Yes, Folks, there is a "Paradise" and it's located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Whitefish Bay. This quaint and picturesque village is a four seasons resort community and has been featured in many tourist and resort guides thru the years. Birchwood Resort, nicely wooded with birch and a handful of stately pines, is located 1000' from downtown Paradise. A resort road leads down to a bluff with cabins on both sides of the road. The foothills or mountains of Canada, 25 miles distant, can be seen across the waters of Whitefish Bay. Our eastern exposure across the bay provides
you with unparalleled sunrises to enjoy with your
morning coffee. Everyone seems to comment how close
the stars appear at night and a full moon across
the bay brings out the cameras. The protected waters of Whitefish Bay of Lake
Superior provide for much earlier swimming than
what you may have thought. Water temperatures in
the shallow resort waters are not to be confused
with that of Lake Superior's south shoreline and
its unprotected northern exposure. The water level of the great lakes goes through cycles and varies greatly through the years. As of this writing, March 2007, the water levels are at their lowest level since 1924. This is good news for you. You can walk out from shore for 100' and be in 4' of water. Further, we have several large inner tubes on hand to also enhance your great day on the beach. Each of our cabins at Birchwood Resort has a modern kitchen, limited satellite TV with a VCR, it's own picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire pit. The resort also has a volleyball/ badminton area, a tether-ball, and a swing set for the small kids.
The Tahquamenon River empties in Lake Superior 3 miles south of Paradise. This is a Walleye, Pike, and Musky River. An interesting river, it has virtually no current. The musky pictured below was caught in the Tahquamenon River below the Lower Falls.
Canoe renting venders are available for a day on the river. For that special person not afraid of going out in to the "brush" we have trout streams. A local charter boat captain is available for skilled scuba divers in search of shipwrecks in the Whitefish Underwater Preserve. Paradise has some thing special to offer for each of the 4 seasons. The early spring gives us one of the countries major bird migrations at Whitefish Point, only 10 miles north of the resort. The break-up of the shoreline ice at the point exposes the year's first agates and for many, spring fishing is the best. The summer of course remains prime time. All the commercial attractions are open. It's swimming, fishing, campfires, and serious grilling time.
And then comes winter, Deep and long lasting snow. One of the countries premier snow belts is that of the south shore of Lake Superior. Paradise is in the eastern section of that belt. The Paradise Chamber of Commerce consistently ranks near the top of the state for trail grooming hours. Call for honest trail conditions and fair winter rates.
Tell us about the insides of the cabins. All cabins come with fully furnished kitchens. We have newer refrigerators and gas ranges. There are microwaves, automatic coffee pots, and toasters. We provide a generous amount of cookware, dishes, etc. All you bring are your groceries and a promise to do your dishes. All units have limited satellite TV with VCR's. we are starting to replace the VCR's with combination VCR/DVD's. We have a VHS library with free tape rentals. All beds are set up with linens, blankets, and there are electric blankets on most beds in winter. We have a bath and kitchen towel exchange every other day. We do not provide maid service. . . . you will be the only ones in your cabin. All cabins are carpeted and have comfortable
living room furniture. Bathrooms have fiberglass
showers with glass doors. The two lakefront cabins have real wood
burning stone fireplaces. They are not to be
confused with the "artificial" gas fireplaces.
Seasoned firewood is available to purchase at the
resort. The wood is also available for the fire
pits. Do remember you may not bring firewood into the Upper Peninsula. This is due to the many harmful bugs we find in our woods today and the states attempt to control their introduction into our forest. Finally, all our cabins do have furnaces and are well insulated. How You Find Us If you are coming from the west, you will take M-123 north out of Newberry. You will come to that same light. Turn left of course on Whitefish Pointe Road. (Map) Birchwood Resort in Paradise is a great
family resort. Generations have continued to return
and spend quality time with us. Whether it's a
family holding their reunions here, honeymooners,
or whatever. We are available for you. We take pride in our resort and understand
the importance of your well-deserved vacation.
The same owner since 1981 knows his area and
can get you off the "Beaten Path" With the
completing of the renovation of cabins #10, #11,
& #12 we have 11 cabins available for rent. We
are the areas largest resort with cabins. For many people and families this year, 2008, the big question will be "should we take our vacation or stay home?". The economy, the price of gas, and much uncertainty about everything leaves much to consider. This current resort owner moved to Paradise from Rockford Illinois in April of 1981. As is now the economy was different then, factories were closing and recession was always a part of the news. Gasoline in 1981 was not nearly as expensive as today, but unlike now, it was scarce. Some gas stations were rationing gas amounts and the practice of "topping off" was not permitted. Traveling late at night and on Sundays could prove to be a challenge. Sales of gas cap locks were up. What a great time to purchase a resort. The first Spring was difficult without a question and Pepto-Bismol was always on hand. But then we found one important thing about our fellow Americans. They will take their vacations and mini trips. Price and compare, yes, but they will come. Vacations are an important reason why we work as hard as we do, Harmon's Birchwood Resort will continue to hold our rates to where those we offered in 2006. This will be for the spring, Simmer and Fall of 2008. How many businesses do you know that have frozen their fees for 3 years and not passed any of their increases on to their customers? This is one more big reason to make Harmon's your choice for value and price. Steve Harmon We would love to hear from you. We do prefer the more personal contact with the telephone. Call with questions, rate information, and reservations. We do extend our sincere apologies to our e-mail friends. Please do understand for us to provide you with the cleanest cabin possible, we do not allow pets on our property
For reservations, availability, and
information Attractions you might like to visit while you are staying at Birchwood Resort Click here for photos and information on each of our 11 cabins.
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