Known affectionately as “Esky”, Escanaba is a historic port city overlooking Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc. It is one of the largest cities in the Upper Peninsula region and serves as the seat of Delta County. Escanaba dubs itself the “Walleye Capital of the World”, with thousands of these fish spawning in the surrounding rivers.
Things to do in Escanaba
Hugging the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington Park is a popular recreational destination with leafy walking trails and an easy-to-navigate cycling path. You can take advantage of the self-guided fitness circuit, enjoy a hit on the illuminated tennis courts or challenge your family and friends on the sand volleyball court. In the summer months, you can swim from the lakefront beach or cast a fishing line from the pier on Aronson Island.
At the northern end of the park is the Sand Point Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1867 and was later used by the United States Coast Guard. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers insight into the lightkeeper experience at the turn of the 20th century. Soak up the views across Lake Michigan from the top of the lighthouse’s tower, then explore the exhibits of the Delta County Historical Museum.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, which hosts changing exhibitions and artist workshops throughout the year. Attend a painting class or theatrical production, then explore the permanent collection, which includes around 300 works by artists living in the Upper Peninsula region.
Getting around Escanaba
Delta County Airport is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Escanaba and has regular flights to Detroit and Minneapolis-St Paul. Buses connect from cities across Michigan and Wisconsin to Escanaba and travel throughout the city.