Upper Michigan, also known as the UP, is a hidden gem. It boasts beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant towns. Whether you love nature or history, the UP has something for you. Here are the best places to visit in Upper Michigan.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a top destination in Michigan. The island is car-free, making it unique. You can explore the island by bike or horse-drawn carriage. The island is famous for its Victorian architecture. Don’t miss the Grand Hotel, a historic landmark. The island also offers beautiful views of Lake Huron.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks is a must-see in the UP. The park features colorful sandstone cliffs. You can see these cliffs from a boat tour. The park also has many hiking trails. These trails offer stunning views of the cliffs and Lake Superior. Don’t forget your camera!
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale is a remote island in Lake Superior. It is a great place for adventure. You can hike, camp, and kayak here. The island is also home to wolves and moose. This makes it a unique wildlife destination. The park is only open from April to October. Plan your trip accordingly.
Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula is rich in history. It was once a major copper mining area. Today, you can visit old mines and learn about the region’s history. The peninsula also offers beautiful views of Lake Superior. Don’t miss the Brockway Mountain Drive. It offers stunning views of the lake and forests.
Marquette
Marquette is the largest city in the UP. It has a vibrant downtown area. You can find many shops, restaurants, and museums here. The city is also home to Northern Michigan University. Marquette is a great base for exploring the UP. The city also offers many outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, and kayak here.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see in the UP. The park features two large waterfalls. The Upper Falls are 50 feet tall and 200 feet wide. The Lower Falls are smaller but still impressive. The park also offers many hiking trails. These trails take you through beautiful forests and along the river.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
The Porcupine Mountains are a great place for outdoor lovers. The park offers many hiking trails. These trails take you through old-growth forests and along rivers. The park also has many waterfalls. Lake of the Clouds is a popular spot. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Munising
Munising is a small town with a lot to offer. It is the gateway to Pictured Rocks. You can take boat tours from here to see the cliffs. The town also has many waterfalls. Don’t miss Munising Falls and Miners Falls. The town is also a great base for exploring the UP.
Houghton
Houghton is a charming town in the UP. It is home to Michigan Technological University. The town has a vibrant downtown area. You can find many shops, restaurants, and museums here. The town is also a great base for exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula. Don’t miss the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. It has a large collection of minerals from the region.
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Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie is a historic town in the UP. It is home to the Soo Locks. These locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron. You can take a boat tour to see the locks in action. The town also has many historic sites. Don’t miss the Tower of History. It offers stunning views of the town and the locks.
Manistique
Manistique is a small town with a lot to offer. It is home to the Manistique Boardwalk. This boardwalk offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The town is also a great base for exploring the UP. You can find many hiking trails and parks nearby.
Escanaba
Escanaba is a charming town in the UP. It has a vibrant downtown area. You can find many shops, restaurants, and museums here. The town is also a great base for exploring the UP. Don’t miss the Sand Point Lighthouse. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is a historic town in the UP. It was once a major mining town. Today, you can visit old mines and learn about the region’s history. The town also has many outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, and kayak here. Don’t miss the Millie Hill Bat Cave. It is home to thousands of bats.
St. Ignace
St. Ignace is a small town with a lot to offer. It is the gateway to Mackinac Island. You can take a ferry from here to the island. The town also has many historic sites. Don’t miss the Museum of Ojibwa Culture. It offers insights into the region’s history and culture.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Seney is a great place for bird watchers. The refuge is home to many species of birds. You can also see other wildlife here. The refuge offers many hiking trails. These trails take you through beautiful wetlands and forests.
Place | Key Attractions |
---|---|
Mackinac Island | Victorian architecture, Grand Hotel, Lake Huron views |
Pictured Rocks | Colorful cliffs, boat tours, hiking trails |
Isle Royale | Hiking, camping, wolves and moose |
Keweenaw Peninsula | Historic mines, Lake Superior views |
Marquette | Downtown area, Northern Michigan University |
Tahquamenon Falls | Upper Falls, Lower Falls, hiking trails |
Porcupine Mountains | Hiking trails, Lake of the Clouds |
Munising | Boat tours, waterfalls |
Houghton | Michigan Technological University, A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum |
Sault Ste. Marie | Soo Locks, Tower of History |
Manistique | Boardwalk, hiking trails |
Escanaba | Downtown area, Sand Point Lighthouse |
Iron Mountain | Old mines, outdoor activities |
St. Ignace | Museum of Ojibwa Culture, ferry to Mackinac Island |
Seney | Bird watching, hiking trails |
In conclusion, Upper Michigan is a great place to visit. It has something for everyone. Whether you love nature, history, or vibrant towns, you will find it here. Start planning your trip to the UP today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Top Attractions In Up Michigan?
The top attractions in UP Michigan include Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island, and Tahquamenon Falls.
Best Time To Visit Upper Peninsula Michigan?
The best time to visit the Upper Peninsula is summer and fall for pleasant weather and vibrant colors.
What Activities To Do In Upper Peninsula?
Popular activities include hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, and exploring historic sites like lighthouses and mines.