The Upper Peninsula of Michigan or U.P. is an attractive region but overall a very rocky area. It remains a restricted area of the forest, a couple of lakes, and a few beautiful villages.
It is surrounded by three Great Lakes namely the Superiors, Huron, and Michigan. It's an excellent place for active recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, and even skiing and snowboarding in winter.
If you want to get close to nature then look for these things to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan:
1. Take In The Beauty of Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Outside of the metro-land, Michigan is a beautiful state and Tahquamenon Falls represents that beauty well. This park has excellent and abundant parking in both the north and south areas, with many amenities including a gift shop.
The hike is well over a mile but mostly flat on the lower portion. If you want to see all angles of the upper falls, there are 200+ stairs in total.
The waterfalls are beautiful with multiple viewing options available. Depending on your preference you can either check out the falls up close or from a distance via the gorge viewpoint.
Address: 41382 W M-123, Paradise
2. Watch The Boats Pass by From Soo Locks
It is very interesting to watch the boats come into the Soo Locks viewing from the two-level platforms located behind the visitor center. This is a site to see and worth the trip to Sault St. Marie.
The interactive exhibits inside the welcome center help people of all ages understand how the locks work and why they are needed. You can take a boat tour and capture many pictures.
In case you were wondering a US Real ID will get across the border to see Canada and kids need a birth certificate. This is among the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.
Address: Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie
3. Take A Mine Tour At Delaware Copper Mine
The Delaware Copper Mine is found about 12 miles to the south of Copper Harbor. If you do a tour here, you get to go 100 feet below through the first shaft of this mine.
You will see the pure veins of copper running right in the walls. The tours are audio tours so one can take the tour at his or her convenience.
Despite the heat up above, it will be rather cool down so don't forget your light jacket. Also, check some essential things to do in Delaware.
Address: 7804 Delaware Mine Road, Mohawk
4. Admire The Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
Also known as Big Spring, this is Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring. Located in Palms Brook State Park, it is a mesmerizing experience to view firsthand crystal clear waters that bubble up from the ground, revealing a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
The manually operated viewing platform offers an elevated vantage point to observe the stunning water without disturbing its natural environment.
This is a great activity for kids to help operate the moving platform as well. The location is easy to find on the Michigan Upper Peninsula map, and there are plenty of parking spots available.
Address: Sawmill Rd, Manistique
5. Discover The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This is an extraordinary admiration on the Northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan shoreline. Dramatic multicolored cliffs and unique sandstone formations are a sight to behold.
Beaches, trails, and waterfalls make the trip complete. It is better to appreciate the formations on the water by either doing a boat ride or better still kayaking because you not only see but can feel it.
It also has over one hundred and more miles of hiking trails for easy strolls all the way up to difficult climbs. Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach are among the most famous hiking trails. Overall, it is a large area so give yourself a week or so to explore.
Address: 1505 Sandpoint Rd, Munising
6. Dog Sledding With Nature's Kennel Iditarod Sled Dog Racing & Adventures
This nature and wildlife tour gives the guests the experience of how to drive a sled dog team. During the winter, the beginner tours comprise half-day, day, and night tours.
They also provide dog sled rides at their kennel at McMillan, MI (in the eastern upper peninsula). The tour guides are salt-of-the-earth kind folks. They love what they do and make sure you are having a nice time and that the dogs are happy.
After the sledding, you pet the dogs, take a ton of photos, and help to place them back in their little homes.
Address: County Road 415/McMillan Avenue
7. Book A Room At Thunder Bay Inn
This is one of the hotels in Upper Peninsula Michigan that was initially constructed as a company store for local logging companies. It was converted into an inn by none other than Henry Ford himself, the man who changed the face of the car industry.
The inn even was the scene for the shooting of the famous movie 'Anatomy of a Murder.' It is in the right location for those willing to spend some leisure time after having been out for the day.
The atmosphere is informal and welcoming with a wooden beam ceiling and furniture that comes with a very old-world charm. Book a room here at, the Thunder Bay Inn website.
Address: 400 Bensinger St, Big Bay
8. Dive Into History At Fort Mackinac
Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to tour the Fort. The view from here is spectacular and it is a perfect spot to see the water and park below.
The fort is very neat, it starts with watching a video and then takes you through multiple buildings to see different things. How the soldiers lived, items from the period, and who was who. The history of the fort is very interesting.
They have soldiers dressed up and do a cannon shoot-off at certain times. It is a hike up a hill to get to the entrance and another small hike once you pay, so be prepared.
Address: 7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island
9. Wander Around Lakenenland Sculpture Park
A unique place to visit while traveling in the Marquette area. The artist has a very clever way of taking junkyard pieces and making creative sculptures.
It is a short walk around to look. You can also drive around in your car or take snowmobiles in the winter. Spend some time up close and you will notice many details you would miss by gliding through.
Open 24 hours and free, this is a fun stop off the highway to walk around and see this artist's fun and crazy work. Some are whimsical and comical, others are sarcastic. Do explore things to do in Marquette as well.
Address: 2800 M-28 East, Marquette
10. Ferry Ride To Mackinac Island State Park
The park is truly a jewel and any person who needs both beauty, history and serenity needs to visit the park. Right from the time you set foot off the ferry, there is a feeling that time is not really important there.
Automobiles are replaced by horse carriages, and at every corner there's a breathtaking scenery. The park occupies more than eighty percent of the island, and there is almost always something that might attract a traveler.
It is the beautiful cliffs of limestone, exquisite forests, and calm beaches of Lake Huron.
Address: 7029 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island
11. Stop By The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
The museum is thoughtfully curated and provides much information concerning the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred on the Lake Superior routes.
The exhibits are informative and entertaining, with equal portions of item displays, videos, and other such items, along with numerous activities for children of all ages to enjoy. The program's best part is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald narrative.
It is a place of learning, reflection, and wonder. There is also provision for toilets, there are also machines that can be used to buy snacks and other items from the gift shop. Become a member of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and unlock numerous advantages.
Address: 18335 N Whitefish Point Rd
12. Savor Homemade Supplies At Rigoni’s Bakery
This tiny place has been operating in this area since 1972. It is family-owned and operated, and is the type of bakery where you feel like the staff knows your first name, as well as your preferred baked good.
The quality of their baked foods is made from scratch. There is a freshly baked bread and pastries smell that greets you as soon as enter the unit.
Their selection is yummy; cinnamon rolls that have been baked just right, tender croissants, and home-baked cookies.
Address: 110 S Suffolk St, Ironwood
13. Meet the Cubs At Oswald's Bear Ranch
The world needs more sanctuaries like this. It is a family-run rescue facility. Baby bears that are orphaned due to the mother being killed by poachers or hunters are bottle-fed and raised to adulthood.
The facility is federally and state-licensed and receives bears from all over the country. The baby bears grow up and can live there in peace for the rest of their lives.
A cool place to stop to see many black bears and pet them. They act happy running and climbing and playing with each other. This is one of the underrated things to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan, but worth an experience.
Address: 13814 County Road 407, Newberry
14. Get To The Top of Arch Rock
A tourist attraction that is famous in the Mackinac Island State Park is the Arch Rock. In as much as its name suggests, it is an arch made of rock.
Such a beautiful spot and the views over the water are amazing. You can get to it from the fort or walking Lake Shore Road. The best way is to walk the road, as there are lots of nice spots along the coastline to see and great picture spots.
Horse and carriage and bicycles are also ways to get to the arch if you're looking for an easier way. Here are some other best things to do on Mackinac Island.
Address: 6131 Arch Rock Rd, Mackinac Island
15. Bike Through The Iron Ore Heritage Trail
Cycling through the trail is among the most exceptional experiences you would wish to undertake. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail covers approximately 47 mile distance of the Marquette Iron Region.
And as you ride along you get to appreciate the iron mining-related activities which were carried out a long time ago. On the trail, it is possible to see the old mining shafts, forges, and even furnaces.
Every one of them has a history connected to the program's main topic of mining in the region. As a result, this falls under an adventurous thing to do in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Address: 102 W. Washington Street
16. Learn From The Museum of Ojibwa Culture At Old Mission Saint-Ignace
This should be your first stop in St. Ignace to learn the history of the native peoples who first lived on this land. It is a small short self-made tour, and has a great coloring station for kids.
There are wonderful historical exhibits in various forms such as words, pictures, video, art. The outdoor gardens are simply beautiful as well and explain the Ojibwe connection with Mother Earth.
The gift shop has prices and designs like no other tourist stop. Give yourself an hour to fully appreciate what this place has to offer.
Address: 500 N State St, St Ignace
17. Try Adventurous Sports At Presque Isle Park
Presque Isle offers so much beauty and watery fun. A gem of the Lake Superior shore and a great pathways for outdoor jogging, biking, or diving off the cliff.
It is a marina for those with sealegs, small cliffs for those with a bit of adventure to get out, and views for the romantic looking for the perfect sunrise or sunset.
The black rocks portion of this park is awesome. You can participate or watch people jump from these notorious rocks. There are signs at the entrance to the park stating dogs must stay in vehicles. The park is free from admission and there is also a lighthouse you can walk to.
Address: Peter White Dr, Marquette
18. Climb The Crisp Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse itself is 58 ft tall with a standard spiral staircase to get to the top observation deck. The 18-mile road leading to it is dirt, with the last 8 miles being narrow and bumpy.
At the very end sits this magnificent lighthouse with stunning views all around. No cell or GPS service on the way, so it is best to carry a map of Michigan Upper Peninsula.
The trip to the top of the tower is worth the climb. Amazing views and you can begin to see traces of what it used to be "back in the day."
Address: 1944 Co Hwy 412, Newberry
19. Travel The Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, Munising
After booking this tour you get to see two shipwrecks, a lighthouse, and some colorful cliffs. The captain goes over each shipwreck sight twice, so everyone is able to get a look.
It is best going out to the front on the sides of the boat while you are moving over the sunken ships. They are close to the surface, and since Lake Superior is so clear, you can see them from a different perspective.
The tour lasts almost two hours and your knowledgeable guide share some valuable insights about the landmarks. The boat has plenty of space for everyone and offers a very smooth ride.
Address: 1204 Commercial St, Munising
20. Visit The Fayette Historic State Park
This is a well preserved historic mining town. You can enjoy beautiful views of the high banks and the water. Then, wander around the village and learn about the history of the area.
You can go into several of the historical buildings. It is all free with entrance to the state park. This park has so much to offer. There's a campground, sandy beach, rocky beach, harbor and marina.
The visitor's center has an informal video and a shop with souvenirs and ice cream. The old buildings are fascinating and the views breathtaking. Also, look into these things to do in Michigan.
Address: 4785 II Rd, Garden
