If you’re planning a trip to the Michigan Upper Peninsula, you’ll find a mix of natural beauty, history, and unique experiences waiting for you. The Michigan Upper Peninsula is known for its vast forests, stunning waterfalls, and access to the Great Lakes, making it perfect for outdoor lovers and those looking to explore quieter parts of the state. The Michigan Up is a region that offers something for every traveler seeking adventure or tranquility.
Seven top places you should visit in the Michigan Upper Peninsula include Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park, each offering different ways to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Whether you want to hike, kayak, or learn about the area’s mining past, the Michigan Up has something to match your interests. You’ll also discover charming towns, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like bears and eagles throughout the Up.
These spots highlight the quiet strength of the Michigan Upper Peninsula and invite you to experience its slow pace and wide-open spaces. The Michigan Upper Peninsula is a destination where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature. Exploring the Michigan Upper Peninsula will reward you with unforgettable memories and breathtaking scenery.
7 Top Destinations in Michigan Upper Peninsula
In the Michigan Up, you will find a mix of natural beauty, hiking trails, waterfalls, islands, and historic towns. The Michigan Upper Peninsula offers lakeshore cliffs, dense forests, and wilderness parks for a range of outdoor activities. It also has charming towns where history and local culture come alive, making the Michigan Upper Peninsula a diverse and appealing region for visitors.
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must-see destination in the Michigan Up, famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior’s shoreline. In the Michigan Upper Peninsula, you can hike trails to see waterfalls, dunes, beaches, and forested areas at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Kayaking or boat tours in the Michigan Upper Peninsula let you explore sea caves and view cliffs up close, offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder.
The Michigan Upper Peninsula’s Pictured Rocks area offers more than 40 miles of rugged coastline, making it perfect for photographers and nature lovers. You can also visit the park’s western gateway in Munising, Michigan Upper Peninsula, for maps and guides before you explore this stunning stretch of Lake Superior.
2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and is a highlight of the Michigan Upper Peninsula. The Upper Falls in the Michigan Upper Peninsula drop about 50 feet with a width of 200 feet, while the Lower Falls spread across a series of cascades. In addition to hiking trails, the Michigan Up’s Tahquamenon Falls State Park features a brewery and pub near the park entrance, ideal for relaxing after your visit.
The park showcases beautiful forests, rivers, and wildlife, making it a good year-round destination in the Michigan Up. Visiting Tahquamenon Falls allows you to experience the power and beauty that define the Michigan Upper Peninsula’s natural attractions.
3. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island sits between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas on Lake Huron and is a unique part of the Michigan Upper Peninsula experience. You can explore Mackinac Island in the Michigan Peninsula without cars since bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the main ways to get around. Visit Fort Mackinac on the Michigan Upper Peninsula’s Mackinac Island, an 18th-century military post with history exhibits.
The island is also known for its scenic views, fudge shops, and beautiful parks, all adding to the Upper Peninsula’s charm. The shoreline and natural features like Arch Rock on Mackinac Island provide excellent photo spots, making this Michigan Upper Peninsula destination truly memorable.
4. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
4. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park and a standout in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Upper Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountains offer nearly 90 miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests and to mountain overlooks like Summit Peak. Don’t miss Lake of the Clouds, a famous viewpoint in the Michigan Up, showcasing dramatic views of cliffs and water.
Rustic campsites and waterfalls make the park a place for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in the Upper Peninsula. Exploring Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park gives you a sense of the wild, unspoiled side of the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
5. Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor
The Keweenaw Peninsula stretches into Lake Superior and features the historic town of Copper Harbor, both key destinations in the Upper Peninsula. Here in the Up, you can drive or bike the scenic Brockway Mountain Drive for panoramic lake views. Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula offers hiking, water activities, and lighthouses to explore.
You can learn about the Michigan Upper Peninsula’s copper mining past at sites in Hancock and Calumet, or visit the Quincy Mine for tours. The Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor are essential stops for those wanting to experience the Michigan Upper Peninsula’s history and natural beauty.
6. Marquette and Surrounding Natural Attractions
Marquette is the largest city in the Michigan Up, located on the shore of Lake Superior. Presque Isle Park in the Upper Peninsula offers scenic cliffs, walking paths, and views of the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. Nearby in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, you can hike Sugarloaf Mountain or visit local beaches and parks.
The Marquette Maritime Museum in the Michigan Upper Peninsula adds historical context to your visit, with exhibits about Great Lakes shipping and lighthouses. Marquette and its surroundings showcase the vibrant culture and outdoor opportunities that define the Upper Peninsula.
7. Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in Lake Superior, accessible by ferry from Houghton or Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula. It features dense forests, rocky shorelines, and clear lakes, making it a unique part of the Michigan Upper Peninsula. The park is popular for backpacking, camping, and wildlife watching in the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
Rock Harbor Lodge offers lodging near the ferry dock, while more adventurous visitors to the Michigan Upper Peninsula can camp at backcountry sites. Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited national parks due to its isolation but offers unique solitude for those exploring the Michigan Up.
Essential Tips, Activities, and Unique Attractions
You will find a mix of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and charming towns in the Michigan Up. The Michigan Upper’s natural beauty pairs well with cultural landmarks and scenic routes. Planning with these highlights in mind helps you make the most of your visit to the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
Outdoor Activities and Hiking
The Upper Peninsula offers many options for hiking and paddling. You can hike Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan Upper Peninsula, for great views or explore trails in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Both places in the Upper Peninsula offer well-marked paths and wilderness settings.
Kayaking is popular along the Lake Superior coast and rivers like the Au Train and St. Mary’s in the Michigan Upper Peninsula. You can paddle near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to see colorful cliffs and waterfalls. For wildlife watchers, Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the Michigan Upper Peninsula provides chances to spot deer, birds, and more.
Ice fishing in winter, especially around Bays de Noc in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, is a unique seasonal activity. Remember to pack layers to handle the Michigan Upper Peninsula’s quick-changing weather.
Lighthouses, Shipwrecks, and Museums
In the Upper Peninsula, you can explore several important maritime and mining sites. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point in the Michigan Upper Peninsula tells the story of shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald. The museum in the Michigan Upper Peninsula includes interactive exhibits to help you understand ship history.
Lighthouses such as Copper Harbor Lighthouse and Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the Michigan Up open a window into the region’s past navigation. Quincy Mine in the Michigan Upper Peninsula offers tours into old copper mines and explains mining history.
Museums in Marquette and Iron Mountain in the Michigan Upper Peninsula provide local culture and history through workshops and displays. Fayette Historic State Park in the Michigan Upper Peninsula shows you an old iron-smelting town, giving a sense of the region’s industrial roots. Exploring these sites in the Michigan Upper Peninsula will deepen your appreciation for this fascinating and beautiful part of Michigan.
Exploring Local Towns and Scenic Drives
Exploring local towns and scenic drives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a rewarding experience for travelers of all interests. Towns like St. Ignace and Munising are perfect starting points for exploring the region, as they offer easy access to many of the area’s highlights. St. Ignace, located near the Straits of Mackinac and the iconic Mackinac Bridge, serves as a key crossing point for visitors embarking on scenic drives.
Munising is another excellent town for scenic drives, as it provides access to Pictured Rocks tours and breathtaking waterfalls such as Spray Falls. Scenic drives like the M-28 route and the Black River National Scenic Byway allow travelers to stop for photo opportunities, embark on hikes, and enjoy picnics along the way. Brockway Mountain Drive, found near Copper Harbor, is a must for those seeking panoramic views of Lake Superior during their scenic drives.
Downtown Marquette is a vibrant destination for those interested in exploring local towns and scenic drives. The area is filled with shops, cafes, and hosts festivals throughout the year, making it an inviting place to unwind. After a day of scenic drives, visitors can enjoy local breweries and events, further enriching their experience of exploring local towns and scenic drives in the region.
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