This Quiet Town In The United States Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

2026 feels like a year for the quiet places, and few are as vast or as still as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Stretched across the top of the map, the Upper Peninsula remains one of the country’s last great solitudes. This vast territory covers nearly a third of the state’s land, yet holds a mere three percent of its population. In the heart of this rugged region lies Escanaba, a small community situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, home to just 12,000 residents. Although remote, the beauty that awaits you here is breathtaking, including lakeside parks and national forests. The town itself carries a surprising energy, featuring a live music scene with a century of history and a dining culture that rivals those of far larger cities. So come along to discover the quiet grace that makes Escanaba so special.

Exploring The Great Outdoors

Escanaba is situated in an area locals refer to as the "Banana Belt." It earned this nickname because its climate is notably more temperate than the rest of the Upper Peninsula, making it an excellent spot for outdoor recreation. Ludington Park is the perfect starting point for your outdoor adventure in the warmer months. This mile-long coastal park stretches along Lake Michigan and features a swimming beach, a bathhouse, and a scenic trail. The path connects to Aronson Island, where you can find a fishing pier and a boat launch for a day on the water.

A short drive north of Escanaba, even more natural beauty awaits in the Hiawatha National Forest. This expanse covers nearly 900,000 acres and encompasses 775 miles of rivers and streams. It also has 100 miles of shoreline along three of the Great Lakes. Part of the national forest, Haymeadow Creek Falls Trail & Recreation Area sits just thirty minutes from Escanaba. The site features two trails that meander through deep woods and across bridges before arriving at the falls. The creek serves as an excellent trout stream for anglers, while fifteen campsites are available for those who wish to stay overnight.

The Port And The Lighthouse

After Escanaba’s establishment in 1863, the town quickly became an important shipping port. With more ships arriving every day, the city soon required a dedicated lighthouse to ensure safe passage into the harbor. As a result, the Sand Point Lighthouse was constructed between 1867 and 1868 by the National Lighthouse Service.

Although a fire later destroyed the lighthouse in 1886, it was rebuilt and served the area’s waters until the Coast Guard decommissioned it in 1939. While a modern electronic light now guides vessels into the harbor, the historic lighthouse serves as a museum for summertime visitors. During the open season, guests can even climb to the top for beautiful panoramic views of the area.

A Legacy Of Live Music

As a port city, Escanaba has attracted countless musicians over the decades. This rich musical history includes groups such as the Escanaba City Band, formed in 1926, and the Ivan Kobasic Orchestra, which emerged in the 1940s. You can still enjoy the Escanaba City Band today at the Frank Karas Memorial Bandshell. Located in Ludington Park, this venue hosts a variety of summer performances, including the band’s popular Free Music Monday series.

The Bay College Besse Center Theater is another lovely venue, putting on the annual Strings on the Bay concert series each summer, which brings acclaimed chamber musicians to town to perform. Downtown, you will also find some great live music at Leigh’s Garden Winery. This cozy winery frequently hosts piano, blues, and guitar performances, as well as other musical events, on weekends throughout the year.

A Memorable Culinary & Brewing Scene

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and breweries worthy of a spot on your itinerary during your adventures in Escanaba. Travelers craving a hearty breakfast or lunch can stop by Stone Cup Coffee House & Stone’s Deli, a local cafe on Ludington Street known for its scratch-made scones and soups. Drifter’s Restaurant is another beloved spot to grab a bite in town, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few items on the menu here include breakfast skillets, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and steak.

If you are a fan of a delicious craft beer, you won’t want to miss Upper Hand Brewery, which serves an extensive menu of seasonal, flagship, and reserve batch beers.

Further Exploring The Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula is absolutely gorgeous, so if you have a few extra days, you should explore some of the other nearby towns in the region. Marquette, for example, is a little over an hour’s drive north of Escanaba and acts as a gateway to exploring Lake Superior. Presque Isle Park is one of Marquette’s most popular natural attractions, a 323-acre forested stretch offering incredible views of Lake Superior and numerous opportunities for biking and hiking.

Also about an hour north of Escanaba, visitors will find Munising, another Lake Superior town that acts as a basecamp to exploring more of the Hiawatha National Forest, along with other natural marvels like the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Grand Island National Recreational Area. The opportunities for outdoor recreation in this area of the country are endless!

Although Escanaba remains fairly far off the radar, the beauty awaiting here is unmatched. Serving as a gateway to Lake Michigan and the Hiawatha National Forest, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in town and enjoy the local music and food, there are multiple venues and restaurants to explore as well. Regardless of the itinerary you plan here, you are practically guaranteed to have an incredible trip.