Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is home to some of the oldest white pines in the state and offers a tranquil environment for nature lovers and hikers alike.
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary spans approximately 508 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula's far northern reach. This protected area preserves an ancient wooded ecosystem, featuring some of Michigan's last remaining old-growth white pines. These towering pines, some over 500 years old and reaching heights of 125 feet, provide a glimpse into what vast swaths of the Great Lakes region once looked like before the logging era. Established in 1973 after efforts by concerned citizens and conservationists, the sanctuary offers a unique ecological refuge where visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and immersive experiences in a forest that feels untouched by time. Two main trails wind through the sanctuary – the Cathedral Grove trail and the Bertha Daubendiek trail – offering hikers different perspectives of the magnificent trees and a chance to encounter local wildlife, including warblers and other bird species unique to the region.
Cathedral Grove Trail showcasing towering ancient pines
Bird watching opportunities with species unique to the Keweenaw
Serene walking paths amid pristine wilderness
Old-growth forest with trees over 500 years old
Features the tallest and most majestic white pines in the sanctuary.
Named after a key figure in the sanctuary's establishment, this trail offers a gentle trek through diverse forest terrain.
Opportunities to see songbirds, woodpeckers, and other native wildlife.