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The Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a pristine and expansive wilderness area known for its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant recreational opportunities, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Find information, maps, and interpretive exhibits about the Ottawa National Forest at this visitor center, which is open to the public from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. The “Bear’s Den” sales outlet offers environmental books, Ottawa National Forest apparel, and other gifts for purchase. In the summer (late May to early August), the visitor center holds its Thursday Evening Program series, which last one hour and cover new topics every week. There is also a roughly half-mile interpretive trail outside of the visitor center that highlights local tree species. In the winter, this tail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; a small selection of snowshoes are available to rent for free at the site. The Ottawa National Forest covers nearly a million acres in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula and extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Michigan-Wisconsin border. It is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, from fishing and canoeing and kayaking to hiking and waterfall viewing.
