This property is in the Hiawatha National Forest and just off the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway which is located along the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan. This roadway (W. Lakeshore Drive) is a 'Highway to the Past' that draws attention to the unique history, culture, scenery and snowmobile trails.

Stories of lives and events have been passed down through oral traditions of the Native Americans and the writtten records of early travelers, missionaries, and traders.

For the native people this region was a home and gathering place made attractive by the concentration of white fish that made it a prime fishing site. The high bluffs of Iroquois Mountain made a great lookout over the bay and a place of worship. A place called Iroquois Pte. was the scene of a great battle between the 'Nodaway' Iroquois warriors and the Chippewa near where Point Iroquois Light Station is now.

The waters of the St. Mary's River carried many travelers to an unexplored wilderness and the area became a meeting place and destination for people seeking riches and trade.

For the white settlers it became a haven of rich timber resources. James Pendill's Sawmill just west of Point Iroquois was powered with the water of Pendill's Creek. Today it is the site of Pendill's Creek National Fish Hatchery where kids under age 15 fish free for a day in June.

The Peninsula Bark Company used the shoreline as a docking site where stacks of 'tan bark' were shipped to the Northwest Leather Company in the 'Soo'.

For the sailor, the Bay was a harbor of safety and a gateway to the inland sea of Lake Superior. The beacon of Point Iroquois Lighthouse was a guiding glow, or a light never to be reached. The many shipwrecks that have occurred throughout this region gave birth to the Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum where you can see artifacts.

The Portals: Gros Cap Canada and Point Iroquois, marked the boundary between the treacherous waters of Lake Superior and relatively calm waters of the St. Mary's River.

These are just a few of the historic sites along the Byway that offer a glimpse into the past and show that this region was an historic travel route that is still followed today for pleasure. Along this route you will find waterfront campgrounds, shady picnic areas, trails, and miles of secluded beaches to walk, and vast expanses of clear water to swim and fish.

The Whitefish Bay area is known for its Native American history and pre-history which extend back for several thousand years. The Bay Mills Indian Community is located just a short drive east of Monocle Lake.

This tribe has the historic distinction of opening the first casino on a reservation, the Kings Club Casino, that is still open. As a result of its success they were able to extend employment to their people and others by opening the Bay Mills Resort and Casino two miles down the road, as well the Wild Bluff Golf Course, and the Bay Mart Store and Gas Station in Brimley.

At the Bay Mills Resort you can do fine dining at Sacy's Restaurant enjoying a wonderful crab legs buffet or eat a quick bite at the Back Bay Grill and Sport's Bar overlooking the Back Bay of Lake Superior.

Henry Schoolcraft was an early European traveler whose description and recorded information about the native cultures of the area inspired Longfellow's work 'Song of Hiawatha'. The area was and still is of great importance for fishing and as a shipping corridor. It is a location between two popular destinations (Soo Locks and Tahquamenon Falls).

When you visit the Wheels of History Museum in downtown Brimley exhibits show the early logging history of Bay Mills. It is run by the Bay Mills-Brimley Historical Research Society that has also partnered with the National Forest Service in renovation and interpretation at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. This lighthouse is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. You can climb its tower, walk the grounds and boardwalk, see exhibits, and purchase books in its gift shop.

Stop at the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce on the I-75 Business Spur to get maps and all kinds of tourist information for one of the oldest cities in America.

Once you cross the famous Mackinac Bridge and enter the enchanted Upper Peninsula of Michigan you are immediately aware of fresh clean air, beautiful forests (full of pine, cedar, birch and maple trees), and wonderful clear water.

There are many things to do and places to see within one hour of our location, such as the famous Mackinac Island where no cars are allowed. Tourists and residents use horses and rented bicycles to see the island and old fort.

People living in the UP are called 'Yoopers'. The people who live below the bridge are called 'Trolls'. The last two lines of the Yooper Creation Story says it all, 'On da sixth day God created da bridge so da trolls would have a way to get to heaven. God saw it was good and on da 7th day he went to hunt'.