BARAGA/L'ANSE

Baraga and L’Anse are two neighboring communities located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These towns are steeped in rich history, stunning natural beauty, and offer a range of attractions and activities for both residents and visitors.

Baraga, named after Bishop Frederic Baraga, a Slovenian missionary known as the Snowshoe Priest, was incorporated in 1875. Bishop Baraga is commemorated with a 60-foot statue on the outskirts of town, known as the Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest. This notable landmark overlooks Keweenaw Bay and provides panoramic views of Lake Superior.

The area’s history is closely tied to the lumber and mining industries, with an influx of settlers in the 19th century due to its rich natural resources. Today, the Baraga County Historical Museum, located in an old train depot, preserves and shares the area’s cultural heritage and industry history.

L’Anse, just a few miles away, is the county seat of Baraga County. L’Anse is home to the Bishop Baraga Mission Site, where Bishop Baraga established his first mission in 1843. The nearby Sand Point Archeological Site also provides a glimpse into the region’s past, as it was once a significant Native American trade hub.

The area around Baraga and L’Anse is renowned for its natural beauty. The region offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing and boating on Lake Superior, hiking, birdwatching, and hunting. In winter, the area becomes a playground for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.

One of the highlights of the region is the Canyon Falls Roadside Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Michigan.” This park features a trail that leads to a series of cascading waterfalls and a gorge carved by the Sturgeon River.

Both towns are gateways to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, a key center of Ojibwa culture. The Ojibwa Pow Wow, held in Baraga every July, showcases traditional music, dancing, and crafts and draws visitors from across the region.

For food enthusiasts, L’Anse hosts the annual Baraga County Lake Trout Festival in June, featuring a fishing tournament, fun run, local food, and live music.