The Seven Wonders of Forsyth Township
When people think of the Upper Peninsula, they often picture waterfalls, Lake Superior, and miles of wilderness. But tucked away in the heart of Marquette County is Forsyth Township, a place where history, nature, and adventure come together in ways few communities can match.
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or have called this place home your entire life, these are what we consider the Seven Wonders of Forsyth Township.
1. The Cataract Basin
Hidden among towering pines lies one of the Upper Peninsula's most fascinating natural treasures. The Cataract Basin is a dramatic landscape carved by ancient water, featuring rock formations, rushing water, deep pools, and an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the region. It's a place that rewards exploration and reminds visitors just how wild and beautiful Upper Michigan can be.
2. Historic Downtown Gwinn – Michigan's Model Town
Gwinn isn't just another small town, it was intentionally designed. In the early 1900s, Cleveland-Cliffs commissioned renowned landscape architect Warren H. Manning to create one of America's premier "model towns." The result was tree-lined streets, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, distinctive company homes, and a downtown centered around community life. Today, much of that original vision remains, earning Gwinn recognition as a historic district and making it one of Michigan's most unique planned communities.
3. Peter Nordeen Park and the Escanaba River
Few community parks offer the history and beauty found at Peter Nordeen Park. Nestled along the Escanaba River, the park features walking paths, mature trees, a covered bridge, and peaceful places to relax. What many visitors don't realize is that the river flowing through downtown today was intentionally rerouted during the development of Gwinn to protect nearby mining operations—a remarkable engineering feat that helped shape the community we know today.
4. The 1908 Gwinn State Savings Bank Building
Standing proudly in downtown Gwinn, the historic 1908 bank building represents more than beautiful architecture, it symbolizes the beginning of a thriving community. Originally built as the Gwinn State Savings Bank, the building has served generations of residents and today continues to be one of the township's most recognizable landmarks, preserving a piece of Forsyth Township's rich heritage and the home of Forsyth Forward.
5. K.I. Sawyer's Aviation Legacy
The static military aircraft displayed at K.I. Sawyer are more than photo opportunities, they're reminders of an era when this community played a vital role in America's Cold War defense. At its peak, K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base was home to Strategic Air Command bombers and thousands of military families. Today, the aircraft and surrounding area honor the service, sacrifice, and history that helped shape modern Forsyth Township.
6. A Township of Lakes, Trails, and Forests
With more than 52 lakes, countless miles of trails, winding rivers, and access to some of the finest outdoor recreation in Michigan, Forsyth Township is an adventurer's paradise. Whether your passion is kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, ORV riding, snowmobiling, birdwatching, or simply finding a quiet place to enjoy nature, you'll discover that adventure is never far away.
7. The Spirit of Reinvention
Perhaps the greatest wonder isn't a place at all, it's the people.
Forsyth Township has continually reinvented itself. It transformed from an iron mining community into a military town, weathered the closure of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, and today is writing a new chapter centered on outdoor recreation, tourism, entrepreneurship, and quality of life.
New trail systems are being planned. Community gathering spaces are being enhanced. Innovative partnerships are helping tell a new story, one where residents and visitors alike can experience the best of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
That spirit of resilience and optimism may be the greatest wonder of them all.
Come explore the Seven Wonders of Forsyth Township. Wander the streets of a nationally recognized model town. Stand beside a historic aircraft. Paddle a quiet lake. Hike to hidden natural treasures. Relax along the Escanaba River. Then discover something unexpected, because in Forsyth Township, the next wonder is often just around the corner.
