early enough, you may be able to squeeze in a competitive round at North Shore Golf Club, just minutes from downtown Menominee. Golfers of all skill levels can challenge themselves through 18 holes and enjoy views of Green Bay.
Explore the West Shore Fishing Museum
About 10 minutes further down M-35, travelers will see wooden signs directing them through Bailey Park where they can explore the West Shore Fishing Museum. The museum is located on the site of Charles and Aurora Bailey’s home and fishery and depicts fishing life in the area through different eras.
Cedar River
Another 10-minute trip along M-35 brings travelers to the quaint town of Cedar River.
Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful break at the Cedar River State Harbor, a lovely spot for picnicking and taking in the scenic waterfront views. Wells State Park is just over a mile south of Cedar River on M-35 and is a popular spot to find Yooperlites.
If you’re feeling hungry, Cedar River is home to two restaurants: Sue’s Two The Plaza Grill and The Halfway Bar and Grill. Pair an appetizer with a drink for a light snack or select from pub favorites if you’re hungry for a full meal.
Travelers can visit O.B. Fuller Park & Campground north of town in Bark River to enjoy space for contemplation, swimming, hiking, biking, and camping just minutes from Escanaba.
Ford River
Located about 25 minutes from Cedar River, Ford River may not boast large-scale, big-city attractions, but its appeal lies in its natural beauty and year-round outdoor activities.
DID YOU KNOW: The village of Ford River predates Escanaba and operated as a sawmill company town with the river being used as a tool to build cities along Lake Michigan.
Canoeing or kayaking down the Ford River today treats travelers to incredible scenic views in Delta County. The Ford River Boat Launch is an easy spot to put in and adventurers can keep their eyes peeled for bald eagles and white-tailed deer along the countryside.
Escanaba
Escanaba (or Esky) is a small town with a big heart and the third-largest community in the U.P. Esky is known as Michigan’s walleye capital and offers plenty of chances for outdoor adventures.
Spend Time Walleye Fishing
Since you’re in the Walleye Capital of Michigan, consider spending some time walleye fishing (depending on the season). The north end of the Bay de Noc from Gladstone to Rapid River is a popular spot.
Buy Fresh Produce at the Local Farmer’s Market
The Escanaba Farmer’s Market is a favorite summer tradition and runs from early June through mid-October. Even if you’ve already eaten, stop by to shop for fresh produce and handmade goods to take home.
Visit the Sand Point Lighthouse
The Sand Point Lighthouse has been a symbol of strength in Esky since the 1800s. This majestic white tower is a popular maritime museum that offers insight into life in the U.P.
Explore Downtown Esky on the Walk of Planets
Before you leave Esky, head downtown to see the Walk of Planets. Condensed into 18 downtown blocks, visitors can walk a full-scale recreation of the Solar System.
Starting at City Hall, visitors can see the sun and continue down Ludington Street to see all 9 planets. Each planet is near additional points of interest, including breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, art centers, and more.
DID YOU KNOW: Wells, which is less than 10 minutes north of Escanaba is home to the Smiley Face Water Tower which makes for a friendly photo op.
Reward Yourself With a Sweet Treat
If you’ve already eaten in Menominee or Cedar River, stop by a specialty shop and treat yourself to something sweet.
- Suzy D’s Gourmet Sweets is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors can find everything from truffles and chocolate-covered Oreos to fudge, macaroons, and caramel apples.
- Jim’s Dari Kreme offers all your favorite ice cream treats from specialty sundaes to shakes to cones to smoothies, and more.
Gladstone
The final stop on your M-35 journey is Gladstone, a place known as the “Year-Round Playground.” Gladstone offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, making it a fun final stop for travelers of all ages on a journey along M-35.
Test Your Skills at Gladstone Golf Course
If you passed up a round of golf at North Shore Golf Club, consider a round at Gladstone Golf Course. This championship-level course stretches over 6,000 yards and requires accurate tee shots and careful putting for good scores.
Bask in Family Fun at Van Cleve Park
Van Cleve Park is a perfect spot for family fun in Gladstone. Shallow water makes it an ideal place for swimmers of all ages and has a huge playscape that will give parents a break and allow kiddos to burn some energy.
The park also includes a fishing pier, multiple athletic fields, and changing areas, allowing solo travelers or family groups to easily spend a few hours here.
Explore the Gladstone Lighthouse
Van Cleve Park is also home to the Gladstone Lighthouse, the only active light in the area. The lighthouse stands over 30 feet tall and overlooks Little Bay de Noc. As one of the newest Great Lakes lighthouses (built in 2010), it is an electric-powered breakwater light.
Take Your Own Amazing Lake Superior Journey Along M-35
From historical sites to natural wonders, a road trip along M-35 in Michigan promises an array of experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of Michigan’s Hidden Coast. Use our itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a stop along the way or use it as a starting point for a bigger adventure in the southern Upper Peninsula.
