- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Escanaba, Michigan, nicknamed "Esky" by locals, is a travel destination worth exploring. The name translates to “land of the red buck” in Algoquian dialect of the Anishinaabe tribe that flourished in the area in the early 1900s. The city of Escanaba played an important role in the American Civil War as the supplier of lumber and iron ore, both resources having been abundant in the area at that time. Today, Escanaba's industrial impact has decreased as the demand for iron ore diminished, but its travel appeal has made headway as it boasts many natural attractions and activities.
While a small town with a population of just over 12,000 people, Escanaba has a rich culture similar to that of Wisconsin. There are parks, boating, beaches, historical sites, and more. However, Escanaba is most known for its theater and performing arts. Home to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, The Waterfront Art Festival, The Players de Noc, and many other arts organizations and galleries, entertainment is never far. And with lush parks, easy access to water sports, and waterfront sunsets, plus the must-have Yooper pasty delicacy (think, empanadas!), Esky offers many delights for you to enjoy.
Included Shore Excursions: Upper Peninsula Cultural Experience Featuring the Woodland Sky Dancers
Witness an authentic dance demonstration by the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company at the Potawatomi Heritage Center. Enjoy the phenomenal performance that features authentic music accompanied by the flowing bells of expert dancers. You won’t want to miss this experience where the cultures and legends of the American Ojibwe, Menominee, Potawatomi, Lakota and Apache are brought to life on stage.
Potawatomi Heritage Center
Watch in awe as this vibrant display of tradition brings legends to life at the Potawatomi Heritage Center. Here, the Woodland Sky Dancers showcase a variety of authentic dance styles from the region.
Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company Performance
The Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company has specifically designed this culturally immersive experience with the audience and stage in mind, so it may be different than what could be seen in a traditional pow-wow. Each dancer’s handcrafted regalia signifies a different story and tradition of dance. With elaborate attire and moving music, this theatrical performance depicts stories of Native American culture that have been passed down for generations.
Included Shore Excursions: Escanaba Hop On Hop Off Tour
Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts
Set your sweet tooth free at Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts. Established in 1906, this family-owned candy store has been in the business for over a century and has made quite a name for itself throughout Michigan and beyond. Featured on The Food Network and more, Sayklly’s creates delectable homemade, hand-dipped chocolates, candies, and much more. You won’t find machine-made humdrum here, Sayklly’s sweets are made the old-fashioned way with recipes that have been passed down for generations. Stop by and taste the difference!
Webster Marble: Inventing the Outdoors Museum
Not unlike the cash crops of the American South, lumber was the exceptional export of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, an illustrious “land-looker” by the name of Webster Marble moved to the Upper Peninsula. Spending most of his time outdoors, Marble began to dream up innovative tools that would make his work safer and more efficient. At the Webster Marble: Inventing the Outdoors Museum, discover the ingenuity and marketing genius of the timber-cruiser-turned-entrepreneur through a massive collection of artifacts and informative exhibits. Webster Marble developed groundbreaking axes, knives, compasses, and much more that transformed the Upper Peninsula into a hub for all things outdoors.
U.P. Military Museum
Explore the dramatic displays dedicated to the brave men and women of the Upper Peninsula who served the United States from the days of the Civil War, when Michigan was just earning its statehood through the World Wars and today. Each engaging exhibit is sure to capture your attention within seconds, allowing you to experience the rarely told tales of the military, from the Native American sharpshooters of the Civil War to the Polar Bears, a group of soldiers comprised of many Michiganders who fought in the frozen tundra of Russia. As you uncover the stories of these heroes at your own pace, you gain an appreciation and understanding of their valiant efforts.
William Bonifas Fine Arts Center
Admire the outstanding collection of artistic works at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. Named for “Big Bill” Bonifas, the arts center has been providing the Upper Peninsula with a space to view spectacular pieces in addition to hosting local art classes and community events. The Bonifas features a vast permanent collection for visitors to explore, and often showcases up-and-coming local artists in their gallery exhibits.