Exploring
Naubinway, Michigan
in the Upper Peninsula

Just 42 miles from St. Ignace, Naubinway is the northernmost community on the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the largest commercial fishing port on the Great Lakes. The Indian Name Naubinway means Place of Echoes.

Naubinway was founded in 1873 by William Boucha and many of the current residents are descendants of the French Voyageurs and Indians.

Naubinway is located on one of the best natural harbors on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, a natural port for the lumber ships of the lumber boom of the last century. Although it was lumber that brought the early settlers,when the timber ran out and the lumber boom of the late 1800's finally died around the turn of the century, fishing became Naubinway's main industry.

Today, commercial fishing is still a large part of the economy of Naubinway. And, as Naubinway is still an active fishing port, one of the main attractions is the fleet of vessels that leave the dock every morning to venture out on Lake Michigan in search of the next big catch.

A unique treat for visitors to Naubinway is the chance to purchase fish caught locally. People visiting the area have the unique option of buying fish directly off the dock. The age of fish bought in Naubinway can usually be measured in hours, rather than days, weeks or even months. You can also purchase the fresh fish at the fish markets in Naubinway.

Don't expect to see yachts getting ready for a fishing trip. These are commercial fishing boats, enclosed for protection from high seas, wind and cold.

The area around Naubinway and Engadine has been blessed with abundant natural beauty. And, unlike Rio or Honolulu, people can find still find stretches of public beaches that go on for miles without having to fight crowds for a spot of sand to lay a towel upon. Beaches that are some of the best sand beaches in the world can be found along the Lake Michigan shoreline around Naubinway.

Along with the beaches there are miles of woodland roads through pristine areas. Naubinway is on the edge of the Hiawatha National Forest. Visitors can walk through woods teeming with wildlife and primeval beauty or fish trout on a stream that may not have another human on its banks.

If you're looking for:

Abundant wildlife - birds, deer, fox, coyote and black bear;

Diverse weather, wildflowers, landscapes and lifestyles;

Beautiful sunsets, night skies and rainbows, spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in Fall & Spring;

Swimming, boating, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, and ethnic cuisine;

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