upper peninsula tours

THE 10 BEST Upper Peninsula Tours & Excursions

Upper peninsula tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Mackinaw City Sunset Cruise

2. White-water Rafting Adventure on the Menominee River

3. Mackinac Bridge Cruise

4. Private Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Lake Leelanau

5. Mackinac Bridge History Cruise

6. 6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau

7. Magical Mackinac Island Scavenger Hunt

8. Wildman Zip Line Tour

9. Fort Mackinac Admission

10. Private Fall Color Tour of Lake Leelanau with Licensed Guide

11. Keweenaw Copper Country Trail: Audio Driving Tour

What travelers are saying.

Tours and Guided Trips in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Grand Island Sunset Dinner Cruise Around Grand Island in Christmas, Michigan.  See cliffs, waterfalls, caves, lighthouses, amazing arches, and wildlife as you cruise around Grand Island on t he Uncle Ducky cataraman. Meet at 5pm at the Duck Pond Eatery next to Paddlers Village for dinner and the cruise. E7974 W HWY M-28, Christmas, MI. Phone: 906-387-1695 Kimar's Charter Fishing and Resort in Shelter Bay . E3216 Highway M-28 at Shelter Bay, AuTrain, MI 49806. Phone: 906-892-8277. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Kimar's Charters offers trolling, casting, and jigging trips on Lake Superior to the Shelter Bay Flats, the Big Reef, and Stannard Rock. Scenic tours of Lake Superior. Kimar's Resort features 2, 3, and 4 bedroom housekeeping cottages and a 3-bedroom mobile home. 300' sandy beach. Lots of ro Pictured Rocks Cruise , P.O. Box 355, Munising, Michigan 49862, Phone 906/387-2379. Take a 2 1/2-3 hour cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Special Sunset Cruise. Discover the wonders of the Pictured Rocks from your cruise boat on Lake Superior. Cruises from Memorial Day to Oct. 10. Cruises leave from Munising City Pier. Pictured Rocks Cruises Vacation Package. Relax and enjoy the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, Grand Island, and the sandy Lake Superior Beach on Lake Superior, while camping in a modern yurt at the AuTrain Beach Campground.  This Relaxing Vacation Package includes the Pictured Rocks Cruise, a Sunset Dinner Cruise around Grand Island, dinner at the Duck Pond, and two nights staying in a yurt by the sandy Lake Superior beach where you can relax and sit in the sand, have a campfire, or stroll along the water.. Uncle Ducky Paddling Michigan Shop, 1331 West M-28, Munising MI 49862. Phone: 906-387-1695 Shipwreck Tour on Munising Bay where you can see Lake Superior Shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve from a Glass-Bottomed Boat. Scuba dive the shipwrecks. Captain Peter Lindquist, 1204 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862. (906)387-4477

• Fishing: Ice Fishing in the Upper Peninsula . Guided tours, outfitters, and general information for ice fishing in the Upper Peninsula.
• LAKE GOGEBIC: Guided Fishing Trips with Professional Fishing Guide, Barry Drews at Bear's Nine Pines Resort on Lake Gogebic in the western Upper Peninsula. 9 comfortabl e cabins with one, two, or three bedrooms. Satellite TV and wireless internet access. Some cabins have a gas fireplace & hot tub. Nice swimming beach. Boat rentals. Year round fishing. Guided fishing and bear hunting trips. Bait & Tackle Shop with licenses and permits. Pets Welcome. Bear's Nine Pines Resort. Phone: 906-842-3361
• Lake Gogebic: Rental equipment at Bear's Nine Pines Resort on the west shore of Lake Gogebic near Marenisco. "Bear" is a Michigan licensed fishing guide .

Mountain Biking

• Mountain Bike Rentals for the Keweenaw at the Keweenaw Adventure Company in Copper Harbor, MI

North Shore Follow Me Outfitters Gas Station,small store,parts,oil,rentals include:cabins,canoe/kayak,Polaris snowmobile

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Ultimate Michigan UPPER PENINSULA Vacation Guide | Map | Attractions | Best Places To Visit, Waterfalls, Attractions, Road Trips, Things to Do, Pictured Rocks

By Sherry Trautman

Ultimate Michigan Upper Peninsula Guide to Everything!  Plan your Upper Peninsula vacation! Waterfalls, Top Attractions, Best Things to Do, Road Trips, Pictured Rocks and more!    | By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com  | Updated: September 11, 2022

If you are planning an Upper Peninsula Michigan vacation or looking for the best places to visit in Upper Peninsula Michigan, you will love this guide! As local Michigander's, Chris and I have been to these locations and are excited to share them with you!

We list lots of Upper Peninsula attractions and fun things to do, so keep reading!

How This Is Organized:  Since we have SO MUCH INFO to share with you  on the upper peninsula of Michigan, we decided the best way to organize this jam packed Michigan Upper Peninsula guide is by the categories of:

• Best Upper Peninsula waterfalls
• Incredible Upper Peninsula hiking trails
• Breathtaking places to visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
• Highly recommended Upper Peninsula boat tours
• Scenic Upper Peninsula road trips

Top Michigan Upper Peninsula Cities, Places and Fun Things to Do

Michigan upper peninsula map.

We created this  Interactive Michigan Upper Peninsula Map  as a visual aid to help you organize your trip and make the most out of your Michigan Vacation.  

Click on this Google Map link so you can use it while driving.

How to Use the Interactive Michigan Upper Peninsula Map:

• Click on the plus and minus in the bottom left corner to zoom in or out of the map.
• Click on the icons for a link to things to do, best places to visit, best restaurants and hotels.
• Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
• In the map Header, click on the rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu of all the Michigan cities. Click on anything that looks interesting to see where it is on the map. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header. 
• In the Header, click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing. 

Michigan Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

Our massive guide, 45 Upper Peninsula Waterfalls and Jaw-Dropping Scenic Spots to Visit This Summer (All Year!) is a great place to start.

It's jam packed with maps , tips and photos to inspire a spectacular Upper Peninsula road trip. 

• This winter, visit the Best Frozen Waterfalls in Michigan !

Visit Tannery and Memorial Falls (The Twin Falls)!

When visiting the Munising area, we always have to hike to the Tannery and Memorial Falls as they are so beautiful! Perfect to visit on your Upper Peninsula Michigan vacation.

Read more about Tannery and Memorial Falls:

• Exquisite Tannery and Memorial Falls Are Two of the Best Waterfalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula  <---Read for tons of info, maps and photos!

Visit Tahquamenon Falls

• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Things to Do, Camping, Hotels and Photos of Michigan's Most Jaw Dropping Waterfall

Wagner Falls Is One of the Best Waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula

Wagner Falls, located  in the UP, are a must-see. There is a short flat walk along a lovely curving boardwalk that meanders through a beautiful wooded area.  Very easy to access and so photogenic!

Read more about Wagner Falls:

• Wagner Falls: Breathtaking Upper Peninsula Michigan Waterfall For Your Bucket List This Year!

Munising Falls is a Fabulous, Easy to Get to Waterfall in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The beautiful Munising Waterfalls  is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's one of our favorite Upper Peninsula Waterfalls that we always have to visit when we are on one of our  UP roadtrips !

Read more about Munising Waterfall:

• Munising Falls: 4 Irresistible Reasons Why You Should Visit These Jaw-Dropping Upper Peninsula Michigan Waterfalls

Best Hiking Trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

If you love hiking, you will definitely want to check out the scenic trails (some leading to waterfalls) in our hiking guide.

Read all out Hiking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula:

• Best Hiking in Upper Peninsula of Michigan | 8 Jaw-Dropping Trails + Map and Pictured Rocks!

Top Places to Visit in Upper Michigan

Whitefish point.

We love to visit Whitefish Point on a lovely day so we can tour the Great Lakes Ship Museum, explore the grounds, go up in the lighthouse and so much more! 

Read all about Whitefish Point:

• Whitefish Point: See the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Lake Superior and the Edmond Fitzgerald Bell!

Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi, located in Manistique , could seriously be the highlight of your summer! You can take a floating raft across this natural springs and see the hundreds of huge fish swimming below the surface of the crystal clear water.

Read all about Kitch-iti-kipi:

• Breathtaking Kitch iti kipi Springs (The Big Spring) in the P alms Book State Park  is One of the Best Places to Visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula  

See the Cut River Bridge Located in Naubinway, Michigan

We always have to stop at the Cut River Bridge to stretch our legs and go for the scenic walks under the bridge, along the Cut river and along Lake Michigan's sparkling shoreline.

Read all about the Cut River Bridge:

• Breathtaking Cut River Bridge Roadside Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Walk Along Lake Michigan's Beach and Shoreline | Map, Nature Trails, Things To Do 

This winter, be sure to see the incredible Eben Ice Caves  located near Munising Michigan! It's definitely a Michigan attraction that should be on your Michigan Bucket List!

Seney National Wildlife Refuge - Fabulous Wildlife Drive

If you love nature, water and wildlife drives, you will absolutely love the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.  You will see lots of birds, turtles and wildlife as you drive this scenic drive past ponds and meadows. 

Read more about Seney National Wildlife Refuge:

• Seney National Wildlife Refuge: 7 Mile Drive with Trumpeter Swans and Jaw-Dropping Marsh Views

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Just as iconic as Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks is a MUST SEE when visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  You can see the breathtaking rocks by car, boat or hiking.  

Read more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Ultimate Guide to Jaw Dropping Cruises, Hiking, Waterfalls, Kayaking, Maps and 12 Mile Beach Campground

Outstanding Boat Tours in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

If you would like a more in-depth look at Pictured Rocks and the shoreline (other than by hiking or driving), you absolutely must take a Pictured Rocks boat ride that launch from Munising Michigan !  We highly recommend these boat tours listed below.

Read more about the Rip Tide Ride and Pictured Rocks Cruises:

• Rip Tide Ride:   We really REALLY enjoyed our exciting Rip Tide Ride around Grand Island.  There were lots of high powered turns and fun galore!  You will have tons of chances for photos along the way.
• Pictured Rocks Cruises - What a fantastic boat tour! You will be wowed with the incredible rock formations, caves and waterfalls on this trip!

Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip

So guys, we found some great Upper Peninsula sights and spots over the past few years that we absolutely love. Check it out!

Read more about our highly recommended Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip:

• Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip: 6 Jaw Dropping (Mostly Free) Spots in Michigan's UP

Visit Manistique Michigan!

• Manistique Michigan: Home to Kitch it kipi, the Largest, Most Jaw-Dropping Springs in MI's Upper Peninsula! See Outstanding Boardwalks and Lighthouse!

(be sure to visit this page,  there's at least 2 full days of activities  and additional map of things to see in this area )

Munising: Your Guide to Spectacular Pictured Rocks, Waterfalls, Lighthouses, Boat Rides, Beaches and Ruins Galore! 

Munising Michigan has so much to offer, like lighthouses, boat cruises, beaches, waterfalls, ruins and hiking!   You will be shocked to learn there is so many awesome things to do in the upper peninsula!

Visit our official  Munising  page for: 

• Bay Furnace Ruins
• Rip Tide Ride
• Munising Front and Rear Range Lighthouses
• Where to eat in Munising

Visit Escanaba!

You need to visit Escanaba! Lots of places to tour, eat and stay!

Read all about Escanaba:

• Escanaba Michigan: 10 Freakin' Awesome Things To Do, Eh!

Houghton Michigan: Home of the Quincy Mine Tours, Isle Royale Seaplane, Ranger III, Scenic Waterfalls!

Houghton Michigan is an incredible Upper Peninsula city to visit during all our seasons. There's hiking, waterfalls, mine tours and so many things to do and see!

Houghton MI is the departure city for Michigan vacationers headed to Isle Royale National Park.  You can board the Isle Royale Seaplane and the Ranger III in Houghton.  

Read all about Houghton:

Houghton Michigan: Best Things To Do in the Upper Peninsula | Quincy Mine Tours, Isle Royale Seaplane, Ranger III, Restaurants, Waterfalls, Hotels

Have You Toured the Soo Locks and Sault Ste Marie?

See how the incredible Soo Locks work!   Then, see the Best Things to Do in Sault Ste Marie ! 

Visit Beautiful Copper Harbor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

Visit Beautiful Copper Harbor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula! See waterfalls, great views, a scenic lighthouse and so much more on this Copper Harbor road trip!

Marquette Upper Peninsula: Home to Scenic Waterfalls, Ore Docks, Shopping and Lighthouses!

We love visiting Marquette! The oar docks are so incredible to photograph and we love touring the lighthouses, waterfalls and downtown.  There are great places to eat, relax and explore in Marquette. 

Read all about Marquette:

• Marquette Michigan Things to Do: See Waterfalls, Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lighthouses  

Let's Visit Drummond Island

Drummond Island Rugged ATV Adventure : Largest Closed  Loop ORV System in Michigan + Great Kayaking and Bird Watching!

See Incredible Isle Royale National Park

• Isle Royale National Park Guide
• How to Get to Isle Royale National Park

Pin This Michigan Upper Peninsula Page!

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View this post on Instagram Have you seen Minor’s Falls in Munising, Mi? These waterfalls are incredibly impressive and a joy to see! It’s good for your soul!! peaceful! . . . #munising #munisingmichigan #minorsfalls #waterfalls #waterfallsofinstagram #waterfallphotography #michigan #puremichigan #getoutside #summermichigan #lovemichigan #picturedrocks #picturedrocksnationallakeshore #travelingmichigan A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on Jul 2, 2020 at 12:13pm PDT

About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Book your cruise today adults - $70 | children under 12 - $60.

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A complimentary meal from the Duck Pond Eatery & Beer Garden is included in the price of your ticket.

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Planning to visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? Make your visit a memorable experience with a glamping package at the Au Train Beach Campground and Resort.

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Day trip adventures and vacation packages in the awe-inspiring Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Let's get outside and play!

We believe it should be easier to spend time exploring the outdoors with the ones you love. Paddling Michigan in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a canoe & kayak tour agency offering exciting adventures in the Upper Peninsula. We specialize in all-inclusive excursions for your family vacations, work outings and getaways. Enjoy our kayaking packages, glamping campsites and scenery that can’t be beat. We make it easy for you to create lasting memories!

Adventure Awaits

As one of the most respected tour companies in Michigan, we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away! Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the ultimate outdoor destination for a kayaking trip, boat cruise, waterfront lodging and much more.

We've Got Options

Affordable packages available, so you can relax and let us take care of the logistics. Our all-inclusive kayaking vacation packages are the foundation of a safe and stress-free stay at Pictured Rocks. We offer packages with varying outdoor adventures, meals and comfortable lodging in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

You'll Always Remember

A perfect backdrop for lasting memories. The adventures that unfold with your family and friends on a Pictured Rocks kayaking tour in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are truly unforgettable!

Paddling Michigan Selected as 1 of 50 Companies to Watch in Michigan!

This excursion is so fun! You get up close and personal with the shore lines, go under small waterfalls, in caves and even see a sunken ship! I’ve done this twice and each time had a different guide and they both were awesome and were very knowledgeable about the area and what we were seeing!

- Nicole C.

My husband and I had such an amazing time together and with our group on our paddling tour. I was a little intimidated by the six-hour time frame, but our leader, "John-Jack" was so fantastic. His knowledge of the area and paddling was spot-on and his enthusiastic attitude kept the good vibes coming. I cannot say enough good stuff about our time. I can't wait until next summer to try the sunset paddling and to stay in the Paddler's Village!

We have been conducting kayaking and canoeing tours in Upper Michigan for 20 years and in the Pictured Rocks for 11 years. Over 100,000 kayakers with all skill levels have seen the awe-inspiring Pictured Rocks with our kayak tours. We have been featured in the Midwest Living Magazine and also filmed a show on the Travel Channel. We believe in the power of experiences, and we can’t wait to have you as our guest!

KAYAKING TOURS

Pictured rocks.

There’s no better way to take in Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore than in a kayak! We have amazing, guided kayaking tours suitable for all ages and skill levels. With daily kayak tours ranging from 2 to 8 hours in length, we have the perfect tour for your Pictured Rocks kayaking vacation!

Discover the beauty and majesty of Bridalveil Falls, Kissing Rock, Lovers Leap Arch, Caves of the Bloody Chiefs, Indian Head, Battleship Row, Chapel Rock, and the sea caves of Pictured Rocks, with Paddling Michigan up-close. When you’re done paddling, enjoy drinks and a great meal at the Duck Pond Eatery & Beer Garden .

VACATION PACKAGES

Make a stay of it.

We are your gateway to outdoor adventure and fun in Upper Michigan! With our all-inclusive vacation packages, you can paddle Michigan while spending more time exploring and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. All our vacation packages include a guided kayaking tour along the Pictured Rocks Shoreline and accommodations with convenient access to all your favorite outdoor activities. We offer it all! Kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, lodging, the best beer selection in the UP and great food! Other kayaking companies in Michigan can’t compare.

You’ll love the comfortable outdoor lodging at Paddlers Village and Au Train Beach Campground. Our yurts, tipis, safari tents and sleeping cabins are equipped with beds, refrigerators, comfortable seating and firepits. Our resort campgrounds are the perfect headquarters for exploring Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, waterfalls and the beautiful city of Munising. After your day of outdoor fun, enjoy drinks and a great meal at the Duck Pond Eatery & Beer Garden .

Discover the Area

Click to learn more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore & other points of interest you can see on our kayaking tours!

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a U.S. National Lakeshore on the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It extends for 42 miles along the shore and covers 73,236 acres ). The park offers spectacular scenery of the hilly shoreline between Munising, Michigan and Grand Marais, Michigan, with various rock formations like natural…

This gargantuan rock formation is named after what many say resembles an old ‘Indian Head’ carved into an impressive point of Pictured Rocks. The cliffs of Indian Head are nearly vertical walls from the Lake Superior to its peak. “Paddle and Hike Tour”

The largest cave in the Pictured Rocks shoreline that features a large multi-colored copper stain as you kayak into it.

A short 1/8 mile accessible trail encircles the recently stabilized ruins of a blast furnace where pig iron was made between 1870 and 1877.  One of the last remaining structures of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, it is also a good place to view Lake Superior and Grand Island.

Grand Island stretches north for 8 miles, from its southpoint at Williams Landing in Munising Bay to the north end at North Point. Only three miles across at its widest point, Grand lsland offers 35 miles of shoreline, encompassing over 13,500 acres of dense woodland, including several lakes. Rapid-flowing streams cut through the rugged hills,…

Best sea caves in the Pictured Rocks Area. See this on the ” Morning and Afternoon Delight Tours”.

Tallest waterfall in Michigan- Seen on the Paddlers Choice, Paddle and Hike, and Taste of the Rocks Tours.

Guide your kayak through the tight crevice these two giant rocks form by “kissing” each other. It’s a must see destination at Pictured Rocks!

Ribs and keel of an unknown vessel that sank in the last century. Very visible from a kayak in about 10 feet of water.  “Taste of the Rocks” tour.

This is where we normally take the lunch break on the “Paddlers Choice” and Paddle and Hike Tours. Great swimming here on some days. Short walk to observe the Lovers leap Arch and Mosquito Falls.

The most photographed place in the Pictured Rocks. Fun to paddle through. Ask your guide about the Native American legend of how it was named. “Paddlers Choice” and “Paddle and Hike” tours.

Local legend says the native American Tribes placed their prisoners of war here. Seen on the “Paddlers Choice” and “Paddle and Hike” tours

Grand Portal Arch

Was truly the most magnificent feature of the Pictured Rocks until rock collapses in 1900 and 1999 blocked the archway that sailing ships once traversed. ‘Paddle and Hike Tour.

Battleship Row

Unique rock formations that look like the sterns of a row of battleships. Located just prior to reaching Chapel Beach. “Paddle and Hike” tour

Chapel Rock

End Point of the “Paddle and Hike Tour. Note the roots from Chapel Tree extending through the air to the ground adjacent to it.

Falcon Cove

The vegetation on these cliffs attracts many Peregrine Falcons into this cove to nest and feed.  It also features a few smaller caves you can kayak into!

Painted Coves

Gaze up as you kayak through these coves with 200′ tall sandstone walls gleaming with several different mineral stains in a variety of colors.

Miners Beach

This sugar sand beach is the starting point for all of our Pictured Rocks kayak tours.

One of the tallest waterfalls on Grand Island that spills over the cliff edge and drops into Lake Superior.

Lower Potato Patch Falls

This little waterfall is named after where the first generation of loggers in the area kept their potato patch.

Chapel Falls

This waterfall is located on the chapel trail and can be seen on the Paddle and Hike tour as you hike out at the end of the day.

Flower Vase

Carved sandstone that is narrow at the water line and widens at the top with deciduous tree growing up resembling flowers in a vase, this rock along with many others were way points for the early Voyageurs as they made their way along the shores of Lake Superior during the fur trade.

DISCOVER PICTURED ROCKS

CAVES OF THE BLOODY CHIEFS

LOVERS LEAP ARCH

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Upper Peninsula & Itineraries

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is simply magical.  This region is a pleasant pocket of history and nature, a part of Michigan that  allows you to slow down and soak up the scenery.  Cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge. Known as the “Mighty Mac,” this bridge is the most functional piece of art in the entire state. As you traverse five miles over the Straits of Mackinac, the cerulean blue skyline gives way to your destination: the Upper Peninsula.

One of the most iconic destinations in the Upper Peninsula is, of course, Mackinac Island. Located in the crook where the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan meet, this entire island is a National Historic Landmark. Take a ferry from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to reach this quaint island that is full of stories waiting to be told. Wander on foot or indulge in an old-fashioned carriage tour. No cars are allowed on the island, which gives you the chance to slow down, take a breath, and really experience the island. Become a fudgie by partaking in a bite or two of Mackinac Island’s famous fudge. Have lunch at the stately Grand Hotel, visit an ethereal butterfly habitat, or soak up some local culture at the Mackinac Art Museum.

There is no shortage of natural wonders in the Upper Peninsula. Take in the splendor of the largest fresh water spring in Michigan. Wander through the Pictured Rocks, massive mineral stained sandstones that leap from Lake Superior. These monuments to time change shape as the water laps at them year after year. Miles of lakeshore stretch out for your enjoyment, whether it is water sports or simply lounging on the sand. Enjoy a visit to Fort Wilkins Historic State park, where you can tour a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. The shoreline of the Upper Peninsula is a glorious piece of land that has been preserved for visitors to enjoy.

Explore the vast historical spots in this region. Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest cities in the country. The first residents here were Native Americans who set down stakes over 2,000 years ago. Today, you can exalt in their heritage by attending festivals and perusing local museums. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a birthplace of sorts. So much of Michigan’s history is in the water and soil of this region. From these humble beginnings, the rest of the state was born. A visit to this area is not a trip back in time, necessarily, but it is a trip heavy with significance. By learning about the history of Michigan in our wondrous Upper Peninsula, visitors grow to appreciate the state as a whole and all that is has to offer.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Photo By: Craig Blacklock

Itineraries

A Walk Through Time

Featuring Mackinac Island and more

Little Towns Across the Bridge

Featuring St. Ignace, Naubinway, Manistique, and Iron Mountain

Soothing Waters of Pure MI

Featuring Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Munising, and more

Wilds of Michigan

Featuring Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, and more

Legends & Lore of the Lakeshore

The Great Black Robe

Featuring St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, and more

Sacred Places

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7029 Huron Road Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (906) 847-3328 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

Fort Wilkins State Park Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (906) 289-4215 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

1891 Cadotte Avenue Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (906) 847-3331 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

18335 N. Whitefish Pt. Road Paradise, MI 49768 US

Phone: (906) 635-1742 (800) 635-1742 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

2186 Shunk Road Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 US

Phone: (877) 539-2346 (877) 539-2346 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

PO Box 370 Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

73 Forge Road Negaunee, MI 49866 US

Phone: (906) 475-7857 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

One Lakeshore Drive Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (906) 430-8138 (800) 833-7711 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

N8391 Sand Point Rd Munising, MI 49862-0040 US

Phone: (906) 387-2607 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

Huron Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (231) 436-4100 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

801 S. Huron Avenue Mackinaw City, MI 49701 US

Phone: (800) 638-9892 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

117 W. Washington Street Marquette, MI 49855 US

Phone: (734) 649-5034 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

Route 2. Box 2500 Manistique, MI 49854 US

Phone: (906) 341-2355 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

100 W. City Park Drive Munising, MI 49862 US

Phone: (800) 650-2379 (906) 387-2379 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

W4852 US-2 Vulcan, MI 49892 US

Phone: (906) 563-8077 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

4785 II Road Garden, MI 49835 US

Phone: (906) 644-2603 Region: Upper Peninsula Website

6 Spring Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 US

Phone: (800) 338-6660 (906) 643-6950 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

W 399 Hwy. 2 & 41 Harris, MI 49845-0351 US

Phone: (906) 723-2121 (800) 682-6040 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

927 North State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 US

Phone: (906) 643-7733 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

225 E Portage Ave Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 US

Phone: (906) 632-3366 (800) 647-2858 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

7260 Main Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (906) 847-3360 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

7416 Main Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (517) 349-4600 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

1141 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 US

E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula

556 E Central Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701 US

Phone: (231) 436-5023 (800) 828-6157 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

1131 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 US

Phone: (906) 643-8411 (906) 643-8411 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

3295 I-75 Business Spur Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 US

Phone: (906) 635-3000 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

6966 Main Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757 US

Phone: (906) 847-3347 (800) 626-6304 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Region: Upper Peninsula Website

List of Members

Baymont Inn & Suites Lakefront

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Bicycle Street Inn & Suites

Breakers Resort & Beach Bar

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Fayette Historic Townsite

Fort Mackinac

Fort Wilkins Historic Complex

Grand Hotel

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum & Whitefish Point

Hampton Inn - Sault Ste. Marie

Hampton inn st. ignace.

Iron Mountain Iron Mine

Island House

Island Resort & Casino

Kewadin casinos hotel & convention center.

Kitchitikipi - The Big Spring

Mackinac State Historic Parks

Michigan iron industry museum.

Mission Point Resort

Murray Hotel

Pictured Rocks Cruises

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Sault Area CVB

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

St. Ignace Visitors Bureau

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company

Travel marquette, new tour ideas.

Launching a new tour is a fantastic way to expand your business and retain your current travelers. Explore new adventures and destinations here…

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Michigan has to offer..

Michigan’s Perfect Upper Peninsula Road Trip for 5-Days

• Post last modified: August 20, 2023
• Post category: Itineraries / Michigan / North America / One Week Trips

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is is one of the most purely wild places in the United States. You can drive for miles without seeing another soul. Plus, you can find hidden lakes with no boats, houses, or humans. Also, you can see ospreys and eagles fighting mid-air in a show worthy of National Geographic. And all of this you can do amid stops for ice cream and fresh fish as you make your way through “Gods Country” on this Upper Peninsula road trip. So continue reading to find the perfect itinerary for your Upper Peninsula road trip that will help you find the “pure” part of Pure Michigan.

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This 5-day Michigan itinerary is a one way drive from Sault (pronounced Soo) Ste. Marie to Copper Harbor. However, if you want to make this into a loop you can. Simply leave out Kitch-iti-kipi as you drive the northern shore of the Upper Peninsula and then loop your way back through the south shore on your way back and visit Kitch-iti-kipi on the way back through. Highway 2 is one of my favorite roads in the country. So while there aren’t a lot of stops along the south shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the drive is beautiful.

If you make this into an Upper Peninsula road trip loop, you’re able to start and stop from the same place which is definitely a bonus if you’re planning on flying to this road trip. There are no cheap or easy to access airports in the UP, however Escanaba would probably be your best option. But since most people drive to the UP, we’ll write this 5-day itinerary for our Upper Peninsula road trip as though it is a one way trip.

If you're starting your Upper Peninsula road trip in the lower peninsula, consider spending a day on Mackinac Island before crossing the Mackinac Bridge.

Where to stay in michigan’s upper peninsula.

We’ll provide you with some locations to stay each night that will allow you to be near restaurants and also set you up to do minimal extra driving. However, we’ve visited so many times and stayed in so many different places, we aren’t going to bother giving you exact recommendations. There are plenty of campsites, clean hotels, and cute home rentals in the UP, so we’re confident you can find something perfect for your needs.

One thing to know when making reservations, the Upper Peninsula’s home rentals tend to be targeted to large groups and come with the price tag to match. So if you are looking for a large group, go with a home rental. But if you are looking for a small family or couples vacation, hotels will be your best bet. 

Our links in the U.P. road trip itinerary below will take you to hotels in the area. If you’re interested in home rentals, use the search bar below.

By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

However, also consider camping! The Upper Peninsula has a ton of public land! This means that you’ll find lots of cheap and well maintained campgrounds scattered throughout the peninsula. You can search and make reservations for these campgrounds here .

Upper Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary  

Day 1 – the soo.

Arrive in the UP and make your way to Sault Ste. Marie (aka The Soo). You’re probably driving from somewhere else, so you probably won’t arrive until the afternoon. However, if you do arrive earlier, consider spending some time in St. Ignace in the morning.  

While in The Soo, the one must-do is watching the locks or even riding through them. You can watch the locks operate from shore or you can choose between one of the tour companies that will take you through the locks. This is a really cool experience for the whole family. I loved riding through these locks as a child. You’ll get to experience the world’s largest locking system from within the system! You’ll also get to ride through these locks alongside some of the largest ships to sail the 7 seas, or the 5 Great Lakes, in this case.

Stay overnight in Sault Ste. Marie.

Day 2 – Lake Superior

Drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Whitefish point. Once at Whitefish Point, explore the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum . This is a really cool museum that explores all of the shipwrecks that have occurred on the Great Lakes, mainly Lake Superior. You’ll find that special attention is paid to the mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald – and yes they play the song a lot. This is a great stop for people interested in unsolved mysteries, scuba diving or boating.

You’ll also find a beautiful lighthouse here that you can climb for an extra fee. The beach along Lake Superior here is a great place to spend some time playing in so very cold waters. This sand beach is a great place for a lakeside picnic lunch.

After lunch, head south to Taquamenon Falls . This is the most popular waterfall in Michigan. Here you’ll find two sets of falls to explore. The upper falls are the biggest set, which is most popular for viewing. However, make sure to take the short drive to the lower falls to get the full effect. At both stops, you’ll find that there are really short hikes to the waterfall viewing points. Also, you’ll find some spots along the hike where you have the opportunity to splash about in the Tahquamenon River. The kids will love this spot if you let them play in the water 🙂  

Stay the night in or around Newberry . Accommodations in this area are limited so you could also stay another night in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Day 3 – Waterfalls and Pictured Rocks

Wake up early and head to Kitch-iti-kipi springs. Kitch-iti-kipi , or Big Springs, is a big clear pool of bright blue water fed by an underground spring. This short detour on your route is really a fun one.  

However, if this is too much of a detour for you to take, consider driving along the lakeshore between Newberry and Munising. Whatever you do, do not take the Seney stretch (Highway 28), which is known by all Michiganders for being the most boring stretch of road in the state. Seriously, it’s so boring and straight that you can land a space shuttle on it.  

Next, head to Munising. Grab lunch at one of the cute local restaurants. If you really want the full UP experience, try a pasty at Muldoon’s. Muldoon’s is considered by many to be the best pasties in the UP.

Afterwards, mix together some waterfall watching and the vistas of Pictured Rocks as you explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore .  

First, stop at Munising Falls. This short walk will take you in to the woods to see this beautiful waterfalls. Take in the vistas from the upper and lower viewing decks.

Next, Head to Miners Falls. Here, you’ll walk just short of 1 mile to see this waterfall in the woods. The upper viewing deck doesn’t give the best views. However, pretty much everyone there seems to jump off the viewing deck and scramble down to the river to take in the views from the bottom of the falls. This is not an official path, it is hard to climb back up, and you probably shouldn’t be there since, again, it’s not an official path. But that being said, the view from the upper deck really isn’t great (NPS, please make a lower deck viewing area so us rule followers can get a better view).

Pictured Rocks

Next, go to Miners Castle. This is the most picturesque of the rock formations along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.   Plus, t his stop takes just a few short minutes to hop out and see the Upper Outlook, which is the best view of Miners Castle.

If you would like to then walk to the Lower Outlook, it will take about 30 minutes. This outlook will give you the view of Lake Superior from behind Miners Castle.  

Finish out your trip into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a stop at Miners beach. This is one of the best beaches on Lake Superior and is a great place to dip you toes into the freezing waters. Or if you’re brave (or a small cold-resistant child) consider spending a bit of time here doing some actual swimming.  

After exploring Pictured Rocks by land, you’ll definitely want to explore them via water. This is one of the best ways to see the beautiful cliffs. You can chose to take either a boat tour or a kayak tour. My favorite tour is the glass bottom boat that operates out of Munising . You can see the cliffs up close and get to see some cool shipwrecks in the harbor as well. They also have sunset cruises if you’d like to take an evening journey, it’s one of the best tours out there. You should plan on dedicating 3-4 hours to this. This is also one of the few things you should book in advance. Tours often sell out, especially the sunset cruises and weekend tours.

Have diner in Munising. We like Pictured Rocks Pizza! Stay overnight in or around Munising.

Day 4 – Marquette

Head to Marquette in the morning. On your way there stop to drive or walk through the Lakenenland . This self proclaimed Junkyard Art park is home to some pretty cool outdoor sculpture. Even better for the kiddos, several of these sculptures allow you to play on them.  

Arrive in Marquette and explore one of the few large towns that the Upper Peninsula has to offer.  

Make sure to head to Presque Isle Park, one of the gems of town. Also, consider hiking to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for some great views.  

If you’re natured out by this point in your trip, consider exploring the small downtown area and doing some beer tastings at the breweries.  

Leave Marquette in the late afternoon and make your way to Houghton. As you head to Houghton, make sure to stop at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap . It ridiculously touristy and doesn’t even pretend to be anything else. But there is something so incredibly UP about it and it will give you some insight into all the little Yooper jokes. This is just some plain ole’ dumb fun to be had.

Stay overnight in Houghton.  

Day 5 – The Keewanaw Peninsula

Have breakfast in Houghton at Soumi’s Cafe. This is a great place for a hearty traditional Finnish-style breakfast to fill you up for your adventures.  

Drive up to Copper Harbor in the morning. Explore the northern most point of Michigan and some of the best natural spaces in the state. We love driving from Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor and stopping at all the roadside parks along the way. This will give you a really wonderful taste of the Keewanaw Peninsula and everything that it has to offer.  

Head deep into the heart of Copper country with a visit to the Quincy Mine . This is a winner for the kiddos! Delve into the remains of an actual mine and explore the history of mining in the Keewanaw. You’ll learn firsthand what it was like to work in the copper mines and even get to be outfitted in a cool hard hat!

Head back to Houghton for lunch. Consider pizza at the Ambassador. PS: I like to think our food recommendations for Houghton are particularly on point as they’re coming from a Michigan Tech alumni.  

After lunch, explore Houghton. Wander downtown and explore the campus of Michigan Technical College. Make sure you stop at the Mineral Museum on campus. It’s one of the best rock museums out there with really cool specimens from around the world.  

Grab dinner at Joey’s for some of the best fish and chips on the planet and don’t forget to stop for a drink at the Keweenaw Brewing Company.  

Want to Adjust the Upper Peninsula Itinerary

If you have extra time, consider spending an extra day exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. One of the best hikes in the UP has been excluded from this Upper Peninsula road trip itinerary for the sake of time. However, if you have extra time, spend it completing in the Chapel Basin Loop hike, which will allow you to see Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach. Spend your extra time in Munising exploring some additional waterfalls. Like Alger Falls and more!

If you have even more time or want to create an Upper Peninsula road trip itinerary of your own, check out our list of things to do in the UP here.

We hope this Upper Peninsula road trip itinerary has helped you to plan your own Michigan vacation . We’ve spent so much time in the UP, we really love sharing it with you. So if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and we’d be happy to answer them with our years of UP knowledge.

This Post Has 2 Comments

Thanks for the outline for a 5 day tour of the UP MI. I was trying to get information on places to stay but the links didn’t work. When planning, I was overwhelmed by the great options but your 5 day trip nearly hit all the main stops I had hoped to make. From Michigan myself, but living in CA, I have very limited experience with the UP. Debating the Sault St Marie and looking to maybe hike Porcupine Mt area. Any suggestions you have on that would be great. Places to stay or how to activate link would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank

Hi Frank! Thanks for reaching out and letting me know. I did reactivate all of those links. We wrote this UP road trip up as a though you’re driving from the Lower Peninsula (as that’s where a majority of people come from). So we didn’t include the Porcupine Mt area for timings sake. However, if you are coming from Wisconsin, or flying directly into the UP, the Porcupine Mts are definitely better in our opinion. However, we are adults with no kids. I think kids will generally prefer the Soo, due to the big boats, I know I did when I was a kid. I hope this helps you decide!

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The ULTIMATE Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it’s filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls , ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip.

Before you get started though, there’s one thing to warn you about: the UP is big. Like, really big. Like, a road trip across the whole thing to hit every sight you absolutely need to see could eat up a serious chunk of your vacation days.

So we suggest taking this guide and picking a segment or two to take at a time, then stitching them together throughout the summer. Trust us — you won’t want to miss any of these incredible destinations, or the beautiful journeys between them, during your summer Upper Peninsula road trip !

St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie

After making your own way north through the lower mitten, your journey starts by crossing the Mackinac Bridge into  St. Ignace . Right off the bridge is a classic road trip tourist stop — Castle Rock, a large rock formation where you can get your exercise in for the day by climbing to the top for a great view of the straights.

This is also where you’ll find Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox statues and an old-school gift shop perfect for adults and kids alike.

If you’re still feeling touristy, take a stop at the Mystery Spot where you can — well, you’ll have to stop to find out for yourself! A quick hour up I-75 will take you to Sault Ste. Marie , one of the oldest settlements in the midwest.

Home to Lake Superior State University , there are plenty of restaurants and shops to quell your hunger (for food and gifts) before the catching a Soo Locks Boat Tour .

Though there are plenty of cruises to choose from, the main attraction is the operation of the Soo Locks, where you actually go through the world’s largest locking system and cruise alongside giant lake and ocean ships.

Sault Ste Marie to Paradise and Whitefish Point

Leaving “The Soo,” you’ll take Lakeshore Drive for a scenic trip to Paradise (adorable, we know) where you can get some memorabilia and classic midwest fare. Then it’s just a short drive into Tahquamenon Falls State Park , the most iconic waterfalls in Michigan.

There are two sets of waterfalls, so make sure you plan enough time for both the upper and lower region of the river. If you only want to stop quickly for a few pictures, the upper falls are very accessible and can let you get on your way.

But if you want to stay longer, the park has a campground and gorgeous hiking trails that can easily extend your stay to a day or two.

Once you decide to hit the road, Whitefish Point is just half an hour north. The point features one of the oldest operating lighthouses on Lake Superior, surrounded by beautiful, wide-open vistas of the water.

If you’re into Michigan or maritime history at all, the facility also features the coolest shipwreck museum around. The admission fee for the museum isn’t too bad, especially if you bundle as a family, and for just a bit extra you can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for some truly incredible views.

Whitefish Point to Grand Marais

A two-hour drive is all it takes to get from Whitefish Point to the cutest, friendliest town you’ll find in all of Michigan — maybe the world. Grand Marais, the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , is home to only 500 people year-round, but it is the perfect stopping point (or week-long destination — there’s plenty of lodging and campsites!) for your road trip.

Eccentric restaurants like West Bay Diner and the Dune Saloon keep you fed, while kitschy stops like the Pickle Barrel (where the teeny-weenies live) and the  Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum and store provide plenty of entertainment.

When it’s time to venture out, take in the pristine bay beach, soak up the sun, and test your meddle by swimming in Lake Superior — it really is cold though. If you want something more rocky and adventurous, you can head out to Agate Beach and watch the waves roll in.

Grand Marais to Munising

The next stretch of road is its own part of the journey, and you’ll take H-58 from Grand Marais to Munising for the 198 twists and turns along Lake Superior. On this route, you can top by the breathtaking Sable Falls , Lake, Dunes, and other Pictured Rocks waterfalls .

If you’re really in a hurry, or really don’t want to enjoy the scenery, you can instead chose to take M-28 for the Seney Stretch — rumored to be the most boring road in Michigan. Either route will drop you off in Munising, and it’s certainly not hard to decide what to do there, as it’s home to the Pictured Rocks and all of the great ways to experience the landscape.

If you’re wondering if Pictured Rocks are all that they’re cracked up to be, they are. You have to get away from land, or at least on the very edge, to see the formations, and you can choose from a boat tour, kayaking out with a guide , or hiking to Chapel Rock to view it from land. Stop by Chapel Falls, just east of the Chapel Rock hike, for another incredible waterfall display.

Munising  is full of lodging and dining options, though we suggest at least one stop at  Muldoon’s for a pasty , in case you haven’t had one yet. But if you want to get your show on the road, M-28 takes you right along Lake Superior for a little less than an hour and drops you off at the hippest town in the UP.

Munising to Marquette

Marquette is just the coolest. Home to Northern Michigan University and the Superior Dome, the largest wooden dome in the world, it’s the perfect combination of up-north charm and college town.

Though this is definitely the place to take your time and eat at one (or many) or Marquette’s fabulous restaurants , make sure to also swing by  Lagniappes for live zydeco music, heaps of atmosphere, and authentic New Orleans cajun grub.

There are some very cool bars around downtown as well, including Blackrocks Brewery , literally a bar in a house with incredible an amount of charm.

For your outdoor activities, the hiking is outstanding at  Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain . The tourist state park is exactly what it sounds like, great for a relaxed drive or walk through the forest with the lake in the background.

Marquette to Houghton

From one college town to another, travel up to the Keweenaw to Houghton , home of  Michigan Technological University .

Between these two cities is Michigan’s highest point of elevation at Mount Arvon . The detour can add about two hours, plus however long it takes you to hike up the 1,300 feet above Lake Superior.

It is definitely a must for avid hikers and climbers, but if that’s not your thing, you can keep the road trip moving along to your next destination.

Houghton has a large number of neat museums and shops for you to explore, such as the Mineral Museum , which displays and sells rocks, stones, and gems from around the world.

If you stay the night in Houghton, breakfast at  Suomi Cafe on your way out is perfect for inexpensive and delicious classic American breakfast food.

Houghton to Copper Harbor

An hour farther up the Keweenaw Peninsula gets you to the historic Copper Harbor , a town that used to be the heart of the huge copper industry in the UP. Nowadays, Copper Harbor is bursting with outdoor adventures for dedicated Michiganders to get out and do (though you can still spot green and metallic copper in the water).

If you’re looking for a hike,  Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary  offers a mix of easy, boardwalk trails with steep rocky pathways.

You can of course kayak in the waters around the town to glimpse some of the leftover copper of the past, or hit up Fort Wilkins State Park to glimpse the people of Copper Harbor’s history and walk among the buildings of the preserved fort to see what it was like to live at a frontier fort in the 19th century.

Before the sun sets, the 9-mile ride through Brockway Mountain Drive will give you what might be the best view in all the UP , so have your cameras and your “oohs and ahs” ready.

We recommend staying the night at a hotel or campground in Copper Harbor, because the next leg of your road trip is fairly long and will leave you in the heart of the UP wilderness.

Copper Harbor to Ontonagon (Porcupine Mountains)

Driving back down Keweenaw, you’ll want to stock up on gas and snacks in  Ontonagon before heading into the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park . I’m sure many of you have been waiting for this stop on your road trip because the Porkies are home to some of Michigan’s most iconic topographical features.

You can’t say you’ve truly seen what the UP has to offer until you’ve seen  Lake of the Clouds in the Porkies. Drive right up to the viewing area, or hike around to see this recognizable sight, as it really is breathtaking.

There’s also plenty to explore around the rest of the park, such as  Bond Falls ,  Presque Isle River , and the many hiking trails looping throughout the park’s gorgeous backcountry.

Ontonagon to Manistique

Strap in for your longest leg of the road trip, as heading back east from the Porkies to Manistique  takes about three and half hours.

Not only will you want stop in Manistique to stretch your legs and refuel, but it’s also home to  Kitch-iti-Kipi  (or “The Big Spring”) and we’re guessing you’ve seen this one on Facebook.

You’ll get to see the marvels of this genuinely stunning active spring from a raft that floats you out right over the crystal clear blue water. There’s a park store and gift shop, so you can brag to your Facebook friends about seeing to this remarkable oddity in our home state.

This cute town also offers the perfect setting for boardwalk trekking and dining, or you can venture over to  Mackinaw Trail Winery for some tasting and relaxing after all your outdoor exercising.

Manistique to St. Ignace

The last leg of your journey winds along US-2, on the edge of Lake Michigan’s northern shore. It’s another one of the prettiest drives you can get in Michigan, with the lake on one side and beautiful UP forest on the other.

A quick stop at Cut River Bridge  provides an incredible look at a 150-foot gorge dug out by the Cut River leading out to Lake Michigan. It makes for only a 10 to 15-minute stop, but it is great for some pictures and the opportunity to stretch your legs.

Other eccentric little towns on your way back to St. Ignace, like Brevort or the  Garlyn Zoo  in Naubinway, provide even more chances to sightsee while refilling the snack cooler and gas tank.

Coming up on St. Ignace along US-2 will give you a view of the Bridge, signaling the end of your UP road trip adventure. Hopefully, by this time you’ll look back fondly on the UP’s striking features, its rich history, and its friendly faces.

More Upper Peninsula Summer Road Trip Inspiration

We obviously couldn’t capture everything great in our northern peninsula in just one road trip — did we miss one of your favorite places to visit in the Upper Peninsula during the summer months ? Let us know in the comments!

And for more inspiration, check out a few of the Upper Peninsula road trips our team took in the summer of 2021:

• 12 Days + 1,946 Miles + 4 Campgrounds + 6 People + 1 Dog = Our 2021 Upper Peninsula Summer Adventure
• Just 4 Days to Explore the Upper Peninsula this Summer? Here’s What We Did. #MittenTrip

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Samantha Ward for writing this article in 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy.

I'm a Spartan, a tree climber, an ice cream connoisseur and a passionate Michigander who wants to tell the stories of our state and those in it. I will correct you if you say soda instead of pop.

Can’t leave out Bessemer-Ironwood. Copper Peak. Black River Falls. At a minimum.

You missed the Jampot on the Keewaunaw!! Yummy jams and baked items all made onsite along with homemade candy! Also the ski jump built in the early 70’s to train the Olympic team, Copper Peak. Ride the ski lift to the base of the jump, elevator to approx mid point, then climb stairs to the top!!!! The view is spectacular!

We love The Jampot! In fact, it has its very own article: https://www.awesomemitten.com/thejampot/

How about the Quincy mine in Hancock! They have great mine tours!

Thank you so much! We plan to visit the U. P. This summer…all the way from south Mississippi. I have taken notes from your article and hope to see it all!

It’s always remarkable to me that every article of this time ignores the western UP from Escanaba to Menominee. Small towns like Rapid River, Nahma, Bark River , Fayette all have very unique offerings. If you’re considering the UK trip, everything mentioned above is beautiful, but the southern shore of the upper peninsula with its Lake Michigan beaches is also spectacular.

Never been to MI but have been wanting to see the UP for many years. Planning at trip for 2024 between mid-August to mid-September. This article was exactly what I wanted and needed. I followed along on a large MI map to the destinations and you hit them all perfectly, making it a smooth, easy trip. Can’t wait to go!

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Underground mine tours

Experience rappelling down a mine shaft, underground drilling and blasting workshops, or an easy guided walking tour. Call us today for availability and reservations. Walk-ins are welcome as availability allows.

Thanks for a great 2023 Season! We are now closed. Tours will be offered again seven days per week beginning May 18th.

Experience Underground Copper Mining As It Was In The 1800s

Experience the mine as the miners would have over 160 years ago with a single light on your hard hat. Our tours provide guests with experiences that are anything but average. Our mine is located near Greenland, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.

Each one of our underground mine tours provides a truly unique experience. Learn about the history of the copper mine, get hands-on with different mining techniques, and explore the depths of this 1800s copper mine. Check out our Mining Educational Programs to learn about our 6 hour drilling workshops. 

• Prospector's Tour

Duration: 1.5 hrs   |   Ages: All

Adventure Level

The Prospector Tour hike provides experiences you won’t soon forget! Enter by the No. 1 adit and see solid pieces of native copper weighing hundreds of pounds left behind by earlier miners.  Traverse through the largest rooms of the mine and past shafts to lower levels and see where pure copper and silver was removed. 

Miners's Tour

Duration: 3 hrs   |   Ages: 12 & up

If you want to try rappelling down a mine shaft in total darkness and crawling through low areas and down slopes, this is for you! Use a rappelling harness and gear to descend 80 feet to a lower level of the mine, crawl through several small areas, and hike through some of the oldest and most interesting parts of the mine. 

• Captain's Tour

Duration: 5-6 hrs   |   Ages: 13 & up

The Captain’s Tour will take you on an extensive journey through almost all of the first level and second level workings of the Adventure Mine, including areas that have been submerged for over 100 years. You will see rails, timbers, carts, and other artifacts not seen anywhere else in the mine. A pasty lunch underground is included.

About Adventure Mine

The Adventure Mine is a copper mine near Greenland, Michigan that operated from 1850 to 1920. During that time, miners removed more than 11 million pounds of native copper from the ground. We invite you to step back in time in the world’s greatest copper district to experience one of Michigan’s best-preserved historic mines.

• Shop Our Store

The Adventure Mining Company sells many natural copper products sourced from Michigan’s Copper Country. Choose from our natural native tumbled copper nuggets, native “Hackley” copper, float copper, and other native pieces of copper.

Stay in Our Cabin

A small private loft cabin is set in the woods at our historic Adventure Mine. Queen bed in the loft, outdoor deck, full bath with shower. WiFi is available. Underground mine tours, hiking trails, and mine building ruins to explore! Please Note: Offset-tread stairs access the loft…this may be difficult for those with limited mobility.

Reserve Your Tour Today

Tours operate 7 days a week during the summer and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a large group or want to reserve a certain tour, please call ahead for availability. 

• Miner's Tour
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Adventure Mining Company

200 Adventure Ave Greenland, MI 49929

For GPS Navigation, use:

1100 Plank Rd. Greenland, MI 49929

Our Mailing Address

PO Box 97 Painesdale, MI 49955

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Century-old handwriting found preserved at Upper Peninsula copper mine

• Updated: May. 17, 2024, 11:06 p.m. |
• Published: May. 17, 2024, 12:12 p.m.

The Painesdale Mine & Shaft, part of the Keweenaw National Historic Park. | Photo via Visit Keweenaw

• Emily Bingham | [email protected]

PAINESDALE, MICH. -- The tours at a historic Upper Peninsula copper mine site now have an unexpected new highlight.

During a project at Painesdale Mine & Shaft, workers recently discovered well-preserved handwriting on a wall in the site’s Shaft-Rock House, which was in operation from 1902 until 1967.

According to Michael Prast, president of the mine’s non-profit preservation group, the writing was uncovered in “a sort of locker room” on an upper level.

The scrawled notes mark different moments in the mine’s history as well as the lives of the men who worked there, including reports of snowstorms, the measurements of the mine’s rock-hammer cable, and a message in cursive noting the date of the final hoist as the mine closed for good.

“We were lucky to find such a connection to the people of the past,” Prast said.

RELATED: 120-year-old U.P copper mine site added to Keweenaw National Historic Park

Historic handwriting was recently revealed on an upper-level wall at the Painesdale Mine & Shaft in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. | Photo courtesy Painesdale Mine & Shaft Painesdale Mine & Shaft

A plexiglass barrier was placed over the delicate pencil writing to protect it while still allowing it to be seen. A UV-protected window will also be installed in the room to ensure sunlight doesn’t fade the exposed words.

Visitors can now see the historic writing during shaft house tours, which currently are held during set times on Saturdays.

Last year Painesdale Mine & Shaft officially was added to the Keweenaw National Historic Park, a registry of more than 20 partner sites that contain significant cultural or natural resources as part of Michigan’s copper mining history.

The mine site is located about eight miles southwest of Houghton, in the U.P.’s Keweenaw Peninsula. For tour details and more information, visit painesdalemineshaft.com .

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Former Marquette golfer Hunter Eichhorn learned on a nine-hole course. Is U.S. Open next?

Hunter Eichhorn is good at figuring out the lay of the land.

When he arrived at Marquette University to play golf in 2017, Eichhorn had never been on a plane. He left in 2022 as one of the most accomplished golfers in program history, then set out to make his way in the cut-throat professional ranks. Two years later, he's finding some success on the Korn Ferry Tour and trying to land a spot in next month's U.S. Open.

"It’s been about what I expected," Eichhorn said. "There hasn’t been anything too different. Obviously planning your own travel and traveling by yourself and not with the team and obviously having the school take care of everything. That’s a little bit different.

"As far as the golf, there’s a lot of good players. You got to play well if you want to compete. That’s what I expected and I enjoy the challenge of it."

Eichhorn advanced out of local qualifying for the U.S. Open earlier this month by carding a 3-under 69 at Robert T. Jones Golf Trail in Glencoe, Alabama. He'll compete in a 36-hole qualifier on June 3 at one of 10 sites in the U.S. in the hopes of landing one of the non-exempted spots in the field at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina.

There was also a local qualifier at at North Shore Country Club in Mequon in which Harrison Ott, Jack Schultz, Ty Kretz, Coalter Smith and Joe Leonard advanced to the next stage.

"Oh, that would be so special, especially in a place like Pinehurst," Eichhorn said. "The opportunity not only to play in a major but obviously competing against one of the best, if not the best, fields in the world with all the best players in the world. That would be such a great opportunity and obviously an incredible experience to be a part of that."

If you know anything about Eichhorn's history, it's smart not to count him out.

Hunter Eichhorn learned game on nine-hole course in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Eichhorn's backstory is worthy of a Hollywood biopic. He grew up in Carney, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula, learning how to play golf at Wild Pines, a local nine-hole course .

"This town is 190 people," MU coach Steve Bailey said. "His grandpa would take him out. He’s never had a swing coach in his life. He’s just learned how to do it his way.

"I think too often these days, guys are maybe too reliant on the coach or technology. Things get a little sideways and halfway through the round they want to go to the range and jump on their Trackman and try to figure out the numbers. Or go call my coach because I can’t figure it out. The beauty of the way he learned the game is that he knows his game. That formula works for him.”

A unique mindset was formed in the ever-changing weather of that latitude.

" The importance of starting out on a course like that, I think helped me understand the importance of a par, a birdie and a bogey," Eichhorn said. "I feel like sometimes you start out, you start playing a course, it’s too hard and you could argue, oh, a good score on that hole is a bogey because you don’t hit it far and you’re young.

" My grandpa and I used to scramble, so we always practiced shooting as low a score as possible. And making as many birdies as possible. That’s all you worry about when you scramble. So that’s how I developed the mindset of, I guess, finding a way to shoot as low a score as possible. From there, just bringing that throughout the levels of golf as I’ve gotten older. And just understanding that those are the type of scores that it takes to compete, especially at the highest levels. You look at the Korn Ferry Tour, every week it’s 20-under or lower to win it seems like. You can’t be afraid to go after birdies. "

Eichhorn couldn't just play golf all year up there – the average yearly snowfall in Carney is 59 inches – so he participated in a range of sports. He ran cross country at Carney-Nadeu High School and was also a standout basketball player.

"I’ve always wanted to be the best at what I do," Eichhorn said. "I had very competitive basketball coaches in high school who weren’t afraid to get on your case about things. That helped me even more develop the competitive edge. It’s just always been an innate thing. If I’m going to do a thing, why not try to be the best at it."

Bailey remembers watching Eichhorn make 12 three-pointers in a game when Carney-Nadeu played at Milwaukee Academy of Science.

"I’m telling you, five or six of these were a step across halfcourt," Bailey said. "It was crazy."

Trying to make Korn Ferry Tour and U.S. Open

Bailey knew right away that Eichhorn had a chance to be a pro. For his first event at MU, Eichhorn got on a plane for the first time and won in Texas. He went on to be Big East player of the year three times.

"People always ask, well, how do you compete in this climate?" Bailey said. "How are you able to go play certain teams down South after going through a winter?

"And Hunter’s last year, our first event in the spring was in Puerto Rico. It was in February. And he shoots the lowest round in all of college golf that year. He shot 61 in the first event in February.

"So I always use that. Like, hey, this guy’s able to do it, why can’t you? Just impressive. You can post numbers like that and it translates, because that’s what you need to do at that (pro) level. A lot of folks you see get to 3- or 4-under and they’re just trying to hold on. It’s just that mentality. Hey, it’s my day and I’m stepping on the gas. I’m going to keep dropping the hammer."

But it's not easy trying to make a living in professional golf. Talented people give up on the dream every year.

Eichhorn doesn't have full-time status on the Korn Ferry Tour. So he tries to make events as a Monday qualifier. If he finishes high enough – like he did when he was fifth at the Veritex Bank Championship in April – then he earns a spot in the next event. For those who don't make the event, there is an All Pro Tour that runs concurrently with the Korn Ferry.

Eichhorn is sponsored by Island Resort and Casino in the Upper Peninsula to help cover travel costs and event fees. But it takes a certain mentality to keep going in that week-to-week existence.

“Not every day is perfect,' Eichhorn siad. "Not every day you do the things that you say you are going to do. There’s so many good players out there, you just want to give yourself a little bit of an edge. Regardless of how you get that. It’s different for everybody, especially in golf. It’s very unique to the individual."

Eichhorn is going to keep attacking his dream. He hopes to earn full-time status on the Korn Ferry Tour, either by winning enough events or going through qualifying school. There's also the hope for one of those spots in the U.S. Open.

Bailey doesn't worry about Eichhorn. The coach's only advice is to not forget about being the golfer who figured things out on that nine-hole course in the U.P.

"You know your way to do it and don’t ever let anybody take that away from you," Bailey said. "Because you’re going to get a lot of people whispering in your ear and saying this or that or 'go see someone.'

"Sure, there are going to be things that people can help you with along the way, but stay in your lane. Trust in what you know. It’s obviously served him well and will continue to."

Talon mining company begins western UP exploration for nickel

L’ANSE, Mich. (WLUC) - Nearly 100 Baraga County community leaders got to meet a new neighbor at an open house in L’Anse Thursday afternoon.

Talon, a mineral exploration and development company, is beginning its search for high-grade nickel and other minerals in the U.P. The company’s main project is the Tamarack Nickel Project in Minnesota.

The company is operating out of a ‘core shed’ in L’Anse. It has acquired a land package of 400,000 acres, originally owned by the Ford Motor Company, to search for potential nickel. The company says these materials would be used in domestic supply chains.

“The Department of Defense granted us around $20,000,000 in federal funding to support that exploration work, both here in Michigan and in Minnesota,” Talon Community & Tribal Engagement Liaison Cody Mayer said. “And we have an agreement with some partners for electrical vehicles on that front as well.”

Tesla is one such partner. Talon says grades of up to 7.4% nickel have been found in the land package.

“The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is very fascinating from a geological standpoint,” Mayer continued. “There’s a lot of data and magnetic readings that we have that suggest there could be significant deposits throughout the Upper Peninsula.”

The company is starting its search in the locations it thinks most likely to have mineral deposits.

“And once we have something to point our drill at, where we have a reasonable amount of confidence that it’s worth the effort to drill the hole,” Talon Exploration General Manager Steve Hovi said. “That’s when we bring in the drill rig and drill at least one hole to see what is actually in the ground by looking at the drill core that comes out of the hole.”

At this time, the company says it is too soon to know if any discovery could lead to the creation of a mining operation. However, it encourages the public to stop by and ask questions.

“Members of the public can freely come to our core shed, ask to talk to some folks, see around a little bit,” Mayer added. “And if planned out ahead of time, we could even do tours for members of the public to get a better idea of what we’re doing. Transparency is a very big and important part of the work we do.”

Mayer says that the company is aiming to do public open houses at the core shed quarterly to keep up community relations.

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Jill Biden to tour Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula

First lady Jill Biden will head to Michigan on Thursday, spending three days touring the state with Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, as the two hold events at various locations, including Up North.

The White House on Tuesday night announced Biden and Emhoff's itinerary, though no specific locations for the events were provided and it did not appear they would be open to the general public.

The tour was set to begin Thursday afternoon with the two making remarks at a political event in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula.

Following that, the two will fly to the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, where they will speak at an event held by the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Then, on Friday, Biden and Emhoff will join a discussion on health care with the two Native American communities before touring the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie.

Later that day, Biden and Emhoff will fly into Saginaw County and speak at a political event in Midland in the Lower Peninsula before flying from there into Detroit. On Saturday, they will speak at a political event in Detroit before Biden travels to an event in New York City later that day.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak Sunday evening at the Detroit NAACP's annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit.

It's been more than a decade since a president held an event in the Upper Peninsula, with Barack Obama visiting Marquette in 2011 . Former President Donald Trump did fly to Menominee in the U.P. in 2020 but that was en route to an event in neighboring Wisconsin .

Contact Todd Spangler: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler .

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Travel info, the u.s.a.’s best fall colors are here.

Marvel at our seven million acres of autumn brilliance.

See the Upper Peninsula’s stunning fall colors

Ask fall color seekers about their favorite destinations in the United States and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their lists. (Our fall foliage repeatedly makes USA Today’s 10Best.) Seven million acres of tree coverage, the pristine shores of three Great Lakes, picturesque historic lighthouses, mirror-calm inland lakes, tree-lined rivers and streams and roaring waterfalls make the U.P. a fall getaway no other U.S. destination can match.

When to see the best fall color

The leaf show begins when our daylight hours get shorter and the night air grows crisp in mid-September. First, there’s a splatter painting of scarlet reds and sunny yellows amid acres of green. Then, almost overnight, the hardwood forests explode in reds, oranges, yellows, purples, browns and greens. The colors intensify and peak by mid-October. But this breathtaking show continues for a couple more weeks, especially along tree-canopied roads near the shorelines of Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior.

Check our weekly color reports

To help plan your trip, check our weekly color reports here for our eastern, central and western regions.

Drive these top 10 fall color tours

Below are 10 of our favorite fall color routes across the U.P. (nearly 1,500 gorgeous, leafy miles). Hop in your vehicle, and prepare to stop repeatedly to take photos. The views get more spectacular with every turn.

Tour 1 | Tour 2 | Tour 3 | Tour 4 | Tour 5 | Tour 6 | Tour 7 | Tour 8 | Tour 9 | Tour 10

Tour 1: Keweenaw Peninsula

Western U.P. | 100 Miles | Fill a full day with stops

The Keweenaw Peninsula is an incredible destination all four seasons but it is positively WOW! during the fall. The foliage will take your breath away. 

Start your tour in Houghton/Hancock. Home to Michigan Tech University, these two towns have a college vibe with a choice of eating and drinking establishments, outdoor recreation and lodgings. Crossing the Portage Lake lift bridge marks the beginning of your Copper Country adventure.

Follow US-41 north to historic Calumet, once the center of the booming copper mining industry. Take in the Victorian-era architecture, and stop by the Calumet Theater , a National Historic Landmark. While downtown, go to the Keweenaw National Historical Park visitor center to learn the location of over 20 heritage sites that tell the stories of the men and women who came to mine copper in this northernmost Michigan peninsula.

Continue north on US-41, taking time to stop at Eagle River Falls and Eagle Harbor Light Station and Museum Complex . The next stretch east on M-26 to Copper Harbor is one of the most scenic in Michigan. Winding up Brockway Mountain Drive brings you to some of the most photographed fall vistas in the U.P. If you can spend the night, this area offers some of the best stargazing, including the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park . 

From there, make your way south on US-41, stopping for a Delaware Copper Mine Tour . Then, enjoy lots of fall colors as you wind your way to the pristine beach at Bete Grise you will arrive in 11 minutes). Take Lac La Belle Road east then make a slight right on Bete De Gris Road. After time at the beach, make your way south along the Keweenaw Bay coast following Bete De Grise Road. Take a sharp left and follow Gay-Lac La Belle Road to Gay. From there, follow Traprock Valley Road west, turn right onto Bootjack Road, then left on Calumet St. Hop on M-26 at Lake Linden and enjoy the scenery as you return to Hancock/Houghton for a restful overnight stay.

Tour 2: Porcupine Mountains

Western U.P. | 225 miles | 4.5 hours minimum

Houghton is your launch point for this popular fall tour. Head southeast on US-41 to Baraga County . If you treasure fall color, a side trip east of Baraga will take you to Point Abbaye. Follow US-41 east to L’Anse then north on Skanee Road to Townline Road. Locals will tell you that this drive up the Abbaye Peninsula rivals any “leaf peeping” drive in the nation. 

Return to Baraga and make your way west on M-38 to Ontonagon County . It is home to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — the Midwest’s “last great wilderness.” It’s 60,000 acres of gorgeous vistas of Lake Superior’s stunning shores, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, 35,000 acres of untamed old-growth forests and 90 miles of hiking/backpacking trails. If you can’t stay for more than a day, visit at least one of these three lookouts — Lake of the Clouds, Copper Peak and Summit Peak.   

From the Porcupine Mountains, go south along CR-519. See Manabezho , Manido and Nawadaha Falls on the far west of the Porcupine Mountains near Wakefield Township. Go east from Wakefield on M-28 to Bergland on the northern tip of Lake Gogebic , the largest natural inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. If you can arrive at Bruce Crossings at nightfall, you can decide if the ghostly Paulding Mystery Ligh t is real or legend. If you prefer to complete this tour in daylight, take M-45 to see Rockland’s Victoria Hydroelectric Dam , the Old Victoria Restoration or  Minesota Mine . From there, go north on M-26, jogging west on M-38 to Greenland to visit Adventure Mining Company , where you can take an easy walking tour, rappel down a shaft or sign up for a drilling and blasting workshop. Return to M-26, enjoying the foliage in the Baraga State Forest and arriving in time for dinner and resting for tomorrow’s adventures in Houghton. 

Tour 3: Iron Country

Western U.P. | 221 Miles | 4 hours minimum

Start at Ironwood, at the far west of the Upper Peninsula. If the weather is coolish, stop by the Stormy Kromer factory for a free tour and pick up a cap and other Stormy, stay-warm U.P. gear. Then head east on US-2 to Bessemer. If you have time, extend your tour by going north on the National Black River Scenic Byway Waterfall Tour . This will be a highlight of your Western U.P. travels. Along the approximately 14-mile Black River Road, you can see five impressive waterfalls: the Great Conglomerate Falls , Gorge Falls , the barrier-free Potawatomi Falls , Sandstone Falls ’ rock formations and Rainbow Falls . This byway will also take you to Copper Peak for an incredible, 360-degree leaf-viewing experience.

If a waterfall trip doesn’t work into your schedule, continue east on US-2 to Watersmeet. Four miles west of Watersmeet, explore the Ottawa National Forest’s Sylvania Wilderness on CR-535. The old-growth forests and 34 named, pristine lakes are home to a wide variety of animal and plant life. Return to US-2, and go east to Watersmeet jogging north on M-45 to see Bond Falls then backtracking to Watersmeet. 

When you reach US-2, continue east to Iron River. Hikers and ORVers both claim the best way to see fall color is on Iron County ’s hundreds of miles of trails. Nearby Caspian is home to the Iron County Historical Museum . This is the U.P.’s largest local museum with over 100 iron mining and logging exhibits, 26 buildings, two art galleries and a gift shop. Return to US-2, taking it to Crystal Falls where you will head north on US-141 to Covington, then west on M-28 to Bruce Crossings, then Bergland at the northern tip of scenic Lake Gogebic . Take M-28 southwest to Wakefield then follow US-2 west. You will be back in Ironwood in less than a half hour. 

Tour 4: Marquette

Central U.P. | 177 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

A good basecamp for this tour is Marquette with its vibrant downtown, dining, entertainment and recreational choices and a variety of lodgings. Start your adventure following Deutsch St. northwest for a half hour along the Lake Superior coastline to Big Bay. Nearby, the 9 miles of Big Bay Pathway trails and Big Pup Creek Falls give you close-up views of autumn’s magnificence.

Return to the junction of US-41 and go southwest to Negaunee and Ishpeming, where you can catch lunch or a craft beer. Mountain bikers can see fall colors from an exciting singletrack RAMBA trail between the two cities. For a less strenuous leaf-viewing experience, visit Black River Falls when you’re in Ishpeming. 

From Ishpeming, go east on BUS M-28, taking several small jogs until you reach County Road 480 then south on M-533 to Gwinn. From there, go east on M-94 through Chatham and within minutes, you will enter the Hiawatha National Forest for your fall color feast. Turn right to follow M-28E/M-94E to Shingleton. Once in Shingleton, turn around and take M-28W/M-94W. Take M-28W into Munising, your gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

Some of Munising’s fall color highlights include Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises until mid-October, Miner’s Castle and seeing the 16 waterfalls in Alger County . For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, take the ferry to Grand Island (it runs until Oct. 10) and go hiking, mountain biking and kayaking surrounded by jaw-dropping beauty.

On your return trip from Munising to Marquette, prepare to see some of the most stunning Lake Superior scenery going west along the coast on M-28. 

Tour 5: Wild River & Lake Michigan Bays

Central U.P. | 127 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Start this fall adventure in Iron Mountain by making your way to Pine Mountain Ski Jump , where you can take in some of the best fall vistas in the U.P. At the base of the ski jump is the free Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial . If you have the stamina, walk up the 500 Pine Mountain Steps . This half-mile vertical climb is the largest outdoor staircase in the U.S. It brings you to the ski jump — the largest artificially made ski slide in our country, too. 

From Iron Mountain, take US-2 east to Norway, then go south on M-8 to Piers Gorge Road and park. There is a 1.5-mile trail that offers spectacular views of the Menominee River , its churning rapids, ledges and waterfalls. 

Return to US-2 and go east to Hermansville where you can get out of your vehicle and immerse in the colorful woods. The Hermansville to Escanaba multi-purpose rail trail traverses 25 miles. Choose how far you want to go hiking, mountain biking, horseback or ATV riding. Highlights along the trail are three bridges with photo-worthy overlooks. 

Go back to US-2 and take it east to Spalding. Turn south on US-41 and go to Menominee, a historic town on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay at the Michigan/Wisconsin border. Catch lunch, then go north on M-35 along Lake Michigan to Escanaba. On the way, you will pass through Escanaba River State Forest where you can enjoy plenty of leaf viewing. Once in Escanaba, stay a day or two and enjoy these local fall color tours . 

Tour 6: Lake Michigan

Central & Eastern U.P. | 144 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Some fantastic pull-offs along this Lake Michigan coastal tour will bring you back again and again. In Escanaba, pick up some Swedish Pantry Bakery cardamon bread and to-go coffee or tea, a bag of Sayklly’s chocolates or Dobber’s pasties for the road. Then take US-41 north to Rapid River on US-2. Visit Rapid River Knifework s, and learn about the craftsmanship of their sports and kitchen knives. 

Continue east on US-2. At Garden Corners, take M-183S to Fayette to explore an iron-smelting boom town turned ghost town, Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite . You can easily spend a half-day here walking the 3.5 miles of scenic trails through hardwood forests, along the bluff and the townsite. Kayakers will enjoy Snail Shell Harbor and its scenic limestone bluffs. 

Another don’t-miss side trip is visiting the “Big Spring,” Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park north of Manistique. Nicknamed the “Mirror of Heaven'' by the Ojibwe, Michigan’s largest natural spring reflects its surroundings on crystal-clear waters. It takes approximately 16 minutes to go west on County Highway 442, north on County Road 455 and then north on M-149.

Return to US-2, and continue east to Epoufette and the Cut River Bridge/Roadside Park . The scarlet red, amber and brilliant orange leaves are only rivaled by the Lake Michigan waterfront. 

Just when you think you can’t be awed anymore, US-2 will take you to St. Ignace, the second-oldest, continuously inhabited city in Michigan. Steeped in Native American and European history, this is a good stopover destination. But what will amaze you is the Mackinac Bridge that spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. You must stay to see the sunset and the bridge gleaming with lights at night. 

Tour 7: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Central U.P. | 160 miles | 3 hours minimum

Fall Color Tour 4 gives you a taste of how spectacular the scenery is along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , but take this tour for the full-blown experience. Motorcyclists rank County Road H-58, from Munising to Grand Marais, one of the top rides in the country. In the fall, it is off-the-charts beautiful whatever vehicle you are driving. 

From Munising, take County Road H-58 to E. Munising Ave. Continue on Adams Trail to County Road H-58E/Au Sable Trail. Go north to Sullivan’s Landing on the shores of Lake Superior. For the next few miles, take time to visit the picturesque Au Sable Light Station , the Log Slide Overlook and the Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook . 

Once you arrive at the quaint village of Grand Marais, enjoy the shops, hunt for agates on the beaches and walk the Sunset Boardwalk. A unique attraction is the Pickle Barrel House Museum , a 16-foot-tall barrel that was once a summer home for a well-known illustrator, William Donahey, creator of the famous Teenie Weenie characters. In the fall, it is open on weekends in September or by appointment. 

From Grand Marais, go south on M-77 to Seney. If you are up to more wilderness sightseeing, continue south on M-77 to Germfask’s Seney National Wildlife Refuge . You will find many places to hike and paddle, but the Strangmoor Bog National Landmark is part of the Superior Birding Trail. This time of year, you are likely to see American Bitterns, Northern Saw-whet Owls and Blackburnian Warblers among many other migratory birds as you meander through. 

Complete the tour by returning to Seney, taking M-28 west to M-94 and north to Munising. If you want to end your day stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights, the mile-long Miners Beach on Lake Superior, off County Road H-28 near Shingleton, is one of the top picks. 

Tour 8: Tahquamenon Falls/Whitefish Point

Central and Eastern U.P. | 172 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

This is a tour where the scenery gets better with every turn. Plan to add extra time for frequent photography stops! 

Start the adventure in Grand Marais and take M-77 south to Seney. If you haven’t seen the Seney National Wildlife Refuge , continue south to Germfask to hike, paddle and watch for wildlife . From Seney, take M-28 east, then north on County Road 405 to Newberry. 

If you have the time, take the six-and-a-half-hour Tahquamenon Falls Train and River Boat Tour from nearby Soo Junction. The boat captain will talk to you about points of interest few people can see from their vehicles. You can also hike to a private viewing area to see the mighty Tahquamenon Upper Falls, one of the largest falls east of the Mississippi River. 

From Newberry, continue the fall color tour, driving northeast on M-123 through Newberry State Forest and the Tahquamenon Falls State Forest to Paradise. There you can visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the Upper and Lower Falls. For another only-in-the-UP experience, stop by for a craft brew and a snack or meal at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Camp 33 , the only brewery housed on Michigan state land.

From Paradise, continue north on Whitefish Point Road to Whitefish Point . This is one of the premier places to see hundreds of varieties of migrating birds following their ancient flight paths south in the fall. It’s also the site of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum with its emotionally powerful exhibits, light station, lightkeeper’s quarters and rock-strewn beach. Open until Oct. 31, you will leave with a deeper respect for Lake Superior and those who have sailed it. 

Make your way back to Paradise, then south on M-123 to County Road 407 and north to Deer Park. Then take Deer Park Road west until it becomes County Road H-58. Pull over often to catch the Lake Superior views. 

Tour 9: Whitefish Bay

Eastern U.P. | 81 miles | 1.5 hours minimum

This is one of our shortest fall color tours, but there are lots of staggeringly beautiful trees in the Hiawatha National Forest and along the Lake Superior shoreline to enjoy. Begin in Paradise and go south on M-123, then left on M-28 and left on M-221. Stop in Brimley or Bay Mills Point to take in the ever-changing landscape of Lake Superior. Brimley State Park has an observation platform to watch the passing freighters going and returning from the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. You also can see Canada from there. 

After a jaunt up to Bay Mills Point, turn right onto West Lakeshore, travel 19 miles along Whitefish Bay then another 9.4 miles on Lake Superior Shoreline Road to the M-123 junction, and drive north to Paradise.

Tour 10: Lake Huron to Sault Ste. Marie 

Eastern U.P. |168 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

When people cross the Mackinac Bridge from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula, they feel a sense of freedom and carefree adventure. This tour brings out the explorer in you! Start in St. Ignace at the base of the 5-mile-long suspension bridge, and continue north on I-75 to historic Sault Ste. Marie , the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. Be sure to visit the Soo Locks , the ultimate international and Great Lakes freighter-watching destination. This is also a good place to catch a meal or ice cream snack, visit shops and historic museums, and get outside and play on recreational trails. 

Continue the tour, leaving Sault Ste. Marie by going south on M-129, then left on M-48E to DeTour Village on the St. Marys River. While in the village, stop by the DeTour Passage Historical Museum and Maritime Park . Learn about the area’s rich maritime history, and get front-row-seat views of giant freighters.  

If you can extend your visit, catch a ferry across to Drummond Island , the second-largest island in the Great Lakes. This island is an adventure waiting for you to join in on the fun. It is renowned for its ORV trails, kayaking, hiking, golfing and peaceful relaxation amid the changing trees. 

As you continue your fall color tour, take M-134 west from DeTour Village to I-75 along the northern shores of Lake Superior. Stop frequently at the beaches, and catch a meal in Cedarville or Hessel. Paddling around the Les Cheneaux Islands , an archipelago of 36 small islands, is a fall treat — especially at sunset. Both Hessel and Cedarville are replete with shops and art galleries featuring a variety of locally made crafts and gifts! 

When you reach I-75, go south to St. Ignace. Stay over. There are lots of things to do in this historic town tomorrow. 

Where to stay to take in the U.P.’s brilliant forests

Throughout the U.P., you can find lodgings, resorts and campgrounds with the rates and amenities that fit your fall color tour plans. September to mid-October are popular times to visit, so to get the dates you want, book your stay ahead. We can’t wait to share this beautiful peninsula with you soon!