Menominee, MI and Door County, WI

A collage of beauty and color from sites in Menoninee, MI and Door County, WI.

(Click on any collage to see more detail)

Historic Fayette, Michigan

Fayette, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula is the farthest north we have gone our our boat. It was a wonderful jewel and a safe haven for boaters. Fall colors were just starting to show and the apples were ripe on the trees. The accommodations are rustic and first come, first serve. There is only space for 7-8 boats with no running water or electricity available. You walk a couple of blocks up the hill to use the restrooms at the visitors center of the State Park...no showers. We walked a mile through the forest to get to the only available restaurant, only to find out they don't take debit or credit cards. So, we had to eat only what we had cash enough to pay. Always an adventure!

"Fayette was once a bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891. Fayette offers visitors the unmatched serenity of a Lake Michigan harbor, white cliffs, and verdant forests. This well preserved museum village recalls another time when it was a noisy, dirty company town with an immigrant population that shared daily hardships, joys and sorrows." That's how the brochure describes the Fayette Historic State Park. There are 20 historic buildings including the furnace complex, town hall, historic luxury hotel (in business into the 1940's), company office, workers' homes, and the spacious superintendent's home.

We spent the afternoon enjoying the walking tour and museum exhibits. The next morning I hiked 5-6 miles around the state park enjoying the scenic overlooks, the lush forest, the ruins of the old St. Peter's Church and Cemetery, and the old school site. It was wonderful.

Baileys Harbor in Door County

Baileys Harbor was our last stop on the trip north. It is on the eastern shore of beautiful Door County. The Yacht Club where we stayed is a couple of miles from town on a pretty Rustic Road. To get around and to have dinner, we used bikes. I explored the area, riding 6-8 miles and hiking 4-5 miles. Great fun on a pretty afternoon.

Lighthouses Along Wisconsin Shores

Andy and I just got back from our trip north on the White Iris. The weather was fantastic and we are grateful. Unfortunately we did not actually SAIL much at all...most of the trip we had to use the motor. It was great fun in any case with no engine trouble or high seas.

We are getting to know the "signs" along the way north and around Door County...the lighthouses, cans and nuns along the shore, in the harbors, and on the islands. They guide us and warn us...we welcome their help and their beauty.

Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Rawley's Point, Sturgeon Bay, Menominee (MI), Chambers Island, Washington Island, Fayette(MI), Plum Island, Pilot Island, Bailey's Harbor, Cana Island.

Hundreds of ships lay in the depths of Lake Michigan...they have stories of their own to tell. We are happy to have made it safely home, even through Death's Door at the north end of Door County.

Come sail with us!