Directions
From the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221 and turn north (right) towards Brimley. Continue 2.5 miles on M-221 which ends at West Lakeshore Drive. Turn west (left) and drive 5.3 miles to West Tower Road. Turn west (left) and drive 1.4 miles to the Spectacle Lake Overlook or Mission Hill Cemetery Scenic Overlook. The road is paved all the way to the overlook, only one lane wide, going up the hill with the overlook at the end of the pavement.
Spectacle Lake Overlook
Scenic Byway/Bay Mills Area
Birding Information
The view from the overlook is spectacular. Spectacle Lake is nestled within hardwood forest dotted with towering pines. Overlooking the wild rice beds of Spectacle Lake, you may view a variety of waterfowl far below. Regular visitors include mallards, Canada geese, Caspian and common terns, loons and great blue herons. Loons nest on the lake from time to time so keep an eye out for young. Migrating mergansers and a variety of ducks stop-over here.
From the heights of this old sand dune, you may also spot soaring eagles, turkey vultures, and other raptors riding on thermals during spring and fall migration as well as some summer residents. The hardwood forest habitat surrounding the overlook is filled with the spring sounds of songbirds. Birders can test their skills as they compare the calls of tanagers, black-throated blue warblers, red-breasted grosbeaks and American robins. The forest canopy is a hotspot for a variety of warblers and vireos.
Area Information
Beyond Spectacle Lake, Lake Superior can be seen in the distance to the north and the confluence of the St. Mary�s River to the east. On nice days you can see Canada and the International Bridge in the distance. A hiking trail connects to Monocle Lake trails and campground.
Check out the Ojibwa cultural information panels at the overlook as well as the historic Mission Hill Cemetery. The Cemetery is primarily a resting place for Native Americans but there are shipwreck victims of Lake Superior here also including victims of the S.S. Myron steamship that sank in Lake Superior in 1919 in this vicinity.
Bathrooms
Pit Toilets
Parking
Yes
Road Birding
No
Hiking Trails
Yes
Viewing Platform
No
Winter Access
No