Bewabic State Park Is Popular for Its Beauty

Not only is Bewabic State Park an ideal place to have a picnic, to camp or take a hike or swim, it’s also steeped in Civilian Conservation (CCC) history. Several CCC structures are still in use, including a log bathhouse constructed in 1937.

Located four miles east of Crystal Falls, the 315-acre Bewabic State Park has a 129-site campground situated in a shady, wooded area. Most sites have buffer strips between them to allow for privacy, and most have electricity, a fire ring and a picnic table. Some have 50-amp service. Campers regularly comment on how quiet and beautiful this park is for families.

A foot trail from the beach runs around the lake to access an island. This island was originally a peninsula, but in 1933, CWA workers cut a canal to separate the peninsula from the main shore. A short wood-plank footbridge crosses the canal, and a trail continues in a loop around one end of the island.

The state park (which requires an admission fee) has picnic areas, a hiking trail, two playgrounds, an excellent beach, and a boat launch to Fortune Lake, among additional amenities. Unique to Bewabic is the fact that it is the only state park in Michigan to offer tennis courts.

Anglers will find perch, bluegills, bass and walleye in Fortune Lake, which is part of a four-lake chain.

Bewabic State Park is site #9 of the Iron County Heritage Trail System. The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 for its CCC-related architecture. The address is 720 Idlewild Road, Crystal Falls. For more information, call 906-875-3324.

Photo from michigan.org.