13 Best Places To Visit On Michigan's Upper Peninsula (2024)

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Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park boasts nearly 50,000 acres of natural beauty and gorgeous landscapes, with 35 miles of hiking trails and countless scenic overlooks. However, the main highlight of this park is its incredible waterfalls.

The Upper Falls is a must-see – with a drop of around 50 feet and a width of 50 feet, it’s one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Just 4 miles downstream, you’ll find the Lower Falls, consisting of five smaller falls flowing around an island – you can reach this area via a boat rental provided by the park.

Sault Ste. Marie

Located on the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is the second largest city on the peninsula, with a population of around 13,000. There are several attractions in this small town, including the Soo Locks, a set of parallel locks that connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Several boat tours in the area allow you to see the locks and learn more about the engineering behind their design.

You can also visit the River of History Museum in the downtown area. This museum details the local history of Sault Ste. Marie and the St. Mary’s River.

Keweenaw Peninsula

Situated on the northwestern portion of the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the best places to find natural beauty and Instagram-worthy views, boasting countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing streams.

One of the best ways to see this peninsula is on the Brockway Mountain Drive, designated as an official Michigan Wildlife Viewing Area. This 9.5-mile scenic drive is the highest above-sea-level drive between the Alleghenies and the Rockies, so you’ll get incredible views along the way. If you’re here from mid-April to mid-June, you might even see the annual migration of birds of prey.

Whitefish Point

On the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you’ll find the unincorporated community of Whitefish Point. This area is home to the Whitefish Point Light Station, just a 1.5-hour drive from the Mackinac Bridge.

Because there are over 200 shipwrecks in the immediate area, it’s also known as Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast. You can learn more about these shipwrecks at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum–explore shipwreck artifacts, artwork, shipwreck models, and other maritime exhibits.

With admission to the museum, you’ll also get a self-guided tour of the Lightkeeper’s Quarters attached to the lighthouse, dating all the way back to 1861.

St. Ignace

St. Ignace, situated on the banks of Lake Huron, is a small town worth exploring. It is located on the northern side of the Mackinac Bridge, which leads from the lower peninsula to the upper peninsula. Start at Castle Rock, known as “Pontiac’s Lookout” by the Ojibwa Tribe. This point rises 195 feet above sea level, providing an incredible view of the water, the downtown area, and the nearby Mackinac Island.

If you love animals, you can also head to Deer Ranch, North America’s oldest whitetail deer exhibit. They even have a petting zoo!

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Crisp Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the remote shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Built in 1904, the lighthouse was one of five U.S. Life-Saving Service stations between Munising and Whitefish Point. It stands 58 feet tall and originally served as a beacon to help guide ships through the treacherous waters of Lake Superior, known for its fierce storms.

Crisp Point is located about 14 miles west of Whitefish Point, in Luce County, but it’s quite remote, accessible only by long stretches of unpaved roads (you don’t need a 4×4 unless it’s been raining). Once there, you can climb the lighthouse tower for spectacular views of Lake Superior’s wild coastline and go for a walk along the sandy shoreline. It’s serene beauty is a lovely reward for anyone looking for a bit of solitude and natural beauty.

Sugarloaf Mountain

You’ll find Sugarloaf Mountain about six miles north of downtown Marquette, and it has one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in Michigan. There are two paths leading to the top of the mountain – one that’s steeper but quicker, and another that is less difficult but longer.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Superior, Marquette, and Presque Isle Park. Bring your binoculars!

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

When it comes to Upper Peninsula travel, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is a great place to go hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing in clear water!

The National Lakeshore stretches for about 42 miles along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Covering over 73,000 acres, the park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant rock formations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The colorful sandstone cliffs, which rise as high as 200 feet above the lake, give the park its name and are among its most iconic features.

Some of the best areas to stop at along the seashore for dramatic rock formations, secluded beaches, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior include Miners Castle, Mosquito Beach, Spray Falls, Lover’s Leap, Sand Point, Chapel Rock, and Chapel Beach.

Chapel Rock, is known for the lone pine tree growing atop it. A hike leads you to both the rock and the serene Chapel Beach.

These spots, along with hiking trails and scenic overlooks, make Pictured Rocks a must-visit for adventurers and photographers. Boat tours and kayaking are also popular ways to take in the stunning landscapes from the water.

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Located inside the Hiawatha National Forest, the Grand Island National Recreation Area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The only way to reach Grand Island is by passenger ferry or private boat, so you won’t find heavy traffic or crowds here. For sugar sand shoreline and refreshing water, explore Trout Bay Beach.

Several hikes will lead you around the island’s perimeter, including the Rim Trail. On the island’s north end, be sure to visit the Old North Lighthouse, which is perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior.

Fayette Historic State Park

Situated on the shores of Big Bay de Noc, Fayette Historic State Park is one of the best state parks for travelers who love history. This area is a former town turned ghost town – you can explore the town site and its well-preserved buildings on a guided or self-guided tour.

You can also explore the five miles of trails with stunning views from the top of 90-foot-tall limestone cliffs. There’s even a designated swimming area!

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is located in the eastern area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As a protected wetland, this refuge has several hiking and biking trails, boating areas, and bird habitats. For an easy and scenic hike, check out the Tip-of-the-Point Trail, featuring a wooden boardwalk along a Lake Superior beach. Along this hike, you might even see migratory birds like blue jays, evening and pine grosbeaks, and sparrows. This park is also an excellent spot for cross-country skiing along the inland trails in the winter.

Iron Mountain

This small town is located in the western area of the Upper Peninsula, right on the border of Michigan and Wisconsin. Named after the iron ore that was once found in this region, Iron Mountain has several golf courses, fishing areas, and mountain biking trails. You can even go whitewater rafting on the Menominee River. If whitewater isn’t your thing, this river also has several peaceful stretches of water that are perfect for canoeing or kayaking.

Iron Mountain is located adjacent to the Pine Mountain Jump. If you love downhill skiing, this is the spot for you! For those who would rather take it easy, there’s a lift to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the snowy view!

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park – encompassing 60,000 acres; you’ll find 35,000 acres of old-growth forests, tree-covered mountains, miles of rivers, rushing waterfalls, and 90 miles of hiking trails.

Lake of the Clouds is one of the most stunning areas within this park. Dramatic cliffs and lush forests surround this mountain lake – in the fall, you’ll see some of the most beautiful foliage in Michigan. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the emerald green of the surrounding old-growth forest. Be sure to bring your fishing pole – this lake has abundant bass (but it’s catch and release only!).

Climb to the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains at the Summit Peak Observation Tower, towering 2000 feet above sea level, for jaw-dropping views.

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Whether you’re exploring the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula or kayaking through hidden waterways, Michigan’s diverse landscape is the perfect playground for outdoor adventure!