Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary

There’s nothing like a summer road trip to inspire bonding among your family and friends. From sharing snacks and playlists to planning new experiences together, you’ll have lots of memories to make on the road. When it comes to road trip destinations, it’s often better to focus on a region rather than a single city to give you more things to do and a fuller understanding of what it’s like to live in this part of the country.

The Upper Peninsula is filled with so many amazing wilderness scenes and quaint small towns that you don’t want to be constrained to one stop on your trip. Yet, you also don’t want to leave a single fantastic site out of your plans. This summer road trip itinerary takes you up close to big-ticket sights, such as the famous Upper Peninsula waterfalls, along with the best towns to stop in and take a break along the way.

To make things easy, we’ll begin our road trip in Ironwood, MI, and make our way through the top towns in the Upper Peninsula until we finish up in Mackinaw City. As you make your plans, keep in mind that some people make a loop and catch the towns they missed on the way back. Or, you can drive straight through the route in one pass. Some people even zig-zag from town to town to hit those not on a direct highway route. No matter which way you decide to proceed, keep your camera and hiking shoes ready for a road trip adventure that you’ll never forget with these tips on where to visit in the U.P.

Gear Up for Adventure In Ironwood, MI

If you fly or drive into Ironwood, MI, from out of state, you’ll quickly realize that this is the place to acclimate to the Upper Peninsula before you go any further into the wilderness. Ironwood is home to Copper Peak, the world-famous flying ski hill that you can still tour by visiting the upper-level platform.

As you gaze out from the platform at 1,782 feet above sea level to enjoy a view extending 40 miles in every direction, you’ll already have a big adventure to log into your travel journey from the beginning of your trip. Once you’re done, don’t forget to tour the downtown area, snap a few selfies with the impossible-to-miss Hiawatha statue, and grab a bite to eat at a locally owned restaurant.

Head On to the Porcupine Mountains

The best towns in the Upper Peninsula are located so close to this outdoor lover’s paradise that you can’t pass it up. If you are hoping to see Upper Peninsula waterfalls, then you won’t be disappointed here. The mountains are home to the Presque Isle River waterfalls, a trio of three flowing falls located in close proximity to one another. The hiking trail to see the falls is fairly short, which means you can easily make this a day trip excursion.

If you have more time to spend in the area, then you can also hit Lake of the Clouds along with the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex. Just don’t let the name fool you. The sporting complex also offers spring and summer activities that include golfing, mountain biking, and fall chairlift rides to view the gorgeous changing of the leaves’ colors each year.

Check Out Pictured Rocks Near Munising

Between the sandstone cliffs, natural beaches, sand dunes, and deep forest areas, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore seems to have it all. In fact, you can get a glimpse of more Upper Peninsula waterfalls in this area while also enjoying the chance to do more hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

For a lengthy but scenic hike, take the Chapel Loop Trail. Here, you can spot local wildlife while enjoying the chance to soak up the natural scenery. Or, you could choose to head on to the Grand Sable Sand Dunes, which are a change of pace from the towering rugged cliffs.

If you have the extra time, consider taking a boat tour of the Pictured Rocks. On tour, you can rest your legs from hiking in the Upper Peninsula while a guide points out notable landmarks you might not pick out on your own. Seeing Lover’s Leap, Indianhead, and Chapel Rock from this point of view is an experience that you don’t want to miss.

Get Your Fill of Waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls

As the name suggests, Tahquamenon Falls is one of the top places to go to see Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Seeing the Tahquamenon Upper Falls is a must for any U.P. road trip bucket list since it is the largest one that you can find east of the Mississippi River. You can choose to camp out here for a night or spend some time exploring the various hiking trails that wind their way through the state park.

 

If you leave a little room in your schedule, you might also want to visit the nearby cape called Whitefish Point. Located just 30 minutes from Tahquamenon Falls and on your way to Mackinaw, Whitefish Point is a fun stop. Once you’re here, you can visit the Whitefish Point Light Station and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for a family-friendly excursion that takes your group deeper into the area’s history. Touring the light keeper’s quarters from 1861 is like taking a step back in time that you’ll never forget.

Ride the Ferry at Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City feels a lot like a northern tropical paradise in the summer months, and it’s exciting to watch all of the marine vessels heading out of port to catch fish to send out all over the country. Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the mountain life in the Upper Peninsula, you’ll also appreciate the natural beauty of the waterfront, where you can see beautiful aquatic wildlife and decide if you want to take a ferry trip over to the nearby Mackinac Island.

After a long road trip, spending a few hours on the island can give you a break from the hustle and bustle of highway driving since the area is off-limits to cars. Enjoying a little day trip here lets you finish your trip with a bang since the city also hosts fireworks shows every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer. Depending on when you come, you could even hit one of the many festivals that occur throughout the busy season in the city.

Having a few ideas of where to visit in the U.P. gives you a strong starting point for planning a vacation that you’ll always remember, but don’t forget to include some time to just explore on your own. Leaving a free day or two in your schedule makes it possible to stay a little longer in a town that captures your attention. Or, you might need longer than you thought to explore the Porcupine Mountains. Just remember to follow your heart and allow the adventures to unfold naturally as you make your way down the winding road. Let Travel Ironwood help guide your way.