There's a reason that Michigan is such a popular destination for vacationers: It's got a little bit of something for everyone, from hiking trails to museums to beaches. It's also a stunningly gorgeous corner of the US, with dense woodland, sandy shoreline, stony cliffs, and loads of waterfalls. The quiet and peaceful charm here makes it a great destination for beginners looking to try their hand at camping, or anyone who wants to enjoy some natural beauty while still taking it easy. If you're ready for a vacation unlike any other, step out of everyday life and into one of those mesmerizing Pure Michigan commercials with a trip to the state's Upper Peninsula!
1118 W US Highway 2, MI, US
St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA
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Located right where beautiful Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, this KOA is surrounded by the beautiful Northwoods and water all around. During the day you can walk the beaches, hike a trail, fish, and take a free ride to the ferry that takes you to Mackinac Island, a true Upper Peninsula experience, and at night, you can relax at your cabin or campsite and enjoy a round of putt-putt or a dip in the pools. It's open seasonally, between May and October, so it's perfect for your summer adventure.
Given the name "mirror of heaven" by Native Americans, Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring spews out 10,000 gallons a minute and earns a top spot as one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. Inside of Palms Book State Park, you can walk right onto the observation deck and watch the emerald bubbling spring through the see-through floor, or take a ride on the rope-powered, glass-bottom ferry across the spring and check out the fish below!
Pull off along the north side of US 2 about six miles east of Iron Mountain and you'll come across a serene waterfall setting. Fumee Falls is perfect for a photo op, a relaxing picnic, or just a quick stretch. Right from the parking lot, you'll hear sounds of the flowing water and you only need to walk just a few minutes across a footbridge to see the free natural gem. It's best viewed in the spring, or after a rainfall!
There's more to the U.P. than just waterfalls and ghost towns. Brockway Mountain Drive is an almost 9-mile scenic drive that highlights the beauty of the shores of Lake Superior. You can spy Isle Royale National Park, Copper Harbor, and other landmarks from the route's scenic overlooks as it winds its way along Brockway Mountain. It's a cruise worth detouring off your route for, as the views are a great reminder of why the Upper Peninsula is so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Headquarters on Sand Point Rd Between Munising and Grand Marais, Munising, MI, US
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most jaw-dropping natural settings in America... after one visit, you'll know what we're talking about. Hike around, take one of the three boat tour options or kayak this 40 mile stretch of Lake Superior. Don't miss out on a visit to Miner's Castle, the most famous of the dramatic and popular lakeside cliff and rock formations. The cliffs are streaked with colored minerals like iron, copper, and manganese, and that's what gives this landmark the name "Pictured Rocks". The photo ops are seemingly endless!
On the eastern side of Pictured Rocks, keep the adventure going by visiting more waterfalls! A visit here is worth the 100+ steps down to the falls... this is one natural feature that you don't want to miss. They're especially picturesque after a rainfall! Fun fact: the 1856 shipwreck "Superior" currently lies at base of the falls!
At this point in the trip, you might be asking yourself something like, "Why on earth are there so many waterfalls here?" It's because this area is known as the Munising Formation, and it's home to plenty of hard sandstone and lots of streams, which wear away the rock into bubbling, babbling waterfalls. The Munising Formation spans from Tahquamenon Falls to Laughing Whitefish Falls, both of which are well worth checking out, especially Tahquamenon Falls State Park. It is open year round and features 25 miles of hiking trails and the impressive Upper Falls, which are nearly 50 feet tall and are more than 200 feet across. A restaurant and gift shop is located here as well, so take advantage and spend an afternoon exploring and soaking in the beauty.
There are few places that are as filled with roadside fun and natural beauty as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It's a quiet sliver of the country that's perfect for both hanging out at the beach or spending lazy days at the campsite pool, and for doing some serious hiking and hidden gem hunting... so no matter what you're looking for from a trip, the U.P. is a vacationer's wonderland.