Malette Park

For dining near Malette Park, DeTour Village offers several excellent options. The Ship Wreck Grill Restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another popular spot is the Mainsail Restaurant, which offers a wide range of American dishes and a great selection of beers and cocktails. The Bakehouse Bistro is a favorite for its delicious pastries and casual dining experience. For a lively atmosphere, the De Tour Village Inn provides live music and karaoke nights alongside its bar and grill offerings.

These restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that visitors to Malette Park have plenty of options for dining out during their stay.

For accommodations near Malette Park, the Drummond Island Resort offers a rustic getaway with golfing and outdoor activities, located just a short distance from DeTour Village. Another option is the De Tour Village Inn, which provides a cozy stay with amenities like a bar and grill on site. For those looking for more traditional hotel accommodations, the Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront in nearby St. Ignace offers comfortable rooms with lake views and amenities like free breakfast and pools.

These options provide a range of experiences from secluded resorts to more urban hotel settings, ensuring that visitors can choose the type of stay that suits their preferences.

Malette Park offers a variety of amenities that enhance the visitor experience. The park includes picnic tables and charcoal grills, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. There are also restrooms available for convenience. The nearby Olmstead Bay Information Turnout provides additional amenities like a viewing platform and an information kiosk, which helps visitors plan their activities and learn more about the area. The park's beach area is well-maintained, with regular clean-up activities to ensure a pleasant environment for all visitors.

For water enthusiasts, the park is connected to the DeTour Passage Boat Launch, allowing easy access for boating and kayaking. Plans for future improvements include expanding the beach area and enhancing parking facilities, which will further enhance the park's appeal.

Malette Park is a hub for outdoor activities, offering something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the St. Marys River, fishing from the shore or by boat, and kayaking through the scenic waters. The park's volleyball area and sandy beach make it perfect for family gatherings and picnics. Additionally, the park is a great spot for freighter watching, as it overlooks the busy shipping channel connecting Lake Huron to Lake Superior. The nearby Olmstead Bay Information Turnout provides additional opportunities for exploration and learning about local attractions.

The park's proximity to other natural areas, such as Caribou Lake and the State Forest Campground, also makes it a great base for exploring more of the Upper Peninsula's natural beauty.

Malette Park offers some accessibility features, although it may not be fully equipped for all needs. The nearby Olmstead Bay Information Turnout includes an ADA-accessible picnic table, which was installed to improve accessibility. However, detailed information on specific disability access features within Malette Park itself is limited. Visitors with specific accessibility needs may want to contact local authorities or park management for more detailed information on available accommodations.

Parking at Malette Park is convenient and accessible. The park offers ample parking spaces near the beach and picnic areas, making it easy for visitors to unload their gear and enjoy the facilities. Plans for future improvements include expanding the parking area to accommodate more visitors and enhance accessibility. The parking is generally free, adding to the park's appeal as a family-friendly destination.

The proximity of the parking to the beach and other amenities ensures that visitors can quickly transition from their vehicles to enjoying the park's activities.

Malette Park is steeped in history and natural beauty. The area is named after the French word 'detour,' meaning 'the turn,' due to its strategic location where ships would turn to navigate between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The park's location on the St. Marys River makes it a prime spot for freighter watching, with many vessels passing through daily. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mascoutin, Ottawa, and Chippewa, adding a rich cultural layer to its natural attractions.

The park's connection to the Lake Huron Water Trail also makes it a significant stop for kayakers and paddlers exploring the region's waterways.

Malette Park is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The park is part of the DeTour Village area, known for its quaint waterfront community and historic significance. Visitors can explore the nearby Botanical Gardens, which offer peaceful walking paths and freighter viewing opportunities. The park is also close to the Drummond Island Ferry, making it a convenient stop for those traveling to Drummond Island. Additionally, the scenic M-134 highway offers stunning views of Lake Huron and access to other beaches and natural areas.

The combination of natural beauty and local attractions makes Malette Park a central point for exploring the Upper Peninsula's unique landscapes and cultural sites.