5 Great Places To View Freighters in Michigan

An informative piece on places to view freighters in Michigan is one of the great pastimes of living on the Great Lakes. Watching the big Laker freighters slip past is an awesome sight. With more than 25 companies operating commercial vessels in the Great Lakes, seeing these freighters is a common sight and a favorite pastime for many enthusiasts. The largest Great Lakes freighters are massive, with some exceeding 1000 feet in length, the equivalent of a 100 story building.

Here are a couple of places to view freighters in Michigan that offer the best up-close experience in the region. 

This river’s edge park and walkway offer excellent views of freighter traffic moving up-bound and down-bound on the St. Clair River.

Calcite Near Rodger’s City

The amazing point with this site may not be the closeness of the freighters but this busy port is also home to the largest carbonate mine in the world. The Calcite Quarry operation can easily be seen from space and has been active for over 85 years. The rocks are processed to create crushed aggregate, building and soil enhancers, lime, and additives to steel production. The quarry ships between over 9 million tons of calcite material each year.

The best views of freighters can be found at Harbor View Park.

The lighthouse park along the Mackinac Straits offer some of the best backdrops for freighter gawking in Michigan. The straits are a convergence of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. A favorite shot is to capture a big freighter going under the Mackinac Bridge. You can check the estimated times that the freighters will cross the straits at boatnerd.com

The Soo Locks is considered one of the best places to view freighters in Michigan and in all the Great Lakes. Every up-bound or down-bound freighter must use the Locks to enter or exit Lake Superior. You can watch the ships as they are raised or lowered between the lake and the St. Mary’s River on a special viewing platform. Great views and photographs can also be had at Rotary Park, Aune-Osborn Park, Sherman Park, and the Parks and Recreation area near the Cloverland Hydroelectric.

Marquette South Harbor

The South Harbor area is a short walk down the hill from downtown Marquette. We like to walk along the Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park or have a drink on the patio at the Iron Bay Restaurant. Admittedly seeing a freighter in the harbor is rare but does happen. A better option may be to head up Lakeshore drive to the docks near the entrance to Presque Isle Park. Here you can see the big freighters tied up and marvel how big they are. At this spot you may see offload operations of coal or the onboard loading of taconite from nearby mines.

Deckhand: Life on Freighters of the Great Lakes

 (15)

$19.35 $14.95 (as of March 31, 2020 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Classic Ships of the Great Lakes

 (20)

$18.60 (as of March 31, 2020 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

JUST OUT! NEW, EXPANDED 2019 60th Anniversary Edition Of The GREAT LAKES SHIPS FIELD GUIDE – All Ships That Sail On Lake Michiigan, Superior, Huron, Erie, Ontario, St Lawrence Seaway and Salties

 (2)

$24.99 (as of March 31, 2020 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

• Great Lakes Ship Building in the 1800s
• The Huron Lightship
• Fort Gratiot Lightstation
• The Quest for Buried Gold in Michigan’s Thumb
• Great Lakes Cruising History – Luxurious Times

Michigan Rocks State Treasures 550 Piece Puzzle

 (6)

$21.88

550 Pieces 18x24 inches Made in the USA Made with soy based paint and recycled cardboard.

(as of March 31, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

State of Michigan Fun Cartoon Wooden Map Geography Jigsaw Puzzle 500 Piece USA Province State Maps Educational Toy for Kids Adults

 (1)

$28.11

✅500 Piece jigsaw puzzle state of MICHIGAN wooden cartoon map, Finished size (20.5 * 15 Inches), After the patchwork is completed, it is a very creative Map decoration. ✅GEOGRAPHY MADE FUN: A unique, Fun and exciting puzzle toy to help children learn... read more

(as of March 31, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Tahquamenon Falls Puzzle

 (3)

$19.99 (as of March 31, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Mackinac Bridge Northern Lights at Night Jigsaw Puzzle, 500 Piece, Phil Stagg Photography MI Puzzles, Made in USA

$29.77

MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHER - Phil Stagg, a Michigan native, shares his passion for vibrant landscapes, natural beauty, and iconic Michigan landmarks in this stunning photograph GENEROUS SIZE - 500 Piece jigsaw puzzle measures 24" x 18" when finished Made ... read more

(as of March 31, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)