8 Upper Peninsula Towns Perfect For a Winter Visit
Michigan is famous for its unique winter climate. With distinctive attributes like natural Lake Effect snow, enchanting ancient forests, and dramatic temperature fluctuations, nowhere else in the world can quite compete with the natural beauty of Michigan’s winter wonderlands. However, true Michiganders know that nowhere in the state possesses more winter magic and magnificence than some of the towns positioned in the upper peninsula.
During the snowy winter months, these upper peninsula towns have plenty to do and see to make memories that will last a lifetime. Considering that these places have some of the highest snowfall averages of anywhere else in the United States, you will truly be able to take in the glory and splendor of it all. Below are the eight best upper peninsula towns to check out for an enchantingly unforgettable winter visit!
1. Manistique, MI
Manistique, Michigan, is a prime destination for enjoying an array of recreational activities. History Buffs can check out the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse and the historic Fayette town site.
Or, visit Kitch-iti-kipi, which is Michigan’s largest spring. Measuring around 200 feet across and about forty feet deep, this spring in Manistique is pristine and glossy as a mirror, especially during winter.
2. Copper Harbor, MI
Copper Harbor is famous for being the gateway to Isle Royale National Park. This location has passenger ferry services running on the Isle Royale Queen during the warmer seasons. However, during the winter, Copper Harbor is a lot quieter. Since Copper Harbor sees the most travelers in the warmer months, winter visitors will enjoy having plenty of peace and quiet.
Located near Lake Superior, Copper Harbor is ranked among the top ice fishing destinations in the US. Not to mention, the Copper Harbor region features designated international dark sky parks in the entire country. These dark sky parks are perfect for viewing the northern lights! One minute you’re looking at the views, and the next minute you can experience an unforgettable natural light show.
3. Newberry, MI
Newberry is a charming village perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and natural splendor. Positioned near Lake Superior, this is a superb travel destination to visit during the winter months if you want a snowy and alluring escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its cute downtown and wonderfully scenic views, Newberry is considered the southern gateway to Tahquamenon Falls.
Many sightseers wonder if they can access the Tahquamenon Falls during winter. The answer is yes, you absolutely can! In fact, the upper falls parking lot is regularly serviced and plowed all winter long. These jaw-dropping waterfall views, with natural ice formations, are spectacular in the snowy winter months. Since the falls rarely freeze, you will enjoy seeing the water flow freely into snowy sculptures. Moreover, the nearby pub and restaurant are usually open throughout the winter. So, after taking in the sights, you can grab a bite to eat.
4. St. Ignace, MI
There are plenty of fun things to see and do in lovely St. Ignace, Michigan, during the winter. Popular activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and more! Many agree St. Ignace is a must-see travel destination in the upper peninsula year-round.
In St. Ignace, you can grab a warm beverage at Java Joe’s and go ice skating. Then, head to the North Country Trail, a National Scenic Trail in the heart of the St. Ignace district. With snowshoes, you can enjoy silent North Country Trail forest views with towering pines blanketed in a silent snow covering. You might just catch the annual Labatt Blue Upper Peninsula Pond Hockey Championship when you’re done there. From the 16th to the 19th of February each year, around 150 teams participate in this championship outdoors on the frozen pond!
5. Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is as close as you can get to Canada without actually crossing the border. This large city in the U.P. has just about everything you could ever want while on holiday! Sault Ste. Marie sits at the end of the line for the I-75 and attracts a wide variety of winter wanders each year. Enjoy an unforgettable scenic drive through the snowy landscape and find easy access to Paradise, MI, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
With numerous charming winter specialties and natural displays of snowy splendor in the forests, fields, and frozen bodies of water all around, Sault Ste. Marie has much to offer that can not be found further south. You can ski, snowmobile, ice skate outdoors, and so much more, all in a single day! Overall, Sault Ste. Marie is a premier winter travel destination that you will not want to miss if you are in the upper peninsula.
6. Marquette, MI
Adventurers and outdoor lovers will definitely want to stop in Marquette during their winter travels! Nothing quite duplicates the captivating magic of Lake Superior in the winter. The views of this clean and pristine lake are breathtaking in Marquette, Michigan. Marquette is known as one of the upper peninsula’s most gorgeous winter wonderlands! It has plenty of places to explore with unparalleled snow trails that can be skied, hiked, snow-biked, or captured on camera.
Whether you want to unleash your inner photographer or snowshoe your way to splendid and enchanting winter views, Marquette sees plenty of snow annually. So, you are sure to get an eyeful of exquisite winter enchantment. Marquette is also part of the Noquemanon Trail Network. Before you leave, do not forget to explore Presque-Isle Park and the Black Rocks for some of the most unique natural winter landscapes anywhere!
7. Mackinac Island, MI
Without a doubt, Mackinac Island is one of the most exquisite places to visit in the upper peninsula. Many people are not aware that Mackinac Island is open during the winter. Indeed, this enchanting travel spot is accessible and open year-round! Although October to April is the off-season for Mackinac Island, plenty of people love to visit this timeless destination in winter. Since tourists are exceedingly less abundant during these colder months, you can enjoy plenty of tranquility and snowy stillness.
Mackinac Island is directly across the lake from Saint Ignace. You can take in the history, views, and alluring architecture with easy access to an abundance of activities. Not to mention, the off-season means far less expensive lodging rates. Every year, Mackinac Island even has a winter festival with sledding, snow golf, broom hockey, a big bonfire, and so much more. Plus, Mackinac Island is the perfect place to begin a scenic cross-country skiing adventure.
8. Ironwood, MI
At the top of the list of the best towns in the upper peninsula to visit during the winter sits Ironwood, Michigan. Ironwood, Michigan, is located adjacent to Lake Superior, the largest, coldest, and cleanest of the Great Lakes. Here, you will find plenty to do and see. Whether you want to ski, ice skate, snowshoe, snowboard, snowmobile, hike, ice fish, or something else, there are plenty of unforgettable winter activities to take part in. In fact, the Copper Peak Ski Jump is located in Ironwood.
Ironwood has received National acclaim for its winter activities and cross-country skiing. It has also been ranked as one of the top winter destinations to visit in all of America. Ironwood gives you the best of both worlds, combining the secluded natural beauty of the upper peninsula with charming small-town warmth, fun festivals, and delicious food. Not to mention, in Ironwood, you will have access to six different ski areas with hundreds upon hundreds of miles of snowshoe trails, snowmobile trails, ski trails, and more. Ironwood sees 200+ annual inches of snowfall every year.
If that isn’t enough, Ironwood is the home of Stormy Kromer and is also an excellent spot for people who want to access the Porcupine Mountains. The scenery, natural splendor, outdoor activities, family fun, charming downtown establishments, and friendly feel of Ironwood make it the top spot for winter travelers to stop and play in the snow.
Contact Travel Ironwood and Make Your Winter Escape an Unforgettable One!
As you can see, many of these charming towns in the upper peninsula are perfect for planning a unique winter getaway. If you are trying to learn more about the best towns in the upper peninsula to visit in the winter, we encourage you to contact the experienced yooper experts at Travel Ironwood. The team at Travel Ironwood can help you explore everything the most charming and enchanting upper peninsula towns have to offer during the winter and throughout the rest of the year as well! For more information on any of these towns in the upper peninsula, get in touch with Travel Ironwood today by clicking here.