I grew up in the UP and didn’t really appreciate it as much as I should have as a kid. Now that I’m grown I get it.
Everyone needs to go at least once. Just try to go earlier in the year rather than later. There are no cars on the island, just horse drawn carriages so it tends to be a little more fragrant as the summer wanes on. 🤣😩
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau - Unique Mackinac Island, MI Vacation
This is probably my favorite place. I love the Big Springs. You go across in a raft that has an open square in the middle so you can see the fish and everything below. Back in the day we used to throw penny’s to the fish but that’s no longer allow...
Kitch-iti-kipi
So so worth the visit! The most gorgeous falls in the UP and there are a LOT!
Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Michigan
You can do a kayak tour as well. Just make sure that Lake Superior is in a good mood and calm that day. She can be a bit testy.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Grand Marais is a whole vibe in the summer! A must see! It’s also a great place to get amazing views of Lake Superior.
Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce
It’s a bit of a drive but well worth it!
Copper Harbor
While in Copper Harbor, visit the copper mine. I remember going as a kid and I’m claustrophobic so it was a whole experience for me. 😬😬
Delaware Mine Tours
We would go here often! We would spend the day swimming and climbing the dunes. This is in the Grand Marais area.
Grand Sable Dunes
This is my home town and a whole experience in the summer. There are inland lakes everywhere and it’s close to most of the things on this list. By close I mean within an hour or so.
Curtis, MI & The Manistique Lakes - Upper Peninsula Vacation
It’s been called the Moose Capital of Michigan. The moose have definitely made a come back recently!
Newberry, MI: Wilderness Adventures and Small-Town Magic
Such a neat place. They take in bears that have lost their mamas or were hurt and now can’t be in the wild on their own. Every once in a while you can feed a baby bear too!
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
This place is something lol! I still laugh every time I pass it going home to see my mama!
Mystery Spot
Lake Michigan is by far my favorite swimming lake. It’s so clear and sandy you can see the bottom for what feels like miles. It follows the whole US2 roadway so there’s plenty of opportunity to stop off and explore!
Explore America's Best Lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
I’m a huge fan of lighthouses so if you are too, definitely check this out.
Sand Point Lighthouse
Another must while in the UP!
Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours
A MUST! If you don’t know what a pastie is, stop here and get one, or a bunch because they are AMAZING! I make them at home a lot. This is a UP staple food source! 🤣❤️
Lehto's Pasties
A cool spot to stop off before crossing the bridge into the UP.
Mackinaw City Vacation, Explore Mackinaw City | Mackinaw Area ...
It’s a great piece of Michigan history. We used to go here about every year for a field trip at school. Well worth a look!
Fort Michilimackinac Marker
The BEST breakfast you will ever eat! We go every time I’m home for at least one breakfast!
JOLLY INN, Germfask - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Such a beautiful spot!
Wawatam Lighthouse
A great place to cool off and have a drink while at the falls!
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub
Such a cool idea! I went to school with the family that started this. It’s definitely worth a look!
Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park
One of my favorite spots to go swimming on Lake Michigan. It’s a nice secluded section of beach that was close to my house. We used to swim and picnic here all the time!
