Mission Hill

The Mission Hill Scenic Drive and Scenic Overlook in Bay Mills, Michigan, offer some of the most breathtaking views in the Upper Peninsula, particularly within the Bay Mills Township area near Brimley. From the Mission Hill Overlook, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior, the St. Mary’s River, Spectacle Lake, and even the western shore of Canada. The landscape is a mix of beautiful hardwoods and towering pines

Fall colors

• Mission Hill Overlook is widely celebrated as one of the premier spots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for viewing fall colors. The overlook is perched high above Whitefish Bay and offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Superior, Spectacle Lake, and the surrounding forests, making it an ideal location for leaf peeping.
• During autumn, the area is blanketed in vibrant gold, orange, red, and yellow foliage, especially from the mix of hardwood trees such as maples and birches along the scenic drive and at the overlook itself. The colors are a sharp contrast against the deep blue waters of Spectacle Lake and Lake Superior, creating a breathtaking landscape that is especially photogenic on clear days.
• The best time to visit for peak fall color is typically the last week of September or the first two weeks of October, though exact timing can vary with weather conditions. The drive up to the overlook is also part of the experience, as the narrow, tree-lined road feels like a tunnel of color, enhancing the sense of immersion in the autumn scenery.
• Mission Hill is considered a hidden gem among fall color destinations, offering both stunning vistas and a sense of quiet, remote beauty—perfect for photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking a classic Upper Peninsula autumn experience.

Freighters

• From Mission Hill Scenic Overlook, visitors can observe giant freighters as they navigate the waters of Lake Superior, especially in the vicinity of Whitefish Bay and the St. Mary’s River. These massive ships are often seen heading to or from the Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie), and the high vantage point of the overlook provides an excellent view of their progress across the lake.
• Freighters are a common and impressive sight from the overlook, particularly on clear days. The open expanse of Lake Superior and the strategic location near shipping lanes make Mission Hill a favorite spot for both photographers and maritime enthusiasts. The ships appear as moving landmarks against the backdrop of blue water and, during fall, colorful foliage, enhancing the scenic experience.

Northern Lights

• Mission Hill Scenic Overlook is considered one of the top locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis). The site offers panoramic views of the night sky above Lake Superior and Spectacle Lake, with minimal light pollution and unobstructed sightlines to the north—ideal conditions for spotting auroras.
• The overlook’s elevation and open exposure allow for dramatic displays of the northern lights, especially during periods of high solar activity. When the aurora is strong, the lights can reflect off the water below, creating a stunning visual effect. This makes Mission Hill a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking a secluded, elevated vantage point for aurora watching.
• Best viewing times are typically during the fall, winter, and spring, especially around the equinoxes, when the nights are long and dark. Key months include September, October, and April, but auroras can be seen any clear night after a solar storm. For the best experience, check aurora forecasts, visit during a new moon for darker skies, and dress warmly for the crisp night air.

Sunsets

• Mission Hill Scenic Overlook is a renowned spot for sunset viewing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The overlook, perched high above Spectacle Lake and Lake Superior, offers sweeping panoramic vistas to the northwest and west, making it an ideal location to watch the sun descend over the water and distant shorelines.
• On clear evenings, the sunset paints the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflected in the waters of Spectacle Lake and Lake Superior below. The dramatic cliffs and surrounding hardwood forests further enhance the experience, especially during autumn when the foliage adds extra color to the landscape. The site is equipped with benches and picnic tables, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the view as daylight fades.
• Even on cloudy days, the interplay of light and shadow at dusk can be spectacular, making Mission Hill a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers seeking a memorable sunset. The remote, elevated setting ensures a peaceful atmosphere—perfect for ending a day of exploring the Bay Mills area.

Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

The Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway is a celebrated route in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, running along the southern shore of Lake Superior through the Hiawatha National Forest, near Bay Mills and Brimley. Here are the key details about this scenic drive:

At a glance

• Location: Chippewa County, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
• Length: Approximately 27 miles (43.7 km)
• Route: Runs from the intersection with M-123 south of Paradise to Lakeshore Drive at the national forest boundary west of Brimley.
• Start/End: Begins at Lakeshore Drive near Brimley State Park, ends at M-123 outside Paradise.
• Terrain: Follows the shoreline of Whitefish Bay and Lake Superior, passing through mixed birch woodlands, cedar, and white pine forests.

Gateway to Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

• The Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway serves as a scenic gateway to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, offering one of the most picturesque approaches to this historic and popular attraction.
• When traveling from Bay Mills or Sault Ste. Marie, the byway — along with its continuation as Lakeshore Drive and then the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway — follows the southern shore of Whitefish Bay and Lake Superior, providing sweeping lake views and access to several notable stops before reaching the museum. As you drive along this route, you’ll pass the Point Iroquois Lighthouse and continue through forested landscapes and coastal scenery, with Whitefish Bay on your right. This road eventually connects to M-123, which leads north to Paradise and then to Whitefish Point Road, the direct route to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
• The museum itself is located at the end of Whitefish Point Road, about 11 miles north of Paradise, right on the shore of Lake Superior. While the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway does not go all the way to the museum, it is the most scenic and enjoyable way to approach the area from the Bay Mills and Sault Ste. Marie side, setting the stage for the maritime history and natural beauty that awaits at Whitefish Point.
• In summary, the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway is considered the gateway to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for visitors coming from the southern and eastern parts of the Upper Peninsula, offering a memorable drive along Lake Superior’s shoreline before reaching this iconic museum.