Bumbletown Hill
Of all the amazing views I’ve seen in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Bumbletown Hill might be one of my favorites. It’s not triumphant, but it rises out of nowhere and is a great place to watch a sunset or take in the majesty of the night sky.
While exploring Calumet one weekend, I got a notification on a space weather app that a KP5 warning had been issued, so we decided to head out looking for the aurora. I had seen Bumbletown Hill on the map and figured it would be worth checking out. After all, a hill means a view, right?
We arrived in the darkness of nightfall and immediately passed the building on the top of the hill to get over to the rocky outcropping on the other side. The stars were shimmering in the sky, and we began to notice an odd light formation to the north. The lights were showing themselves, and we had gotten there just in time. Although the show wasn’t the most triumphant, it was worth venturing onto the hill for. After a few photographs and an hour and a half just enjoying the view, we departed.
On another occasion, we were looking for a perch to watch the sunset and went up to the top of the hill again. We weren’t as lucky as the last time—as the sunset was a dud, but the trip was nice nonetheless.
Bumbletown Hill is unique for several reasons. In addition to offering great views of the surrounding areas, you can see Lake Superior to the east and west on a good day, and when things are really clear, you can see Isle Royal. Pahoehoe lava, basalt, and rhyolite can be found here, and there is evidence of former volcanic activity all around.
Whether you’re a geologist, aurora junkie, or just want a quiet place to enjoy the sunset–Bumbletown Hill is the place to be.
