Where would we be without that Upper Peninsula, shielding us Lower Peninsula “trolls” and keeping the spirit of the Up, Up North alive and well? Blessed with natural beauty, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the last true frontiers in the country. Round out your bucket list with these things to do in the U.P.
1. Les Cheneaux
Cross the Mackinac Bridge, turn east and drive into a different world defined by the 36 Les Cheneaux Islands and their associated channels, harbors and 12 miles of mainland shoreline on Lake Huron.
Photo by Connor Gray
2. Superior Birding Trail
Anchored by Whitefish Point in the north and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the south, the 150-mile Superior Birding Trail guides visitors through the rugged and rare ecosystems of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Photo courtesy of Steve Farr, Blackrock’s Brewery
3. U.P. Microbreweries
We love everything about the Upper Peninsula: the moose, the sprawling forests, the quaint and historic towns—and delicious craft brews. Spread out across the length of the U.P., you’ll find more than a dozen of Michigan’s best breweries. But don’t just take our word for it. Go! We’ve mapped out your guide to Upper Peninsula beer spots.
4. The Porcupine Mountains
Home to old growth hardwoods, streams, lakes and rolling vistas, the Porcupine Mountains, in the Upper Peninsula’s northwest corner, are nothing short of inspirational. Book a campsite or rustic cabin and stay a while.
3 Things We Love to Do in the Porkies
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs that tower over Lake Superior (don’t get too close to the edge!), castaway beaches, and trails through cathedral forests. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is simply unforgettable.
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Photo courtesy of Christian Dalbec Photography
6. The Soo Locks
Ever seen a giant, ocean-going freighter drop (seemingly) magically 21 feet from one Great Lake to another? You need to see the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie.
7. The Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw is a peninsula’s, peninsula’s, peninsula jutting a-way up into Lake Superior from a-way up top of the U.P. Make it up there for Lake Superior views, peaceful forests, a lesson in copper mining and some of the friendliest folks on the planet. You won’t regret it.