Hiawatha National Forest

National Treasure Visited #30 on Shea’s Ultimate American Quest
First Experienced During Quest On: August 30, 2024

Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hiawatha National Forest is a stunning expanse of over 894,000 acres that captures the essence of the Northwoods. Bordered by three of the Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, and Huron—this national treasure offers breathtaking shorelines, dense woodlands, serene inland lakes, and winding rivers that create a diverse and rich ecosystem.

Known as the “Great Lakes National Forest,” Hiawatha is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike through towering pines, kayak along glassy waters, fish in pristine streams, and camp under starlit skies. Scenic drives and historic lighthouses add to the forest’s allure, and the area bursts with color each autumn, attracting photographers and leaf-peepers from all over.

Hiawatha’s value goes beyond recreation. It protects critical habitats for countless species, preserves Indigenous cultural sites, and provides a living classroom for environmental education. As a national site, it reflects America’s commitment to conserving natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. Whether seeking adventure or solitude, the Hiawatha National Forest offers an unforgettable connection to nature’s quiet power and enduring wonder.

A serene lakeside scene with a rippling body of water on the left and a rocky, sandy shore on the right. A grassy area with a large tree and a stone wall borders the shoreline. Overcast skies with dense clouds are visible above a distant treeline.

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries Tagged with Hiawatha National Forest

Stone wall with a small, arched alcove made of red bricks at the base, partially filled with stones. Overgrown greenery, including leaves and small yellow flowers, surrounds the structure like those near the historic Bay Furnace Ruins by Lake Superior, giving it an abandoned, rustic appearance.
With all that I've been learning about taconite and iron mining over the last few weeks, I decided to visit one more historic site connected with iron ore mining around Lake Superior.