10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Upper Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss

April 28, 2022 Vergie Nakamoto

Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Fayette Historic State Park, Lakenenland Sculpture Park, Bond Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, Presque Isle Park, Mineral Museum of Michigan, Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook, Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, Chapel Rock and Beach.
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1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

2. Fayette Historic State Park

4785 II Rd, Garden, MI 49835-9485 +1 906-644-2603 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 221 reviews

Fayette Historic State Park

Reviewed By cadoughe - Flushing, United States

We stumbled on this hidden gem on a day we thought would be a wash! This place became our highlight! Such incredible Michigan history and the preservation and grounds are a lovely spot to spend a day! We want to come back with friends to camp and explore more!

3. Lakenenland Sculpture Park

2800 State Highway M28 E, Marquette, MI 49855-9537 +1 906-249-1132 [email protected] http://www.lakenenland.com
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 529 reviews

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Reviewed By magiccarpet2029 - Lansing, United States

A favorite to do in the area, this sculpture park is a unique stop for those traveling to or from the Marquette/Munising area. They do change out the sculptures so make sure you check this fun stop out if visiting annually. Donation is asked but not required.

4. Bond Falls

Ontonagon, MI 49953
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 393 reviews

Bond Falls

Reviewed By ChristinePolicandrio

Beautiful place!! We were awestruck!! Kid and dog friendly!! Great trails!! Gift shop had really nice stuff!!

5. Sugarloaf Mountain

County Road 550, Marquette, MI +1 906-273-0978 http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/departments/planning/sugarloaf_mountain.php
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 536 reviews

Sugarloaf Mountain

Reviewed By MissNeedles - West Union, United States

Great hike, take the difficult path as it is less sets of wood steps, which are hard on knees.Views+

6. Presque Isle Park

Peter White Dr., Marquette, MI http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 942 reviews

Presque Isle Park

Reviewed By 936timl - Edwardsburg, United States

The whole family did it - 17 & 15 yr old boys and a 10 yr old daughter - even Mom & Dad! Really cool and safe jump from about 20 feet into the crystal clear (and refreshingly chilly) Lake Superior waters near Marquette, MI!

7. Mineral Museum of Michigan

1404 E Sharon Ave Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931-1659 +1 906-487-2572 [email protected] http://www.museum.mtu.edu
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 179 reviews

Mineral Museum of Michigan

Reviewed By DonaldR729 - South Boardman, United States

I've visited Seaman Mineral Museum several times, and every time I see new things and new displays; really amazing things, especially the Copper Country rocks and minerals. The Fluorescent mineral display is world class. Don't miss this Museum.

8. Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook

101 Bensinger, Big Bay, MI 49808 +1 906-345-9345 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Rock-Scenic-Overlook/106317356161430
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 53 reviews

Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook

Reviewed By Markfromthe414 - Milwaukee, United States

This is an easy walk up to the top with a very scenic view of the lake and the surrounding areas. The trail is wide and not steep at all and fairly short.

9. Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula

56638 Calumet Ave, Calumet, MI 49913-1965 +1 906-337-4579 [email protected] http://www.keweenaw.info
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 81 reviews

Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula

Your number 1 source for all information in the Keweenaw. Download our award winning mobile app and find information on lodging, attractions, events and more! Available in the App Store and Google Play, search for "The official Keweenaw App" now!

Reviewed By MrsSRJ

There is something really special about this area. We had been once before, and years later took our two young boys, 3 and 5. We spent days just enjoying the surroundings. Collected rocks in Eagle River along Superior, had ice cream on the porch of the little store there, explored rock piles and forests. Learned about copper mining in Calumet and poked around at the old equipment. Everything was just so peaceful. The sky seems so expansive and the clouds so big. Next summer we have another list of things to see in the area, but I am mainly looking forward to just being there.

10. Chapel Rock and Beach

about 5 miles north to the end of Chapel Road, Munising, MI http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/scenicsites.htm#CP_JUMP_78679
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 153 reviews

Chapel Rock and Beach

Reviewed By LM4U2 - St. George, United States

20 miles east from Munising, with the last 5 miles on dirt road. A couple small parts of the road are rough, but we went slow in a compact car and had no problems. We did the long loop to Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, Chapel Beach, the Lakeshore Trail with stunning overviews of the Pictured Rocks, then the Mosquito Falls trail. My GPS read 11.8 miles, but much of the route is flat. It took us 6.5 hours including a long lunch break and a leisurely pace. There are ways to shorten the loop, but you would miss something very special if you did so. If you have the legs for it, and you are doing the scenic cruise, get the most out of Pictured Rocks National Loop by completing this loop! Trails are marked but in some spots it is tricky to find the trail.

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