Best Towns to Visit in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is easily one of America’s best-kept secrets. In this region, you will find glorious natural forests, breathtaking waterfalls, captivating mountain towns, and tons of fun along the shoreline of Lake Superior. True Michiganders know that the Upper Peninsula is one of the best vacation destinations in the United States!
So which Upper Peninsula towns are the absolute best? That is precisely what we are going to explore. Below, we will walk you through some of the best towns in the Upper Peninsula and cover everything you need to know to plan an amazing holiday escape.
What to Know About Michigan’s U.P.
If you are trying to plan your next family vacation or exciting holiday getaway, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the perfect place to go. In the Upper Peninsula, you will find stunning natural scenery, picturesque Lakeside views, natural wonders, quaint towns, and so much more. Many people wonder which towns are the best to visit in the Upper Peninsula. Here, we will get into that. But first, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That way, you will be fully informed before your next visit!
What is the prettiest part of the Upper Peninsula?
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is absolutely breathtaking, and there are picturesque locations throughout the area. Whether you want to explore the Porcupine Mountains State Park area or see the many historic Lake Superior lighthouses, this region is truly one of America’s national treasures. Some of the most stunning places to check out in the Upper Peninsula include St Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge area, Whitefish Point, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Keweenaw peninsula, Marquette, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
When is the best month to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
The Upper Peninsula is the perfect place to visit pretty much any time of year. It will all depend on what you are looking to get out of your trip! Do you want social media-worthy photo opportunities? Have you been dreaming of swimming in Lake Superior, or are you trying to enjoy the natural wonders of this area by hiking, biking, or snowmobiling? Knowing what you want to get out of your visit can help you plan your trip for the perfect time of year.
While some people avoid the UP due to its record-breaking snowfall averages in winter, these days, many routes are cleared of snow, and lots of the trails are maintained year-round. So, if you want to skip the crowds and see some of the most alluring winter landscapes in the country, the UP is a great place to go when the snow is falling. Numerous family activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, tobogganing, and ice skating make this region a legitimate winter wonderland!
To catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in one of Michigan’s National Dark Sky Parks, January through March is the best time to come visit the U.P. Or, check out the U.P. in the fall. For people who want to enjoy the splendor of nature and see ancient forests cloaked in gold, yellow, orange, and red, the autumn views throughout the Porcupine Mountains State Park area are second to none.
With all of that being said, many people love to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the late spring and summer months. In the summertime, the tourist season of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is in full swing. So, if you want to enjoy the area’s quaint towns to the max, July and August are great times to come and check out the area. June and September are good months to drop in as well!
What is the nicest town in Michigan?
With so many gorgeous locations to explore in the Upper Peninsula, it can be hard to decide which towns are truly the nicest. Recently, the town of Ironwood has been ranked as one of the absolute best places to visit in Michigan! So, if you are looking to explore somewhere new, Ironwood, Michigan is definitely worth investigating.
Three of the Most Impressive Towns in the Upper Peninsula to Visit This Year
Without further ado, here are five of the absolute best towns in the Upper Peninsula to visit. Truly, all of these Upper Peninsula towns have their own unique advantages. Remember to plan your vacation around your personal priorities to get the most out of your trip! Or, simply extend your travel plans and visit all of these towns in the Upper Peninsula for a fun-filled journey with limitless natural beauty and pure Michigan delights!
Ironwood, MI – Pure Michigan Beauty in a World-class Adventure Paradise
For world-class skiing, jaw-dropping scenic areas, and waterfalls that flow directly into Lake Superior, Ironwood, Michigan, is one of the best places to visit in the Upper Peninsula. It’s gorgeous in the winter, fall, and summer!
To start, Ironwood has some of the most exciting summer adventure areas in the entire midwest. You can hike through the beautiful Black River Scenic area and check out five splendidly secluded waterfalls that flow straight into Lake Superior. Or, you can explore authentic Michigan backcountry locations in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or Sylvania Wilderness areas.
In winter, Ironwood is home to many world-class ski resorts and hundreds of miles of top-rated Nordic ski trails. All of this is surrounded by over a million acres of Michigan National forests. You can hit fresh powder in the morning and then, in the afternoon, make your way into downtown Ironwood for a hardy meal and a warm drink. Ironwood also has plenty of charming and quaint places to stay year-round. So, lodging and restaurants will not be an issue. Without a doubt, this is a top travel UP destination for pretty much anyone to look into!
Mackinac Island – A Fairytale Travel Destination with Timeless Charm
Wondering what the Mackinac Island area is like? Think horse-drawn carriages, Victorian inns, old-fashioned charm, and neatly accented village cottages on cobblestone streets! Combine this with Michigan’s natural splendor and the glory of Lake Michigan, and you will have an idea of what makes Mackinac Island a fairy tale come to life!
Throughout the entire island, automobiles are not allowed. National Heritage landmarks and historic parks abound in this uniquely timeless part of the Upper Peninsula. There are over 1,800 acres of historic ground to explore in this idealistic travel hotspot! Although there are also plenty of tourists in the summer, this is still one of the most iconic Upper Peninsula towns to check out.
Marquette, MI – The Perfect Outdoor Escape
Marquette, Michigan, is a great place to visit for hiking, bike riding, fishing, diving, and Lake Superior fun. Marquette County has many warmer inland lakes and plenty of things for the entire family to do.
The world-famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area is located in the Marquette area, with the Hiawatha Water Trail nearby. This waterway stretches from Grand Marais to Big Bay. Paddling your way down this water trail will give you some of the most scenic shoreline views in the state. There are plenty of things to do in Marquette in the winter as well. Plus, this is a great place to check out if you like fishing. Teal Lake in Negaunee is motor-free for peaceful tranquility and nationally acclaimed fishing!
Want to Learn More About the Best Towns in the Upper Peninsula? Contact Travel Ironwood Today!
As you can see, there are plenty of stunning towns in the Upper Peninsula to add to your travel itinerary! Travel Ironwood is here to help you make the absolute most out of your next trip to the area. So, just get in touch with the team at Travel Ironwood to find out more and plan your getaway now!