fayette historic state park

lisahN4408HD

Historic and with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Lots to be seen here and lots to learn - talk to the guides and the locals! Also ask for directions to the old cemetery if that's of interest to you. Give yourself time to walk through all the buildings and bring your camera.

12bevb

We first visited the "ghost town" of Fayette more than 30 years ago. It was a fascinating look at an abandoned iron smelting town. Over the years we've gone back often. It has been taken over by the Michigan State Park system, the buildings have been restored or protected and a terrific visitors' center built. Fayette is a bit out of the way, hidden on a peninsula jutting down into Lake Michigan in the UP, but it is well worth the extra mileage. And what a surprise: There's a white cliffs of Lake Michigan!

ramo53

Fayette State Park is an extremely well restored community that was once a home to a large iron ore smelting business. It was described as a ghost town but I think it is a great example of life in the late 1800s. Inside the restored buildings are many interesting artifacts and photographs. It is easy to imagine what life must have been like when the Smelter was in operation. The restoration on the buildings is on on going process and is documented throughout the park.I was very impressed with the entire park. The visitor center provides you with a short history of the community which is very helpful. It was a nice walk with beautiful views.

uptheolivetree

Fayette Historic State Park is a great park...more of ghost town actually! Very cool historical information is all over, surrounded by beautiful views. I would recommend visiting early in the spring...we were there May 1st (the 1st day it opened for the season) and there were very few people around, that was pretty neat!

NatashaH730

This is a state park like none you've ever experienced. In the late 1800's it was a community focused on smelting iron ore. The town is surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs and set on a bay that still boasts the old wooden posts that used to support the docks. Walking around the town, peering into the buildings, reading the postings about the towns people is nostalgic and special. This is worth your time!

sharonjxn2

Very nicely preserved historical area, a former iron ore smelting town.The nearby limestone cliffs, which were quarried for use in the smelting process are very beautiful. Several of the buildings were constructed of limestone as well and have stood the test of time. There is a visitor center, containing an audio diorama that tells the story of Fayette. Handicapped access would be difficult due to the steep grade. It is self-guided, and requires a Michigan State Park Pass, which can be purchased at the visitor center.

rt113

We spent about two hours exploring this historic company town that was used for smelting ore. Old buildings that have been restored and with historic footnotes as to the history and what life was like at that time. It is set in a idyllic bay that you can boat into and berth for the night. Have lived in Michigan for my whole life and had never heard about it, but it is a must see and family friendly. Need a recreation state park pass.

542katieh

This is a really interesting state park. Used to be a company town in the 1880's, really interesting to look around the old buildings. Even better is the location. Really beautiful little harbor, trails for walking outside of the "town" area as well. Would love to go back another time to explore even more.

Rob11276

If you are near this area (souther central UP of Michigan) make the trip. It is a state park that used to be a company town circa 1880. They smelted iron ore and produced pigs of steel to ship downstate. Does not require much time, you can see everything in about 3 hours and not be rushed. Very humbling to see how it was "back in the day". We are planning to return in not sooner than 10 years to see how Michigans funding of the parks is working. This park (city)is currently under a very slow refurbishment. This is a Michigan state park, if you have the pass, there is no fee for the site.

nrocpop

This place reminds me of Greenfield Village, only the entire town was together all the time. It is super interesting to see the kilns and the enormous furnaces that were used for iron smelting. The state parks really have some great attractions. I am so glad I get the recreation passport with my car registration each year!The kids liked the kids' house that is there. They played checkers and such. Otherwise, this seems to be better for older kids and adults.

I5384XNtoms

Went early in Morning, and no one was there. Spent 3 hours walking around and looking at the great set up. Very easy walking, and great place to wander around and see how people lived in the 1870s. Park staff was nice and helpful. The view of cliffs from the harbor is something, and was impressed with the entire park. very clean, and well taken care of.

RitaP626

We spent an afternoon exploring this park and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The park personnel were so friendly and willing to answer our questions. The park is very nicely maintained and seeing the different areas was very interesting. We also enjoyed walking around the path near the lake...beautiful!

DDBjen

This was fun. It was so much more than we thought. We expect a few rundown buildings, but Fayette had a number of buildings (yes, they we're run down), but you could see the entire story of the ore business of the late 1800s. It was definitely worth the visit.

jona623

Fayette Historic Park is one of best visits you can make anywhere. This old ghost town is restored, with cool buildings, foundry, roads and port. The visitor's center has a wonderful replica of the town and a great narrative on why this town was built in the 1800s, and why it ended. The history is amazing, telling a hard story of immigrants coming from Europe, seeking a new life in the United States.

ParisCarol

We wouldn't have know about this if someone hadn't mentioned it before we left for the UP. We were so glad we made our way to this park. It is a little off the beaten track, but a beautiful drive. It was so interesting to see the remnants of a true "company town" and to learn how it functioned and then just closed up when the mining was done. We walked the entire site and the signage was excellent. Afterward we found out they do guided tours. We did not take advantage of that as we had covered everything, but I think it would be worthwhile to take the tour. Might be worth calling ahead to find out when they are scheduled. Part of the state park system.