This Upper Peninsula Michigan list is by no means all-inclusive but instead features the highlights of what there is to do in each area and the things that I always recommend to friends.
We tend to stick to the free/inexpensive things like hiking, visiting lighthouses, waterfall chasing, rockhounding, and geocaching.
That being said there are some really cool things in the U.P. that are worth paying for like Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Boat Tours, and Castle Rock.
How to Plan an Epic Adventure through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Along Lake Superior
Look for Lake Superior agates at any beach.
They’re colorful and beautiful.
The agates are treasures to behold. Look for them along the beaches in Lake Superior.
Learn more about Lake Superior agates and how to find them along Lake Superior shores from this site. Check out recommendations for Lake Superior beaches that are great for agate hunting.
Things to Do in St. Ignace, MI
Historic. Romantic. Picturesque. St. Ignace is all of these and more. Discover why the locals say, “It is better above the bridge” when you visit this U.P. city.
Be sure to include these attractions in your visit.
Castle Rock
Take your Instagram photos from Castle Rock, with amazing views of Lake Huron and Mackinac Island as your background.
Curio Fair Tower Climb
For just $1, you can climb a wooden hexagonal tower that will give you breathtaking views of Mackinac Bridge.
Clydes Drive-in for lunch
For the best burgers in town, head out to Clyde’s. Drive-In.
Bridge View Park
Sit on a bench or walk along the coastline or look through the telescope as you enjoy the impressive view of Mackinac Bridge and the waters that connect Lakes Michigan and Huron.
A Visit To Seney National Wildlife Reserve
Spot birds, animals and colorful flowers at the Seney National Wildlife Reserve. The park has a Jr. Ranger program for the younger kids so be sure to check it out.
Kayak the Manistique River
Starting at Germfask, MI, kayak the Manistique River that goes through the Seney National Wildlife Reserve and keep a lookout for bald eagles, turtles, and other animals.
Things to do in Munising, MI
Go hiking. Go biking. Go fishing. Go camping. Go snowmobiling. Go boating. Do all these and more in Munising, Michigan.
Pictured Rocks
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are a beauty to behold. See mother nature’s grand creations of sandstone cliffs and sand dunes.
Waterfalls
With 17 waterfalls in Alger County, you can have many adventures discovering some of them. Stop in at the Munising Visitors Center to pick up a waterfall map. Our favorite falls include Alger, Munising, Scott.
Pictured Rocks Boat Ride
From the water, get up close to miles of Pictured Rocks as you take an enjoyable cruise or thrilling ride on a jet boat.
Lighthouses
Visit and explore the lighthouses of the coastal city of Munising.
Things to do in Christmas, Michigan
Celebrate Christmas 365 days a year in Christmas, Michigan. Swing by Christmas and stop in at Santa’s Workshop and don’t forget to take photos in front of the Roadside Attractions 🙂
Au Train Beach and River
Swim in the Au Train Beach and kayak or fish at the Au Train River. Au Train, just West of Munising on Hwy 28, has a very sandy beach on Lake Superior, the park is just west of the Au Train river. Can’t miss it.
Bay Furnace Historic Site
Learn about the iron industry as you visit the ruins of an old blast furnace that used to create pig irons around 1870s.
Things to do in Grand Marais, MI
Have a grand vacation at Grand Marais. There are many grand activities to do: swim, bike, kayak, fish, hike, and many more.
Hot spot for agate hunting
For all you agate hunters, Grand Marais coastlines will be paradise for you!
Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum
Gitche Gumee Museum is heaven for agate enthusiasts – be amazed at the various kinds of agates on display at the museum and buy souvenirs from the gift shop.
Things to do at Tahquamenon Falls, MI
See one of the biggest waterfalls east of Mississippi – the Tahquamenon Falls or “Root Beer” Falls.
Boat and Train Ride
Discover the beauty of nature at the Tahquamenon Falls and River by boat or by train.
Things to do in Newberry, MI
Any time of the year is the best time to visit Newberry. Go snowmobling or dog sledding during the winter and fishing and hiking during the warmer months.
Oswald Bear Ranch
Take your whole family to take photos with a cute bear cub at the Oswald Bear Ranch, one of the biggest bear-only ranch in the US.
Things to do in Paradise / Whitefish Point, MI
Whitefish Point Lighthouse
Climb one of the oldest (and haunted) and most important lighthouses in the Lake Superior, the Whitefish Point Lighthouse, and enjoy the magnificent views.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
At the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, marvel at many artifacts of what’s left of ships that met their end in Lake Superior.
Things to do in Marquette, MI
There are so many things your family can do on your trip to Marquette. Whether on land: hiking, hunting, and biking; on water: fishing, paddling, and surfing; or even on snow: snowmobling, skiing and snowshoeing.
Black Rocks | Presque Isle State Park
If you’re hungry for an adrenaline rush, cliff diving from Black Rocks and splashing in cold water will surely satisfy you.
At Presque Isle State Park, there are so many wonderful activities you can do whatever the season is: hiking or cross country skiing or having a picnic or just enjoying nature around you.
Lakenland Sculpture Park
At Lakenland Sculpture Park you will see how pieces of junk have been turned into beautiful masterpieces.
Saykllys Chocolate
Saykllys has been satisfying the sweet tooth of locals and tourists of the Upper Peninsula since 1906. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this U.P. favorite when you visit.
Snowbound Bookstore
When in Marquette, the best place to buy your books is Snowbound.
Peter White Library
Can’t stay away from books even if you’re on vacation? Your book haven in Marquette will be Peter White Library, near Lake Superior.
Waterfalls
There are 11 waterfalls in Marquette County, many of which are great for families with pets!
Lighthouses
Learn history and be amazed at nature’s beauty as you visit Marquette County’s lighthouses.
Things to do in Manistique, MI
Enjoy the many beautiful colors of the “Emerald City,” Manistique – emerald green Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring); yellow, orange, red of leaves in the fall, and white snow during the winter season.
Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse
When you visit Manistique, this is the lighthouse you have to visit – the park area is awesome.
DISCOVER Mural
Part of the Power of Words Project, be in awe with the beauty of the “Discover” mural and the talent of the artists in this Instagram-worthy artwork.
Kitch-iti-kipi
Michigan’s biggest natural spring, there is a raft that takes you out to the middle of the spring to see the fishes all the way to the bottom. It’s pretty sweet.
Fayette Historic State Park
Known in the past for its operations of iron-smelting, the Fayette State Park and Historic Townsite is now a historic village with old buildings and exhibits that will tell you stories of the town’s glorious past.
Things to do in Naubinway, MI
At the northernmost point of Lake Michigan, catch the wonderful Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, see amazing wildlife, and participate in exciting outdoor activities.
Hiawatha Pasties
If you’re in U.P. you gotta have a pasty. One you shouldn’t miss is right in Naubinway, from Hiawatha Pasties.
Cut River Bridge Roadside Park
Located along US Highway 2 in Hendricks Township, Mackinac, the Cut River Bridge is a cantilevered steel deck bridge. You can go under the bridge and down the stairs to the water.
Garlyn Zoo
A great family activity to do while you’re in the Upper Peninsula is a visit to the many animals of family-owned Garlyn Zoo, amidst beautiful pine trees.
Snowmobile Museum
For all of you snowmobile enthusiasts, there’s actually a museum of different models, colors, and sizes of snowmobiles in Naubinway.
Things to do on Mackinac Island
Established in 1895, Mackinac Island State Park is the first state park of Michigan. While in the car-free island, historical sites will educate you and nature’s artwork will leave you in awe.
How to take a day trip to Mackinac Island
Take a day trip for great hiking and take pictures of the famous Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf. There are so many things to do that I’ve written numerous articles about it which you’ll find here.
Things to do in Sault Ste Marie, MI
You’re going to have soo much fun as you join activities that are soo interesting and attractions that are soo fascinating at Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Soo Locks Viewing Platform
You have to see the Soo Locks! You will surely admire this engineering wonder that links Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Soo Locks Boat Tours
Don’t just see the Soo Locks, experience them. Take a boat tour and go through the Soo Locks, going up and going down between the two great lakes.
Tower of History
For a 360 degree view of Sault Ste Marie, climb up the 292 stairs (or take the elevator) to the top of the tower. The bottom level is a museum that tells the history of the place.
Museum Ship Valley Camp
This freighter-turned-museum houses exhibits including an Edmund Fitzgerald lifeboat and aquariums with fish of the Great Lakes.
Wow, that is enough to keep you busy for an extended vacation to the Upper Peninsula Michigan. Be sure to pin this page or bookmark it. I’ll add more recommendations as I discover them!
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