Waters Edge Dock and Hoist offers boat dock & lift sales, installs, and removals in Escanaba and the surrounding area of Delta Township. Call to schedule your service today at (517) 294-7476.
Waters Edge Dock & Hoist is your local expert in the marine industry. Our sales experts will custom fit you with exactly what your shoreline needs. Over the years, expanding our business has helped us become a one stop shop for our clients on the lakefront.
Escanaba, Michigan: A Lakefront Gem in the U.P.’s Banana Belt
Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Michigan, Escanaba—often affectionately called “Esky”—is a vibrant port city rich in history, industry, and natural beauty. Located in Delta County, where it serves as the county seat, Escanaba sits along the scenic Little Bay de Noc and is home to just over 12,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie.
Escanaba draws its name from the Escanaba River, which flows into the bay just north of the city. The word itself comes from the Ojibwa language, reflecting the area’s deep Indigenous roots. North of the city lies Escanaba Township—not directly adjacent, but part of the larger urban landscape that surrounds the region.
Historically, Escanaba thrived as a major shipping point for iron ore, with freighters transporting raw materials from the U.P. to Great Lakes ports like Chicago and northern Indiana. Although ore shipments ceased in 2017, the city remains deeply connected to industry. The local paper mill, once operated by Mead Corporation and later by Verso Corporation, was acquired by Billerud in 2022. Located near the Escanaba River, the mill was the city’s largest employer as recently as 2018, and it continues to be a key player in the community’s economy.
But Escanaba isn’t just about hard work and heavy industry—it’s also a place of seasonal charm and climatic quirks. The area falls within the humid continental climate zone, known for its wide seasonal temperature swings: warm, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Yet Escanaba stands out from much of the Upper Peninsula thanks to its unique location.
Locals proudly refer to Escanaba as being part of the “banana belt” of the U.P.—a rare sweet spot where winter’s bite is a little less harsh. While much of the peninsula is buried in lake-effect snow each winter, Escanaba’s position on the windward side of Lake Michigan spares it from the worst of it. The result? Milder winters and more temperate conditions that make life in Escanaba just a little easier during the long U.P. cold season. Escanaba’s main surrounding bodies of water are Lake Michigan, Little Bay De Noc, and The Escanaba River.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the waterfront views, or the unexpected weather perks, Escanaba offers a truly unique slice of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—one where community spirit, natural beauty, and a deep connection to the Great Lakes continue to define daily life.
Serving Escanaba with Boat Dock & Hoist Services
Whether you’re a resident, or business owner, Escanaba offers a strong community, and unmatched natural beauty. Looking for top-tier boat dock installation services in Escanba? Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your needs in this vibrant Upper Peninsula city.
We’re proud to offer installs, sales, and removals for docks, hoists and seawalls in the Escanaba Michigan Community! Due to demand, we only service what we install. Waters Edge Dock and Hoist is your local choice for boat docks, lifts and seawalls near you! Call to book your service today (517) 294-7476.
