A few years ago we shared a post about the Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan, where a Michigan historical marker sits at a rest stop east of Naubinway. While in the area again in July (grabbing dinner at the exceptionally delicious MooFinFries) we found out that another marker had been added in the area, this time at the Naubinway Marina. We made a trip down to the marina to check it out. This marker was installed by the Top of the Lake Communities Association in 2021 and is a great spot to learn about the history of Naubinway while taking in some great views.

The marker is about 10 feet tall and is shaped like a map of Michigan. A small sign next to it reads: “Naubinway, an Ojibway word meaning “place of echoes.” Is the most northern community on Lake Michigan. The first white settler was fur trader William Boucha, who built a home at this site in 1843. By 1890, Naubinway was a booming lumbering town with a population of about 1,500. Its long history as a commercial fishing port continues today. Of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is the second largest in volume, behind Superior. The actual location of the northernmost point is about two miles east of here.”

This new monument makes for a great photo op if you’re in the area. While at the marina we saw a few boats, a handful of ducks, and checked out the views of Lake Michigan. You can see quite a bit of the lake here, and just offshore we notice a small island with a cylindrical light on it.

Naubinway may no longer have a population of 1,500 but it still draws visitors in all seasons for its outdoor recreation opportunities. The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, Hiawatha Sportman’s Club and Golf Course, and GarLyn Zoo are a few of the other area attractions.

The Naubinway Marina can be found by heading south on Arbor Ave. from U.S. 2. Travel three blocks south then head east on Lake St. turn right on Marina Dr. and follow it to its end.