Looking for the best things to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? The Upper Peninsula, sometimes called the “U. P.” is known for great waterfalls, hiking, camping, and scenic spots. This region is rugged and off-the-beaten-path, and perfect for outdoor lovers!

Why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy and I’ve been working as a Lake Superior wilderness guide and outdoor writer since 2018. I was born and raised in Michigan! A few times a year, I make the trek to the Traverse City to see my family area from Northern Wisconsin— along the way, I stop and explore some of the best hiking in the Upper Peninsula. I’ve spent most of my life exploring the the Midwest, and I’m happy to show you around!

Oh hey there! This blog uses affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you. 

Left: exploring the Black River Scenic Byway in the Western Upper Peninsula. Right: backpacking the Escarpment Ridge in the Porcupine Mountains.

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Leave No Trace in the Upper Peninsula:

Much of the hiking and recreation in the state of Michigan is on the cultural and ancestral homelands of the Odawa and Ojibwe Nations. With this in mind, it’s important to treat all outdoor spaces with the respect of potential sites of cultural and archeological significance.

This includes packing out everything brought with you including toilet paper (which can take years to biodegrade) and apple cores (which can attract bears to the trailhead). Remember to leave everything as found, hike only on designated trails, hike through mud and not around it to avoid further damaging fragile trails, and pay attention to local invasive species concerns including cleaning hiking boots before hiking. 

In addition, camp only in designated campsites and park only in designated parking spaces! Remember to plan ahead and prepare for wilderness travel, and be sure to carry three ways to signal for help beyond a cell phone (I like a whistle, signaling mirror, and Garmin InReach). 

Above Image: Camping in the fall on Isle Royale National Park.

What to pack for Upper Peninsula Adventure Trips (Michigan):

Michigan can be hot during the day during the summer, but cool in evenings especially by the coast. Up on Lake Superior, temperatures may be much cooler year round.

Here’s what to pack for hiking in Michigan:

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• If camping, a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• If backpacking, backpacking gear!
• An America the Beautiful Pass
• A Michigan Recreation Pass

Visiting in the winter? Check out this guide to winter hiking.

Best Things to do in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan:

Here are the best hikes, restaurants, places to camp and more in the Upper Peninsula, from east to west!

1. The Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie

Visit the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and take a tour of one of the most interesting pieces of human engineering in the Midwest. The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Back in the days of voyageurs, a series of rapids ran between the lakes where Superior spilled into Huron and voyageurs paddling canoes full of furs out to Montreal would portage the rapids.

As shipping increased in the region in the 1800s, it became important that freighters be able to make it farther inland to ports like Duluth, Ashland, Thunder Bay, and Houghton-Hancock, and so the Locks where made. Today, Duluth, Minnesota remains North America’s farthest inland freshwater seaport.

2. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point

Head up to Whitefish Point, Michigan to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and learn more about ships on the Great Lakes. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most famous Lake Superior shipwrecks due to it’s relative recency and extremely tragic nature; the bell from the Fitzegerald was recovered and is on display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Beyond the Fitzgerald, there are hundreds on hundreds of other Lake Superior shipwrecks to learn about, and the true number of ships lost to the Great Lakes will likely remain a mystery.

Above: large waves crash into Lake Superior shores during the Gales of November.

Why do ships sink in Lake Superior? Isn’t Lake Superior just a lake?

Lake Superior is technically classified as an inland sea; the lake is the largest lake in the world by surface area– large enough to produce waves in excess of 30 ft, rip currents, surf, alter and create it’s own weather patterns, and yes, large enough to take down ocean-going vessels. The word “lake” is truly a misnomer that has misled many a visitor; all of the Great Lakes should be treated with the same caution that you would a sea.

3. Tahquamenon Falls

Visit the Upper Peninsula’s largest waterfall at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Here, you can enjoy the large falls from a platform, or hop on the trail between the Upper and Lower Falls and tackle a nice, long 10-mile day hike along the river.

Tahquamenon Falls in the Winter

4. Mackinac Island

Dreaming of horse and carriages, kayaking, biking, and fudge? Head out to Mackinac Island, accessible by ferry only, to visit one of the most popular destinations in Michigan.

Personally, I think Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-in-naw) is great to visit once. I went with my family a few years back, and it’s expensive and very touristy, and while I absolutely understand the draw, I would much rather spend my vacation time and money in Munising at the Pictured Rocks or up in the Keweenaw. If your goal is bang-for-your-buck or an exciting outdoors experience, Mackinac Island is a skip.

However, if you’re looking for something touristy and different, and don’t mind spending a lot of money on tours and fancy lodging, Mackinac Island can be a super fun spot!

5. Lake Superior State Forest Campground: Best Campground in the Upper Peninsula

Looking for once of the best car camping spots in the Upper Peninsula? Lake Superior State Forest Campground is beach-adjacent, and the perfect spot to set up camp between Whitefish Point and Grand Marais, Michigan. This campground fills to capacity throughout the summer, and the road isn’t plowed in the winter.

We headed out in March in a beefy car after most of the snow had melted and it was truly one of my favorite places I’ve ever camped. We were the only people for miles and ran around the beach and played and shouted, had a campfire before bed. If you’re planning on hitting the UP end of September- early November, or April-May, I can’t recommend this spot enough.

Camping at Lake Superior State Forest Campground

6. Swimming in Lake Superior

A trip to the Upper Peninsula isn’t complete without a dip in Lake Superior! Superior is cold year-round, but around August the lake becomes pretty pleasant to swim in. Plus, in many of the hiking trails along the lake, you can find sandy swimming holes that look like this 🙂

Swimming in Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

7. Hike Spray Falls

One of my favorite hikes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the hike to Spray Falls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Starting at the Little Beaver Lake Trailhead, it’s about 8-miles round trip to reach Spray Falls. Along the way, you also pass some great swimming spots like the one above.

Spray Falls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Check out the best hiking trails in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

8. Hike the Chapel-Basin Loop: Best Day Hike in the Upper Peninsula

At about 10-miles round-trip, the Chapel-Basin Loop is often considered the best hiking trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This hike features two waterfalls (three depending what we’re calling a waterfall), crystal clear waters, two swimming beaches, and of course, scenic views of the Pictured Rocks Cliffs.

Check out a PDF map of the Chapel-Basin Loop.

Scenes from the Chapel-Basin Loop, a hiking trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and one of the prettiest hiking trails in the area. Please enjoy a photo of me accidentally eating a mosquito.

9. Kayak or Cruise the Pictured Rocks

One of the most unique adventures in the Upper Peninsula is experiencing the Pictured Rocks from the water! There are are two ways to to this:

Pictured Rocks by Cruise: Cruising the Pictured Rocks allows you to view the Pictured Rocks, a unique sandstone cliff that runs several miles along Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, up close and personal. Some cruise boats have a glass-bottom option to look at shipwrecks. A cruise boat covers more distance than a kayak, and is less work and often more comfortable.

Kayak the Pictured Rocks: Kayaking the Pictured Rocks can be a really incredible way to explore the Pictured Rock cliffs! Kayaking is harder work than cruising, and you’re likely to encounter waves, wind, rain, or challenging weather at some point in your trip. I work as a Lake Superior kayaking guide; the most common thing I see that leads to a bad time is people that come to a tour not understanding that a kayak tour can be hard work! Worry not, the work is usually worth it, and even the wavy days can offer a lot of adventure!

Sea Kayaking the Pictured Rocks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Can I take my own kayak to the Pictured Rocks?

I am 6th year Lake Superior coastal kayak guide and I do not recommend anyone take thier own kayak on Lake Superior without a guide and a safety course. As a general rule, if you have to ask the internet if a risky outdoor activity is safe for you, it means that you can’t make that risk assessment on your own and you know that; if you’re googling it that’s a pretty good sign that you might have a lot more to learn about this outdoor activity. Which is okay! I didn’t get involved in the outdoors until AFTER college, and I quickly found out that A) I love it, and B) I had a LOT to learn.

On Lake Superior, sea kayaks with full safety kits and deep water reentry and rescue skills are pretty much mandatory.

If you’re not sure what that means, that’s okay! Book a guided tour instead, and you can browse all my Beginner Outdoor Resources to start learning more! If you know what that means but don’t have the gear or skills yourself, look into American Canoe Association Skills Courses and rental opportunities near you.

10. Visit Miner’s Falls and Miner’s Castle

The Miner’s Castle area of the Pictured Rocks is one of the best places to visit in the Upper Peninsula if you are short on time and don’t like hiking! Check out Miner’s Falls, a fifty-foot waterfall with less than two miles of hiking required. Miner’s Castle is a beautiful drive-up scenic view (you’ve seen this one on Instagram for sure!).

Miner’s Beach, just down the road, is a beautiful beach to swim at and the most common launch point to kayak the Pictured Rocks Cliffs. DO NOT attempt to paddle to the cliffs in anything but a sea kayak that you know how to rescue back into. People have died here by misreading the sea state– this beach is in a protected bay, which means it can look glass calm at the beach, and by the time you reach the cliffs you may find yourself in waves over your head and wind to strong to paddle back against (this exact thing has happened several times and resulted in deaths and rescues. Please use your best judgement.)

Miner’s Falls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

“Yeah I’m probably going to kayak on Lake Superior to the Pictured Rocks no matter what you say”.

If you’re going to do it anyways 1) remember to check the wind forecast not just the rain forecast. Wind=waves. Look for less than 10 mile per hour wind gusts. On Superior, winds tend to rise in the afternoon. 2) leave your plan written on your car and expected time back and anticipated route. 3) wear your life jacket, stay with your boat. Rescuers find your boat first, you second. 4) bring 3 ways to call for help that don’t include a cell phone, like a whistle, signaling mirror, or marine radio. 5) the water is cold, especially if the wind is offshore. wear a wetsuit.

Check out the Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks

11. Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore

Check out the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore on your way out of the Pictured Rocks for cozy vibes and a good spot to get out of the sun and recover!

12. Watch the Northern Lights

Did you know the Upper Peninsula is a great spot to see the Northern Lights? The Northern Lights are most active in the Spring and Fall, and you’ll need dark skies open to the North to see them. At the souther shore of inland lakes makes for a great spot to see the Northern Lights, and along the shores of Lake Superior makes for some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the midwest!

Above: kayaking and paddleboarding under the Northern Lights.

The Northern lights are relatively common in the Upper Peninsula, as in we see them out in a really vibrant show about 4-6 times a year. Definitely don’t plan your vacation around it, but it’s really cool when it happens!

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13. Hike to Canyon Falls

Check out one of the coolest spots in the Upper Peninsula at Canyon Falls! This roadside stop is just a quick hike back to a unique waterfall and canyon.

Winter hiking to Canyon Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

14. Visit Takka Sauna

Check out the latest luxury saunas in the Upper Peninsula with Takka Saunas! Sauna on the Portage Canal in downtown Houghton, or head up to the Takka Sauna on the shores of Lake Superior.

15. Snowshoe and Ski at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

Head up to the Historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for the perfect all-season Upper Peninsula getaway. Here, you’ll find cozy winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing, great trails, and rustic vibes as well as great dining.

left: snowshoeing at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Right: exploring packed trails in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

16. Picnic at the Great Sand Bay

Personally, I think the coolest spot in the Upper Peninsula is the Great Sand Bay. Great Sand Bay is tucked away in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Northernmost spot of the Upper Peninsula off the M-26 scenic highway. This spot reminds me so much of the Oregon Coast that I gasped when we got here!

Sunset hiking at Great Sand Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

17. Sunset and Dinner at the Fitzgerald Restaurant: Best Restaurant in the Upper Peninsula

Easily the best restaurant in the Upper Peninsula, Fitzgeralds has some of THE BEST food I’ve ever had with a super cozy dining area and beautiful sunset views of Lake Superior. To snag a table here, you’ll need to book in advance online.

Read about all the incredible things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the winter!

18. Backpack Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale is the most remote National Park in the continental US, and it’s easily a bucket-list destination! To get out to “the island”, you can hop on a boat in Houghton-Hancock. Isle Royale is great for backpacking, sea kayaking, wildlife viewing (MOOSE!!!) and so much more.

Check out the full guide to visiting Isle Royale National Park.

Above left: hiking among massive birch trees on Isle Royale National Park. Right: sea kayaking in front of the Rock Harbor lighthouse.

19. Eat a Pasty and smoked whitefish

Swing by any cute roadside stop in the Upper Peninsula for a delicious hot pasty, or hand-pie, and some smoked whitefish. Basically, no trip to the Upper Peninsula is complete without it!

20. Visit Nisu Finnish Bakery: Best Bakery in the Upper Peninsula

Is this the best bakery in the Upper Peninsula? I’d be willing to bet on it! The Nisu Finnish Bakery in the Keweenaw Peninsula makes some of the best pastries I’ve ever had! I’ve got a Keweenaw trip planned for next month and genuinely I am most looking forward to visiting this bakery again.

above: the most delicious pastry in the world, probably

21. Brickside Brewery

Head up to Copper Harbor, the Northernmost town in the Upper Peninsula to grab a beer at Brickside Brewery, easily one of the coolest breweries in the state!

22. Hike Bond Falls: best no-hike waterfall in the Upper Peninsula

Bond Falls is one of the prettiest no-hike waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula! This gorgeous set of cascades has a boardwalk and is easily accessed from the parking lot.

Above: Bond Falls, an easy hike in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

23. Visit Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitchi-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park is one of the most famous spots in the Upper Peninsula, where a warm spring and blue water in the woods make for an incredible scenic spot.

24. Backpack the Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park might be the crown jewel of the Upper Peninsula, with hundreds of miles of trails tracing over escarpments, to beautiful wilderness lakes, past waterfalls and out to the rugged Lake Superior shoreline.

I first started exploring this area in September 2024, and keep making trips back. The backpacking sites are so gorgeous.

Check out the ultimate guide to the Porcupine Mountains!

Above left: hiker enjoying campsite view in the Porkies. Center: a boardwalk path through a swamp. Right: breaking on a log near Mirror Lake in the Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

25. Visit Lake of the Clouds Overlook at peak fall color

One of the most iconic spots in the Upper Peninsula is the Lake of the Clouds Overlook in the Porcupine Mountains. This viewpoint is a quick walk on a boardwalk from the parking lot to look out over the beautiful Lake of the Clouds from the cliffs above. You absolutely cannot miss this spot in the fall, it’s incredible. These photos are from late October 2024.

Above: Porcupine Mountains in peak fall color, Upper Peninsula, Michigan

26. Hike the Presque Isle Waterfalls Loop

The Presque Isle Waterfalls Loop in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great spot to explore for anyone looking for easy hiking with beautiful views in the Upper Peninsula. Here, you can find a number of gorgeous waterfalls as well as Lake Superior Shoreline.

Above left: a viewpoint on the Presque Isle River. Center: Looking toward Lake Superior. Right: Waterfall on the Presque Isle River.

27. Hike the Black River Scenic Byway

Near Ironwood, Michigan at the Western edge of the Upper Peninsula, the Black River Scenic Byway is a great spot to see a lot of unique waterfalls in a little amount of time. Most of the waterfalls have boardwalk leading to them, and there are a number hiking combinations to view all the falls. The five waterfalls here include Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawami Falls, Gorge Falls, Sandstone Falls (my favorite, below), and Rainbow Falls (would maybe be my favorite if I bothered hike to the other side one of these days).

Above: sitting on the rocks at Sandstone Falls, Upper Peninsula, Michigan

FAQ: Where is the Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is located north of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and east of Northern Wisconsin. The Upper Peninsula is connected to the Lower Peninsula by the Mackinac Bridge, which is about five miles long and costs $4 (USD only) to cross. North of the Upper Peninsula is Lake Superior; to the south you’ll find Lake Michigan, and the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula is Lake Huron Coastline. It is possible to cross from the Upper Peninsula into Canada at Sault Ste Marie.

FAQ: Where should I stay in the Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula has some of the best camping in the world! Check out any of the state and national forest campgrounds, or look into some of the backcountry options in the Upper Peninsula. If you’re looking for what city to base in for the best Upper Peninsula experience, or route suggestions….

Munising –> Keweenaw –> Ironwood: For a route through the Upper Peninsula with lots of waterfalls BUT also the option to stay in hotels and Airbnbs the entire way, start in Munising near the Pictured Rocks, then head up to Houghton-Hancock to explore the Keweenaw. Lastly, end your trip by staying in Ironwood, Michigan and exploring the Porcupine Mountains and more waterfalls in that region.

Lake Michigan –> Pictured Rocks –> UP Wilderness –> Porcupine Mountains: If you’re willing to camp and want to spend more time in nature than in the towns, start out your trip camping at one of the Lake Michigan front campgrounds like Lake Michigan Campground or Hog Island State Forest Campground (my fav; first come; first serve). From here, hit Tahquamenon Falls then head up toward the Pictured Rocks and consider trying to snag a spot on 12-mile Beach Campground (reserve in advance). Spend a few days in the Pictured Rocks, then head out into the heart of the UP: Craig Lake State Park Campground, McCormick Wilderness, Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. End your trip with a night up in the Porkies.

Above: campsite views in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

FAQ: How did Michigan get the Upper Peninsula?

We thought we wanted Toledo from Ohio and we lost it, got the Upper Peninsula as a consultation prize in the Toledo War. Which, presently, is a little bit funny, because the Upper Peninsula is very cool and Ohio is Ohion.

FAQ: How remote is the Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula is remote enough that you can find places to hike for miles without seeing anyone, but not remote enough that you need to pack gas in your car. If you’re new to the area, stick to the main roads and hit the highlights first before diving into some of the deeper areas in the State and National Forests.

I’m a woman and I have been solo camping and travelling in the Upper Peninsula since I was 20, and have had no issues. It’s one of the places I’ve travelled that I’ve consistently felt the safest (I also live just across the border in Wisconsin now, so that could be why).

In general while camping, follow proper food storage for black bear safety, but don’t let the idea of bears keep you up at night.

Love reading about the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula? Check out more midwest adventure ideas here:

• Best hiking trails in Michigan
• 15 Great Lakes Getaways
• Northwoods Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip Route

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