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The ultimate guide to the best of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Waterfalls, shipwrecks, natural springs, and ghost towns

  • 34
  • 32:56
  • 1,432 mi
  • $235
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Created by jaydelosey - July 4th 2020

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!

15200 Red Tail Dr, Bath, MI, United States

1
231mi 03h 23m
Photo of Wawatam Lighthouse
4.5

204 N State St, St. Ignace, MI, US

Wawatam Lighthouse

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2
47mi 01h 10m
3
71mi 01h 60m

35 miles NE of Newberry, Newberry, MI, US

Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

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4
63mi 01h 26m
Photo of Sable Falls
4.3

MI, US

Sable Falls

4

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!

5
14mi 00h 55m
Photo of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
5.0
5
6
33mi 01h 21m
Photo of Miners Falls
4.5

Munising, MI, US

Miners Falls

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7
2mi 00h 06m
Photo of Miners Castle
5.0

N9319 Miners Castle Road, Munising, MI, US

Miners Castle

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9mi 00h 17m
Photo of Munising Falls
4.5

Becker Rd., Munising, MI, US

Munising Falls

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Headquarters on Sand Point Rd Between Munising and Grand Marais, Munising, MI, US

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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!

9
30mi 00h 35m

2800 State Hwy M28 E, Marquette, MI, US

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

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15mi 00h 21m

U.S. Hwy 41 W., Suite 300, Marquette, MI, US

Unnamed Falls & Carp River Falls

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11
6mi 00h 17m
Photo of Presque Isle Park
4.5

Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI, US

Presque Isle Park

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2mi 00h 11m
Photo of The Bog Walk
5.0

2 Peter White Dr, Marquette, MI, US

The Bog Walk

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5mi 00h 15m
Photo of Sugarloaf Mountain
5.0

Marquette, MI, US

Sugarloaf Mountain

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14
34mi 00h 45m
Photo of Van Riper State Park
4.0

851 County Rd. AKE, Champion, MI, US

Van Riper State Park

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15
29mi 01h 26m
Photo of Canyon Falls Roadside Park
4.4

Old US Highway 41, L'Anse, MI, US

Canyon Falls Roadside Park

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Put aside an hour of your day to take in yet another set of beautiful waterfalls at Canyon Falls Roadside Park. An easy 10-minute walk gets you to the main attraction, so this is the perfect little adventure for roadtrippers of all ages. These are said to be some of the best falls in the state, so you'll definitely want to make sure you have your camera!

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42mi 01h 39m
Photo of Best Western
4.0

820 Shelden Avenue Houghton, Michigan, Houghton, MI, US

Best Western

FastBook
$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

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11mi 00h 20m
Photo of McLain State Park
4.5

M-203 - 8 mi. NW of Hancock, Hancock, MI, US

McLain State Park

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26mi 01h 12m

Eagle Harbor Cut-off road, Eagle Harbor, MI, US

Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Lookout

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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.