Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook

Facility · Michigan ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest (NF) · Open Access

831 ft
Elevation

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.

46.45839, -84.63874 · 46°27'30.2"N 84°38'19.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 76°F in Jul, down to 23°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F232535476272767568534029
Low °F4413273949545447362715
Precip in2.51.71.92.72.63.03.13.13.84.63.63.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook

Can you reserve a site at Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook?
No. Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Spectacle Lake Scenic Overlook

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.