About this campground
The view from this overlook is something you will not soon forget. From this place, visitors can view Lake Superior, the Saint Mary's River, Spectacle Lake, the western shore of Canada, and beautiful hardwoods mixed with towering pines. Below you is Spectacle Lake. Beyond in the distance are the headwaters of the St. Mary's River where it connects to Lake Superior. To the right (east) are the world famous Soo Locks and visible on a clear day, the International Bridge of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan and Ontario. The Soo Locks allow ships to pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Giant freighters can be observed heading to or from Lake Superior as they move through the lake either on their way to or from the locks. To the left (west) you may be able to see the Point Iroquois Lighthouse tower shining bright white against the green pines.
Getting there
From the intersection of M-28 and I-75, drive west 7.5 miles on M-28 to M-221. Turn right (north) on M-221 towards Brimley, and drive 2.5 miles until M-221 ends at Lakeshore Drive. Turn left (west) and drive 5.3 miles on Lakeshore Drive to Tower Road. Turn left (west) on Tower Road and drive 1.4 miles to the overlook. The road is paved to the overlook, but is only one lane wide going up the hill. The overlook is at the right at the end of the pavement.
Nearby federal campgrounds
- MONOCLE LAKEHiawatha National Forest1 mi
- Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic BywayUS Forest Service1 mi
- Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, MI)Hiawatha National Forest7 mi
- Pendills Creek National Fish HatcheryFish And Wildlife Service9 mi
- SOLDIER LAKEHiawatha National Forest13 mi
- Soo Locks Visitor CenterSt Marys River14 mi
Explore more Michigan camping
Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Michigan campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Michigan camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.