Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Top 10 Things to Do - A Local's Tested Guide
- Lindsay & Justin
- Mar 19, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Planning a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula can be overwhelming with its vast wilderness and countless attractions. As Michigan locals who have spent countless weekends exploring every corner of the UP over the past decade, we've eliminated the guesswork for you. We've personally tested each destination through multiple seasons, figured out the best times to visit, and crafted this comprehensive guide to save you hours of research. In this article, you'll discover the top things to do in Michigan's UP, insider tips, and practical advice for an unforgettable UP adventure from true Michigan locals who’ve explored lots of hidden gems in the region.
Table of Contents: Top Things To Do in Michigan's UP
1. Marvel at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning 15-mile stretch along Lake Superior featuring dramatic multicolored cliffs and rock formations. The sunset cruise from Munising Harbor offers the most spectacular views, especially of iconic landmarks like Chapel Rock and Miners Castle. The evening light creates a magical display on the mineral-stained cliffs.
For hikers, the Chapel Basin Trail (10 miles) is a must-do, offering the area's best hiking experience with diverse landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints. If you're planning to camp, Twelve Mile Beach provides excellent opportunities, but be sure to book your spot as early as January.
👉 Pro tip: Book your cruise at least a week in advance during peak season (June-September) and arrive 45 minutes early for parking.
2. Experience the Magic of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island feels like stepping into a historic small town, with no cars allowed - just horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down the streets and bikes everywhere you look. The Grand Hotel is gorgeous and the fudge shops are a must-try, but our favorite discovery was the Arch Rock trail with its stunning views.
While we didn't stay overnight, we recommend camping at Wilderness State Park as a budget-friendly alternative to the island's pricey hotels. Make sure to rent a bike and take the scenic path around the island's perimeter - it's the best way to experience the coastline! We visited in July, which was quite busy; consider visiting in shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and better rates.
3. Chase Waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls
We couldn't believe our eyes when we first saw Tahquamenon Falls - it's seriously one of the most impressive waterfalls we've seen east of the Mississippi! The Upper Falls are massive, dropping about 50 feet and stretching 200 feet across. We learned the hard way that showing up mid-day means fighting crowds for photos, so trust us - get there early!
The Lower Falls turned out to be way cooler than we expected. You can rent a rowboat for $15 to check out the island, which was totally worth it. Although we’ve only visited in summer, it’s on our list to come back and visit during fall when the colors are popping and the photography opportunities are spectacular.
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4. Hit the Trails
If you're into hiking like we are, you'll be in heaven up here. We spent days exploring the trails in the Porcupine Mountains, and each one surprised us with something different. The Lake of the Clouds overlook was stunning (and pretty easy to get to), but the Summit Peak trail really got our hearts pumping! As for a longer trek, consider the Escarpment trail for lesser known views of Lake of the Clouds and a more peaceful experience.
We learned to always pack extra water and bug spray - those UP mosquitoes mean business in summer! Our phones would have been useless if we didn't download Google Maps ahead of time and trails on AllTrails. Service is spotty to none, but that's what makes for a great adventure!
5. Beach Hop Along Lake Superior
Don't let anyone tell you Michigan doesn't have beautiful beaches! Sure, Lake Superior is freezing (we lasted about 30 seconds in the water), but these beaches rival any we've seen. Wetmore Beach near Marquette became our go-to spot - the water is this incredible Caribbean blue, and the sand is super soft.
We spent hours hunting for agates, a type of semiprecious stone, at Grand Marais's Agate Beach and found a few! Pro tip: even if it's 80 degrees inland, bring a jacket. We've gotten caught in surprise cold fronts more times than we'd like to admit - Lake Superior makes its own rules when it comes to weather!
6. Winter Sports Paradise
You won't believe how amazing the UP is in winter! The whole place transforms into a magical snowy playground. Head to Mount Bohemia if you're an experienced skier looking for thrilling black diamond runs. For a more family-friendly experience, we recommend Marquette Mountain, where you'll find excellent slopes for all skill levels and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
Want a unique winter adventure? Try ice climbing at Grand Island! Even if you're a complete beginner, the professional guides will ensure you have a safe and exciting experience. For an unforgettable way to explore the region, rent a snowmobile and discover the extensive trail system connecting charming small towns throughout the UP. Just remember to pack plenty of warm layers - that Lake Superior wind can be intense!
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7. Lighthouse Tours
We're total lighthouse nerds now after seeing some of the UP's 40+ lighthouses! The Whitefish Point Light Station was our favorite - we spent hours in their shipwreck museum learning about the Edmund Fitzgerald. The stories gave us chills. If you want to pair your lighthouse exploration with a foliage road trip, October is the perfect timing. The waves will be massive, and you’ll probably have most places to yourselves. Just bring warm layers because that wind coming off the lake means business. The perfect opportunity for some incredible moody photos though!
8. Camping Under the Stars
If you really want to experience the UP's wilderness, you've got to go camping. We scored an amazing lakeside site at Little Beaver Lake Campground in Pictured Rocks - falling asleep to the sound of the lake was incredible. Presque Isle Campground gave us the best sunset views of our entire trip - we sat there for hours just watching the sky change colors. But our absolute favorite spot? The rustic sites along the Tahquamenon River at Rivermouth Campground. No electricity, no running water, just us, and the wilderness. We saw more stars than we'd ever seen in our lives!
Quick heads up though - don't wait until the last minute to book. We learned that lesson the hard way when logging on to midnrreservations.com mid spring to book our summer camping trip. You’ll want to set calendar reminders to book as soon as the campsites become available for your dates (6 months in advance). Trust us on this one!
🛌 If you like nature without the camping, we’ve also had a fantastic experience at Rippling River Resort in Marquette!
9. Discover Local Flavors & Hidden Gems
We couldn't get enough of the UP's incredible food scene - it's this perfect mix of cozy comfort food and super fresh local ingredients. We had our very first pasty at Muldoons in Munising. For those who don’t know, pasties are a flaky pastry stuffed with meat and veggies that miners used to take down into the copper mines. Opinions on pasties are quite divided; they are either adored or disliked. Us personally? We didn’t hate it, but it also wasn’t our favorite thing we’ve ever tried. It’s just one of those things you have to try for yourself! And when you do, let us know what you think.
The perfect way to spend the evening is at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette, sipping their 51K IPA while watching the sunset over Lake Superior. And don't even get us started on the whitefish - we had it every way possible, but the smoked version at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and the fish & chips at Brown Fisheries Fish House in Paradise were our favorites. For a quick treat, try the homemade chocolate at Donckers or muffins at Babycakes.
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10. Visit Kitch-iti-kipi
Michigan's largest freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-kipi (also known as "The Big Spring"), is a mesmerizing natural wonder in Palms Book State Park. You can ride the self-operated observation raft across the 40-foot deep crystal-clear spring, where you'll see ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches, and schools of trout swimming through the emerald waters. The spring maintains a constant 45°F temperature year-round and pumps out over 10,000 gallons of water per minute!
The viewing raft features a glass-bottom center that allows you to peer deep into the spring, watching the sand bubbling up from the bottom through the limestone fissures. Don't forget your camera - the photos through the crystal-clear water are incredible, especially in winter when steam rises from the spring. The site is wheelchair accessible, and the raft is easy to operate, making this a perfect stop for families and visitors of all abilities.
Tips for a Successful UP Trip
Pack layers regardless of season - weather can change quickly
Download offline maps - cell service can be spotty
Make reservations well in advance, especially for summer visits
Carry cash - some remote areas have limited card acceptance
Bring good hiking shoes and rain gear
Remember to respect the wilderness, follow Leave No Trace principles, and always check local conditions before heading out on any adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to visit the UP?
A: Honestly, it depends on what you're after! Peak season runs June through October, and September was our sweet spot - perfect temps and way fewer tourists than summer. Fall is spectacular with vibrant autumn colors painting the landscape. Winter (December through March) transforms the UP into a winter sports paradise, offering excellent opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing. Be prepared for cold temperatures, but the winter activities are well worth braving the chill.
Note: Avoid July and August if possible, as stable flies (biting flies) are particularly active during these months.
Q: How many days do I need?
A: We tried doing it in 4 days our first time and that was way too rushed. You'll want at least 5 days to hit the highlights without feeling like you're running a marathon. Our best trip was 8 days - gave us time to really explore each spot and even revisit some favorites. Plus, we weren't exhausted when we got home!
Q: Where should I base myself?
A: After trying different spots, we found Marquette to be perfect as a home base - great restaurants, cool breweries, and central to pretty much everything. When we focused on Pictured Rocks, we stayed in Munising and loved it. The locals were super friendly and gave us some amazing tips for hidden spots. If you're doing both areas, split your time between the two like we did.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: 100% yes! This is not a destination where you can rely on tours and shuttles. You'll want your own wheels to explore all the hidden gems we found. If you're visiting in winter, consider bringing a car with 4WD and backup chains - needing a tow on vacation is never fun!
Ready to Start Your UP Adventure?
The Upper Peninsula offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and natural beauty. For more detailed travel guides and planning resources, check out our comprehensive travel resources section. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views for daily inspiration and real-time updates from our travels.
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Any questions on planning your trip to Michigan? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one 👇
Taking a trip to the UP has been on our list for awhile. Thanks for providing all of this helpful information!