This page offers information on two different travel destination categories: "State Parks" and "Places You Just Can't Miss". They are labeled in large print so they are easily visible. Obviously, these are only a small fraction of the amount of places you can see in the Upper Peninsula, but at least it's a start. Please read through each location so you'll know more about some great travel sites in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - in case you ever find yourself up this way.
*STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS*BEWABIC STATE PARK
Visitors to Bewabic State Park can enjoy a variety of fun outdoor events during the summer months. Bewabic State Park is located four miles west of Crystal Falls on US-2 in Iron County. The park is comprised of 315 acres, located within a virgin forest amongst a chain of lakes. Prime fishing opportunities are available within the park boundaries. Camping is also available, with approximately 144 campsites, picnic facilities, and sandy beaches available to public use. The park's campground is open from April 15th to November 15th, and each campsite has electricity available, along with a fire ring, picnic table, and modern bathroom and shower facilities. The entire family can be kept busy for several days at Bewabic State Park, as the park also includes playgrounds for small children, tennis courts, and sandy swimming beaches. Other activities available at the park include hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. It definitely sounds like a great place to enjoy the outdoor life in Upper Michigan.
BIG SPRINGS STATE PARK
Come visit Michigan's largest spring, otherwise called Kitch-iti-kipi. It is located in the Palms Brook State Park, 12 miles west of Manistique. At Thompson, take M-149 north for 12 miles to the park. The spring is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from many fissures in underlying limestone, the flow continuing throughout the year at a constant 45 degree temperature. By means of a self-operated observation raft, visitors are guided to vantage points overlooking fascinating underwater features and fantasies. Ancient tree-trunks, lime-encrusted branches and fat trout appear suspended in nothingness as they slip through crystal waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms, a challenge to the imagination to the young and old alike. Near the spring is a pleasant and shaded picnic area, modern toilet facilities and a park store. Camping is permitted in Indian Lake State Park.
CRAIG LAKE STATE PARK
Craig Lake State Park is another rustic park located along US 41/M-28 near the Marquette/Baraga County Line. It's near the town of Michigamme, and one of the most outlying features of the park is that it includes six small lands and ponds within park boundaries. The park is very secluded and undeveloped. It's even an adventure getting to the park, because of the rough road leading into the park - vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended. The only buildings located at the park are two cabins, which are available to use from April 15th to November 15th. There is no electricity at the cabins, and a hand pump is used to retrieve water. There are numerous hiking opportunities available, including an eight mile trail that loops around Craig Lake. Other activities available at the park include skiing, hiking, backcountry camping, canoeing fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. This is another great opportunity for anyone wishing to "rough it" in the outdoors out in the middle of nowhere.
FAYETTE STATE PARK
Want to visit an old ghost town? Fayette State Park is the perfect place for you. Once a home to an old iron ore smelting operation, now the town is empty. The town once had over 2000 people, but many of the old homes the people occupied no longer exist. But there are still other interesting buildings located in the park. The park is open to swimming and picnicking, and has electricity available. Unfortunately, there are not any flush toilets at this location but it is open to many hiking trails. You can also do some boating out there as well. This site has 80 campsites available, so why not spend a day or two here!! Fayette State Park is located between Manistique and Escanaba along M-183. Take US 2 to get to get to M-183. You will pass the town of Garden along the way, which has the population of about 300.
ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK
If it's secluded living you like, then the ultimate location of isolation is Isle Royale National Park, located out in the middle of Lake Superior, north of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Isle Royale is a place undisturbed by humans and large scale development. The island has no electrical or phone service, and the only means of reaching the island are by passenger ferry or by sea-plane. The climate on the island is typically cool, since the island is out in the middle of Lake Superior, and is influenced by the lake's cold waters. Barely does the temperature make it above 80. The island is comprised of 850 square miles, and includes 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is ample opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, including moose, bear, deer, wolf, and birds. The park is closed from November 1 to April 15. For more information on Isle Royale National Park, please visit the official
Isle Royale National Park website.
J.W. WELLS STATE PARK
Here is another modern park that was named after John Walter Wells, a famous pioneer lumberman who also served as the mayor of Menominee for three terms in the late 1800's. The park is a modern facility, and offers several waterfront campsites located along the bay of Green Bay. Each campsite has an electrical hook-up, fire pit, and a picnic table to go along with the modern bathroom and showering facilities. This park is open year-round to visitors, and provides for great cross country skiing in the winter season. Six rustic cabins are also available to use on the north end of the park along the bay of Green Bay. There are numerous hiking, boating, and camping opportunities found at the park. J.W. Wells State Park is located along M-35, approximately one mile south of Cedar River in Menominee County.
KEWEENAW NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
This relatively new national park was established to recognize and honor the large copper mining boom that took place on the Keweenaw Peninsula during the very earliest of settlements. Even though the copper mining ended completely about five years ago, the legacy of the operations still remain. Mine shafts in the historical park reached as far down as 9,000 feet, and the Keweenaw became famous for its rich abundance of copper. The park is comprised of 1700 acres of land within two units. Preservation of key structures and sites is an importance to the park service in keeping the historical nature and lore of the park in tact. The Keweenaw National Historical Park is headquartered in Calumet, Michigan, and their official website can be found here.
LAUGHING WHITEFISH FALLS
Laughing Whitefish Falls is about approximately 10 miles west of Chatham, MI. This is one of the premiere waterfalls in the U.P. The Laughing Whitefish Falls is located 2 miles North of the Sundell/M-94 junction. The falls has public bathrooms and a few picnic tables to stop and rest at. A map at the beginning of the trail locates several other U.P. waterfalls. These falls are about two miles inland, at the end of a rough, winding trail. Once you are near the falls, you hear the distant echoes from the water falling down. There are two sites to view the falls at, one at a scenic deck on top of the falls, and the other below several flights of stairs. Both sites are magnificent, where you get two perspectives of the falls. The best viewing of the falls is right after a heavy rainfall or in the spring, once the snow starts to melt. Remember your camera as well because this is a state park you have to see!
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
About 18 miles Northeast of Chatham, MI is the majestic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The NATIONAL PARK is located on County Highway H-58; the turnoff to this road is right next to the Munising Police Post. When you travel along this road, you find many scenic sites to go to as well as many camping and hiking trails. From these trails, you will be able to see some of the pictured rocks. You can also take a boat tour for a better look of the rocks. Instead of turning right onto H-58, take a left into downtown Munising. Keep watch of a yellow building on the right side of M-28 where a sign will display where to go to get information on the boat tours. The tours are about $25 per person and take about 2 hours to complete, so if you have a little extra time on your hands, this is a great way to spend some of that time. A little farther out of Munising, just past Munising High, is another boat tour. Except this time, the boat you ride on is glass bottomed where you are able to view sunken ships in the bottom of Lake Superior. From what I hear, it is all the rave and another great tour to enjoy. I don't know exactly how much the tours cost, but the prices aren't bad.
TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK
The Upper Peninsula just happens to be home of the second largest falls east of the Mississippi. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located in the Eastern U.P. in both Chippewa and Luce counties along Highway M-123. This state park has everything right there. From camper hook-ups to gift shops. You could even stay an entire weekend if you wanted!! You can view the falls at many different sites. One, the upper falls, has many trails leading to a spectacular view of the falls. The lower part of the falls is a bit more isolated, but it is still just as marvelous. You have to take you camera here. It is a must!! This park has miles of hiking trails for the hardiest. The Lower Falls also has boat launches for canoeing and boating, but please no large boats or jet skis. So don't forget about this state park, which is best viewed during mid-summer to about mid-fall.
VAN RIPER STATE PARK
Van Riper State Park is a beautiful park located on US 41/M-28 approximately one mile east of Champion. Van Riper is a park with a variety of terrain. A portion of the park runs through Lake Michigamme, and provides excellent swimming opportunities on those hot summer days. Van Riper also boasts miles and miles of hiking trails among rich conifer and hardwood forests. It also wouldn't be unusual to spot a moose appearance or two, as the animal has been reintroduced to the area a few years back. Camping is also available at the park, running from April 15th to November 15th (weather permitting). Modern conveniences include hot showers, flush toilets, and electricity in the modern campsite at the park. A more rustic campground setting is also available. So, if you want to enjoy the good outdoor life the U.P. has to offer, be sure and check out the Van Riper State Park, known for its fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and swimming opportunities.
*PLACES YOU JUST CAN'T MISS*AUTRAIN FALLS
Another one of the Upper Peninsula's magnificent falls resides in pristine Alger County. Au Train Falls is located about five miles east of Chatham, MI, or about 14 miles west of Munising. From Chatham, travel east on M-94, heading toward Munising. As you travel along, you will come upon several road signs, including the sign that says County Road H-03. You will come upon this 4-way intersection, and then you will need to make a left turn onto H-03. Among the road signs, the last one you will see is the one mentioning the AuTrain Falls Look-out. On H-03, you travel a short distance, only about one-tenth of a mile, before you have to make a right turn. The first road to your right, called Power Dam Road, is the one you turn on to reach the Au Train Falls. If you look closely enough off into the ditch before the road, there is a small sign that points to the falls. You travel down this gravel road, through twists and turns for about a mile. You will then come upon a small gravel parking lot, and a large yellow gate that blocks off the falls to vehicular traffic. You walk from this point on. You walk past the gate, down a steep gravel hill, and then you come upon an old wooden-style bridge. This is your falls look-out. You can look south-ward, which is the best side of the falls, as the water trickles down toward you, or north-ward where the water is going away from you. If you keep walking past the bridge, and go past the electric-power generator building, you will find a small walking path that travels along the river. At the end of this small path, the river then combines together, only after being divided into two for a short time.
AUTRAIN LAKE
A beautiful lake to enjoy while you are in the Upper Peninsula, besides Lake Superior, is AuTrain Lake. AuTrain Lake is about 8 miles Northeast of Chatham, on County Road H-03. From Chatham, you take M-94 for about 5 miles until you come upon Hwy. H-03, which is on the left side of the road. Travel down H-03 for about 5 miles until you come upon Buckbay Road, which is on the right side of the road. This roadway is blacktopped. You go down the hill, past the bridge and back up another hill and take a turn to the left. You go down this road for awhile and keep going straight, past Summer Homes Road until you come to the next roadway to the left. If you turn here, this is a public access site for swimming. But if you do swim here, pleased be advised of the swimmer's itch. If you continue going straight, past the swimming area, you come to what seems to be a dead end, but this is a boat launch. You can take your boat out and go fishing or even take a ride on a nice warm day. The lake is fairly large and does get rough at times but only during windy conditions. Please follow all rules listed at the boat launch and public swimming site. If you keep going straight on H-03 and not right, you will soon enter the small town of AuTrain. There are a lot of lakeside resorts here to stay at, but you must call for a reservation because they fill up rather quickly in the summer time. They also have small mini marts and restaurants to stop at. There are also small gas stations in AuTrain and the prices are a little higher than you'd see in nearby Munising. Munising is only 12 miles to the east of AuTrain. It's the perfect town for a vacation, and AuTrain will welcome you with open arms.
BIG BAY LIGHTHOUSE
High on a rocky point along the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula sits a secluded brick lighthouse, built to guide Lake Superior vessels almost 100 years ago. This beacon, now a bed-and-breakfast retreat, is about as far off the beaten track as you can get (Big Bay is 30 miles north of Marquette). From its grand fireplace to refinished furnishings, the inn is cozy and inviting. There's 2,500 feet of private lakefront to roam, overlooking Lake Superior and the Huron Mountains. Linda and John Gale and Jeff Gamble, the owners and lighthouse keepers, arrange activities such as biking, bird watching, sailing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Couples $95 to $165, or reserve the entire place. Adults only, no smoking. Call (906) 345-9957 for more information on availability.
DOGPATCH RESTAURANT
While in Munising, be sure to take an evening out of your busy schedule and head to the restaurant voted as the best restaurant in the country by an established snowmobiling magazine. The Dogpatch is known by many across the Upper Peninsula for its fine food. They have many great choices and specials to serve you everyday. On the busiest days, you're lucky to find an unoccupied table. The best times to head to the Dogpatch are in the early morning or late afternoon hours. During the winter season, Munising is the snowmobile capital of the Midwest, so if you see a lot of snowmobiles around town, that is why. The restaurant is located on west Superior Street in downtown Munising. It can be seen from highway M-28, just before the fork in the road. Plenty of parking is available around the Dogpatch, either along Superior Avenue or in the lot off M-28 across from the Munising Community Credit Union. There is also a great gift shop located in the store to stroll around in.
GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
The Shipwreck Museum, located about 8 miles north of the town of Paradise off of Highway 123, is open from May 15 to October 15 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Museum is home to thousands of artifacts and exhibits that tell stories of sailors and ships who braved the waters of Lake Superior and those who were lost to its menacing waves. Also located at the museum is the National Historical Whitefish Point Light Station, built in 1849. Also, information is available on the most famous of the shipwrecks in Lake Superior, the Edmund Fitzgerald. You can also see the Fitzgerald Bell, which was raised in 1995, and has all 29 crew members upon it as a memorial to the men.
IRON MOUNTAIN IRON MINE
You will never forget the thrilling experience of visiting the Iron Mountain Iron Mine. The fascinating tour, with skilled guides, takes you through 2600 feet of underground drifts and tunnels to see the reality of iron mining. An amazing underground lighted cavern gives you a close-up inspection of strange geologic formations. Watch expert miners operate modern mining machinery as you ride on underground trains. This great site includes a well stocked gift shop with specialties in rocks and minerals. The mine is located 9 miles east of Iron Mountain on U.S. 2.
MICHIGAN IRON INDUSTRY MUSEUM
This museum, located in the heart of the Marquette Iron Mining Range, celebrates the rich history of iron mining that took place during the last 125 years within the range. The museum is located in Negaunee, eight miles west of Marquette, just off US 41 on Forge Road. The museum overlooks the Carp River and is home to the first iron forge in the Lake Superior Region. Museum exhibits, audiovisual programs, and outdoor interpretive paths help to trace back the rich history of iron mining in the region. The park is open from May 1 to October 31, and is a great place to take school children on field trips. It's important to learn about Upper Michigan's rich iron mining industry, and it can all be learned at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum.
THE MYSTERY SPOT
Can you solve the mysteries just waiting for you? You will experience optical contradictions and physical sensations here that are hard to believe. Even a blind person could be affected. These phenomenal "happenings" can be photographed. It is a recommended place by the Michigan Tourist Association, Dominion Auto Association, and Tourist Guide Book of Ontario. This location also has a maze, a mini golf course, game arcade, souvenir and gift shop, picnic beaches, ample car and trailer parking, and clean restrooms. The Mystery Spot is an actual place located on U.S. 2 West - 5 miles West of the Mackinac Bridge. It is open rain or shine from May 10 through June 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June 16 through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Labor Day through the third weekend in October from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You will have to see it to believe it!
PRESQUE ISLE PARK
Everyone has a special reason for escaping to Marquette's Presque Isle Park. The Chippewa Indians chose the Upper Peninsula refuge for their summer encampment. Today, Yoopers and vacationers voyage to this haven for everything from picnicking and cross-country skiing to hiking and cliff diving. The 328-acre city park is really a peninsula located on Marquette's northern edge. (Presque Isle means "almost an island" in French.) Towering poplars and white pines line the bicycle path and boulevard that hug the Lake Superior shoreline and lead into the park. At dusk, locals love to head to Sunset Point to watch the day's end. A scenic perimeter drive with several spectacular Lake Superior viewing sites winds around the isle. Or explore the 2 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails that crisscross the perimeter. The island also houses a pavilion that is open for the general public and can hold public events such as wedding receptions and graduation parties. Contact the city of Marquette for more information.
ROCK RIVER FALLS
The Rock River Falls is one of the many falls found across the rugged Upper Peninsula. This particular falls is located within the Rock River Canyon, north of Chatham in Alger County. The falls are part of the Rock River, and are found within a very secluded and wilderness area. It is a very difficult area to access, and it will take some time to research the location of the falls, but when you find the falls, its worth all of the trouble. The Rock River Falls are not the only waterfalls located within the Rock River Canyon, as Silver Creek Falls are located a few miles NE of the Rock River Falls. If you like nature hikes and have a sense of adventure, then the search for this falls should exhilarate you. The Rock River Falls are located about 5 miles Northeast of the village of Chatham. To get there, you need to travel north of Chatham on H-01 (Rock River Road) for about 3 miles. Then, after you cross the Rock River Bridge, watch for a gravel road on the left side of Rock River Road. This is called Johnson Lake Tower Road. This is the road you travel on to get to the falls. This road winds through the deep woods of the Hiawatha National Forest. You travel about 3 or 4 miles on this road until there is a junction in the road. Take a left at the junction. You should reach a small gravel parking lot on the left side of the road, with wooden posts sticking out of the ground. There used to be a sign, directing you to the falls, but it is no longer there. Take the small wooded trail, by the parking area, about 1 mile south to reach the Rock River Falls. This is the proclaimed falls. This area is infested with mosquitoes, so remember to bring your bug repellant! The falls might not be much, but the nature hike is breath-taking. One note, the Johnson Lake Tower Road is a seasonal road, meaning it is not snowplowed during the winter season. So, the falls are only accessible during the summer and fall months.
SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The largest Wildlife Refuge can be found in the Upper Peninsula. Seney National Wildlife Refuge has saved 95,455 acres of marsh, field and forest for thousands of native wildlife. The Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center are located on Highway M-77 approximately 3 miles north of Germfask, MI and 15 miles northwest of Curtis, MI. It is one of the best wildlife excursions you can make. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge was established in 1935 for the protection and production of migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is composed of a rich mosaic of marsh, bog, swamp, grassland and forest, with nearly two-thirds wetland. Today it protects habitat for threatened and endangered species, as well as a variety of wildlife. Many wildlife species utilize the refuge with over 200 bird species, 26 fish species and 50 mammals recorded. The visitor center at the refuge is open seven days a week from May 15 to October 15. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The building is located with exhibits on wildlife history, management, ecology, and habitat. A Seney National Wildlife Refuge orientation slide show is shown every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This show introduces viewers to the variety of wildlife found on the refuge, as well as management techniques. The photography is stunning! You can also tour the area by car, looking for the various wildlife. There are also many trails to explore, either by foot or by bike. Remember that all wildlife has the right if way! There is also picnicking and berry picking in the area. Canoeing, fishing, and hunting are also available in the area. There are also many winter activities to enjoy. For more info on the Refuge, contact the Refuge Manager at HCR 2, Box 1, Seney, Michigan 49883.
"If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."One of the most famous quotes in describing the two peninsulas that make up the state of Michigan. This is especially true about the Upper Peninsula. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of other great destinations all across the Upper Peninsula that are not listed here. So, as you make your trek through the lands of this rugged area, be sure you stop by some of these, and many other places that makes the U.P. so much fun!
