Top Things to do in Upper Peninsula
Top Hotels in Upper Peninsula
- 1. Best Western Sault Ste. Marie
- 2. Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront
- 3. Island House Hotel
- 4. Mission Point Resort
- 5. Grand Hotel
- 6. Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview, an IHG Hotel
- 7. Holiday Inn Express Houghton-Keweenaw
- 8. Sunset Lodge Escanaba
- 9. Inn on Mackinac
- 10. Bicycle Street Inn & Suites and Waterfront Collection
Countries
Top 10 State Parks in Upper Peninsula, Upper Peninsula
Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Palms Book State Park, Fayette Historic State Park, Presque Isle Park, Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Fort Wilkins State Park, Mackinac Island State Park, Straits State Park, Indian Lake State Park.
Restaurants in Upper Peninsula
1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
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. Palms Book State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By romanekj - Lansing, United States
Palms Book State Park’s Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is an Ojibwa word said to have many meanings, including The Great Water, The Blue Sky I See, and The Roaring Bubbling Spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute. The water stays at 45 degrees year round. You can ride the observation raft for a beautiful view across the spring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the floating dock was closed for a long time but, since people kept breaking the locks, it was opened very recently. Looking down the center of the raft, you can see the bubbling spring doing its work. Large trout seemed to be everywhere, but no fishing is allowed. A must see!!! #puremichigan #summer2020 #nofilter
3. Fayette Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
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!
4. Presque Isle Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 942 reviews
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!
5. Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park
6. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,681 reviews
Located in the upper peninsula area of Michigan with wonderful wildlife and waterfalls.
Reviewed By 812marke - Burlington, United States
I was recently at Tahquamenon Falls on a Tuesday afternoon when passing through the U.P. I was not able to make it to the falls on my last visit to the U.P., so I definitely wanted to get there on this trip. I was not disappointed, and the falls were incredible! The Upper Falls are beautiful and only second to Niagara Falls in terms of water flow east of the Mississippi River. I only had time to see the Upper Falls on this visit, but these clearly seem to be the more popular. They are pretty easily accessible, as the walk is only about 1/4 mile from the parking lot, and you can hear the falls pretty much right away when you begin the trail. There are lots of stairs, however, if you choose to see other vantage points of the falls. I enjoyed spending about 2 hours here, and it was cool to see these falls from a variety of vantage points. It was kind of busy on the day I visited, as the weather was beautiful, but I still enjoyed myself. There was also a nice gift shop to browse on the premises, and there was a small restaurant, but I ate lunch prior to my visit. I enjoyed Tahquamenon Falls, and this is another beautiful landmark in the U.P.!
7. Fort Wilkins State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
An army outpost that kept order in this wilderness outpost in the 1840s.
Reviewed By 270mindied
It was late in the evening when we arrived in Copper Harbor but popped by the Fort anyway, assuming it would be locked up for the night, but at least we could take a peek. We were pleasantly surprised that everything was still open! Love that they have late hours in the summer. The Fort really was a step back in time. The self guided tour allowed us to take our time in the areas that really interested our children. Beautiful setting, amazing history, and an ice cream shop with hand made waffle cones and hand dipped ice cream made for the perfect end to a long day of seeing sights.
8. Mackinac Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,917 reviews
Michigan's first state park. This is Mackinac Island State Park, a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, vibrant forests, and mystical geological formations. With automobiles banned since 1898, here exists a quieter way of life away from interstate noise of cities. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within Mackinac Island State Park—free of charge and open year round—where you’ll discover the true natural gems of Mackinac. Whether visiting this island parkland by foot, bike, horseback, or carriage, these many majestic geological wonders and unique historical monuments are visual treasures found only here—on the island sacred to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes. According to them, this is where life began. You’re invited to discover why. This is Mackinac.
Reviewed By danjfrank25 - Chicago, United States
Such a beautiful place to spend a couple days. Weather riding the 8.5 miles on a bike around the perimeter of the island or taking a carriage ride up to Fort Holmes (highly recommend Sam if you can get him), It’s very easy to relax and have a good time here
9. Straits State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By Viastalu - Bellefontaine, United States
Nice trail and views of bridge! I needed to buy a recreation passport, the attendant was very helpful, it was a smooth and easy transaction. Trail was in great condition, less one sign being out of the ground, wonderful bridge views!
10. Indian Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By mjm48847 - Ithaca, United States
Waited to book a lakeside spot and it was just lovely. Manistique is a cute little town, with a good supermarket. Took a day trip to Munising. Great trip. Was there Mon-Thurs in mid-August and it was quite crowded. Typical experience with children who run through your campsite, etc. but really a great trip!!
