JAMISON ROAD QUARRY

About Jamison Road Quarry

Tucked away in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the straits country between Mackinaw City and Cedarville, Jamison Road Quarry is one of those places that feels like a genuine secret — a former industrial rock quarry that time and rainfall have slowly transformed into a hauntingly beautiful natural swimming hole. The rugged stone walls that once echoed with the sounds of machinery now rise above still, clear water, draped at their edges with encroaching greenery. It's the kind of place that rewards the curious traveler willing to venture off the well-worn tourist path.

The Setting and Landscape

Arriving at the quarry, you're immediately struck by the contrast between the raw, angular quarry walls and the soft, lush vegetation that has reclaimed the surrounding terrain. Mosses cling to exposed rock faces, wildflowers push through the gravel margins, and birdsong fills the air in a place that was once all diesel engines and blasting powder. The water itself — fed by groundwater and precipitation over many years — sits clear and still, its depths shifting from shallow turquoise near the edges to a deeper, darker blue toward the center. Wildlife sightings are common here; keep your eyes open for birds of prey circling the rim or small mammals moving through the undergrowth. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, drawing visitors who are looking for solitude rather than a scene.

Swimming at Jamison Road Quarry

The water is clear enough that you can watch your feet disappear beneath you as depths increase toward the quarry's center. Like most quarry swimming holes, the temperature can be noticeably cooler than a lake or river on a hot summer day — a bracing shock that quickly becomes a relief when July humidity presses down on the Upper Peninsula. The quarry walls and uneven rocky shoreline mean you'll want to pick your entry point carefully and wear water shoes if your feet are sensitive. There are no ropes, platforms, or designated swim areas, so you bring your own judgment to the water. The varying depths make this a spot better suited to confident swimmers.

Practical Visit Information

Jamison Road Quarry is an unofficial, unsanctioned swimming location, which means you visit at your own discretion and risk. There are no confirmed facilities on site — no restrooms, no picnic infrastructure, and no fee has been reported for access, though conditions can change. The terrain around the quarry's edge is uneven, so sturdy closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended for anyone exploring the perimeter. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures make a swim genuinely rewarding. Spring visits in April and May offer fewer crowds and wildflowers in bloom, while fall brings stunning foliage to the surrounding woodland.

Plan Your Visit

Use the nearby towns of Mackinaw City and Cedarville as your base. Mackinaw City, located at the tip of the Lower Peninsula just across the Mackinac Bridge, offers lodging, dining, and ferry access to Mackinac Island. Cedarville, a quiet village on the Les Cheneaux Islands waterway in the Upper Peninsula, provides a slower-paced alternative with access to some of Michigan's most scenic inland waters. From either town, you're well positioned to make Jamison Road Quarry part of a broader Upper Peninsula adventure.