Upper Peninsula Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, where to stay, eat and drink, and how to get around the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Midwest USA.
- Introduction to Upper Peninsula
- List of Places to Visit in Upper Peninsula
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Peninsula
- Best Things to Do in Upper Peninsula: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Peninsula
- Food and Drink Scene of Upper Peninsula
- Where to Stay in Upper Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Luxurious Resorts
- Rustic Cabins
- Hostels
- What to Buy in Upper Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Upper Peninsula
- Best Time to Visit Upper Peninsula
- Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Peninsula
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Upper Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Upper Peninsula
- Where to Go Next from Upper Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Upper Peninsula
Located in the northern region of Michigan, the Upper Peninsula (also known as UP) is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is home to stunning natural wonders, charming small towns, and a rich cultural heritage that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to the Midwest. The Upper Peninsula is also known for its friendly people, unique cuisine, and fascinating history.
List of Places to Visit in Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is divided into three main regions: Eastern UP, Central UP, and Western UP, each of which has its own attractions worth exploring. Here is a list of must-visit places in the Upper Peninsula.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Mackinac Island - Known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and horse-drawn carriages, the island is a living museum that takes visitors back in time.
- Marquette Maritime Museum - This museum provides information about Marquette’s maritime history and a lighthouse tour.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - The lakeshores contains an array of vivid color.
- Historic Downtown Sault Ste. Marie - A historic downtown bustles with life, this is also the third oldest city in the US.
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park - An opportunity to see one of the largest waterfall systems east of the Mississippi River and hike the surrounding trails.
- The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - A museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the significant shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
Natural Attractions of Upper Peninsula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Isle Royale National Park - This nature reserve is a paradise for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and kayakers.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - The park is famous for its old-growth forests, scenic waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails.
- Kitch-iti-kipi - This jade-colored natural pool is located inside the Palms Book State Park and provides visitors with a rare glimpse of underwater life.
- Seney National Wildlife Refuge - This wildlife refuge is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bald eagles, bears, and minks.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes - The breathtaking dunes provide ample opportunity for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula boasts an extensive network of trails that offers hikers and bikers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Here are some notable trails:
- North Country Trail - A network of 4,600 miles long trail, leading through eight states including a substantial section in the Upper Peninsula.
- High Country Pathway - A 80-mile circular trail that includes scenic overlooks, quiet river landings, and rustic campsites along the way.
- Iron Ore Heritage Trail - This 47-mile trail offers mountain bikers a chance to see the beautiful natural landscapes of the Upper Peninsula.
Best Things to Do in Upper Peninsula: Activities and Tours
- Fishing - The Upper Peninsula is known for its pristine lakes and rivers and that attracts fishers from all over the world.
- Snowmobiling - The Upper Peninsula is an excellent region for snowmobiling due to the heavy snowfall during the winters.
- Kayaking - The lakeshores and rivers of the Upper Peninsula provide a spectacular view of the region from the water.
- Northern Lights Tour - Climb to a secluded location where you have an excellent view of the night sky and light pollution is reduced.
Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Peninsula
Day 1-2: Mackinac Island Day 3-4: Sault Ste. Marie, Tahquamenon Falls State Park Day 5-6: Marquette, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Day 7: Sleeping Bear Dunes
Food and Drink Scene of Upper Peninsula
Must-Try Dishes
- Pasty - A savory tart with a flaky crust filled with potatoes, meats, and vegetables
- Whitefish - Freshly caught from the Great Lakes, whitefish is a staple of Upper Peninsula cuisine.
- Fudge - The region is famous for its creamy, high-quality fudge.
Local Beverages
- Upper Peninsula Craft Beer - Beer aficionados will delight in the numerous breweries located across the Upper Peninsula.
- Mackinac Island’s Lilac Wine - A unique wine made from the lilac flowers that bloom on Mackinac Island in the spring.
Where to Stay in Upper Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There is a broad range of accommodations available in the Upper Peninsula, catering to all manner of travelers. From luxurious resorts to rustic cabins, there is something for everyone.
Luxurious Resorts
- Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
- Mission Point, Mackinac Island
- AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Marquette
Rustic Cabins
- Little Lake Resort, Gwinn
- Munising KOA, Wetmore
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - vicinity campgrounds
Hostels
- Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve Hostel, Ironwood
- Hostel du Nord, Marquette
- Bunkhouse of Munising, Munising
What to Buy in Upper Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Mackinac Island Fudge
- Honey from Upper Peninsula Bees
- Mining-inspired jewelry from Marquette
- Yummy jams and jellies made with locally grown fruits
Local Culture and Customs of Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is known for its friendly, laid-back culture, where people place great value on loyalty to family, community, and traditions. Visitors should be respectful of the customs of the region, such as the importance of hunting and fishing to the local economy.
Best Time to Visit Upper Peninsula
Summer and fall are the ideal time to visit the Upper Peninsula due to the mild weather and abundant outdoor activities. For winter sports enthusiasts, winter offers many snowmobiling and skiing opportunities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Peninsula
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Pack the appropriate outdoor gear for the season
- Try the local cuisine
Don’t:
- Litter or pollute the natural resources of the Upper Peninsula
- Ignore road signs and regulations
- Trespass on privately owned lands without permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is a relatively safe region, although it is essential to keep in mind precautions when exploring the wilderness. Visitors should carry appropriate gear and have a plan for emergencies.
Health in Upper Peninsula
The healthcare system in the Upper Peninsula is excellent, with hospitals and clinics located in urban centers.
Getting to Upper Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Upper Peninsula
- Sawyer International Airport, Marquette
- Houghton County Memorial Airport, Hancock
Bus Stations Near Upper Peninsula
- Iron Mountain Bus Terminal, Iron Mountain
- Greyhound, Escanaba
Other Options
- Amtrak, St. Ignace and Iron Mountain
- Driving, travelling by car
How to Get Around in Upper Peninsula
The best way to explore Upper Peninsula is by car. There are also public transport options depending on the locations, rideshare apps are also available in more populated areas.
Where to Go Next from Upper Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
The Upper Peninsula is located in the Midwest region of the United States, giving visitors the opportunity to explore nearby destinations.
- Green Bay, Wisconsin - Known for its sports teams and cheese, Green Bay makes for an exciting day trip.
- Traverse City, Michigan - Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City is located about 3 hours south of Mackinaw Island.
- Door County, Wisconsin - Located on the peninsula that separates Lake Michigan from Green Bay, Door County offers stunning wilderness areas, charming small towns, and a vibrant arts scene.
Conclusion
The Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem in the North American Midwest, with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that are sure to keep visitors entertained. From stunning scenery to delicious food, friendly people to unique shopping opportunities, the Upper Peninsula truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or history buff, the Upper Peninsula is a must-see destination that should not be missed.