Looking for the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? We’ve road-tripped the UP multiple times and can tell you this: it’s one of America’s last great wild frontiers. This rugged, remote region, home to some of the best places to visit in Michigan, is packed with towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, pristine hiking trails, and scenic shorelines along three Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, and Huron.
Whether you’re kayaking the turquoise waters of Pictured Rocks, taking a heart-pounding leap from the cliffs in Marquette, or feeling the rumble of giant freighters at the Soo Locks, the UP delivers pure adventure. This guide breaks down the 17 must-see places and experiences that make Michigan’s Upper Peninsula unforgettable. Let’s hit the road.
Editor’s Note for 2025: This guide to the Upper Peninsula was originally contributed by Veggies Abroad. We have since completely revamped and updated it with our own personal stories, photos, and insider tips from our many road trips through the UP to ensure it’s the most comprehensive and accurate resource for your travels.*
Quick Hits: The Very Best of the UP
Pressed for time? Here are the top things to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that you absolutely cannot miss:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Kayak or cruise beneath the iconic, mineral-stained cliffs.
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Witness the power of the massive, amber-colored Upper Falls.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Hike to the breathtaking Lake of the Clouds Overlook.
- Presque Isle Park: Cliff jump from the famous Black Rocks into Lake Superior.
- Kitch-iti-kipi: Glide across Michigan’s largest and most stunning natural spring.
- Mackinac Island: Step back in time on a car-free island known for bikes and fudge.
- Keweenaw Peninsula: Drive to the northernmost point for epic stargazing and solitude.
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Why Visit: Home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls is an absolute powerhouse. The tannin-rich waters of the Tahquamenon River give the falls a distinct amber color, earning it the nickname “Root Beer Falls.” We visited in October as golden leaves drifted downstream through the mist, and it felt like walking into a fairytale. The sheer force of the Upper Falls, especially during the spring melt, is something you have to feel to believe.
- Things to Do:
- Walk the accessible half-mile paved trail to the main Upper Falls overlook.
- Hike the four-mile trail connecting the Upper and Lower Falls.
- Rent a rowboat at the Lower Falls to paddle out to the island for a unique perspective.
- Insider Tip: While the Upper Falls gets all the glory, don’t skip the Lower Falls. It’s a series of smaller, cascading falls that are just as beautiful and far more interactive.
- How to Get There: Located off M-123 near the town of Paradise.
- Where to Stay or Eat: Camp in the park or stay at nearby lodges in Paradise.
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Why Visit: This is the crown jewel of the Upper Peninsula. A stunning 42-mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline featuring mineral-stained sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and dramatic arches. These rock walls aren’t just beautiful—they’re ancient canvases brushed by time and water. Kayaking past Chapel Rock and through Lovers Leap Arch felt like paddling through a cathedral carved by the earth itself.
- Things to Do:
- Take a guided kayak tour to see the cliffs up close (the best way to experience it).
- Hike the 10-mile Chapel Loop Trail for incredible clifftop views.
- Visit Miners Castle overlook and walk the short trail to Miners Falls.
- Relax on the beach at Sand Point.
- Insider Tip: Book your Pictured Rocks boat or kayak tour months in advance, especially for summer. They sell out fast. If you’re kayaking, go with a guide. Lake Superior’s weather is notoriously unpredictable.
- Where to Stay: Munising is the main hub for tours and lodging.
3. Presque Isle Park
Why Visit: Just minutes from downtown Marquette, this forested peninsula is a local favorite and an adventurer’s playground. The main draw? The “Black Rocks,” a formation of ancient volcanic rock perfect for cliff jumping. We took the leap into the shockingly cold, emerald water of Lake Superior under a blazing summer sun. The adrenaline rush followed by a warm-up on the sun-baked rocks is a core UP memory.
- Things to Do:
- Cliff jump from the Black Rocks (at your own risk!).
- Bike or drive the scenic Peter White Drive loop around the peninsula.
- Watch the sunset over Lake Superior—it’s one of the best spots in the UP.
- Insider Tip: The parking lot at the northern tip fills up fast on hot days. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Where to Stay or Eat: Stay in Marquette for its restaurants and lakeside hotels.
4. Marquette
Why Visit: Marquette is the largest city in the UP and the perfect home base for adventure. It effortlessly blends rugged outdoor access with small-city culture, great breweries, and fantastic restaurants. We loved being able to hike a mountain in the morning, grab an incredible meal in the evening, and end the night with a craft beer. It’s the perfect mix of wild and civilized.
- Things to Do:
- Hike to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (more on that below).
- Visit the iconic red Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.
- Explore the downtown shops and grab a coffee at a lakeside cafe.
- Dine at local favorites like The Vierling, The Bodega, or Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery.
- Insider Tip: Use Marquette as your hub for exploring Presque Isle, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Dead River Falls.
5. Sugarloaf Mountain
Why Visit: This short hike delivers one of the biggest rewards in the entire Upper Peninsula. The climb isn’t long, but the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit is breathtaking. From the viewing platforms, we could see for miles—the dense forests, the rugged shoreline, the iconic ore dock, and the endless expanse of Lake Superior. It’s a sunrise spot we’ll never forget.
- Things to Do:
- Hike the half-mile trail to the summit viewing platforms.
- Photograph the views of Lake Superior, Little Presque Isle, and Hogsback Mountain.
- A must-do for sunrise or to capture peak fall foliage.
- Insider Tip: There are two routes up: “easy” and “difficult.” The “easy” trail is less steep and has stairs, making it quicker for most people.
6. Kayaking Lake Superior
Why Visit: Paddling on the “Big Lake” is an unforgettable way to experience the raw scale and beauty of the UP’s coastline. Lake Superior demands respect, and it’s a core part of the epic Lake Superior Circle Tour, but when she’s calm, paddling on her waters is pure magic. Gliding beneath 200-foot cliffs in turquoise water with eagles soaring overhead is a humbling experience. Lake Superior demands respect, but when she’s calm, paddling on her waters is pure magic.
- Things to Do:
- Join a guided kayak tour at Pictured Rocks (the most popular option).
- Explore the quieter sea caves and coves around Munising Bay and Grand Island.
- Launch from the beaches in Marquette for a paddle around Presque Isle.
- Insider Tip: Lake Superior’s conditions can change in minutes. Always check small craft advisories, tell someone your plan, and if you’re not an experienced paddler, stick with a guided tour.
7. Whitefish Point & The Shipwreck Museum
Why Visit: This windswept point on Lake Superior is beautiful, moody, and steeped in maritime lore. Known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” the treacherous waters off this point have claimed hundreds of ships. It’s a place that feels sacred. We walked the beach at dusk, and watching the sky fade over the vast, silent lake was a powerful moment.
- Things to Do:
- Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, home of the bell from the legendary S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. In 2025, the museum is open daily 9?am–5?pm from May?1 through October?31. Admission includes access to the shipwreck exhibits, keeper’s quarters, and lookout tower.
- Climb the tower at Whitefish Point Light Station, the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior.
- Walk the desolate, beautiful beach and look for agate rocks.
- Insider Tip: Whitefish Point is in an official Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, the stargazing is phenomenal, with a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
- How to Get There: Located 11 miles north of Paradise on Whitefish Point Road.
8. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Why Visit: Affectionately known as “the Porkies,” this is one of the last great wilderness areas in the Midwest. It’s raw, remote, and massive. Hiking to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook was like walking into a painting. We stood on the escarpment, soaking in the silence, the vibrant fall colors, and the sense of something ancient and untouched.
- Things to Do:
- Drive to the easily accessible Lake of the Clouds Overlook for the iconic view.
- Hike a section of the Escarpment Trail for more stunning vistas.
- Chase waterfalls at Bond Falls and Agate Falls.
- Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds that flock to the main overlook on weekends, especially during fall color season.
- How to Get There: West of Ontonagon near the Wisconsin border.
- Where to Stay or Eat: Cabins and backcountry sites are available in the park.
9. Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring)
Why Visit: Prepare to be mesmerized. Located in Palms Book State Park, Kitch-iti-kipi, or “The Big Spring,” is a stunning emerald pool so clear you can see straight to the bottom 40 feet below. You pull yourself across the spring on a self-powered observation raft, watching ancient, mineral-encrusted trees and swirling sands below. The water is an otherworldly shade of blue-green—it almost doesn’t feel real.
- Things to Do:
- Ride the observation raft across the crystal-clear spring.
- Look for the massive trout that call the spring home.
- Insider Tip: This is one of the UP’s most popular stops. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid long lines for the raft, especially in summer.
How to Get There: Located 12 miles west of Manistique off M-149.
10. Mackinac Island
Why Visit: A charming, car-free island suspended in time between Michigan’s two peninsulas. The moment you step off the ferry, the rhythm changes. The roar of engines is replaced by the clip-clop of horses and the ringing of bicycle bells. Fudge is basically a food group here. We rented bikes and rode the 8.2-mile loop around the island’s shoreline, grinning the whole way.
- Things to Do:
- Bike the 8.2-mile M-185 loop around the island.
- Tour the historic Fort Mackinac.
- Sample world-famous fudge from one of the many downtown shops.
- Hike to the iconic Arch Rock.
- Insider Tip: Book your ferry tickets online in advance. While not technically in the UP, it’s an essential stop, and ferries leave from St. Ignace on the UP side.
- If you’re spending time on the south side of the bridge, there are many fun things to do in Northern Michigan, from exploring the unique Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix to enjoying what feels like Caribbean water adventures on Torch Lake.”
- How to Get There: Take a ferry from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.
11. Keweenaw Peninsula
Why Visit: This is the remote, northernmost tip of the UP, a place for true solitude, dark skies, and fascinating copper mining history. This is where we saw the Northern Lights for the first time, a faint green glow dancing over the silent expanse of Lake Superior. Add in wild beaches, ghost towns, and a serious lack of crowds, and you have a recipe for magic.
- Things to Do:
- Take the breathtaking Brockway Mountain Drive for panoramic views.
- Explore the charming harbor town of Copper Harbor.
- Hike among old-growth trees at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.
- Hunt for the aurora borealis from a remote Lake Superior beach.
- Insider Tip: Cell service is spotty to non-existent in much of the Keweenaw. Download offline maps before you go and pack extra water and snacks.
- How to Get There: Highway 41 leads to the tip of the peninsula from Houghton.
12. Sault Ste. Marie & Soo Locks
Why Visit: It’s one thing to see a massive 1,000-foot freighter on the lake; it’s another to watch it get lifted 21 feet between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Soo Locks are an engineering marvel and the lifeblood of Great Lakes shipping. Watching these giants squeeze through the locks is surprisingly captivating. Plus, the town of Sault Ste. Marie itself is Michigan’s oldest city and is full of friendly locals.
- Things to Do:
- Watch the massive freighters from the viewing platform.
- Take a boat tour that goes right through the locks alongside the freighters.
- Visit the Tower of History for a panoramic view of the area.
- Insider Tip: Time your visit! Check the freighter schedule online (MarineTraffic or similar apps) or at the visitor center to ensure you’ll see a ship pass through. For the best experience, book a tour with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours or Original Soo Locks Boat Tours.
- How to Get There: Accessible via I-75 at the eastern tip of the UP.
13. Isle Royale National Park
Why Visit: This is for the serious adventurer. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, Isle Royale is a remote, rugged island in the middle of Lake Superior, renowned for its moose and wolf populations. Reaching it feels like entering another world. We spent days hiking here without seeing another soul. It’s the ultimate off-grid experience—no roads, no cell service, just you and the wild.
- Things to Do:
- Take the ferry to either Windigo or Rock Harbor.
- Hike a portion of the famous Greenstone Ridge Trail.
- Go backpacking and camp beside pristine inland lakes.
- Insider Tip: The park is closed from November 1 to April 15. Ferry schedules are limited and must be booked far in advance. There is no cell service. You must be fully self-sufficient.
- How to Get There: Seasonal ferry or seaplane access from Houghton or Copper Harbor.
14. Cut River Bridge
Why Visit: Located on US-2 along the Lake Michigan shoreline, this isn’t just a bridge—it’s a scenic stop with a hidden network of trails. We parked and took the stairs down into the river valley, finding a quiet, beautiful spot where the Cut River meets Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs on the drive across the UP.
- Things to Do:
- Walk across the bridge’s pedestrian path for a view from 147 feet up.
- Take the stairs down to the trails below.
- Walk the path to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Insider Tip: This stop is especially gorgeous in the fall when the valley is ablaze with color.
15. Manistique & Fayette Historic State Park
Why Visit: A two-for-one stop on the southern coast of the UP. Manistique offers a lovely lakeside boardwalk, while a short drive away lies Fayette, a perfectly preserved 19th-century iron-smelting ghost town. Walking through the empty hotel and company store at Fayette feels like stepping onto a movie set.
- Things to Do:
- Stroll the Manistique Boardwalk and visit the lighthouse.
- Explore the ghost town at Fayette Historic State Park.
- Insider Tip: Fayette has a beautiful harbor on Snail Shell Harbor, a great spot for a picnic after exploring the historic townsite.
16. The Drive on US-2
Why Visit: Sometimes the journey is the destination. The stretch of US-2 highway that hugs the northern shore of Lake Michigan is one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. With endless beaches, charming small towns, and classic roadside pasty shops, it’s a quintessential part of the UP road trip experience.
We were lucky enough to motorcycle around the entire Lake Superior Circle Route through Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario. It was one of the best road trips we’ve ever taken!
- Things to Do:
- Pull over at the numerous roadside parks and beaches.
- Stop for a traditional Cornish pasty (a UP staple!).
- Enjoy the laid-back, scenic drive.
- Insider Tip: Give yourself more time than you think you need for this drive. You’ll want to stop frequently.
17. Grand Island Ice Caves (Winter)
Why Visit: A magical winter wonderland formed by frozen waterfalls along sandstone cliffs. We snowshoed across frozen Lake Superior into a frozen dreamscape of blue ice and crystal arches. It’s cold, wild, and worth every chilly step.
Things to Do:
- Snowshoe or ski across the ice to the caves
- Photograph giant icicles and blue chambers
- Explore with a guided tour for safety
Insider Tip: Always check local ice conditions before crossing. Bring poles and spikes. Or better yet, hire a guide to be safe.
How to Get There: Access from Sand Point Road near Munising.
Your Adventure Awaits in the UP
From the thundering power of Tahquamenon Falls to the silent, starry nights over Lake Superior in the Keweenaw, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you. We’ve shared our list of the most unforgettable things to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan, but in truth, it only scratches the surface of this wild and beautiful frontier.
The real magic is found in the unplanned detours, the quiet overlooks you discover by chance, and the conversations you have with friendly locals over a roadside pasty. Whether you start your journey after exploring the best things to do in Detroit or drive straight north, this is one of America’s last great road trips, a place that rewards the curious and the adventurous. So grab your map, pack your hiking boots, and get ready to find your own slice of the wild north. The Upper Peninsula is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
When is the best time to visit the Upper Peninsula? Late spring through early fall (June to October) offers the best weather for hiking, kayaking, and camping. Fall colors, typically peaking in late September or early October, are spectacular. Winter is incredible for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and seeing ice caves, but be prepared for extreme cold and road closures.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the UP? Yes! The Upper Peninsula has some of the darkest skies in the country. Your best chance is on the Keweenaw Peninsula or along the shore of Lake Superior away from city lights. A clear, dark night in the fall or spring gives you the highest probability.
Is Mackinac Island part of the UP? Technically, Mackinac Island is located in the Straits of Mackinac between the two peninsulas. However, it’s most commonly accessed from and included in UP travel itineraries, with ferries departing from St. Ignace in the UP.
Is the Upper Peninsula good for road trips? Absolutely. The UP is one of the premier road trip destinations in the United States. Distances between major sights can be long, so plan your route accordingly. Be prepared for limited cell service in remote areas—downloading offline maps is essential.
What is a Pasty and where can I get one? A pasty (pass-tee) is a baked pastry filled with meat and vegetables, brought to the UP by Cornish miners in the 1800s. It’s the unofficial food of the UP, and you’ll find pasty shops all over. Trying one is a required part of the experience!
Read more about Michigan travel
