Gratiot River County Park
Gratiot River County Park is one of the finest recreational facilities in the Keweenaw Peninsula. That said, it can be difficult to reach. The road out to the park is dirt, long, and often in rough shape. In the best of times, a sedan can make it without much fuss. On other occasions, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, to reach the beach.
Once you’ve made it to Lake Superior, the world is your oyster. The rocky beach is a popular place to find agate hunters and other rockhounds. The Gratiot River is a popular place to find people fishing for trout year-round. The park has a bathroom, picnic tables, and grills for visitors to utilize.
On your way to the park, it’s worth stopping to see Lower Gratiot River Falls, which are a short walk from Bumbletown Road. While making your way to and from Gratiot River County Park, it’s best to take the road slowly. Not only will potholes creep up out of nowhere, but many areas are also hilly and winding, so you can’t see whether a car is coming the other way. The road is so narrow it can be challenging for two cars to pass one another, so one may have to inch to the side of the road.
Most of the disclaimers about the road are to prepare you but not scare you. We made it out in a Chevy Cruze on multiple occasions with no issues. Take it slow, be careful, and watch out for other drivers, and you’ll be just fine.
Whether you’re hoping to find your first agate on the rocky Lake Superior beach, want to stop for a bite to eat, or feel like catching a trout, Gratiot River County Park is the place to be.
