Looking for the finest issues to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? We’ve road-tripped the UP a number of occasions and might let you know this: it’s one among America’s final nice wild frontiers. This rugged, distant area, dwelling to a few of the finest locations to go to in Michigan, is full of towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, pristine climbing trails, and scenic shorelines alongside three Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, and Huron.
Whether you’re kayaking the turquoise waters of Pictured Rocks, taking a heart-pounding leap from the cliffs in Marquette, or feeling the rumble of large freighters at the Soo Locks, the UP delivers pure journey. This information breaks down the 17 must-see locations and experiences that make Michigan’s Upper Peninsula unforgettable. Let’s hit the highway.
Editor’s Note for 2025: This information to the Upper Peninsula was initially contributed by Veggies Abroad. We have since utterly revamped and up to date it with our personal private tales, images, and insider ideas from our many highway journeys by means of the UP to guarantee it’s the most complete and correct useful resource in your travels.*
Quick Hits: The Very Best of the UP
Pressed for time? Here are the prime issues to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that you just completely can not miss:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Kayak or cruise beneath the iconic, mineral-stained cliffs.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Witness the energy of the huge, amber-colored Upper Falls.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Hike to the breathtaking Lake of the Clouds Overlook.
Presque Isle Park: Cliff soar from the well-known Black Rocks into Lake Superior.
Kitch-iti-kipi: Glide throughout Michigan’s largest and most beautiful pure spring.
Mackinac Island: Step again in time on a car-free island identified for bikes and fudge.
Keweenaw Peninsula: Drive to the northernmost level for epic stargazing and solitude.
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Why Visit: Home to one among the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls is an absolute powerhouse. The tannin-rich waters of the Tahquamenon River give the falls a definite amber shade, incomes it the nickname “Root Beer Falls.” We visited in October as golden leaves drifted downstream by means of the mist, and it felt like strolling right into a fairytale. The sheer power of the Upper Falls, particularly throughout the spring soften, is one thing you will have to really feel to consider.
Things to Do:
Walk the accessible half-mile paved path to the predominant Upper Falls overlook.
Hike the four-mile path connecting the Upper and Lower Falls.
Rent a rowboat at the Lower Falls to paddle out to the island for a singular perspective.
Insider Tip: While the Upper Falls will get all the glory, don’t skip the Lower Falls. It’s a collection of smaller, cascading falls which might be simply as lovely and way more interactive.
How to Get There: Located off M-123 close to the city of Paradise.
Where to Stay or Eat: Camp in the park or keep at close by lodges in Paradise.
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Why Visit: This is the crown jewel of the Upper Peninsula. A shocking 42-mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline that includes mineral-stained sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and dramatic arches. These rock partitions aren’t simply lovely—they’re historical canvases brushed by time and water. Kayaking previous Chapel Rock and thru Lovers Leap Arch felt like paddling by means of a cathedral carved by the earth itself.
Things to Do:
Take a guided kayak tour to see the cliffs up shut (the finest method to expertise it).
Hike the 10-mile Chapel Loop Trail for unbelievable clifftop views.
Visit Miners Castle overlook and stroll the brief path to Miners Falls.
Relax on the seaside at Sand Point.
Insider Tip: Book your Pictured Rocks boat or kayak tour months in advance, particularly for summer time. They promote out quick. If you’re kayaking, go along with a information. Lake Superior’s climate is notoriously unpredictable.
Where to Stay: Munising is the predominant hub for excursions and lodging.
3. Presque Isle Park
Why Visit: Just minutes from downtown Marquette, this forested peninsula is a neighborhood favourite and an adventurer’s playground. The predominant draw? The “Black Rocks,” a formation of historical volcanic rock excellent for cliff leaping. We took the leap into the shockingly chilly, emerald water of Lake Superior below a blazing summer time solar. The adrenaline rush adopted by a warm-up on the sun-baked rocks is a core UP reminiscence.
Things to Do:
Cliff soar from the Black Rocks (at your personal danger!).
Bike or drive the scenic Peter White Drive loop round the peninsula.
Watch the sundown over Lake Superior—it’s one among the finest spots in the UP.
Insider Tip: The car parking zone at the northern tip fills up quick on sizzling days. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to keep away from the greatest crowds.
Where to Stay or Eat: Stay in Marquette for its eating places and lakeside motels.
4. Marquette
Why Visit: Marquette is the largest metropolis in the UP and the excellent dwelling base for journey. It effortlessly blends rugged outside entry with small-city tradition, nice breweries, and incredible eating places. We beloved having the ability to hike a mountain in the morning, seize an unbelievable meal in the night, and finish the night time with a craft beer. It’s the excellent combine of untamed and civilized.
Things to Do:
Hike to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (extra on that beneath).
Visit the iconic crimson Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.
Explore the downtown retailers and seize a espresso at a lakeside cafe.
Dine at native favorites like The Vierling, The Bodega, or Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery.
Insider Tip: Use Marquette as your hub for exploring Presque Isle, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Dead River Falls.
5. Sugarloaf Mountain
Why Visit: This brief hike delivers one among the greatest rewards in the whole Upper Peninsula. The climb isn’t lengthy, however the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit is breathtaking. From the viewing platforms, we may see for miles—the dense forests, the rugged shoreline, the iconic ore dock, and the infinite expanse of Lake Superior. It’s a dawn spot we’ll always remember.
Things to Do:
Hike the half-mile path to the summit viewing platforms.
Photograph the views of Lake Superior, Little Presque Isle, and Hogsback Mountain.
A must-do for dawn or to seize peak fall foliage.
Insider Tip: There are two routes up: “easy” and “difficult.” The “easy” path is much less steep and has stairs, making it faster for most individuals.
6. Kayaking Lake Superior
Why Visit: Paddling on the “Big Lake” is an unforgettable method to expertise the uncooked scale and great thing about the UP’s shoreline. Lake Superior calls for respect, and it’s a core a part of the epic Lake Superior Circle Tour, however when she’s calm, paddling on her waters is pure magic. Gliding beneath 200-foot cliffs in turquoise water with eagles hovering overhead is a humbling expertise. Lake Superior calls for respect, however when she’s calm, paddling on her waters is pure magic.
Things to Do:
Join a guided kayak tour at Pictured Rocks (the hottest choice).
Explore the quieter sea caves and coves round Munising Bay and Grand Island.
Launch from the seashores in Marquette for a paddle round Presque Isle.
Insider Tip: Lake Superior’s circumstances can change in minutes. Always verify small craft advisories, inform somebody your plan, and for those who’re not an skilled paddler, persist with a guided tour.
7. Whitefish Point & The Shipwreck Museum
Why Visit: This windswept level on Lake Superior is gorgeous, moody, and steeped in maritime lore. Known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” the treacherous waters off this level have claimed a whole bunch of ships. It’s a spot that feels sacred. We walked the seaside at nightfall, and watching the sky fade over the huge, silent lake was a robust second.
Things to Do:
Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, dwelling of the bell from the legendary S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. In 2025, the museum is open day by day 9?am–5?pm from May?1 by means of October?31. Admission contains entry to the shipwreck reveals, keeper’s quarters, and lookout tower.
Climb the tower at Whitefish Point Light Station, the oldest working lighthouse on Lake Superior.
Walk the desolate, lovely seaside and search for agate rocks.
Insider Tip: Whitefish Point is in an official Dark Sky Park. On a transparent night time, the stargazing is phenomenal, with an actual probability of seeing the Northern Lights.
How to Get There: Located 11 miles north of Paradise on Whitefish Point Road.
8. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Why Visit: Affectionately often known as “the Porkies,” that is one among the final nice wilderness areas in the Midwest. It’s uncooked, distant, and large. Hiking to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook was like strolling right into a portray. We stood on the escarpment, soaking in the silence, the vibrant fall colours, and the sense of one thing historical and untouched.
Things to Do:
Drive to the simply accessible Lake of the Clouds Overlook for the iconic view.
Hike a piece of the Escarpment Trail for extra beautiful vistas.
Chase waterfalls at Bond Falls and Agate Falls.
Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday to keep away from the crowds that flock to the predominant overlook on weekends, particularly throughout fall shade season.
How to Get There: West of Ontonagon close to the Wisconsin border.
Where to Stay or Eat: Cabins and backcountry websites can be found in the park.
9. Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring)
Why Visit: Prepare to be mesmerized. Located in Palms Book State Park, Kitch-iti-kipi, or “The Big Spring,” is a shocking emerald pool so clear you may see straight to the backside 40 ft beneath. You pull your self throughout the spring on a self-powered commentary raft, watching historical, mineral-encrusted bushes and swirling sands beneath. The water is an otherworldly shade of blue-green—it nearly doesn’t really feel actual.
Things to Do:
Ride the commentary raft throughout the crystal-clear spring.
Look for the huge trout that decision the spring dwelling.
Insider Tip: This is one among the UP’s hottest stops. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to keep away from lengthy traces for the raft, particularly in summer time.
How to Get There: Located 12 miles west of Manistique off M-149.
10. Mackinac Island
Why Visit: An enthralling, car-free island suspended in time between Michigan’s two peninsulas. The second you step off the ferry, the rhythm modifications. The roar of engines is changed by the clip-clop of horses and the ringing of bicycle bells. Fudge is principally a meals group right here. We rented bikes and rode the 8.2-mile loop round the island’s shoreline, grinning the complete method.
Things to Do:
Bike the 8.2-mile M-185 loop round the island.
Tour the historic Fort Mackinac.
Sample world-famous fudge from one among the many downtown retailers.
Hike to the iconic Arch Rock.
Insider Tip: Book your ferry tickets on-line in advance. While not technically in the UP, it’s a necessary cease, and ferries depart from St. Ignace on the UP facet.
If you’re spending time on the south facet of the bridge, there are lots of enjoyable issues to do in Northern Michigan, from exploring the distinctive Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix to having fun with what seems like Caribbean water adventures on Torch Lake.”
How to Get There: Take a ferry from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.
11. Keweenaw Peninsula
Why Visit: This is the distant, northernmost tip of the UP, a spot for true solitude, darkish skies, and interesting copper mining historical past. This is the place we noticed the Northern Lights for the first time, a faint inexperienced glow dancing over the silent expanse of Lake Superior. Add in wild seashores, ghost cities, and a critical lack of crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for magic.
Things to Do:
Take the breathtaking Brockway Mountain Drive for panoramic views.
Explore the charming harbor city of Copper Harbor.
Hike amongst old-growth bushes at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.
Hunt for the aurora borealis from a distant Lake Superior seaside.
Insider Tip: Cell service is spotty to non-existent in a lot of the Keweenaw. Download offline maps earlier than you go and pack additional water and snacks.
How to Get There: Highway 41 leads to the tip of the peninsula from Houghton.
12. Sault Ste. Marie & Soo Locks
Why Visit: It’s one factor to see an enormous 1,000-foot freighter on the lake; it’s one other to watch it get lifted 21 ft between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Soo Locks are an engineering marvel and the lifeblood of Great Lakes transport. Watching these giants squeeze by means of the locks is surprisingly charming. Plus, the city of Sault Ste. Marie itself is Michigan’s oldest metropolis and is filled with pleasant locals.
Things to Do:
Watch the huge freighters from the viewing platform.
Take a ship tour that goes proper by means of the locks alongside the freighters.
Visit the Tower of History for a panoramic view of the space.
Insider Tip: Time your go to! Check the freighter schedule on-line (MarineTraffic or related apps) or at the customer heart to make sure you’ll see a ship move by means of. For the finest expertise, ebook a tour with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours or Original Soo Locks Boat Tours.
How to Get There: Accessible by way of I-75 at the jap tip of the UP.
13. Isle Royale National Park
Why Visit: This is for the critical adventurer. Accessible solely by ferry or seaplane, Isle Royale is a distant, rugged island in the center of Lake Superior, famend for its moose and wolf populations. Reaching it seems like getting into one other world. We spent days climbing right here with out seeing one other soul. It’s the final off-grid expertise—no roads, no cell service, simply you and the wild.
Things to Do:
Take the ferry to both Windigo or Rock Harbor.
Hike a portion of the well-known Greenstone Ridge Trail.
Go backpacking and camp beside pristine inland lakes.
Insider Tip: The park is closed from November 1 to April 15. Ferry schedules are restricted and should be booked far in advance. There is not any cell service. You should be totally self-sufficient.
How to Get There: Seasonal ferry or seaplane entry from Houghton or Copper Harbor.
14. Cut River Bridge
Why Visit: Located on US-2 alongside the Lake Michigan shoreline, this isn’t only a bridge—it’s a scenic cease with a hidden community of trails. We parked and took the stairs down into the river valley, discovering a quiet, lovely spot the place the Cut River meets Lake Michigan. It’s the excellent place to stretch your legs on the drive throughout the UP.
Things to Do:
Walk throughout the bridge’s pedestrian path for a view from 147 ft up.
Take the stairs down to the trails beneath.
Walk the path to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Insider Tip: This cease is very beautiful in the fall when the valley is ablaze with shade.
15. Manistique & Fayette Historic State Park
Why Visit: A two-for-one cease on the southern coast of the UP. Manistique affords a beautiful lakeside boardwalk, whereas a brief drive away lies Fayette, a superbly preserved Nineteenth-century iron-smelting ghost city. Walking by means of the empty lodge and firm retailer at Fayette seems like stepping onto a film set.
Things to Do:
Stroll the Manistique Boardwalk and go to the lighthouse.
Explore the ghost city at Fayette Historic State Park.
Insider Tip: Fayette has a gorgeous harbor on Snail Shell Harbor, an awesome spot for a picnic after exploring the historic townsite.
16. The Drive on US-2
Why Visit: Sometimes the journey is the vacation spot. The stretch of US-2 freeway that hugs the northern shore of Lake Michigan is one among the most scenic drives in the Midwest. With infinite seashores, charming small cities, and basic roadside pasty retailers, it’s a quintessential a part of the UP highway journey expertise.
We have been fortunate sufficient to motorbike round the whole Lake Superior Circle Route by means of Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario. It was one among the finest highway journeys we’ve ever taken!
Things to Do:
Pull over at the quite a few roadside parks and seashores.
Stop for a standard Cornish pasty (a UP staple!).
Enjoy the laid-back, scenic drive.
Insider Tip: Give your self extra time than you assume you want for this drive. You’ll need to cease regularly.
17. Grand Island Ice Caves (Winter)
Why Visit: A magical winter wonderland fashioned by frozen waterfalls alongside sandstone cliffs. We snowshoed throughout frozen Lake Superior right into a frozen dreamscape of blue ice and crystal arches. It’s chilly, wild, and price each chilly step.
Things to Do:
Snowshoe or ski throughout the ice to the caves
Photograph large icicles and blue chambers
Explore with a guided tour for security
Insider Tip: Always verify native ice circumstances earlier than crossing. Bring poles and spikes. Or higher but, rent a information to be protected.
How to Get There: Access from Sand Point Road close to Munising.
Your Adventure Awaits in the UP
From the thundering energy of Tahquamenon Falls to the silent, starry nights over Lake Superior in the Keweenaw, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is greater than only a vacation spot—it’s an expertise that stays with you. We’ve shared our checklist of the most unforgettable issues to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan, however in reality, it solely scratches the floor of this wild and delightful frontier.
The actual magic is discovered in the unplanned detours, the quiet overlooks you uncover by probability, and the conversations you will have with pleasant locals over a roadside pasty. Whether you begin your journey after exploring the finest issues to do in Detroit or drive straight north, that is one among America’s final nice highway journeys, a spot that rewards the curious and the adventurous. So seize your map, pack your climbing boots, and prepare to discover your personal slice of the wild north. The Upper Peninsula is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
When is the finest time to go to the Upper Peninsula? Late spring by means of early fall (June to October) affords the finest climate for climbing, kayaking, and tenting. Fall colours, usually peaking in late September or early October, are spectacular. Winter is unbelievable for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and seeing ice caves, however be ready for excessive chilly and highway closures.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the UP? Yes! The Upper Peninsula has a few of the darkest skies in the nation. Your finest probability is on the Keweenaw Peninsula or alongside the shore of Lake Superior away from metropolis lights. A transparent, darkish night time in the fall or spring provides you the highest likelihood.
Is Mackinac Island a part of the UP? Technically, Mackinac Island is positioned in the Straits of Mackinac between the two peninsulas. However, it’s mostly accessed from and included in UP journey itineraries, with ferries departing from St. Ignace in the UP.
Is the Upper Peninsula good for highway journeys? Absolutely. The UP is one among the premier highway journey locations in the United States. Distances between main sights might be lengthy, so plan your route accordingly. Be ready for restricted cell service in distant areas—downloading offline maps is crucial.
What is a Pasty and the place can I get one? A pasty (pass-tee) is a baked pastry crammed with meat and greens, introduced to the UP by Cornish miners in the 1800s. It’s the unofficial meals of the UP, and also you’ll discover pasty retailers throughout. Trying one is a required a part of the expertise!
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