Along M-123 between Paradise and the Lower Falls, moose can occasionally be seen feeding in wetlands. A sighting is not guaranteed. This specific wildlife connection adds to the waterfalls, forests and maritime history in the area around Paradise.

Paradise and Its Surroundings

Lake Superior lies north and east of Paradise. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is west of town, and the Hiawatha National Forest is to the south. These directions help put the destination’s different landscape features into context: the lake, state park and forest are each on a different side of Paradise.

Trails and Waterfalls

Near Paradise is the Paradise Pathway, an 8.2-mile trail with three wooded loops. Tahquamenon Falls State Park has more than 35 miles of hiking trails and several overlooks of the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The two trail offerings differ in both length and layout: one trail with three loops contrasts with a more extensive trail network with overlooks.

Both waterfalls can be explored in the state park from the riverbank and from the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge. Visitors can also rent a rowboat there. These options combine trails and overlooks with different perspectives on the waterfalls, without prescribing a particular itinerary.

The river itself is also a distinctive feature of the park: tannins from the surrounding swamps give it an amber hue. The explanation for the color is part of the state park’s landscape and adds another aspect of the surroundings to the view of the waterfalls.

Whitefish Point: Lighthouse, Shipping and Bird Migration

The Whitefish Point Light Tower stands near Paradise. It has been in continuous operation since 1861 and is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. Whitefish Point Light Station is also a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse’s history and historic designation give a visit to Whitefish Point a different focus from the trails and waterfalls in the state park.

At Whitefish Point Light Station, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum provides information about the dangers of shipping on the Great Lakes. In fall, bird migration brings birds and birdwatchers to the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. This destination therefore brings maritime history and seasonal wildlife watching together.

When looking for a vacation rental in Paradise, you can plan your trip around these different interests: the state park combines hiking trails and waterfalls, while Whitefish Point offers lighthouse history, information about shipping and fall bird migration. The Paradise Pathway is another trail option in the area around town.

Discover more destinations: Dafter, Sault Ste. Marie, Brimley

Return to the regional travel overview: Chippewa County.