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Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula
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items From the top of the mitten to the Upper Peninsula, these are our favorite places to go, things to do, eat, and drink along the way. This is one of our favorite spots to road trip, even though it takes a little extra time to get there.
Sections
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Upper Peninsula Road Trips
Where to Stay
Things to Do & Tours
Where to Eat & Drink
National Parks in Michigan
Michigan State Parks
Upper Peninsula Road Trips
The UP is a perfect place for an outdoorsy road trip. You'll want to plan at least a week, and maybe more!
There are a few great stops between, including some stunning hidden waterfalls in the UP. You could make the entire drive, but why when there are great stops to make!
Traveling from Tahquamenon Falls to Pictured Rocks: The Best Spots to Stop Along the Way
You'll want at least 7-10 days for this road trip, especially if you're a hiker. I could easily spend a month at a time enjoying all these places.
An Epic Michigan Upper Peninsula Road Trip: 12 Stops You Have to Make
Where to Stay
These are our favorite places that we've stayed!
These rooms were comfortable and large with separate bedroom and living room areas, in case 2 people need space to do some work.
Staybridge Suites Marquette by IHG, Marquette (updated prices 2025)
We used this hotel as a home base on one of our Pictured Rocks adventures. We had a balcony room and I loved sipping my coffee while overlooking Munising bay from high up on the hillside.
Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview Hotel
Some of our favorite campsites were in Isle Royale and the forests.
13 Amazing Spots for Camping in Northern Michigan
We haven't stayed here just yet, but it looks beautiful and we couldn't not share!
Updated Manistique Log Cabin, Yard and Fire Pit, Manistique (updated prices 2025)
Things to Do & Tours
There are plenty of places where you can explore easily on your own, but we've also included a few of our favorite tours that we've taken.
These wineries have absolutely beautiful views and great wines to go along with them!
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
Traverse City is a lesser known wine destination with some fantastic views and wines! We hope to return for more fall wine tasting!
The Best Traverse City Wine Tours
This is on our list to do next time we're in the area!
Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails
We absolutely loved taking the seaplane, and now they're offering fall foliage tours, too.
Isle Royale Seaplanes | Outdoor Adventures
You have to get over to Mackinac Island for the day when visiting northern Michigan. There are no cars and you'll feel like you're in a separate world.
Sheplers Ferry to Mackinac Island
Where to Eat & Drink
Great food and drinks! Wish it was a little warmer when we visited so we could have enjoyed the beer garden.
Bière de Mac Brew Works | Mackinaw City, MI
Mouthwatering tacos that are pretty affordable.
El Zarape
Restauarant and brewery with really fresh ingredients. It is a little pricey, but but yum!
Farm Club
This was a great spot to stop and grab a drink after a long day of hiking!
East Channel Brewing Company | Munising, MI
It's right along the water, and you'll want to try the whitefish dip!
Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery
We loved this place! So close to the water and a nice lawn to enjoy a brew outside when the weather cooperates
Home/ drifa Brewing Company
Blackrocks was buzzing with people when we visited. If you want to enjoy a local evening out, this should be one of your stops.
Blackrocks Brewery
National Parks in Michigan
Northern Michigan and the UP have a few great national park sites. They all have great hiking and are perfect for a Michigan road trip!
This is a must do activity when visiting Pictured Rocks. You can't really appreciate the lakeshore from the land, and the tour guides were so good!
Pictured Rocks Cruise
Pictured Rocks was one of our favorite road trip stops in the UP. The leaves are beautiful in the fall, but summer is the best time for kayaking and enjoying the water!
Pictured Rocks Adventures: A Comprehensive Guide to the National Lakeshore
Isle Royale National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the US. We spent 3 days backpacking there and really can't wait to return.
An Epic 3- Day Itinerary for Backpacking Isle Royale National Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a sandy paradise in northern Michigan with some of the best sunsets we've ever seen!
The Ultimate Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide
Many of the hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes are really sandy, so you'll get a workout. There are some wooded hikes, too.
The 13 Mainland Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails
This is a jam packed itinerary for spending one day in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Ideally, I'd tell you to spend at least a weekend, but if all you have is one day, buckle up!
The Best Sleeping Bear Dunes Day Trip Itinerary
Isle Royale is a backpacker's destination, but there are a few other things to do, too. Try to see a moose, take a boat tour, learn about the mining history, or float on a kayak.
Things to do in Isle Royale National Park
We created a general guide for the Michigan national park sites. You'll want to visit them all! We are counting down the days until we can return.
7 Michigan National Parks Sites You Need To Visit (+ Extras!)
Pictured Rocks has one of the best hikes in Michigan! This is a bucket list destination for hikers.
Hiking in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
These are some fantastic spots to visit in Pictured Rocks. The Chapel Loop hike is a must-do for adventurous hikers!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Guide: 10 Stunning Places You Need to See
Michigan State Parks
This state park is home to the famous “root beer falls” and one of the most popular state parks in Michigan. We wish we could have stayed longer!
Best Things To Do in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
This place doesn't even look real. The water really is that color. This is a great quick stop in the UP, on the way to Pictured Rocks or further north.
Kitch-iti-kipi: A Vibrant Freshwater Spring
When you cross over that famous bridge, you'll be in an outdoor paradise. From Tahquamenon Falls to Porcupine Mountains, you won't be disappointed.
Stunning Upper Peninsula State Parks to Explore in Michigan