Looking for cheap Flights to Escanaba, Delta, Michigan, USA (ESC) airport?

Escanaba, accessible via low-cost flights to Escanaba at ESC airport (Delta County Airport), is a charming city on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled along Little Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan, renowned for its rich maritime and logging heritage, vibrant outdoor recreation, and welcoming small-town vibe, offering an authentic Up North escape for travelers seeking serene waterfronts and cultural depth.

The Sand Point Lighthouse, a restored 1868 beacon, offers guided tours and stunning sunset views over Little Bay de Noc, illuminating Escanaba’s maritime past. The Delta County Historical Society Museum showcases artifacts from the city’s logging, shipping, and Native American history. Little Bay de Noc is a premier fishing destination, teeming with walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, attracting anglers region-wide. Ludington Park, spanning 120 acres, features a public beach, walking trails, and picnic areas with panoramic bay views. The Hiawatha National Forest, just 10 miles away, offers 894,836 acres for hiking, biking, camping, and spotting deer and bald eagles. The Escanaba River State Forest provides 71,000 acres of trails and snowmobiling routes. The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center hosts art exhibits, theater, and music performances, enriching the cultural scene. Annual events include the UP State Fair in August, with carnival rides and livestock shows, and the Waterfront Art Festival, showcasing local artisans. Savor Upper Peninsula pasties, fresh Lake Michigan whitefish, and craft brews at local taverns. With budget airfare to Escanaba, this lakeside gem blends maritime history, outdoor adventure, and small-town warmth, making it a must-visit for anglers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts seeking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula charm.

Why Visit Escanaba, Michigan

Escanaba captivates with its Sand Point Lighthouse, premier fishing on Little Bay de Noc, and trails in Hiawatha National Forest. Families enjoy Ludington Park’s beach, art lovers visit the Bonifas Fine Arts Center, and adventurers explore Escanaba River State Forest. With cheap round-trip flights to Escanaba, it’s ideal for solo travelers, families, and couples seeking outdoor thrills and UP heritage. Events like the UP State Fair add vibrant community spirit, making Escanaba an authentic lakeside retreat.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Population: Approximately 12,258 (2023 estimate)
• Founded: 1863
• Area: 16.34 square miles
• Key Highlight: Sand Point Lighthouse
• Notable Event: UP State Fair, annual August event
• Fun Fact: Known as the "Walleye Capital of the World"
• Local Treat: Pasties
• Landmark: Little Bay de Noc

Geographic Location & Climate

Escanaba, in Delta County, Upper Peninsula, lies 60 miles northeast of Marquette, at 581 feet elevation on Little Bay de Noc, part of Lake Michigan. The climate is humid continental with warm summers (average high 77°F) and cold winters (average high 22°F). Annual rainfall is 30 inches, with 55 inches of snow. Spring and fall (40-65°F) are ideal for fishing, summer suits beach visits, and winter offers snowmobiling.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In Escanaba, Michigan

Total Population

Escanaba’s population is 12,258 (2023), with a 0.1% decline since 2020, reflecting rural stability.

Age Distribution

Median age is 43.2 years; 17.5% under 18, 7.8% 18-24, 24.1% 25-44, 28.6% 45-64, 22.0% 65+.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

White 92.3%, Native American 4.1%, Two or More Races 2.5%, Black 0.8%, Asian 0.3%.

Gender Breakdown

Males 48.9%, females 51.1%.

Household Types & Sizes

Average household size 2.2; family households 59.3%, non-family 40.7%; 20.8% with children.

Population Growth Trends

Stable with a slight decline of 0.5% since 2020, projected to hold at 12,200 by 2028, driven by tourism and fishing.

Economy & Living Standards In Escanaba, Michigan

Major Industries & Employers

Tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare lead; top employers:

• OSF St. Francis Hospital, 3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Area Public Schools, 1500 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Verso Corporation (Paper Mill), 7100 Co Rd 426, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Government, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Walmart Supercenter, 601 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Bay de Noc Community College, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Health System, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Elmer’s County Market, 1201 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment rate is 4.5%; jobs focus on tourism (30%), manufacturing, and healthcare, with seasonal fishing roles.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median household income is $48,750; cost of living 78.2% of U.S. average; median home value $110,200.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty rate is 15.1%; challenges include seasonal job reliance and rural healthcare access.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Tourism and fishing drive growth; Michigan supports small businesses in hospitality and outdoor recreation.

Health & Wellness In Escanaba, Michigan

General Health Overview

Health metrics are fair; life expectancy is 76.5 years, supported by OSF St. Francis and outdoor lifestyles.

Common Health Issues

Obesity (32%), seasonal allergies, rural healthcare access; addressed by community wellness and trails.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Escanaba YMCA, 2000 N 30th St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Anytime Fitness Escanaba, 2301 1st Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Fitness Center, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Bay de Noc Yoga Studio, 1301 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Mental Health Resources

• OSF St. Francis Behavioral Health, 3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Mental Health, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Health System Behavioral, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• NorthCare Network, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Public Health Initiatives

Delta County Health Department runs vaccination clinics, wellness programs, and mental health outreach; parks promote fitness.

Hospitals & Clinics In Escanaba, Michigan

Top 5 Hospitals & Emergency Services

• OSF St. Francis Hospital, 3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Health System - Escanaba, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Bay de Noc Community Hospital, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Gladstone Medical Center, 1280 N 16th St, Gladstone, MI 49837
• Marquette General Hospital (regional), 850 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• OSF Medical Group Urgent Care, 3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Health System Walk-In Clinic, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Gladstone Urgent Care, 1280 N 16th St, Gladstone, MI 49837

Specialty Medical Centers

• OSF Cardiology Center, 3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• UP Health System Orthopedics, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Cancer Center, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

OSF St. Francis and UP Health System offer telehealth apps; NorthCare provides telepsychiatry; most clinics support virtual visits.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In Escanaba, Michigan

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Escanaba Veterinary Clinic, 1201 1st Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta Animal Hospital, 606 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Bay de Noc Veterinary, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Gladstone Pet Clinic, 1280 N 16th St, Gladstone, MI 49837

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Paws & Claws Grooming, 1301 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Pet Resort, 710 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Ludington Park, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba River State Forest, 10 miles west, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Hiawatha National Forest, 10 miles east, Escanaba, MI 49829

Local Government & Public Services In Escanaba, Michigan

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• Escanaba City Hall, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

County Government Services

• Delta County Courthouse, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Public Records and Licensing

• Delta County Clerk, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba City Clerk, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Planning and Zoning Departments

• Escanaba Planning Department, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Planning, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Tax and Revenue Offices

• Delta County Treasurer, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba City Finance, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• Escanaba Public Safety Department, 1900 3rd Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Sheriff, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Fire Department, 1900 3rd Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829

Courts and Legal Aid

• Delta County Circuit Court, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba District Court, 719 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Legal Aid of Western Michigan, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Public Works and Utilities

• Escanaba Public Works, 1900 3rd Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Road Commission, 3001 23rd Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• Delta County Voter Registration, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Current U.S. Senators & U.S. House Representatives

Senators: Gary Peters (D), Debbie Stabenow (D)
House Representative (MI-1 District): Jack Bergman (R)

Education & Libraries In Escanaba, Michigan

Public School Districts

Served by Escanaba Area Public Schools.

Public School Names and Full Addresses

• Escanaba Upper Elementary, 1500 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Junior/Senior High, 500 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Lemmer Elementary, 700 S 20th St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Charter and Private Schools

• Holy Name Catholic School, 409 S 22nd St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Colleges and Universities

• Bay de Noc Community College, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829; Majors: Nursing, Welding

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Bay de Noc Community College Library, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Flights & Travel Logistics In Escanaba, Michigan

Best Time to Book Flights

Book 2-3 months ahead for affordable flights to Escanaba; January and October offer cheap one-way flights; avoid summer fair season.

Airlines That Serve Escanaba, Michigan

ESC served by Delta Connection; connections via Detroit (DTW) or Minneapolis (MSP).

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

ESC is primary; alternatives: Marquette (MQT, 60 min), Green Bay (GRB, 90 min). Drive via US-2; no direct Amtrak; Indian Trails buses to Escanaba.

Transportation After Arrival

Car rentals at ESC (Hertz, Enterprise); taxis ($10-15 downtown); Uber/Lyft ($8-12); Delta County Transit ($1.50/trip).

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Pack for cold winters; book fishing charters early; try pasties; rent a car for Hiawatha Forest; check UP State Fair schedules. Secure flight bargains to Escanaba for savings.

Ready to explore Escanaba? Book low-cost tickets to Escanaba, Michigan, USA (ESC) airport and save up to $156 with early booking. Keep in mind that the nearest airport to Escanaba, Michigan, USA (ESC) may offer budget travel deals and alternate date options depending on departure city and season.

Where to Stay In Escanaba, Michigan

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Super 8 by Wyndham Escanaba, 2415 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Econo Lodge, 921 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Quality Inn & Suites, 2603 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• House of Ludington, 223 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Island Resort & Casino Hotel, W399 US-2, Harris, MI 49845

Luxury Resorts and Spas

• Island Resort & Casino, W399 US-2, Harris, MI 49845
• Eagle Harbor Inn, 9914 N Water St, Ephraim, MI 49829

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Comfort Suites Escanaba, 3600 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Best Western Pioneer Inn, 2635 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Airbnb Lakeside Cabins, Various, e.g., 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• VRBO Bayfront Cottages, Near Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba, MI 49829

Getting Around In Escanaba, Michigan

Public Transportation Overview

Delta County Transit offers buses ($1.50/trip); limited city shuttles.

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

Rentals at ESC (Enterprise, Hertz); Uber/Lyft $8-12 for local trips; taxis $10-15; bike rentals ($8/day).

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Downtown scores 65/100 walkability; Ludington Park and bayfront trails bike-friendly.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Free parking downtown; metered near Ludington Park ($1/hour); 25 mph in town; watch for deer crossings.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In Escanaba, Michigan

National Parks and Scenic Areas

Hiawatha National Forest (10 min); Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (90 min).

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Ludington Park Trail, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba River State Forest Trails, 10 miles west, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Hiawatha National Forest Trails, 10 miles east, Escanaba, MI 49829

Wildlife Viewing

Deer, bald eagles, and walleye in Little Bay de Noc and Hiawatha National Forest.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Little Bay de Noc, fishing, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba River, kayaking, 10 miles west, Escanaba, MI 49829

Camping and RV Parks

• Pioneer Trail Park, 6830 Co Rd 426, Escanaba, MI 49829
• J.W. Wells State Park, N7670 US-2, Cedarville, MI 49829

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Spring fishing, summer kayaking, fall hiking, winter snowmobiling.

History & Heritage In Escanaba, Michigan

Founding and Historical Background

Founded 1863 as a port and lumber town; grew with railroads and paper industry.

Major Disasters and Events

Happy: UP State Fair established (1928). Sad: 1900 port fire; 2019 flooding.

Recovery Efforts for Recent Disaster

Post-2019 flooding: FEMA aid, infrastructure upgrades, community relief programs.

Historical Landmarks

• Sand Point Lighthouse, 16 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Historical Society Museum, 16 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• House of Ludington, 223 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Museums and Cultural Centers

• Delta County Historical Society Museum, 16 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, 700 1st Ave S, Escanaba, MI 49829

Local Folklore and Legends

Lighthouse ghost stories; Ojibwe tales; lumber era legends.

Indigenous and Pioneer History

Ojibwe lands pre-1800s; settlers arrived 1850s; port and logging shaped growth.

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In Escanaba, Michigan

• Chief Oshkosh: Ojibwe leader, regional influence.
• William Bonifas: Lumber baron, arts center namesake.
• Local Fishing Pioneers: Shaped "Walleye Capital" legacy.

Arts & Culture In Escanaba, Michigan

Performing Arts Venues

• William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, 700 1st Ave S, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba City Bandshell, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• Bonifas Arts Gallery, 700 1st Ave S, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Waterfront Art Festival, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Local Artists and Artisans

Painters, sculptors, and musicians at Waterfront Art Festival and Bonifas exhibits.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• UP State Fair, 2401 12th Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Waterfront Art Festival, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Music Scene and Live Performances

• Hereford & Hops Brewpub, 516 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba City Bandshell, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Food & Drink In Escanaba, Michigan

Restaurants by Cuisine

• American - Stonehouse Restaurant, 2223 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829; Specialty: Burgers
• Seafood - Crispigna’s, 1213 N 3rd St, Escanaba, MI 49829; Specialty: Whitefish
• Midwestern - Dobber’s Pasties, 1401 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829; Specialty: Pasties
• Pub - Hereford & Hops Brewpub, 516 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829; Specialty: Craft beer

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

Crispigna’s uses Lake Michigan fish; Escanaba Farmers Market sources local berries, produce.

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

• Hereford & Hops Brewpub, 516 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Leigh’s Garden Winery, 904 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Street Food and Casual Dining

• Escanaba Farmers Market, 1508 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Dobber’s Pasties, 1401 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

Stonehouse offers vegetarian burgers; Crispigna’s has gluten-free fish; most eateries provide dietary choices.

Shopping & Leisure In Escanaba, Michigan

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• Escanaba Farmers Market, 1508 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Bay de Noc Crafts, 1301 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Malls and Shopping Districts

• Downtown Escanaba, Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta Plaza Mall, 301 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Antique Stores and Markets

• UP Antique Mall, 1301 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Escanaba Flea Market, 1508 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

• Sand Point Lighthouse Gift Shop, 16 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Historical Society Shop, 16 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Events & Entertainment In Escanaba, Michigan

Annual Festivals and Parades

• UP State Fair, 2401 12th Ave N, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Waterfront Art Festival, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• Escanaba Farmers Market, 1508 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Ludington Park Picnics, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

• Escanaba Recreation Department, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Delta County Youth Sports, 310 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

• Escanaba Christmas Parade, Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• Winterfest, 1000 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829

Nearby Destinations In Escanaba, Michigan

Popular Day Trips

• Gladstone, MI (15 min): Van Cleve Park
• Marquette, MI (60 min): Presque Isle Park

Hidden Gems in the Region

• Fayette Historic State Park, 4785 II Rd, Garden, MI 49835
• Escanaba River, 10 miles west, Escanaba, MI 49829

Scenic Drives and Routes

• US-2 along Little Bay de Noc, US-2, Escanaba, MI 49829
• M-35 to Marquette, M-35, Escanaba, MI 49829

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, 90 min, Munising, MI 49862
• J.W. Wells State Park, N7670 US-2, Cedarville, MI 49829

Audience-Specific Guides In Escanaba, Michigan

Family Travel Tips

Visit Ludington Park, explore Sand Point Lighthouse, stay at family-friendly hotels, attend UP State Fair with cheap travel deals to Escanaba.

Solo Traveler Highlights

Explore Delta County Museum, dine at Dobber’s Pasties, fish Little Bay de Noc, visit Bonifas Arts Center with low-cost airline deals.

Romantic Getaways

Dine at Crispigna’s, stay at House of Ludington, kayak Escanaba River, tour bayfront with discounted airfare to Escanaba.

Business Travel Essentials

Near ESC airport, meeting spaces at Island Resort, quick dining, Wi-Fi at Comfort Suites with budget plane tickets to Escanaba.

Accessible Travel Resources

ADA-compliant parks and museums, wheelchair rentals at OSF St. Francis, accessible Delta County Transit, Michigan Relay services.

Natural Resources In Escanaba, Michigan

Timber, fish, iron ore, limestone, copper. Copper, a valuable and historically significant metal, was mined in the Upper Peninsula during the 19th-century copper boom, shaping Escanaba’s port economy. The Delta County Historical Society Museum displays copper mining artifacts, and nearby Keweenaw Peninsula offers guided mine tours, attracting visitors keen to explore Michigan’s mining heritage.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on October 3, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.