Best Things To Do In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a unique destination? Pack up the car and head to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There are Great Lakes shorelines, historic lighthouses, waterfalls, and state parks all waiting to be explored. Affectionately known as the U.P., this remote area of Michigan has many lovely gems to explore. Read on to find the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula!

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Best Things To Do In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Mackinac Bridge

People are often familiar with Michigan’s mitten-shaped lower peninsula. Travelers crossing the state will know they have officially arrived “Up North” when they encounter the Mackinac Bridge. It connects Mackinaw City in the lower peninsula to St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. Stretching over the Straits of Mackinac where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron, the five mile long Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Crossing the bridge offers amazing views of these two Great Lakes, historic Mackinac Island, and ferries and freighters plying the waters.

Notice the difference between Mackinac and Mackinaw? Both spellings are pronounced exactly the same way. When the French first came to this part of Michigan, they named it spelled Mackinac with a C. When the British arrived and heard the French pronunciation, they thought it was spelled ending in “AW.” The general idea is that the bridge and anything to the north of it are spelled Mackinac. Anything south of the bridge is spelled Mackinaw.

Stopping is not allowed on the bridge, so you will want to plan ahead for your photo opportunity. One of the best places for a close- up view of the bridge is Alexander Henry Park, located in Mackinaw City in the lower peninsula. It’s located right on the beach, and it’s possible to wade into the water if you like. You can get up close to the bridge, and get a better idea of just how massive this structure is.

Other attractions near the park include Fort Michilimackinac and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Access the park by taking exit 339 from I-75 North to North Nicolet Street in Mackinaw City. From there, continue on Nicolet Street for about a half a mile.

On the upper peninsula side, Bridge View Park is a hugely popular spot for snapping spectacular photos of the Mighty Mac. Coming from the south, cross the bridge and take highway exit 344B onto US 2 west. Continue about a mile to the park, which is maintained by the Mackinac Bridge Authority. There is an exhibit about building the bridge, as well as restrooms, grills and picnic tables, and plenty of parking spaces.

The Mighty Mac is about 200 feet above the water at its middle section. Like all suspension bridges, it is designed to sway with the wind. The bridge can move as much as 35 feet during high winds.

Driving across the bridge is a thrill for many and an absolute highlight of their UP trip, yet some folks are uncomfortable crossing the bridge in windy conditions. No worries. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has designed a Drivers Assistance Program to drive you and your vehicle across the bridge for an extra $10. When approaching the bridge from the south, call 906-643-7600 to arrange for a driver. If you are on the St. Ignace side crossing to the lower peninsula, you can tell a fare collector at the booth that you would like to utilize the Drivers Assistance Program. Go to the Mackinac Bridge Authority website for news and current conditions for the crossing the bridge.

If you are crossing the bridge on both legs of your trip, consider having one of your crossings take place after dark. The Mighty Mac is lit up with brightly colored lights at night, offering a unique perspective for a photo op.

There is a fare for crossing the bridge. Passenger vehicles cost $2 per axle or $4 per car. Larger vehicles, such as buses and motor homes cost $5 per axle.

Kitch-iti-kipi: The Big Spring

No matter where you’re heading in the U.P., make it a point not to miss the mystical, emerald green pond called Kitch-iti-kipi.

At 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. The water is crystal clear all of the way to the bottom, where swirling clouds of sand and bubbles indicate areas where spring water erupts through cracks in the underlying bedrock. Ten thousand gallons of water pour into the spring every minute, creating constant movement which keeps Kitch-iti-kipi from freezing even during the coldest winter. A maze of fallen tree trunks are scattered throughout the spring. Their ghostly shapes, encrusted with minerals, are well-preserved in the cold water, lending a mystical feel to the experience.

A self-propelled observation raft carries visitors over the water on cables. Hundreds of fish can be seen in the greenish depths: lake trout, brook trout, brown trout…. Trout thrive in clean , cold water, and the constant 45 degree temperature of Kitch-iti-kipi suits them perfectly.

Read the haunting legend of Kitch-it-kipi and learn more about our adventure there on our Kitch-iti-kipi blog post.

Kitch-iti-kipi is located in Palms Book State Park, twelve miles west of  Manistique. Palms Book State Park is run by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, and there is an entrance fee of $9.00 per vehicle unless you have already purchased an annual park pass.

Fishing and swimming in Kitch-iti-kipi are prohibited. (the 45 degree temperature definitely makes Kitch-iti-kipi unsuitable for swimming!) Amenities in the State Park include restrooms, swings, grills and picnic tables, and a gift shop. This is a day-use park, with camping available about seven miles down the road at Indian Lakes State Park. Find more camping information at the Indian Lakes State Parks website.

Most people arriving from the east or west travel along Highway 2, a lovely scenic drive that follows Lake Michigan’s northern shoreline. There are some spectacular photo ops along the way. At Thompson, head north for 12 miles on M-149 surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest.

Waterfalls In Munising

Munising is a must-do stop for anyone traveling across the UP, especially for those attracted to water. The city is located on Lake Superior, one of the deepest, coldest lakes in the United States. Superior contains more fresh water than Lakes Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie combined. In addition having access to the beautiful shoreline, Munising is the gateway to the spectacular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and home to numerous waterfalls, many that are easily accessible by car.

Stop by the Munising Visitor Center on M-28 on your way into town in order to pick up a Waterfall and Lighthouse map. The website describing the various waterfalls can be found by clicking here: Munising Falls.

Munising Falls

Munising Falls is located right within the city of Munising. This lovely waterfall is accessible via a paved, flat trail about a half a mile in length. The walkway follows Munising Creek through a pine and hemlock forest. The trail ends at the base of the falls, and there are two sets of stairs that lead to viewing platforms. These delicate falls are framed by gorgeous foliage as the misty water cascades down a striking sandstone cliff. The musical sound of the falls creates a mystical, tranquil setting.

Wagner Falls

Make sure you don’t miss Wagner Falls. A small parking lot for the fall is located just outside of the city limits. A gravel path a half mile long leads to a viewing platform. Although only 20 feet high, a large amount of water cascading over numerous rock ledges makes Wagner Falls a popular spot for photographers.

Alger Falls is just around the corner from Wagner Falls. It’s a smaller falls that can be easily missed because it’s slightly hidden among the trees. It can be viewed from the side of the road. Scott Falls just outside of Munising to the west is also a roadside stop.

Miners Falls

Miners Falls is another falls that should not be missed, and is a easy hike of just over a mile through a lovely, tranquil forest. There are two viewing platforms for photographing the falls, where the Miners River drips 50 feet into a sandstone canyon. 77 steps lead down to the lower platform.

Other falls that require a hike of medium difficulty include Memorial Falls, Tannery Falls, Laughing Whitefish Falls and Sable Falls near Grand Marais. Spray Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are best viewed from Lake Superior by boat or kayak.

Check out our blog post devoted entirely to the waterfalls for insider tips on Exploring Lovely Waterfalls In Munising.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly the Star Attraction of any Upper Peninsula tour. The unique landscape is a popular destination for travelers during all four seasons of the year. The first designated national lakeshore in the United States, Pictured Rocks boasts more than 100 miles of hiking trails through secluded forests. Hikers can embark on short walks, day trips. or overnight trips. Serious backpackers can hike 42 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail.  Camping, fishing, and boating are also popular recreational activities within the lakeshore.

Visitors from all over the world head to the Upper Peninsula to view the colorful sandstone cliffs that give Pictured Rocks its name. Stretching more than 15 miles along the shoreline, the cliffs have been carved by wind and erosion into caves, spires, arches and unique rock formations. Mineral-rich ground water leaches from the ground and seeps down the rock face. Different minerals stain the cliffs with yellow and orange, white and tan, blue and green, and brown and black.

While it’s possible to hike along the shoreline for some stunning vistas, the Pictured Rocks are best viewed by boat. Cruise boats offers scenic boat tours throughout the summer months. Tours are 2 to 3 hours in length and depart from the Munising City Dock several times a day, all summer long. Particularly popular are sunset cruises, which allow visitors  to enjoy the rays of the setting sun on the Pictured Rocks cliffs . Cruises often sell out, so be sure to make your reservations early at Pictured Rock Cruises.

Insider tip:  Plan on getting in line for your cruise about 45 minutes ahead of time in order to grab one of the prized seats on the open, upper deck of the Catamaran. It can get quite breezy and cool on the upper deck, so dress accordingly. Learn everything you need to know in order to plan your adventure at The National Park Service’s Pictured Rocks Website.

Muldoon’s Pasties And Gifts

If you have made the commitment to drive across Michigan’s U.P., you pretty much owe it to yourself to indulge in the local signature dish: the pasty.

Basically, a pasty is a hand-held pie, filled with meat and vegetables, and wrapped up in a flaky, lard-based crust. Traditional pasties contain rutabaga or parsnips, along with diced beef or chicken, potatoes, onions, peas and carrots.

It is thought that pasties originated in the mining communities around Cornwall, England. For thousands of years, miners there were sent underground to toil in tin mines, carrying a pasty to serve as their meal for the day. Some of these hearty souls found their way to northern Michigan in order to work in copper mines, and they brought their pasties with them. You’ll find specialty pasty shops in towns all across the U.P.. Some of the best pasties in the land can be found at Muldoon’s Pasties and Gifts right in Munising. Look for the yellow house located at 1246 M-28 West. (You’ll be passing right by on your way to Scott Falls)

Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Michigan is famous for its historic lighthouses. The Lake Superior shoreline alone stretches more than 2,000 miles, about the same distance from New York to England! There are numerous lighthouses dotted around the Upper Peninsula’s coasts, most built in the 1800’s. If lighthouses are your passion, why not spend the night in one? Big Bay Point Lighthouse, located about 45 minutes northwest of Marquette, has been restored into a lovely B&B with seven spacious guest rooms.

This red-brick lighthouse, built in 1896, sits on a high bluff overlooking Lake Superior’s Big Bay. For more than 100 years, mariners have relied on its revolving beacon to guide them safely around treacherous Big Bay Point. The light still shines for today’s sailors navigating their way through the largest of the Great Lakes.

Each of the charming guest rooms are named after a former lighthouse keeper and are exquisitely decorated with historic furniture, artifacts, and paintings. They all are equipped with a private bathroom. While the guest rooms do not have TVs or telephones, there is high-speed wireless Internet access so that you can use your devices.

Of course, breakfast is included and is cooked up by Nick Korstad, who assumed ownership of the lighthouse in 2018. We were treated to a lovely breakfast of vegetable quiche, sausage, fried potatoes, mixed fruit and piping hot cranberry muffins. Nick entertained us all with tales of serving as a lighthouse keeper and stories of the ghosts that are rumored to haunt Big Bay Point. Nick is also a wealth of information regarding lighthouses and their history, and how he maintains the lighthouse’s specialized equipment.

The atmosphere at the B&B is friendly and casual. Lovely Tiffany lamps and chiming clocks fill the living room, creating an inviting area to relax in front of the fireplace.

You can take a leisurely stroll around the well-kept grounds or access miles of hiking trails through the surrounding hardwood forest. You can also climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse tower for a sweeping view of Lake Superior. You can relax in chairs near the cliff’s edge at sunset, watching as the huge, revolving light comes one and blinking lights appear far out on the Keweenaw peninsula.

Plan your arrival carefully, as check-in is only from 4:00 -6:00 pm. Insider tip: plan to arrive as close to 4:00 as you can, ahead of some of the other overnight guests. The doors to all of the guests room will be open until the visitors arrive. Each suite has unique decorative touches, and we enjoyed peeking in to admire the detailed décor in the various rooms.

Guestroom prices range from $189 to $299 per night. Make your reservations at Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast.

Think ahead about making your dinner plans. You can get a great pizza at the nearby Lumberjack Tavern, the site of a murder in 1952 that inspired the best-selling book, Anatomy of a Murder. Jimmy Stewart starred in the movie of the same name, which was filmed just a block down the street at the Thunder Bay Inn. Built in 1911, The Thunder Bay Inn was purchased and renovated by Henry Ford in the 1940’s. Today, the Inn is open for dinner Wednesday -Sunday and features nightly specials such as broiled whitefish and prime rib.

Tahquamenon Falls

No tour of the U.P. can be complete without making a stop at Tahquamenon Falls, the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. (Niagara Falls has the number one spot) Tahquamenon Falls State Park is made up of 50,000 acres of wilderness, including over 40 miles of hiking trails, 24 miles of river, and 13 lakes. Information about recreational activities within the park can be found at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park website.

Upper Tahquamenon Falls

The Tahquamenon River was the inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “The Song of Hiawatha.” The river actually tumbles over two different sets of falls. The Upper Falls is larger and more impressive. At 200 feet across and a 50 foot drop, 50,000 gallons of water plunge over the cliff-like top of the Upper Falls every second. The churning water has a distinctive root-beer color, due to tannic acids that originate in nearby cedar swamps.

The paved path to the Upper Falls is just about a quarter mile long, with great viewing platforms along the way. Visitors wanting a close-up view of the falls can descend 94 steps to the Brink View platform where you can actually feel the mist from the falls. Those who don’t mind stairs can head downstream to the Gorge View platform, where 116 steps end in a spectacular, panoramic view.

Lower Tahquamenon Falls

Located 4 miles downstream, the Lower Falls are quite different. They are actually made up of a series of five smaller falls that create cascades and rapids. They are easily accessed by a short paved walkway that winds through pines and hemlocks. Again, viewing platforms make it easy to take great photographs. You can rent a rowboat from a park concession and row out to the islands in the middle of the river. Find out more about the falls at the Attractions at Tahquamenon Falls website.

There is an entrance fee, as Tahquamenon Falls is in the Michigan State park system. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, unless you have already purchased an annual park pass. Visitors can get a great meal and a microbrew at the Tahquamenon Brewery & Pub. There is also a store, restrooms, a wildlife exhibit, and plenty of picnic tables scattered around.

Whitefish Point

It’s only 22 miles from Tahquamenon to Whitefish Point. You’ll drive through a quaint little town called Paradise on the way. Here’s a fun fact for those new to Michigan: in addition to a place named Paradise in the Upper Peninsula, the Lower Peninsula has a town named Hell. Located near the city of Ann Arbor, there are conflicting stories about how this rather average town got it’s not-so-average name. But it seems only fitting that if you’ve been to Hell, Michigan, you may as well make a stop in Paradise.

History buffs will definitely want to head to Whitefish Point. There are a variety of historic buildings on the site. The two main attractions are the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and The Whitefish Point Light Station.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

This stretch of Lake Superior is known as “The Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” as as close to 200 shipwrecks have occurred in these waters. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum tells the haunting stories of the sailors and ships who encountered Superior’s raging storms. You’ll find shipwreck artifacts, models, and films of shipwreck discoveries.

The most famous shipwreck in the area is the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. In November of 1975, The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald sank just 15 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. All 29 crewmembers aboard were lost, inspiring the popular song performed by Gordon Lightfoot. Be sure not to miss the museum’s prized artifact: the salvaged 200 pound ship’s bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Be prepared to drop a few dollars in the Museum store. Check out the museum’s operating hours at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum’s website.

The Whitefish Point Light Station

You’ll also want to tour the Whitefish Point Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Super. First built in 1849, the Light Station was reconstructed in 1861, while Abraham Lincoln was President. The Light Station is located at a critical turning point for all ships entering and leaving Lake Superior.

The 80 foot light tower stands over a cluster of red and white rescue station buildings. It is possible to tour the lookout tower, the fog signal building, the keeper’s quarters and the surfboat house. The crew’s quarters have been converted into a small hotel, although it’s closed for 2021 due to COVID restrictions.

The Mystery Spot

Still up for one more adventure? Check out the World Famous Mystery Spot, located just 5 miles west of St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge. While it doesn’t actually count as a scenic stop on your trip, it’s definitely an unusual attraction that draws Fudgies like crazy. (Yoopers, or residents of the Upper Peninsula, refer to tourists as “Fudgies”, visitors who flock to the U.P. in order to buy some of the delicious fudge that the region is known for)

According to the Mystery Spot’s website, their location is in a gravity-defying area where balls roll uphill and people can lean over much farther than is normal. It’s advertised as a great place to entertain kids. There’s a guided tour, a maze, zip-lines and putt-putt golf. And what are the  phenomenal “happenings” really like? The Mystery Spot was closed due to COVID when we dropped in, so for us, it’s still a mystery!

Tips For Traveling Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

If you head to the U.P., remember you will be traveling through some remote areas. There will be spots where there is limited cell service. Make sure you’ve checked out your itinerary prior to your trip, and consider downloading offline Google Maps. Have a plan for meeting up with family member if you get separated while hiking.

Biting insects can be a problem on hot summer days, so be sure to carry bug spray with you. REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is DEET-Free and it actually works!

Another great option is mosquito repellent sticker patches. You can just stick the patches to your clothing, hat or bag. The stickers provide protection for up to 24 hours without having to coat yourself with spray.

You’ll also want a pair of good walking sandals. These Megnya sandals are great both for long-distance walking and stylish enough to wear to a restaurant in the evening. There are 25 different colors of Megnya Sandals to choose from. They are the perfect casual sandals no matter whether you are going on vacation or hanging out at home!

That wraps up our list fo the best things to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Intrigued? Go for it! You’ll find it’s definitely a trip worth taking.

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