Where to Visit in the Upper Peninsula in 2023
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has everything you need to escape the constant stress of suburban and city living. The region is known for its vast forest lands that are nestled along the scenic banks of the Great Lakes, and it also undergoes amazing changes with each season.
During the summer months, you can enjoy all of the hiking, mountain biking, and aquatic adventures you would expect when you visit an area filled with mountains and lakes. Then, the fall brings a colorful display of changing leaves, a popular highlight for tourists, and the magnificent natural winter displays are among the most beautiful in the world.
Come springtime, the forests roar back to life as the wildlife emerges from their hibernation states and the snow melts away. In fact, the roaring sounds that you hear as you trek through the wilderness are likely due to one of the many Upper Peninsula waterfalls reaching its peak beauty as the area warms up. From waterfall viewing to kayaking and bird watching, you’ve got everything you need to plan a picture-perfect vacation.
As you get excited about visiting Michigan, consider checking out these places to visit in the many Upper Peninsula towns throughout the region that will make for a memorable trip.
Fall in Love With the Many Waterfalls
The Porcupine Mountains are a waterfall lover’s paradise. With over 90 different waterfalls to see, you can practically wander along any of the major hiking trails and catch a glimpse of rushing water anywhere you go. The Presque Isle River Falls are located on a 2.3-mile hiking loop that is known for being relatively easy for beginners. Here, you can see the Manabezho, Manido, and Nawadaha Falls from safe and accessible observation areas that are easily navigable with kids and leashed dogs in tow.
While the Presque Falls are all beautiful, you can also check out one of the largest western UP waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Upper Falls spans an impressive 200 feet across the sprawling rock, and the drop is over 50 feet. The highest recorded flow of water in these falls was 50,000 gallons per second, which gives you an idea of the sheer forces you’ll be able to see flowing over the rock.
The Black River Waterfalls are another sight to behold. Similar to Presque, you’ll find that the Black River Scenic Byway takes you to see multiple famous falls within a short distance from each other. Here, there are five main waterfalls, and some of their names may be familiar.
The Great Conglomerate Falls is recognized as being one of the most beautiful Upper Peninsula waterfalls, and you can enjoy watching the 20-foot drop of water flow over volcanic rocks as it splits into two cascades of rippling water. While there, you might as well check out the Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls, with all of their unique charms.
Tour a Historic Mine
The mining industry brought this region to life, and you’ll find reminders of the history behind the mines throughout many of the Upper Peninsula towns you visit. The Iron Mountain Iron Mine takes you 2,600 feet deep into the mine, where you’ll learn all about the techniques and tools miners used from 1870 to 1945 when the mine was in its heyday.
The Delaware Copper Mine is another place to tour, and you’ll find this one in Copper Harbor, MI. The tour takes you to the first level of the mine, where you can see veins of copper still exposed within the underground walls. This family-friendly tourist destination also has rock and mineral displays along with a petting zoo to give everyone something interesting to enjoy.
See the Top of the World at Lake Of The Clouds
The contrast of the blue water and green forestry surrounding the lake makes for a beautiful scene recognized as the most photographed area of the Porcupine Mountains State Park. You can reach this glorious natural feature by hiking the Big Carp River Trail or Escarpment Trail, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view from the overlook that feels like you are on top of the world.
Around the lake, you can enjoy catch-and-release bass fishing along with opportunities to do some light watercraft boating and spend a few hours soaking up the scenery in a relaxing natural paradise.
Head to Little Girls Point
Rockhounds abound at this popular pebble beach that runs for around a half mile along the edge of Lake Superior. The County Park and Beach is especially known for the vast amounts of agate rocks that make this a rock hunter’s dream come true. There is also no shortage of fun things to do here, and your family will enjoy spending the day swimming or paddling a kayak along the beautiful water after an exciting day of rock hunting.
Visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls, and more await you on this wild shoreline that is known for its unique landscape and notable features. The Pictured Rocks cliffs are an iconic sight to behold, and you can get the best view of the gorgeous colors from the water. A boat tour is available for viewing the cliffs, and you catch a great view from the western end of Miner’s Beach.
Sandstone Beach tends to be the area that swimmers and sunbathers visit in the later spring and summer months. The shallower bay water is known for being warmer than you’ll find along other Lake Superior beaches. Some picnic tables and a wheelchair-accessible mat go out each summer so everyone can get close to the water.
Take the Less Beaten Path to Superior Falls and Cliffs
While everyone else goes to the most popular tourist sites, you can catch a view of one of the more secluded falls in the Montreal River Canyon. The Superior Falls is viewable from a hike along the fenced ridge of the cliff, but you can also take the more adventurous hike down to the shore to get a closer view. Just be aware that the hike down is more treacherous and best left to more adventurous hikers.
If you are comfortable on the water, then you can also paddle about three miles out from Little Girl’s Point or one mile out from Saxon Harbor to enter the mouth of the river and gain the closest view of the Superior Falls from the water. The sheer wealth of options that you have for creating your preferred adventure in the Upper Peninsula is what makes this one of the most amazing places to visit in the state.
Whether you are touring the many gorgeous Upper Peninsula waterfalls or kayaking your way along the shorelines of Lake Superior, you’ll want to have a good home base to take a break from your heavy outdoor adventures. Touring Ironwood is a great way to spend your downtime since you’ll find all the restaurants and other amenities you need to eat, drink and rest before you go out the following day to enjoy another fantastic outdoor excursion.