Christmas Tree Ship Memorial
A historical marker and interpretive signs are in this tiny park with sitting area—officially a fishing access site. They overlook Thompson Harbor, where lumber schooners came and went. A tramway was built out into Lake Michigan so lumber schooners could be loaded in shallow water. The Rouse Simmons, the famous Christmas Tree Ship, was a regular visitor. It departed from here in 1912, overloaded with trees to be sold in downtown Chicago. Interpretive signs tell the story and Thompson history, too—a familiar tale of a lumber town that died once the timber was depleted and the mill was moved elsewhere.
From the blinker light at U.S. 2, take CR 435/Little Harbor Rd. about 1 mile south to the T, turn left.
Return to Thompson
POINTS OF INTEREST
Christmas Tree Ship Memorial. Legendary sinking of schooner carrying Christmas trees to Chicago in 1912 memorialized in this shoreline park ... more
Thompson State Hatchery. Millions of trout, walleye, and salmon call this home until they're big enough to stock Midwestern lakes and streams. Visitors can view the indoor tanks, outdoor raceways, and show ponds with giant trout. Signs and photos show the destruction and restoration of fish habitat in the U.P. ... more
Indian Lake State Park. The lake here is up to six miles long and three to four miles wide, fourth largest inland lake in the U.P. Good walleye and perch fishing. The shallow lake warms up early for swimming ... more
Rainey Wildlife Area. Boardwalks and an observation platform provide good bird-watching perches on the northeast side of Indian Lake. Songbirds are abundant in spring ... more
Bishop Baraga Mission at Indian Lake. This peaceful park on Indian Lake commemorates the "Snowshoe Priest" with a memorial chapel and a version of an Odawa bark house he had built at his mission here. There's a lakefront observation deck, too. ... more
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here
