Fayette Historic State Park
Fayette Historic State Park
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- BBTex68 contributionsBeautifulThis is a well preserved historic mining town. We had a wonderful time going thru the buildings and walking the beautiful grounds. It's a little out of the way for most travelers but well worth the extra time.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- ChattyCathie8Tawas City, Michigan39 contributionsHistoric parkState park rich in history. Nice beach. Beautiful harbor. Camp sites are small and not well marked. Our neighbors on both sides were well into our site when we arrived making it tight. Lots of families which meant lots of crying and barking for hours. Park store is only open 11-6. Which meant no ice cream after dinner. That was a bummer. Store staff seemed annoyed to be there. Park staff at check-in was not friendly. Roaming staff were friendly however.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 13, 2024
- Fam_o_5_plus_1Wisconsin2,319 contributionsNice stop, construction happeningMy husband and I visited here one morning on you trip to the UP. It was very neat, and I am glad that we stopped. The only downside was the construction that was happening, so we were not allowed in all the areas. This detracted from our visit. I even looked at the website before we came and there was nothing listed about it online. We would recommend but I would suggest waiting until after the construction is finished if possible.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Have Camera, Will Travel
South Bend, IN3,714 contributions
Jun 2021
This was my kind of place. A historic village with ruins of an industrial complex. A lot of the buildings are recreations and they are really well done. There are also ruins that have been preserved. The harbor is beautiful. There are white limestone cliffs to one side that contrast beautifully with the blue water on the sunny day we were there. The old pylons from the port dock stick out of the water in the foreground, which creates a great photo. You can walk the road up to where the housing is and look across the docks to the iron works ruins. We sat on a bench and enjoyed the view as a sailboat came in and docked.
We didn't hike at all, but the info said there were about 5 miles of trails. The gift shop is just ok. I was hoping for a book about the history of the park, but they didn't have anything like that. They really should look into something like that. Other historic parks I have been to has books like that, Bodie State Park in California for example. The model they have in the visitor center is fantastic. Different parts light up to show you what it looked like in its heyday.
We didn't hike at all, but the info said there were about 5 miles of trails. The gift shop is just ok. I was hoping for a book about the history of the park, but they didn't have anything like that. They really should look into something like that. Other historic parks I have been to has books like that, Bodie State Park in California for example. The model they have in the visitor center is fantastic. Different parts light up to show you what it looked like in its heyday.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MamaSalty
44 contributions
Jun 2021
This review is only for the campground as unfortunately we didn't get a chance to explore the historic site. We arrived fairly late to our reserved campsite. It was a little hard to find. Also the instructions for "checking in" were a little unclear. So was the part about needing a separate state permit on your car to be there. Why can't they sell the permit and the campground reservation on the same website? (Saying this as a first time visitor to MI, not a resident.)
The campground itself was fairly large and very crowded. Mostly RVs but a few tents. It seemed most sites had several cars there. We had a tent and there was a nice grassy (but slightly muddy) spot to set up. There was zero privacy however, just some widely spaced trees with lots of campers. We had a fifth wheel with a group of teenage boys a couple of yards away and their chaperones chattered away into the wee hours. A motorcycle roared down the loop at like 5am. I guess I prefer a more peaceful kind of camping - although I will say that the bathrooms/shower area is nice to have and I'm sure the water and townsite are very nice to visit. Saw a few fireflies too so that's cool.
The campground itself was fairly large and very crowded. Mostly RVs but a few tents. It seemed most sites had several cars there. We had a tent and there was a nice grassy (but slightly muddy) spot to set up. There was zero privacy however, just some widely spaced trees with lots of campers. We had a fifth wheel with a group of teenage boys a couple of yards away and their chaperones chattered away into the wee hours. A motorcycle roared down the loop at like 5am. I guess I prefer a more peaceful kind of camping - although I will say that the bathrooms/shower area is nice to have and I'm sure the water and townsite are very nice to visit. Saw a few fireflies too so that's cool.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela G
Kaukauna, WI1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Fayette is an amazing history lesson. It was very cool to see this area that once was the actual town. I have been to many places where buildings were moved to recreate a place, but this is the actual town with the actual buildings that has been turned into a state park.
Some of the homes you have the option to enter and there a signs and displays everywhere to share the stories and history of Fayette MI.
My husband and I spent an hour and a half here, and could have easily spent more time if we had it to spare. The views of the water and the bluffs are breathtaking. You will not be disappointed if you make this trip to visit.
Some of the homes you have the option to enter and there a signs and displays everywhere to share the stories and history of Fayette MI.
My husband and I spent an hour and a half here, and could have easily spent more time if we had it to spare. The views of the water and the bluffs are breathtaking. You will not be disappointed if you make this trip to visit.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lzuga
Columbus, OH46 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This is primarily about the campground. The historic portion on Fayett’s role in the industrial revolution and the iron and steel industry was fascinating. Our guide was knowledgeable and conversant on a wide range of aspects and even though I grew up in a steel producing town South of Lake Erie, I learned more about that industry than i did in all of my younger years.
Camping much af Fayette is much as it used to be before rapid recent growth in the RV industry. The camps sites at Fayette Historic State Park are somewhat haphazardly scattered among the tall trees marked only by the numbers on the electrical boxes and ours was identified with the assistance of friendly neighbors. Backing our single axel tear drop trailer threading the trees over an ill defined dusty path to get close to the electrical outlet and miss the trees was accomplished with the assistance of our soon to be neighbors who moved a picnic table to clear the way to a spot to park, unhook, plug in and set the stabilizers.
Fayette is predominately a campground of smaller trailers, vans and tents with only a few big rigs due to the lack of full services including sewer and water. Electric sites are however available. The most important of modern luxury are new spacious family and handicapped showers and restrooms. Everything else is camping as it was fifty years ago. Oh, it does have pretty good wi-fi, a non existent technology fifty years ago.
Camping much af Fayette is much as it used to be before rapid recent growth in the RV industry. The camps sites at Fayette Historic State Park are somewhat haphazardly scattered among the tall trees marked only by the numbers on the electrical boxes and ours was identified with the assistance of friendly neighbors. Backing our single axel tear drop trailer threading the trees over an ill defined dusty path to get close to the electrical outlet and miss the trees was accomplished with the assistance of our soon to be neighbors who moved a picnic table to clear the way to a spot to park, unhook, plug in and set the stabilizers.
Fayette is predominately a campground of smaller trailers, vans and tents with only a few big rigs due to the lack of full services including sewer and water. Electric sites are however available. The most important of modern luxury are new spacious family and handicapped showers and restrooms. Everything else is camping as it was fifty years ago. Oh, it does have pretty good wi-fi, a non existent technology fifty years ago.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fam_o_5_plus_1
Wisconsin2,319 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
My husband and I visited here one morning on you trip to the UP. It was very neat, and I am glad that we stopped. The only downside was the construction that was happening, so we were not allowed in all the areas. This detracted from our visit. I even looked at the website before we came and there was nothing listed about it online. We would recommend but I would suggest waiting until after the construction is finished if possible.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lithlith
Michigan918 contributions
Jun 2020
We were the only car in the parking lot when we visited in mid-June. We wandered around the old town and then head off on our way. It was kind of neat to the a ghost town like this to ourselves! None of the buildings were open, but you could peek through the windows in some. There is an outhouse in the parking lot.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina E
Seffner, FL55 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a nice quiet reprieve after coming from Mackinac Island. We could leisurely stroll around the village to explore the old buildings. Lots of photo opportunities. We had a state park sticker on our car, so it did not cost us a thing. This is the second time we have been there and will probably go back again with a picnic lunch to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lablovr00
10 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was an awesome historic village to visit. The park was closed on the day we came, but we were still able to view many of the displays. Many interactive displays were also available. We stayed for 90 minutes, and I would definitely make an effort to come when they are open with staff. Great place for couples, families, and kids.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
culpdavide
Noblesville, IN37 contributions
Sep 2020
What a great find in UP...we learned so much about the history of this place we had never heard of. (from central Indiana) The grounds are well maintained and the hiking paths are fairly easy to navigate. Would like to go back during their heritage days festival.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoMof6angels10
Jenison, MI51 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The whole family, from 4 to 63 yrs, enjoyed this place. Reading the plaques to learn the history made it so much more interesting. So many photo opportunities. Thank you for preserving this village, and please continue doing so.
The 2 youngest just ran and ran. They loved it as much as the adults. Could not wait to see inside the next building. :)
The 2 youngest just ran and ran. They loved it as much as the adults. Could not wait to see inside the next building. :)
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello to access the park do you need a reservation? Can it be done at the moment? Thanks for the reply
Written May 15, 2022
bonjour j'aimerais connaitre les horaires du village hisgtorique. merci
Written May 20, 2019
This time of the year June 14 - June 27, it is open from 9 am until 8 pm. From June 28 until August 18, the hours are from 9 am until dusk. You should check the website for Fayette State Historic Park, Fayette, MI for hours outside of those parameters, as hours of operation are different not only per season, but as you can see from my answer, the hours can be different for certain periods within any given season.
Written June 15, 2019
Hello I was wondering if there is fire wood for sale at the campground or somewhere close to buy some? Thanks
Written September 2, 2018
We didn't actually buy any wood for a fire since it was rainy the night we stayed here but every state park we stayed in on our trip to the UP had firewood for sale, so I would think they did too.
Written September 2, 2018
Is the park open May 11? Also is there an elevator to get down to the town?
Written May 10, 2018
The park is open year round, but the museum might not be open until a week later than May 11. There is no elevator; just a paved and then gravel path that is navigatable by wheelchair (I’ve done it), but is steep enough to be a challenge and I wouldn’t recommend it unless one is confident of being able to handle the physical strain. Someone to push (or hold back) would be good. Moving around town is similar - some are accessible, others are not. It is a 100+ yr old ghost town, that is very real as it appeared back then, which is good historically, but presents certain challenges.
Written November 25, 2018
I suggest you check with the Michigan State Park Websitel
Written February 20, 2017
In the campground is there a place to fill up water jugs? In the day use area are there showers in the bathhouse?
Thanks!!
Written July 7, 2016
I just spent 1 night at the campground.
Yes, there is a water source to fill up water jugs and no, there are no showers in the campground, only restrooms/toilets.
There is a lovely beach by the campground, though. If you don't own a RV with showers in, I guess the lake will be your better choice for bathing...
Written July 8, 2016
If you choose to see it thoroughly give yourself 2-3 hours. Its a larger park & you can go inside all of the structures with historical readings along the way. Hiking trails as well, and a very beautiful area for those kodak moments.
Written July 29, 2015
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