Whitefish Bay is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula about 15 miles west of Sault Sainte Marie. It begins in Bay Mills and heads west across Hiawatha National Forest to the junction with MI 123. The byway follows FSR 3150 and FSR 42, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Whitefish Bay is 27 miles long and remains open year-round.
The Whitefish Bay scenic byway travels through the hardwood forests of Hiawatha National Forest, often hugging the shores of Lake Superior. It passes miles of undisturbed beaches and sand dunes with several access roads to the beaches.
Panoramic views of Lake Superior and Canada at Spectacle Lake Overlook are impressive and should not be missed. You may also wish to visit Point Iroquois Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are welcome to climb to the top of the 65-foot lighthouse for a panoramic view of Lake Superior. A museum tells the stories of lightkeepers and their families through family album photographs, antiques, and artifacts.
There are two national forest campgrounds located along the byway, Monocle Lake and Bay View. Monocle Lake Campground has 39 campsites set among northern hardwood, aspen, red maple, and white birch. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site. A boat ramp provides access to the lake. Bay View Campground is situated on the shores of Lake Superior and has 24 campsites. Fire rings and picnic tables are also provided at each site. Other public campgrounds are scattered throughout the national forest.
Brimley State Park is to the east of the byway and is more developed than the national forest campgrounds. The park has 270 sites for tents and recreational vehicles, many with electrical hookups. It also has laundry facilities, restrooms with showers, and a swimming beach.