Is it worth planning a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula?
Yes, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is definitely worth visiting. It offers beautiful natural scenery, including picturesque lakes and forests, as well as unique attractions like the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Mackinac Island.
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When to visit the Upper Peninsula
The busiest time of year for tourist in the Upper Peninsula is peak summer months, allowing for optimal swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. However, many choose to go in the spring to avoid the crowds and have comfortable hiking weather. Others prefer fall for a similar reasoning with the addition of beautiful fall foliage throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Average High/Low Temperatures by Month:
April: 48˚ F/ 25˚ F
May: 63˚ F / 37˚ F
June: 72˚ F / 45˚ F
July: 77˚ F / 50˚ F
August: 75˚ F / 49˚ F
September: 67˚ F / 43˚ F
How to get to the Upper Pensinsula
You can reach the Upper Peninsula by car, crossing the Mackinac Bridge from the Lower Peninsula. Alternatively, you can also fly into one of the small regional airports, such as the one in Marquette or Sault Ste. Marie.
Visitors to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore must have an entrance pass. Passes cost between $15-$25 (2024 pricing) and can be purchased on the nps.gov website ahead of your trip.
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Getting around the Upper Peninsula
The best way to get around the Upper Peninsula is by car, as public transportation options are limited. There are also opportunities for biking, hiking, and boating, depending on the area you are visiting.
Additionally, during the summer months, there are boat tours that provide a tours around Pictured Rocks and Marquette. For the adventurous, kayaking is another popular activity in the Upper Peninsula. It's important to note though, the area is large, so planning your visit and means of transportation ahead of time is highly recommended.
By Boat Tour:
We recommend booking a tour with Pictured Rocks Cruises. This cruise offers a unique opportunity to view the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife up close. For available times, please check their website.
By Kayak Tour:
We suggest booking a tour with Pictured Rocks Kayaking. You can check the exact departure times here. It's advisable to book your tickets online in advance, particularly during the peak season.
Another great place to rent kayaks is at Northwoods Canoe and Kayak Rentals on the AuTrain River. Kayaks starting at $25 for the full day! Enjoy a 3 hour kayak ride down the Au Train River, paddling 7.5 miles downstream through the Hiawatha National Forest from the Riverside Bridge to the Doucette Bridge.
How Long To Stay in the Upper Peninsula
A typical visit to the Upper Peninsula can range from a few days to a week, depending on what you want to see and do. For a more relaxed trip that covers several attractions, plan for at least a week.
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Where to stay in the Upper Peninsula
Accommodation options in the Upper Peninsula vary from rustic cabins and campgrounds to comfortable hotels and charming bed & breakfasts. Popular places to stay include Marquette, Munising, and St. Ignace, all of which provide convenient access to major attractions.
Explore all of your options below:
Camping in the Upper Peninsula
Some of the best campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula include Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground for its stunning waterfalls, Twelve Mile Beach Campground for its waterside campsites on Lake Superior, and Rippling River Resort in Marquette for its cabins, yurts, and rustic campsites.
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Upper Peninsula Camping Tips:
Read up on Bear Safety ahead of your trip - over 9,000 black bears live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although black bears are less of a threat than grizzly bears, bear spray is still a good precaution. This is an excellent video demonstrating how and when to use your bear spray.
Opposed to grizzly bears, if a black bear approaches you be sure to FIGHT BACK.
Before entering the park, buy bear mace from a store in Munising or Marquette - We used Frontiersmen and although we never needed to use it, felt it was a reliable choice.
Bring a separate set of clothes to only wear in the tent to avoid the scent of food that could be on your clothes throughout the day
Purchase unscented shampoo/soap/deodorant etc. and avoid any body sprays/perfumes/cologne when tent-camping
Download your hiking trails on AllTrails ahead of your trip because phone service is limited to none while hiking.
Bring waterproof jackets/pants
Top Things To Do in the Upper Peninsula
Top things to do in the Upper Peninsula include visiting the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, exploring Mackinac Island, visiting the largest freshwater spring in Michigan Kitch-iti-kipi, and seeing the stunning Tahquamenon Falls.
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FAQs About Visiting the Upper Peninsula
What is the best time of month to visit the upper peninsula of Michigan?
The best time of month to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is in late June through September. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions and the landscape is in full bloom.
What is the prettiest town in the upper peninsula Michigan?
Marquette is often considered the prettiest town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It offers a beautiful downtown area, historic architecture, and stunning views of Lake Superior.
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Is the upper peninsula expensive?
The cost of visiting the Upper Peninsula can vary greatly depending on the time of year, where you choose to stay, and the activities you plan on doing. However, compared to many tourist destinations, it is generally considered to be moderately priced.
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What is the most scenic drive in the upper peninsula michigan?
One of the most scenic drives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the drive along M-28 between Munising and Marqutte. This route winds along the coast of Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views of the lake, beaches, and quaint coastal towns.
What time of year can you see the. northern lights in the Upper Peninsula Michigan?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen in the Upper Peninsula from late fall to early spring, with the highest chances of viewing from December through March. However, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on solar activity and clear skies.
What do you fly into for the upper peninsula?
For the Upper Peninsula, the most common airports to fly into are the Sawyer International Airport in Marquette or the Chippewa County International Airport in Sault Ste. Marie. Both have regular flights from major cities.
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