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Upper Peninsula, Michigan: Where the Fun Never Ends! Check Out the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula runs some 2,500 miles of ATV trail on its own. The snowmobile network then covers a further 3,000 miles of groomed trail. The backpacking trails then add another 400 miles again on top of all that. A single refuge out here covers some 95,000 acres of wetland and forest. Nowhere else in the whole of the Midwest will give you numbers like those.

Welcome to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the country opens up around every corner. Whether this is your first visit or your twentieth, there is always something in the U.P. you have not seen. From the natural wonders to the small towns, this part of Michigan serves every interest.

Get ready to work through the country and the natural wonders of the Upper Peninsula. With its hard coastline, its untouched forest and its clear lakes, the U.P. is where outdoor people belong. Whether you walk the Porcupine Mountains or paddle Lake Superior, the list of days does not run short in this part of Michigan. And with some luck, you will see the local wildlife, including black bears, moose and bald eagles.

But the U.P. is not only about the outdoors. There are also plenty of small towns worth walking, each with its own character. From the historic mining town of Calumet to the art community at Marquette, the Upper Peninsula serves every interest. So pack the bags, take the boots and work through what Michigan’s Upper Peninsula holds.

Key Takeaways

• The Upper Peninsula is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
• The unique towns of the U.P. offer a glimpse into Michigan’s rich history and culture, from the mining towns of the Keweenaw Peninsula to the art communities of Marquette.
• Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned vacationer, there’s always something new to discover in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Natural Wonders of Upper Peninsula

If the natural world is your subject, Upper Peninsula is where you want to be. With its wilderness, its waterfalls and its lakes, the list of things to see does not run out. Here are the natural wonders you should not skip:

The Majestic Waterfalls

Upper Peninsula holds some of the strongest waterfalls anywhere. From Tahquamenon Falls to Bond Falls, the sheer weight of water coming down will stop you. Whether you want somewhere to eat a picnic or somewhere to get the heart going, there is a waterfall here for it.

The Unforgettable Hiking Trails

If you want something demanding, Upper Peninsula runs some of the strongest hiking trails in the country. From the rough ground of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to the Lake of the Clouds, you are in for the real thing. Just bring the boots and carry more water than you think.

The Breathtaking Lakes

Upper Peninsula sits among the Great Lakes, including the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. With its clear water and its long shoreline, the water sports and the sitting about are both obvious here. Whether you want to fish, swim or simply be beside it, Upper Peninsula has the water for it.

In conclusion, Upper Peninsula rewards anybody who came for the natural world. With its country, its waterfalls, its hiking trails and its great lakes, the scale of it takes a while to absorb. So pack the bags, take the camera and give it the time it needs.

Seasonal Attractions in Upper Peninsula

When it comes to the seasons in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, every one of them earns its keep. Whether spring flowers, summer sun, fall color or winter snow is what you want, the UP will supply it.

Spring and Summer Delights

Spring and summer are when the country around the Upper Peninsula opens fully. From the hiking trails to the waterfalls, the outdoor options run long. Here are a few of the strongest attractions to check out:

• Take a hike: With over 200 waterfalls and miles of hiking trails, the UP is a hiker’s paradise. Some of the most popular trails include the Porcupine Mountains and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
• Go fishing: With over 4,000 inland lakes and 12,000 miles of streams and rivers, the UP is a fisherman’s dream come true. Some of the most popular species to catch include trout, salmon, and walleye.
• Visit Mackinac Island: If you’re looking for a unique day trip, head to Mackinac Island. This car-free island is home to historic sites, charming shops, and stunning views of Lake Huron.

Fall’s Colorful Display

Fall is the season the Upper Peninsula is photographed for, as the leaves turn red, orange and yellow. Here are a few ways to take the fall foliage properly:

• Take a scenic drive: The UP is home to some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. Some of the most popular routes include the Lake Superior Circle Tour and the Tunnel of Trees.
• Go apple picking: Fall is the perfect time to visit one of the many orchards in the UP. You can pick your own apples, enjoy a hayride, and indulge in some delicious cider and donuts.
• Attend a fall festival: From Oktoberfest to pumpkin patches, there’s no shortage of fall festivals in the UP. Some of the most popular events include the Copper Harbor Trails Fest and the Munising Bay Fall Festival.

Winter Wonderland Activities

Winter in the Upper Peninsula means snow, and a great deal of it. But do not let the cold keep you indoors, because the winter months run their own list. Here are a few ideas:

• Go snowmobiling: The UP is home to over 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, making it one of the best places in the country to go snowmobiling.
• Hit the slopes: The UP is home to several ski resorts, including Mount Bohemia and Indianhead Mountain. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a slope for you.
• Take a snowshoe hike: If you’re looking for a more low-key winter activity, try snowshoeing. The UP is home to miles of snowshoe trails, including the North Country Trail and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

No matter which season you pick, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has plenty running. So pack the bags, take the boots and work through what the UP holds.

Historical Sites and Museums

If history is your subject, the Upper Peninsula runs plenty of sites and museums to hold you. Here are the strongest places to visit:

Journey Back in Time at the Museums

The Upper Peninsula holds several museums that open the area’s history up. One of the better-known is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, standing on the shores of Lake Superior. Here you can read the many wrecks the Great Lakes have taken over the years, including the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Another one nobody should skip is the Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum, which covers the history of the area’s Native American tribes. Here you can see artifacts and exhibits carrying the culture and the traditions of the Ojibwe, the Huron and the other tribes who have held the Upper Peninsula for centuries.

Historical State Parks

In addition to museums, the Upper Peninsula runs several state parks that open the past up as well. One of the better-known is the Fayette Historic State Park, which was once a working industrial town for the iron industry. Today, visitors can walk the preserved buildings and read what life was for the workers who lived there.

Another state park worth the drive is the Quincy Mine Properties, which runs tours of an old copper mine. Here you go down into the mine and see exactly what the dark, cramped work actually was.

And if you want something you cannot get elsewhere, check out the Iron Mountain Iron Mine. Here you can take a guided tour of an old iron mine and read the history of the area’s iron industry.

Whether history is your subject or you simply want something worth doing, the Upper Peninsula runs the options. So take the camera and go and read the history of this region properly.

Wildlife and Birding Experiences

If the natural world is your subject, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is where you belong. From otters to moose, from cougars nobody sees to red squirrels everybody does, from whitetail deer to painted turtles, there are hundreds of species to find here. And if bird watching is your thing, the UP holds some of the strongest birding ground in the Midwest.

Wildlife Spotting

One of the strongest ways to see wildlife in the UP is the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. This 95,000-acre refuge holds black bears, wolves and bald eagles among the rest. You can take the drive along the Marshland Wildlife Drive, which gives you the refuge’s wetlands and forest from the car. Or if you want to work for it, walk one of the refuge’s many trails and get properly close to what lives there.

Another strong place to find wildlife is Isle Royale National Park. This remote island in Lake Superior holds moose, wolves and a good deal else. You can take a ferry out and spend days walking the park’s rough country.

Bird Watching Hotspots

The Upper Peninsula is a bird watcher’s paradise, with some of the best birding hotspots in the Midwest. One of the premier birding migration hot-spots in Michigan is the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Located 11 miles north of Paradise, this observatory is the place to be during the spring and fall migration seasons. You can see a variety of bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds.

Another strong place for bird watching is the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail. This trail runs from Port Crescent State Park to Tawas Point State Park and covers 142 miles. You can find sandhill cranes, bald eagles and great blue herons along the way.

So pack the binoculars and head to the UP for the strongest wildlife and birding in the Midwest. Who knows, you might even find a rare Kirtland’s warbler or a moose standing in the road.

Adventure Sports in Upper Peninsula

If you want the adrenaline version, Upper Peninsula runs the sports for it. From ATV rides to snowmobiling, every appetite is covered. Here are the three adventure sports you should try in Upper Peninsula:

Thrilling ATV Rides

Are you ready to get dirty? Upper Peninsula’s ATV trails run some of the hardest ground in the country. With over 2,500 miles of trails, you can work the rough terrain, the dense forest and the waterfalls. Whether you started last week or have ridden for years, there is a trail for you. You can rent an ATV or bring your own and get on it. Just wear a helmet and follow the rules.

Snowmobiling Fun

When the snow falls, Upper Peninsula turns into something else entirely. And there is no stronger way to work it than on a snowmobile. With over 3,000 miles of groomed trails, you can run the snow-covered forest, the frozen lakes and the small towns between them. You can rent a snowmobile or join a guided tour. Just dress for it and stay safe.

Backpacking Trails

If you want the hardest version, backpacking in Upper Peninsula is unmissable. With over 400 miles of trails, you can walk the rough country, the lakeshores and the waterfalls. You can pick a day hike or a multi-day trip. Just pack the essentials, including a map, a compass and more water than you think. And leave no trace behind you.

Upper Peninsula runs some of the strongest adventure sports in the country. Whether you chase adrenaline or simply want a day outdoors, this will not disappoint. So pack the bags, take the gear and get ready for it.

Summer gives you the waterfalls, the beaches and every one of the islands. Fall gives you the color and the first of the properly dark nights. Winter closes some of the roads and opens 3,000 miles of snow trail. Spring gives you the meltwater, the mud and a great many mosquitoes. Pick the season first and the whole of the trip then follows from that.

The Unique Towns of Upper Peninsula

Upper Peninsula holds several small towns worth the drive. Each has its own character and its own attractions, and the visit sticks because of them. Here are a few towns to put on the itinerary:

Marquette’s Charm

Marquette is a town of real character sitting on the shores of Lake Superior. The town is known for the country around it, its cultural life and the people who live there. If history is your subject, you will want Marquette’s museums and historic sites. The Marquette Maritime Museum is the one nobody should skip, carrying the town’s maritime past. You can also walk the downtown area and work through the shops and restaurants.

The Beauty of Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is a town worth photographing, sitting at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The town has Lake Superior on one side and dense forest on the other. If the outdoors is what brought you, Copper Harbor is exactly where to be. You can hike, bike, kayak or fish from it. You can also take the drive along the Brockway Mountain Drive, which opens the town and everything around it up.

The Hidden Gem of Drummond Island

Drummond Island is the one visitors walk past, sitting in the eastern part of Upper Peninsula. The town is known for its rough country, its untouched beaches and the people who live there. If you want somewhere genuinely quiet, Drummond Island is where to go. You can hike, birdwatch or fish from it. You can also work through the town’s shops and restaurants.

Upper Peninsula is home to several other charming towns such as Sault Ste. Marie, Paradise, and Ontonagon. Each town has its own unique attractions and activities that will make your visit unforgettable. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Upper Peninsula.

Island Hopping in Upper Peninsula

Island hopping in Upper Peninsula is unmissable for anybody who came for the outdoors. With its clear water, its sand and its rough shorelines, the Upper Peninsula holds some of the strongest islands anywhere. Here are the ones to work through in the Upper Peninsula.

Exploring Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is among the busiest destinations in the Upper Peninsula. This island sits in the Straits of Mackinac, between the Upper and Lower Peninsula. The island is known for its Victorian-era architecture, its horse-drawn carriages and its fudge shops. You can work it on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage. Take a walk along the shoreline, visit the historic Fort Mackinac, or eat more fudge than you meant to. Mackinac Island is unmissable for anybody who follows history, culture or food.

The Allure of Grand Island

Grand Island is the other one to work in the Upper Peninsula. This island sits in Lake Superior, just off the coast of Munising. The island holds untouched beaches, tall cliffs and dense forest. You can take it on foot, by bike or by kayak. Take a walk on one of the many trails, fish the clear water, or simply sit on the beach. Grand Island rewards anybody who came for the natural world.

The Peace of Les Cheneaux Islands

The Les Cheneaux Islands are a group of 36 islands sitting in Lake Huron, near the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula. The islands are known for their protected bays, their hidden coves and their still water. You can work them by boat, kayak or paddleboard. Take a slow cruise along the shoreline, fish the quiet bays, or simply sit in the silence out there. The Les Cheneaux Islands are where you go when everything else has become too loud.

Island hopping in Upper Peninsula is unlike anything else on this list. Whether you want the historic Mackinac Island, the rough Grand Island or the quiet Les Cheneaux Islands, every taste is served. So pack the bags, take the sunscreen and get out onto the water of Upper Peninsula.

The Lighthouses of Upper Peninsula

Ah, lighthouses. Those beacons that have pulled countless sailors back from the edge. Upper Peninsula Michigan holds over 40 lighthouses along its Great Lakes coasts. These lighthouses date from the mid-1800s, when they went up to guide ships through water that took a great many of them.

One of the better-known lighthouses in Upper Peninsula Michigan is the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1851 and now runs as a museum you can walk into. You can climb it and take Lake Superior in every direction from up there. It’s where the Instagram-worthy photographs get taken.

If lighthouses are your subject, you can spend days working through the ones in Upper Peninsula Michigan. From Stannard Rock Light Station to White Shoal Light Station, the list runs long. You can also take a Copper Harbor Lighthouse Boat Tour and get the whole lighthouse experience at once.

Visiting the lighthouses of Upper Peninsula Michigan teaches you something as well as filling a day. You can read the history of these beacons and what they actually did for the men at sea. So take the camera and work through the lighthouses of Upper Peninsula Michigan. You will not regret it.

The Cuisine of Upper Peninsula

When it comes to food, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan cooks things you will not find elsewhere. From savory pasties to jam-filled donuts, the UP will meet whatever you arrived hungry for.

Let’s start with the pasty. This savory pastry is a staple across the UP and is said to have come from the Cornish miners who worked the copper here. The traditional pasty carries beef, potatoes, onions and rutabaga, and it is exactly what a cold day asks for. You can find pasties at nearly every restaurant and bakery in the UP, and each one runs its own version of the recipe.

If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss the UP’s jam-filled donuts. These are made fresh every day and filled with homemade jam from local berries. They’re what you eat while walking the country around here.

In addition to the pasties and the donuts, the UP is known for its fresh fish. With Lake Superior on the doorstep, it is no surprise the fish here is among the strongest in the country. Whether whitefish, trout or salmon is what you want, a restaurant nearby will be serving the day’s catch.

And let’s not forget the UP’s fudge. With dozens of fudge shops spread across the area, you cannot leave without trying the stuff. From classic chocolate to flavors like bacon and maple, every taste is covered.

In summary, the cuisine of Upper Peninsula is a blend of savory and sweet you will not find elsewhere. Whether a hearty pasty, a jam-filled donut or fresh fish out of Lake Superior is what you want, the UP will meet it.

The Night Sky of Upper Peninsula

You have not properly seen a night sky until you have stood under one in Upper Peninsula, Michigan. With this much wilderness and almost no light pollution, the stars come out harder than you remember them. And with some luck, you will catch the Northern Lights while you are up there.

The strongest time to see the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is through the fall and winter months, when the nights run long and dark. Head to the shores of Lake Superior for a clear view of the sky and keep watching for the lights to start moving.

But even if the Northern Lights do not show, the night sky in Upper Peninsula is worth the cold. With over 300 clear nights a year, you’ll get plenty of chances at it.

Pack a blanket, some food and a thermos of hot cocoa, and head to one of the state parks or wilderness areas for a night under the stars. Some of the strongest spots include Brimley State Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Port Crescent State Park.

And if you want to go further, why not try astrophotography? With a little practice and the right equipment, you can bring the night sky home with you. Just dress warmly and carry more batteries than you think you need.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a telescope or simply lie back and look up. The night sky of Upper Peninsula is waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the craziest thing to do in the Upper Peninsula?

Well, you could always try wrestling a moose, though we would not recommend it. If you want something less likely to end badly, how about ice climbing? Head to Munising and check out the Pictured Rocks Ice Climbing Festival. Or if you are genuinely committed, get into Lake Superior in winter. Just have a warm towel waiting.

Can I visit the Upper Peninsula without breaking the bank?

Absolutely. There is plenty in the UP that is free or close to it. Take a walk in one of the many state parks, work through the waterfalls, or go beachcombing along the shores of Lake Superior. You can also save real money by camping rather than taking a hotel. Plus the small towns across the UP run affordable restaurants and shops.

What’s the best time of year to visit the UP?

That depends entirely on what you came for. If you want fall foliage, come in late September or early October. If winter sports are your subject, plan for January or February. And if the beaches and the waterfalls are what you want, come in the summer. Just expect company through the peak season. Oh, and if mosquitoes are your thing, come in the spring. They’ll be pleased to see you.

Frequently asked questions about Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Are the waterfalls and state parks free in the Upper Peninsula?

Most of them, effectively free. Walking a state park, working the waterfalls and beachcombing along the shores of Lake Superior all cost you the gas and nothing at all else beyond that. Camping instead of a hotel saves you the rest of it. The mines and the museums are where the money actually goes. Budget for two of those and the whole week runs cheap.

Is the Quincy Mine tour worth paying for in the UP?

It genuinely is, yes. You go down into an old copper mine and see what the work actually was, which is a good deal more than reading about it on a board ever gives you. The Iron Mountain Iron Mine runs the very same idea again elsewhere. Fayette Historic State Park is what covers the cheaper version of it. Do one paid and one free and you have the industry.

Can you climb the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the UP?

Yes, you can indeed. It has been guiding ships since 1851, it now runs as a museum, and the climb gives you Lake Superior in every direction from the head of the thing. There are over 40 lighthouses along these coasts in total. Most of them will cost you nothing at all to stand under. Only a handful of them charge you to go up inside of them.

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