The 711-acre Fayette Historic State Park blends nature and history. The park features a historic townsite, a modern campground, harbor slips, a boat launch, a beach and 5 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails with impressive views from the limestone cliffs that surround the harbor.

The historic townsite, a once bustling iron smelting industrial community, features more than 20 historic buildings. A visitor center provides opportunities to learn about life in a 19th century industrial town through interpretation provided by the Michigan Historical Center. Visitors can take guided tours or self-guided walks.

On the second Saturday of August, the park is transformed back to its glory days with period displays, food and music during the annual Heritage Day event. The event celebrates the "hey-day" of Fayette as a bustling iron smelting company town.

Snail Shell Harbor is located within the park and the protected waters are deep enough for larger pleasure crafts. It features 15 transient slips ranging up to 60 feet with 30/50AMP electrical pedestals. Showers, a boat launch, grills, picnic tables, a visitor center and gift shop are located within walking distance.

Scuba diving is permitted in the harbor during certain times of the day. A fee and use permit is required. All submerged artifacts are to remain in place and nothing is to be removed from the harbor bottom.

State Parks Tagged With: Garden