Camp On Lake Superior's Shores With Northern Lights Views At These Serene Coastal Cabins

While the American West surely possesses the lion's share of wild country in the U.S. — including these bucket list-worthy national parks — there are other places where nature also comes raw and real. One such spot is Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a stretch of land that reaches across the Great Lakes like the leg of a wild animal. This rugged, unspoiled region isn't geographically attached to mainland Michigan, but rather linked by the 5-mile-long Mackinac Bridge. On a map it looks more like an extension of the state of Wisconsin, but whatever you want to say about its political boundaries, it's certainly a world of its own. Blessed with thick forests, hidden valleys, pristine lakes and rivers, along with over 1,700 miles of Great Lake shoreline, the Upper Peninsula (known locally as "the U.P.") is one of the nation's great outdoor gems. It's also teeming with wildlife, including species such as black bears, deer, coyotes, lynx, martens, and gray wolves. 

Situated at the very northern tip of the U.P. on the Keweenaw Peninsula are the Fresh Coast Cabins, a collection of cottages looking out onto the massive expanse of Lake Superior. These cozy vacation rentals deliver comfort along with breathtaking views in one of the most remote parts of the U.P., and you might even get lucky enough to see the northern lights. It's the perfect base for soaking up — as well as exploring — this extraordinary piece of real estate.

At 350 miles long and up to 160 miles wide, Lake Superior is not just the largest of the Great Lakes, but also the third-biggest body of freshwater on the planet, by volume. The lake straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada, and is famous for its deep blue water and dramatic, unpredictable weather. Watching a storm roll in over Superior's surface is a spectacle few could ever forget.

At Fresh Coast Cabins, the lake is the star of the show, and the cabins are nestled on a plot of land right along the shore. The cabin designs range from rustic to modern and can accommodate two to six guests, depending on the size. All are outfitted with private bathrooms, while some also come with full kitchens, lake views, and enclosed porches where you can relax with a coffee and book, or a nice glass of wine at the end of a very relaxing day.

One of Fresh Coast Cabins' biggest attractions is the fact the U.P. is far enough north to take in the aurora borealis when then the conditions are right. Marveling as the sky swirls and pulsates in a kaleidoscopic display of colors over the dark stage of Lake Superior is an experience you'll take with you forever. It will also remind you of just how "up there" you really are.

The area around Fresh Coast Cabins is an outdoor wonderland, with plenty of opportunities for hiking. Named for the tiny town just six minutes up the road, the Copper Harbor Trails System features nearly 40 miles of mixed-use trails that take hikers and mountain bikers through the surrounding deep woods and hills, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the big lake and beyond. There are also shoreline paths, including the Horseshoe Harbor and Hunter's Point Park trails.

While you're at one of the Great Lakes, you'd be missing out if you didn't get on the water. Like this nearby national park, the area is ideal for kayaking, especially for those keen to explore the Keweenaw Water Trail, an established aquatic route that hugs the rugged shoreline of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Whether you want to go out for a few hours or a multi-day jaunt, kayaks can be rented in the town of Copper Harbor, which also has some good restaurants, along with their own craft brewery.

After a long day of hiking or kayaking, nothing beats a good sauna, so let it all go at Takka. Situated at the Fresh Coast Cabin compound, this authentic Finnish sauna experience includes a cold plunge and fire at the end, where you can wind down with the other guests, relaxed and completely refreshed. For more outdoor adventure that shows off the splendor of the Great Lakes, check out these awesome hikes.