L'Anse Travel Guide

Get ready for an unforgettable travel experience with our comprehensive guide to L'Anse, Michigan. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay and more.


Introduction to L’Anse

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, L’Anse is a small town that is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich history. The town sits on the shore of L’Anse Bay on Lake Superior, making it a great destination for those who love water activities like fishing. With a population of just over 2,000 residents, L’Anse is a peaceful place that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore everything there is to see and do in and around L’Anse.

List of Places to Visit in L’Anse

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ojibwa Cultural Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Ojibwa people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The museum features exhibits on traditional Ojibwe crafts, dress, and customs.
  • Baraga County Historical Museum: Fascinating displays on the history of the area. Featuring artifacts related to the copper-mining settlers and Finnish immigrants who populated the region in the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • The Bishop Baraga Shrine: Dedicated to the life and work of Bishop Baraga, a pioneer missionary, linguist, and advocate for the indigenous people of the Great Lakes region.

Natural Attractions of L’Anse: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • L’Anse Waterfront Park: A relaxing place to spend some time enjoying the stunning views of Lake Superior with a play area for the kids. Located adjacent to the marina with picnic facilities and pavilions offering ample shade on sunny days.
  • Mount Arvon: Visit the highest point in Michigan, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area from the summit. With a height of 1,979 feet, the peak is accessible by a dirt road and requires an easy hike up to the summit.
  • Canyon Falls and Gorge: Take a hike through this stunning forested gorge area and follow lovely Hogsback Creek with stunning views of gorge and cascades.
  • Falls River Falls: A short hike with a stunning waterfall is perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of L’Anse

L’Anse offers visitors an opportunity to explore nature trails, including picturesque orchards and scenic tracks. There are several hiking and biking routes to choose from, including the Silver Mountain Trailhead, Mount Arvon Trail, and the Canyon Falls and Gorge Trail.

Best Things to Do in L’Anse: Activities and Tours

  • Charter fishing: L’Anse is the home port to Lake Superior’s best anglers. Options include a charter experience with a guide or self-guided Lake Superior fishing trip.
  • Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle your way around and explore Lake Superior by renting out a kayak or canoe in town from an outdoor outfitter.
  • Snowmobiling in winter: Go up to the mountains with a snowmobile, with groomed snowmobiling trails, it’s a great place to experience the thrill.
  • Wildlife watching: With more than 4,000 acres of public land, L’Anse is a great destination to spot wildlife such as eagles, bears, and coyotes.

Week-Long Itinerary for L’Anse

  • Day 1: Explore the downtown architecture.
  • Day 2: Visit the local museums
  • Day 3: Take a kayak or fishing trip in L’Anse Bay.
  • Day 4: Visit outdoor tourist attractions like Mount Arvon and the Canyon Falls.
  • Day 5: Head to Porcupine Mountains State Park and take a hike around the area.
  • Day 6: Take a guided snowmobiling tour.
  • Day 7: Relax in L’Anse Waterfront Park and enjoy Lake Superior.

Food and Drink Scene of L’Anse

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasties: A specialty meat dish that was popularized by the Cornish miners that settled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the mid-19th century.
  • Fish Fry: Try Lake Superior-caught and cooked lake trout, a well-known delicacy of L’Anse.
  • Cherry Pie: A dessert dish that is made using locally grown cherries, a lot of hotels, and eateries have this beauty on their menu.

Local Beverages

While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local craft beer from Ojibwa Resturant and Bar or grab a coffee from Kerry’s Korner.

Where to Stay in L’Anse: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

L’Anse offers visitors a variety of accommodation options, including:

Broadwater Inn and Cabins

Situated on the shore of Lake Superior, the Broadwater Inn and Cabins offers visitors a chance to relax in a cozy room or cottage. This historic inn features comfortable rooms and great views of the water.

Baraga Lakeside Inn

Located just outside of L’Anse, the Baraga Lakeside Inn is a great option for travelers looking for affordable accommodations. It features spacious rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to popular attractions in the area.

What to Buy in L’Anse: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jams and Jellies: Made with local berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, these jams and jellies make perfect gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones.
  • Handcrafted Items: The town offers a variety of locally sourced, handcrafted items like pottery and art pieces make great keepsakes.
  • Fudge: A sweet treat for which Michigan taste reputation has been travel-worthy for years.

Local Culture and Customs of L’Anse

L’Anse is home to a significant Native American population, so visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions. One can witness the ancient rituals and dances of Native Americans at powwows.

Best Time to Visit L’Anse

Summer is the peak tourist season in L’Anse when visitors flock to enjoy the beautiful lake and great outdoors. Fall is the second-best time of year to visit as it offers a chance to take in the stunning fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of L’Anse

Do:

  • Respect the local Ojibwe traditions and cultures.
  • Explore the beautiful trails of the town.
  • Try local delicacies such as Pasties and Fresh Trout.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the natural areas of the town as it’s an environmental offense.
  • Take any natural artifacts or fossils, L’Anse is a conservation area.

Safety and Health

Safety in L’Anse

L’Anse is a safe town with low crime rates, but visitors should take precautions against unexpected weather conditions and natural calamities. Always check the weather forecast before heading outdoors, and ensure that you are properly dressed for the conditions.

Health in L’Anse

L’Anse offers visitors access to medical facilities like Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

Getting to L’Anse: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near L’Anse

  • Houghton County Memorial Airport: A 60-minute drive from the town, offers connections to major cities.

Bus Stations Near L’Anse

  • Hancock Bus Station: Situated about an hour away, offers Greyhound bus services to L’Anse.

Other Options

The most preferred method of transportation is by car.

  • Car rentals: There are rental services available in nearby towns.
  • Taxis/Shuttles: Taxi/shuttle services are available between the nearby towns and remote areas.
  • Uber/Lyft: Ride-sharing platforms operate in L’Anse but have limited availability.

How to Get Around in L’Anse

The town is easily walkable, with many popular attractions located in the downtown area. One can easily rent bicycles to get around town.

Where to Go Next from L’Anse: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to L’Anse can explore other nearby towns such as Houghton, Marquette, or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for more outdoor adventure and nature activities.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and friendly locals, L’Anse is the perfect destination for those looking to get away from it all and immerse themselves in nature. This comprehensive travel guide will help you make the most of your time in L’Anse, with suggestions on where to stay, what to eat, and a list of things to see and do. We hope that this guide will inspire you to pack your bags and head to L’Anse for your next vacation.

Downtown L'Anse Downtown L'Anse