The Fumee Lake Natural Area (FLNA) has 1,808 acres used in a wide range of activities. FLNA was formed in 1992 when 80 percent of Dickinson County in the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan voters favored a bonding proposal for the acquisition of the lake system from the city of Norway for its "use and preservation as a Natural Area". Several years later, additional property was purchased with grant assistance under the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund program, appropriations from the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners and donations from the Wisconsin Electric Power Company and more than 100 area citizens and businesses.

One of the area?s greatest attributes is its location. A few minutes off U.S. 2 west of Norway and east of Quinnesec, it lies within five miles of Dickinson County?s most populated metro areas, a fact that a visitor is not able to detect due to the sheltering of the surrounding hills.

The Fumee Lake Natural Area has a number of unique features. Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake provide a total five miles of undeveloped shoreline. In addition to numerous wetlands, 507 acres of surface water holds a fishery deemed "very remarkable and unique" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The area has historically been home to a number of rare or threatened species including the Bald Eagle, Common Loon, five species of orchids and the rare walking fern.

FLNA is used by educators to teach students about ecology.

A number of non-motorized recreational opportunities await its visitors. Hiking and biking in the spring, fall and summer. Cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter months.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy this four-season natural area.