If you’re passing through Dafter, a visit to Clear Lake is recommended. According to tourism information, the lake is just a short drive from numerous attractions in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Clear Lake Campground in Dafter is family-friendly and offers a base for exploring the Eastern Upper Peninsula. These are two distinct roles: Clear Lake as a recommended place to visit, and the campground as a regional base. The campground’s seasonal operating dates may change; check them before your trip.

Choose trails by activity and length

Two nearby pathways offer different experiences. Pine Bowl Pathway has 5.9 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. There are also loops of 2 or 5.7 miles to choose from. Algonquin Pathway offers 9 miles of non-motorized recreation for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Winter offerings at Algonquin Pathway are described in more detail: During the winter months, all nine miles are groomed for cross-country skiing. A two-mile loop closest to the parking lot is lit daily from dusk until 11 p.m. during the cross-country ski season. The activity you want to pursue can therefore guide your choice: Pine Bowl includes horseback riding, while Algonquin also offers snowshoeing and groomed cross-country ski trails. The two loop lengths at Pine Bowl and the lit loop at Algonquin provide specific details to help with planning.

Winter wildlife viewing and local events

Snowy owls can be spotted along the Dafter Driving Loop in winter; sightings of ruffed grouse are possible in open agricultural areas.

The Chippewa County Fair is an annual tradition in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and features rides. If you’d like to plan your trip around the fair, check the event dates.

Visiting Dafter Landfill

There are clear rules for visiting Dafter Landfill: Birdwatchers must first check in at the office. They may then explore the lower area, but must not climb to the top of the hill at the active landfill. Check the website before your visit for current operating days, hours, and conditions. This will help you plan your visit within the permitted areas.

History and getting around

The Township of Dafter was first established as a logging settlement in the late 1870s. It was also a stop on the Minneapolis, St. Paul, & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. Interstate 75 runs through the Township of Dafter. These historical and geographical highlights complement the choices of Clear Lake, nearby trails, and seasonal experiences, without requiring a single, set itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Brimley, Sault Ste. Marie, Paradise

For the broader travel overview: Chippewa County.