Big Bay is an unincorporated community in Marquette County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and does not have any legal status as an incorporated municipality. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 265. The community is located within Powell Township near the shore of “Big Bay” on Lake Superior.
Big Bay is 23 miles north of Marquette near Lake Superior and Lake Independence, surrounded by water and wilderness. The town of Big Bay is situated on Lake Independence, with Lake Superior to the north and east and the McCormick Wilderness Tract and the Huron Mountains to the west. Big Bay is one of our finest 4 season recreational areas.
Big Bay Lodging:
Ph. (906) 345-9444
96 Bensinger (County Road 550)
P.O. Box 68
Big Bay, MI 49808
Our 12 Unit hotel is conveniently located, if you enjoy hiking, biking and fishing in the summer than come see us. Winter time we have direct access to snowmobile trails and cross country skiing.
Big Bay Depot Motel
Ph. (906) 345-9350
P.O. Box 61 county Road 550
Big Bay, MI 49808
It was originally Big Bay’s train station, now a unique motel. Full kitchens and in-room coffee. All rooms with a view of Lake Independence. Also has Lake access. Snowmobile trail access. Pets welcome.
Big Bay Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
Ph. (906) 345-9957
Visit Website
#3 Lighthouse Road
Big Bay, MI 49808
Stay in an operating lighthouse! Enjoy the fireplace, spa packages, guided local tours, and the charms and amenities of this historic 1896 building. Open year round.
Picture Bay Motel
Ph. (906) 345-9820
Visit Website
Big Bay, MI 49808
We are a small four season motel in Big Bay, Michigan located 25 miles north of Marquette on County Road 550. Lake Superior is 2 miles away. We pride ourselves on clean rooms and friendly service and extend an invitation to come and stay with us.
Little Tree Cabins
(906) 345-9535
Four simple, tastefully furnished cabins are behind the Independence Lake home of Martha Bush, Ken Baker, and their teenage children. Ken and Martha are extremely knowledgeable about the natural world.
Thunder Bay Inn
Ph. (906) 345-9220
400 Bensinger
Big Bay, MI 49808
This historical hotel is located in the heart of Big Bay, and overlooks Lake Independence. It was built in 1911 and converted to an Inn by Henry Ford in the 1940’s. The pub was added in 1959 for the filming of the movie “Anatomy of a Murder”. The Inn features a large lobby with large fireplace, casual dining and beverage service, gift shop and fourteen rooms, all decorated with antiques and period styling. Conference facilities are also available. We are located 25 miles north of Marquette on Co. Rd. 550. Open year round for the outdoor enthusiast from 11:00 am to midnight daily.
Fishing Boat Rentals:
Big Bay Outfitters/Red Town Rentals
P.O. Box 193
Big Bay, MI 49808
(906) 345-9399
They also have hunting and fishing license. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available.
Camping and Fishing:
Camping at Perkins Park, Big Bay, MI 49898, phone #(906) 345-9353. Campground owned and operated by Marquette County. 72 campsites, 30 with full hook-ups, 9 with electric only, and 33 with no hook-up. Restrooms, showers (handicap accessible), boat launch, fishing dock, swimming beach, playground, picnic area, dump station. Grocery store, gas station, restaurant and bait shop within walking distance. Pets allowed but must be on a leash. Multi night rates available. Call for reservations. Open May 15 to Sept. 15.
Snowmobiling Trail Reports and Lodging:
Lodging on the Snowmobile Trails
Michigan DNR Snowmobile Information and trail maps
Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trail Report
Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Rentals
ATV Rentals at Midway Snowmobile and ATV Rentals and Sales, Negaunee, MI. Phone: 906-228-4200 or toll free 800-643-1230. Delivery and pick-up service for Big Bay.