Directions
From Brimley
The scenic byways pull-offs are a series of four stops along the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway also known as West Lakeshore Drive/Lake Superior Shoreline Road. Start in Bay Mills and head west 11 miles on the Byway to the first stop the Big Pine Picnic and Day Use Area on the north side (right) of the road. From there continue working your way west 10 miles to Naomikong Overlook on the north (right) side of the road. The Shallows Pull-off is just 1.5 miles further west and is also on the north (right) side of the road. Ankodosh Creek is a half-mile past the Shallows Pull-off. Once you have passed the creek there is a road to the south (left) with a pull off. You may park there to access the Creek. The last stop is two miles down the road on the north (right) side at The Bark Dock.
From Paradise
From Paradise take M-123 south to the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway also known as West Lakeshore Drive/Lake Superior Shoreline Road. The Bark Dock is approximately 4 miles down the road on the north side (left). Continue two miles to the east to Ankodosh Creek, a parking area is on the south (right) side of the road. About half-mile past the creek, you will find the Shallows Pull-Off on the north (left). Another 1.5 miles down the road is the Naomikong Overlook on the north (left) side of the road. Finally, 10 miles past the overlook is the Big Pine Picnic and Day Use Area on the north (left) side of the road.
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery
Scenic Byway/Bay Mills Area
Birding Information
Pendills Creek hatchery offers open water access to Lake Superior where groups of resting waterfowl can be seen during spring and fall migration. Evening grosbeaks and common nighthawks are likely, and many other species can be spotted in trees around the hatchery property.
Area Information
The Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery contributed greatly to the restoration of lake trout populations in the great lakes. Pendills Creek hatchery produces more than 1 million lake trout yearlings for Lakes Michigan and Huron each year and has been in operation since 1951. Interpretive kiosks and hatchery tours are available, and restrooms are available during business hours.
The public beach can be accessed via a boardwalk to the lake which provides a pavilion and picnic tables. The hatchery was named after entrepreneur James Philander Pendill who began operations at the location originally as a lumber mill called the Carp River Mill Co. in the 1840s.
He also operated a general store and trading post to supply his employees and the Native American community. The water powered mill employed an average of 7 men and a major product was barrel hoops and staves to finish barrels for the shipping of fish. Mill workers commonly traded furs, fished, built boats or sailed. Eventually the mill was sold to the Unites States to establish the hatchery in 1951.
Bathrooms
Yes, during business hours
Parking
Yes
Road Birding
No
Hiking Trails
Boardwalk to the shoreline
Viewing Platform
No
Winter Access
Yes