Acres:30
Year Conserved:2016
County:Baraga
Category:Public Nature Area

Activities

Birding
Camping
Fishing
Hiking on trails
Picnic area
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Water Trail access

Amenities

Fire ring
Kayak/Canoe access
Outhouse

Highlights

One of the Abbaye Peninsula's "crown jewels," the Finlander Bay Nature Area protects a quarter-mile of stunning Lake Superior shoreline. Magnificent views of the distant Huron Islands and ancient Huron Mountains draw visitors from far and wide who wish to take in some of Baraga County's most beautiful panoramas.

Planning your visit

Due to its remoteness, the nature area has never had electricity or other utilities, ensuring its natural resources have remained intact for future generations to discover. The property can be accessed by vehicle off of Point Abbaye Road via McBeth Road. No motorized travel is permitted beyond the access drive to the camping area. The nature area lies adjacent to the 258-acre Point Abbaye County Park and near significant blocks of Michigan DNR land, building a much larger contiguous conservation area.

Why this place is special

Established in 2016, this 30-acre nature area offers visitors a chance to swim, fish, or relax along its cobble beach and clear waters. Long distance paddlers completing portions of the Western U.P. Water Trail can pull their craft out of the water and take a break along Finlander Bay's protected shores. The Finlander Bay Nature Area is the perfect place to catch a summer sunrise from the rustic camping area located just above the shoreline. Camping is free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis (donations are encouraged).

Towering white pine stand sentinel over the lake beyond the camping area, and in their strong boughs bald eagles have constructed an impressive nest. Other migratory bird species stop along the peninsula during spring and fall migrations, refueling on local treats while awaiting favorable winds to carry them on their journeys. Below the surface, rocky shoals provide numerous species of freshwater fish ample food and substrate for spawning.

Maps & documents

The following documents provide additional details about this nature area.