The Upper Peninsula in Michigan is one of the most underrated locations in the entire US.
And until you’ve spent time there, you can’t truly understand just how special a place it is.
For those who want to experience it, in this guide we’ll show you the 11 most amazing places you need to visit on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Located in Paradise, Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, with a drop of nearly 50 feet and over 200 feet wide.
The park covers around 50,000 acres, offering visitors hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular.
The striking amber color of the water, caused by tannins from cedar swamps, makes the falls uniquely beautiful.
Kitchi-iti-kipi (Big Spring)
Kitchi-iti-kipi, also known as Big Spring, is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, located in Palms Book State Park near Manistique.
The spring is 40 feet deep and 200 feet across, with crystal-clear, 45-degree water year-round.
Visitors can view the spring aboard a self-operated, glass-bottomed raft, offering a clear view of the underwater flora and fauna, including large trout.
Isle Royale National Park
Isolated in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness archipelago accessible only by boat or seaplane, offering unparalleled solitude.
The park is known for its rugged scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife, including moose and wolves.
Visitors can explore over 165 miles of trails, go kayaking, or scuba dive to explore shipwrecks.
It’s also a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its unique ecosystem.
Brockway Mountain Drive
Brockway Mountain Drive offers a stunning 9-mile scenic drive along the highest above-sea-level drive between the Rockies and the Alleghenies, located near Copper Harbor.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior, Copper Harbor, and in spring, a spectacular display of raptors migrating.
The drive is particularly popular during the fall for its vibrant foliage.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, stretching over 40 miles along Lake Superior’s shore, is known for its dramatic multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and dunes.
Visitors can hike, kayak, or take a boat tour to see natural formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock.
The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and winter sports, making it a year-round destination.
Lake of the Clouds
Situated in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Lake of the Clouds offers one of the most photographed vistas in Michigan.
Accessible via an observation area, the lake is nestled in a valley surrounded by rugged hills, with dense forests stretching as far as the eye can see.
Hiking trails around the lake offer immersive nature experiences, including the chance to see wildlife and enjoy the area’s natural tranquility.
National Black River Scenic Byway
The National Black River Scenic Byway, winding its way along the Black River, offers a journey through lush forests leading to spectacular waterfalls, with each having its own unique character.
The byway is perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking to explore the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Hiking trails lead to viewpoints for the falls, and in winter, the area becomes a wonderland for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Bond Falls
Bond Falls, near Paulding, is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most iconic waterfalls, with the Ontonagon River cascading over a series of ledges creating a breathtaking view.
The site features an accessible boardwalk with viewing platforms that allow visitors to experience the falls up close.
The area around Bond Falls is perfect for picnicking, fishing, and hiking, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty.
Les Cheneaux Islands
Les Cheneaux Islands, a picturesque archipelago of 36 islands in Lake Huron, offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure.
Nestled along the Upper Peninsula’s southeastern tip, these islands are perfect for boating, kayaking, and exploring charming craft shops and galleries.
The area is renowned for hosting the world’s largest antique wooden boat show, making it a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts and those seeking a serene getaway amidst nature’s waterways.
Whitefish Point Lighthouse
Whitefish Point Lighthouse stands as a beacon at Lake Superior’s edge, guiding vessels since 1849.
Its light, first lit during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, marks the perilous Shipwreck Coast, home to over 200 shipwrecks, including the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald.
As the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior, Whitefish Point is a testament to maritime history, offering visitors a glimpse into the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.
Open seasonally, it’s a captivating destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Copper Peak Adventure Ride
The Copper Peak Adventure Ride in Ironwood allows visitors to experience the world’s largest ski flying jump and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.
The adventure ride includes a chairlift to the crest of the hill, followed by an elevator to the top of the jump, offering breathtaking views over 2,500 square miles, including three states and Canada.
It’s an unparalleled opportunity for those interested in ski jumping history and panoramic views.