PSSD Lake Michigan Overlook

Moody moment on the Lake Michigan Overlook.

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting

Stunning, magnificent, breathtaking, amazing, surreal . . . just WOW! The Lake Michigan Overlook is the crown jewel of the Scenic Drive; no words can really describe its beauty. This is why you came to the dunes, isn't it? The overlook opens to a myriad of blues from shore to horizon, to glorious sunsets, and brilliant night skies. A popular stop, you'll find lots of people, but there's plenty of room for everyone.

From the platform, about 450 feet above the lake, if the visibility is good, you will see South Manitou Island ten miles to the northwest; Empire Bluffs four miles to the south; and Platte Bay beyond that. Still further south is Point Betsie, the farthest point of land you can see, 15 miles away as the crow flies. Wisconsin is 54 miles due west, but thanks to the curvature of the earth, you will not see any "cheeseheads" waving back at you! Lake Michigan is the largest lake completely within the United States and is the fourth largest fresh-water lake in the world.

The bluff has been wearing back at the rate of about a foot per year. Waves wear away the base the bluff and sand and rocks from above slide down to the beach. This process has gone on for many years, so we can infer that this hill once extended much further out into the lake. The shallow waters offshore also seem to indicate that a peninsula once extended from here about 2 miles out into the lake. This means that the site of this overlook used to be inland protected from the strong winds off the lake.

The vast majority of visitors take in the view from atop the bluff and don't risk erosion, injury, and rescue fees by going down-not to mention the hour or two it can take to climb up!

Take your time, your camera, and a deep breath. Spend some time at the waysides. Learn about the legend and perhaps an Anishinaabek word or two, the migration of the mother bear, and treacherous seas.