North Color Tour

The North Tour winds along County Road 550, located just north of Marquette off Wright Street, is an impressive drive through cut rock harboring a beautiful array of fall color. This 35 minute ride to Big Bay takes you winding past Sugarloaf Mountain, Hogsback Mountain, past the Yellow Dog River and Lake Independence into Big Bay. While there, you can see a historic hotel where the filming of the movie “Anatomy of a Murder” took place and where Henry Ford spent much of his time while supervising his lumber mill which manufactured the sideboards for the early Ford station wagons. Just take in the view of the Big Bay Harbor from Squaw Beach! On your way, you may want to stop and climb Sugarloaf (20 minute hike) or venture off the route to Wetmore’s Landing and Little Presque Isle or take a 2.5 mile uncharted hike on the Little Garlic River to see the falls. The return trip from Big Bay along County Road 510 will take you through the majestic Huron Mountains and past trees which arch over the roadway to form a tunnel of color. While traveling on 510 don’t forget to stop off at Thomass Rock for a scenic view of Big Bay, Lake Independence, and Lake Superior. Approximate tour distance: 75 miles.