Cities In The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan Map

Introduction

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a hidden gem in the midwestern United States. This region is filled with natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. The cities in this area offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from outdoor adventures to delicious local cuisine. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips for exploring the cities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Map.

Top Attractions

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning natural wonder that stretches for over 40 miles along the Lake Superior shoreline. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the colorful cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches up close. The park also offers hiking trails and camping opportunities.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park has over 50,000 acres of wilderness, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a charming destination that is only accessible by ferry or plane. The island features historic architecture, stunning views of Lake Huron, and a vibrant downtown area. Visitors can explore the island by bike or horse-drawn carriage and indulge in the famous Mackinac Island fudge.

Hidden Gems

Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Spring, is a natural freshwater spring that is over 200 feet wide and 40 feet deep. Visitors can take a self-operated raft to see the crystal-clear water and colorful fish up close.

Miner’s Castle Rock

Miner’s Castle Rock is a unique rock formation located in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The rock looks like a castle and offers stunning views of Lake Superior. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock or view it from the beach.

Fayette Historic State Park

Fayette Historic State Park is a well-preserved ghost town that was once a bustling industrial community. Visitors can explore the abandoned buildings and learn about the town’s history through interpretive exhibits.

Food Scene

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is known for its delicious local cuisine, including pasties, whitefish, and Mackinac Island fudge. Some of the best places to try these dishes include:

Lawry’s Pasty Shop

Lawry’s Pasty Shop is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up traditional pasties since 1946. The pasties are made with beef, potatoes, and other savory ingredients and are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Brown Fisheries Fish House

Brown Fisheries Fish House is a seafood restaurant that has been in operation since 1928. The restaurant serves fresh Lake Superior whitefish and other seafood dishes in a casual setting.

Joann’s Fudge

Joann’s Fudge is a family-owned fudge shop that has been making Mackinac Island fudge since 1969. The fudge is made with fresh cream and butter and comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, peanut butter, and maple walnut.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can be affordable with these budget-friendly tips:

Camping

Camping is a great way to save money on accommodations. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has many campgrounds, including state parks and national forests.

Hiking

Hiking is a free activity that allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has many hiking trails, including those in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Free Museums

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has many museums that offer free admission, including the Marquette Regional History Center and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Outdoor Adventures

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:

Kayaking

Kayaking is a popular activity in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with many opportunities to paddle on Lake Superior and other bodies of water.

Snowmobiling

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is known for its snowmobiling trails, which offer miles of scenic routes through the winter landscape.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with many opportunities to catch Lake Superior whitefish and other species.

Historical Landmarks

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has a rich history, with many historical landmarks to explore. Some of the top sites include:

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac is a historic fort that was built by the British in the late 18th century. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Copper Harbor Lighthouse

The Copper Harbor Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that was built in 1866. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its role in guiding ships through Lake Superior.

Ontonagon Lighthouse

The Ontonagon Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that was built in 1852. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its role in the shipping industry on Lake Superior.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a great destination for families, with many activities that kids will love. Some of the top family-friendly activities include:

The Soo Locks

The Soo Locks are a system of locks that allow ships to travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Visitors can watch the ships pass through the locks and learn about their history and operation.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the Great Lakes. Visitors can see artifacts from the wrecks and learn about the science of underwater exploration.

The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum

The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum is a fun and interactive museum that offers hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages. The museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has many unique and unexpected experiences to offer. Some of the top off-the-beaten-path experiences include:

The Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction that features a gravity hill and other optical illusions. Visitors can experience the strange phenomena for themselves and learn about the science behind them.

The Paulding Light

The Paulding Light is a mysterious light that appears in the forest near Watersmeet. Visitors can watch the light and speculate about its origin and purpose.

The Iron Mountain Iron Mine

The Iron Mountain Iron Mine is a historic mine that offers underground tours. Visitors can learn about the history of iron mining in the region and see the tools and equipment used by the miners.

Natural Wonders

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. Some of the top natural wonders include:

The Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains are a range of mountains that offer stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountains and enjoy the scenery.

The Seney National Wildlife Refuge

The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area that is home to many species of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and trumpeter swans. Visitors can hike or drive through the refuge and observe the animals in their natural habitat.

The Hiawatha National Forest

The Hiawatha National Forest is a vast wilderness area that offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the forest and see the many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that are scattered throughout.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan may not be known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of fun and lively places to visit after dark. Some of the top nightlife destinations include:

The Michigan House Cafe and Red Jacket Brewing Company

The Michigan House Cafe and Red Jacket Brewing Company is a popular bar and restaurant in Calumet that features live music and a variety of craft beers.