Families can rent a boat or hire a guide at any number of facilities along the harbor and head out to fish. The prized catch in Little Bay de Noc is walleye. Families should consult with officials from the state's Department of Natural Resources about licensing requirements, and Michigan typically offers two weekends a year when no license is required.
Michigan's coast is dotted with attractive and historically important lighthouses. The Sand Point Lighthouse at Escanaba operated for more than 70 years after its opening in the 1860s. The Delta County Historical Society runs a maritime museum inside the structure, and it serves as an excellent opportunity for families to learn about the role the Upper Peninsula played in America's economic growth in the 19th century.
Families can drive just a few miles north of Escanaba and enter Hiawatha National Forest for a day hike to experience nature. From tall pines to rocky lakeshore, roads and trails are maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Camping is permitted in certain areas, and during the holiday season, families can obtain information to tag and cut their own Christmas tree.
For the less adventurous travelers, Escanaba businesses offer plenty to keep kids and parents active. In addition to numerous storefronts downtown, the city's Family Fun Center offers physical fun, from golf and basketball to baseball and bumper cars. In winter, Escanaba also is a skier's paradise, with many ski areas and cross country trails from which to choose.
