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Fayette Historic Townsite
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Historical Landmark
Fayette Historic Townsite Description
Who says you have to head out to the Old West to visit a ghost town? Once a bustling industrial community specializing in smelting the Upper Peninsula's abundant iron supply, the town was abandoned by the late 1800s leaving behind the ruins of the smelting furnaces, residences, and other buildings, 19 of which still stand today. In the 1959, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources took over the town, turning it and the surrounding area into a state park. The buildings have been restored and some have been converted into museums, allowing you to take a step back in time.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Take your kids to the water's edge and search for Petoskey stones, Michigan's state stone. These mottled stones are actually fossilized coral and make a great souvenir.
School-Age Kids: If your kids are into fishing, you may want to bring along your poles. Snail Shell Harbor is said to have some of the best perch, pike, and walleye fishing in the Great Lakes.
Planning Notes
- Bring snacks or lunch. Like many other areas of the U.P., the Fayette Historic Townsite is in a fairly isolated area and may not offer much in the way of dining options. Instead, it's a good idea to pack food; picnicking is allowed on the park's grounds.
Just the Facts
Hours: The museum is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, mid-May to mid-October.
Fees: Under $10
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