The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best places to visit in upper peninsula"
Named by 4 of 71. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State ParkMichigan's largest state park at 60,000 acres, with waterfalls, old-growth forest and about 90 miles of trails.Lake of the Clouds, set in a valley with trees of many colors, is one of the best fall foliage spots.
Named by 2 of 72. Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreSandstone cliffs, waterfalls, dunes and beaches, best seen from the water.Kayak tours go through sea caves; hikers favor the 10-mile Chapel Loop past two beaches and waterfalls.
Named by 2 of 73. Mackinac IslandA car-free island of 3.8 square miles; people get around on foot, by bike or by horse.Ferries leave from St. Ignace, and the island has 1,400 bikes for rent.Best time to visit Mackinac IslandNamed by 2 of 74. Marquette and Presque Isle ParkMarquette is the largest city in the U.P.; Presque Isle Park has the Black Rocks, popular for cliff jumping into Lake Superior.Sugarloaf Mountain gives 360 degree views after about a 20 minute walk.
Named by 2 of 75. Keweenaw Peninsula and HoughtonSite of the 1840s copper boom, and several historic mines now offer tours.Brockway Mountain Drive is a free 9 mile scenic drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor.
Named by 2 of 76. Sault Ste. MarieHome to the Soo Locks, run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.A stop on a four-day Eastern U.P. itinerary.
Named by 2 of 77. Drummond IslandReached by ferry or plane, with over 100 miles of ATV and ORV trails, kayaking and shipwreck diving.One of several islands in the U.P.
8. Tahquamenon FallsThe Upper Falls is the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, with a drop of nearly 50 feet.The Lower Falls, four miles downstream, is a series of five smaller falls around an island.
9. St. IgnaceFirst stop after the Mackinac Bridge, with a scenic outlook, a lighthouse and Castle Rock to climb.The Straits State Park outlook offers a view of the bridge.
10. Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring)Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring, 200 feet across and 40 feet deep.A constant 45 degrees all year, with a self-guided raft.
11. Black River Scenic BywayA 14-mile road with five waterfalls, including Great Conglomerate Falls and Potawatomi Falls.
12. Bond FallsDescribed as one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Midwest.
13. Copper PeakThe world's largest ski flying structure; the ride runs late May to mid-October with views over Lake Superior.
14. Lake GogebicThe largest inland lake in the U.P., popular with anglers and boaters.
15. Whitefish PointHas the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the oldest lighthouse on Lake Superior.
16. Fayette Historic State ParkA preserved 1800s iron smelting town with 22 historic buildings.
17. Canyon FallsCalled the Grand Canyon of Michigan; a short half-mile walk from parking, on the Houghton to Marquette route.
18. Oswald's Bear RanchThe largest bear-only complex in the U.S., with over two dozen black bears.
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When to go
Travel guides don't agree on one best time to visit Upper Peninsula; its page has the weather and what's on, month by month.
Questions people ask
- What is the best time of year to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
- Summer is most popular and busiest, with warm weather and bugs. Fall foliage starts mid- to late-September. Winter suits snowmobiling and skiing.
- How much time should I spend in the Upper Peninsula?
- A long weekend is possible, but at least a week is suggested because the U.P. is large and there are no big cities.
