An introductory guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula

If you've ever encountered someone from Michigan's Lower Peninsula, they probably raised their right hand and pointed to a spot on their palm to show where they're from.

Beyond Michigan’s well-known “mitten,” the Wolverine State features another distinct area to the north known as the Upper Peninsula. Rich in wilderness, this sparsely populated “U.P.” is an ideal outdoor escape for reliving your favorite childhood camp memories and disconnecting from technology.

The Upper Peninsula is expansive, covering over 16,000 square miles, most of which is forested. In addition to its lush woodlands, the U.P. is bordered by three Great Lakes—Superior, Huron, and Michigan—boasting around 1,700 miles of shoreline and beaches waiting to be discovered. Much of this region consists of public land, including state parks, national forests, and wildlife areas, offering virtually limitless adventure opportunities.

Interesting tidbit: The U.P. became part of Michigan due to a territorial dispute with Ohio known as the Toledo War. In brief, while pursuing statehood in the 1830s, Michigan surrendered a region that included Toledo, gaining the entire Upper Peninsula in exchange.

Thinking about a trip to the U.P.? Here’s what you need to consider as you begin your planning.

What’s the best time to visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

Visit in summer for pleasant temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities.

Summer is the peak season for visiting the Upper Peninsula, characterized by warm but comfortable temperatures, thanks to refreshing breezes from the Great Lakes. Many travelers come to immerse themselves in the region's rich natural beauty, making the most of the mild weather for activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Just a heads-up: mosquitoes and deer flies are prevalent, so packing bug spray is essential. Despite the pesky bugs, summer remains the U.P.'s busiest season, so expect to share the experience with plenty of fellow adventurers.

Winter offers tranquil snowy landscapes and fewer visitors.

However, winters in the Upper Peninsula have their own enchantment. While temperatures can drop to single digits, the approximately 300,000 residents don’t hibernate; they embrace the cold with ice skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The region receives substantial snowfall due to the lake effect, making it home to several downhill ski resorts.

In addition to warm attire, bring your camera because the Upper Peninsula transforms into a stunning winter wonderland. Snow blankets the trees like powdered sugar, waterfalls freeze into stunning forms, and the lakes are adorned with sheets of white-blue ice.

Visit the U.P. in autumn to experience breathtaking fall colors.

Autumn presents its own breathtaking beauty. The Upper Peninsula is abundant with deciduous trees, such as sugar maples, red maples, beech, ironwood, and yellow birch, which begin to showcase their vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues from mid- to late-September. A prime spot for leaf peeping is Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains, surrounded by trees in a kaleidoscope of colors. Particularly during peak fall foliage weekends, the Upper Peninsula can become quite crowded.

What is the ideal duration for a visit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula is vast and can be somewhat challenging to access, especially for those traveling from outside the Midwest. Most visitors come to connect with nature, as there are no major cities in the U.P. While a long weekend could suffice, this destination truly deserves more time. If possible, aim to spend at least a week exploring the Upper Peninsula.

Is navigating the Upper Peninsula of Michigan straightforward?

Traveling to the Upper Peninsula involves a bit more effort. Driving is the most popular choice, although there are a few small regional and county airports with flights from Detroit and Chicago. If you choose to fly, renting a car upon arrival is recommended. While some cities in the U.P. have public transportation, a car is essential for exploring the surrounding areas.

If you’re road-tripping from the Lower Peninsula, you’ll get the chance to cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge (pronounced “macki-naw”), which is an experience in itself. Opened in 1957, this suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It’s an engineering marvel, measuring about 5 miles long and towering 552 feet high. Often referred to as the “8th wonder of the world,” it currently holds the title of the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, offering breathtaking views of the waters below.

Driving from Detroit to the Mackinac Bridge takes just over four hours. After crossing, expect an additional two to five hours of driving within the Upper Peninsula, depending on your destination.

Must-see attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Camp and gaze at the stars on the Keweenaw Peninsula

Set up camp at one of the 22 state parks in the U.P. and enjoy late-night stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the entire Upper Peninsula offers a perfect backdrop for celestial viewing. For the darkest skies, make your way to the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, recognized by the International Dark Sky Association in 2022. Besides stars, planets, nebulae, and meteors, keep an eye out for the northern lights, which often grace the skies from August to April.

Indulge in a pasty

In the 19th century, Cornish immigrants flocked to the Upper Peninsula to work in iron and copper mines. For their lunches, they often brought along pasties—semi-circular, handheld pies filled with meat and vegetables (pronounced like “nasty”). These tasty treats quickly became popular beyond the mines and remain a cherished culinary tradition in the U.P. When ordering, you can choose between gravy or ketchup—try both to discover your favorite!

Take in the sights of Tahquamenon, also known as 'Root Beer Falls'

You might think all waterfalls look alike, but that’s far from true. Tahquamenon Falls is not only Michigan’s largest waterfall; it also has a unique brown hue. However, the water is not cloudy; it’s clear with an amber tint caused by tannins from the hemlock, cedar, and spruce trees lining the swamps of the Tahquamenon River. This has earned it the nickname “Root Beer Falls.”

For easy access to the best views, park at the Tahquamenon Upper Falls Parking Lot in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. From there, stroll along the flat, paved path and boardwalk to the viewing area. On your way back, consider enjoying a pint on the patio at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.

Explore the water trail by canoe or kayak

Have you heard of water trails? These designated routes allow you to navigate the Upper Peninsula's numerous waterways while paddling a canoe or kayak, and you don’t need any prior experience. For instance, the Hiawatha Water Trail stretches 120 miles along the southern shore of Lake Superior. You’re welcome to paddle just a segment of it, especially the picturesque area near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its stunning multicolored sandstone cliffs and formations. If you’re new to paddling, there are several licensed outfitters available to guide you.

Enjoy local wines at tasting rooms

While Michigan might not be the first state that comes to mind for wine production, the U.P. has successfully cultivated cold-hardy grape varieties that thrive in its harsh climate. Today, you can explore a vibrant wine scene with charming tasting rooms at Leigh’s Garden Winery, Northern Sun Winery, Threefold Vine Winery, and more.

Observe freighters at the Soo Locks

Whether you're passionate about maritime activities or just curious, watching vessels navigate the Soo Locks is a remarkable experience. Located on the St. Marys River in Sault Sainte Marie (pronounced “soo”), these locks facilitate the passage of cruise ships, freighters, and sailboats between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. From the observation platform at Soo Locks Park, you can see how large ships are raised and lowered using only water and gravity. Don’t forget to visit the visitor center to learn more about the locks’ operation.

One of my favorite activities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Don’t forget to add Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting song the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to your road trip playlist and play it on loop as you head to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. This isn’t just any museum; it dives deep into the stories of approximately 6000 ships that sank, vanished, or met their fate while carrying cargo and passengers across the Great Lakes in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The museum is located within the grounds of the Whitefish Point Light Station, which has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Lake Superior since 1849, making it the oldest lighthouse still in operation on the lake.

Crucially, the museum is situated at Whitefish Point, a peninsula that extends into the waters from the northeastern edge of the Upper Peninsula. This spot marks the eastern terminus of an 80-mile coastline known as the “Shipwreck Coast,” where at least 200 significant shipwrecks have occurred, including the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. (Listen carefully, as Whitefish Bay is even mentioned in Lightfoot’s song.)

The museum is operated by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, which continues its quest to find lost or unidentified shipwrecks. Utilizing advanced technology like side-scan sonar and remotely operated underwater vehicles, they uncover several vessels resting on the lakebed each summer.

Allocate a full day to explore the museum, as once you finish viewing all the exhibits, you can stroll over to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s Whitefish Point Unit. This area is vital for the endangered piping plover, a small shorebird that blends seamlessly with the rocks and sand, so keep your eyes open for them.

What budget should I prepare for a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

The Upper Peninsula is a budget-friendly destination, particularly if you plan to camp, hike, and spend much of your time outdoors. Accommodation costs tend to peak during the summer and fall seasons.

• Campsite: $25–35

• Standard double room: $150–250

• Self-catering accommodation (including Airbnb): $100–200

• Coffee: $2.50–0

• Sandwich: $8–10

• Dinner for two: $50

• Beer/pint at the bar: $5

What essentials should I bring for my trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night in the U.P., so pack a sweatshirt or light jacket if you plan to be outdoors after sunset. Additionally, if you intend to have a campfire, purchase your firewood upon arrival to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases harmful to trees.