Experience Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in this Scenic Weekend Road Trip

Our Upper Peninsula road trip begins at Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. This National Historic Site boasts two of the longest locks in the world, and seeing these giant vessels navigate these waters is one of the ultimate UP experiences. The only way ships can travel from Lake Huron and Lake Superior is through the Soo Locks, and roughly 7,000 vessels make this passage between mid-March and mid-January.
You can watch these vessels pass through the Soo Locks from the Visitor Viewing Area’s observation decks at the Soo Locks Park.

You can even take a ride through the locks on one of the Soo Locks Boat Tours. If you’ve ever visited the Panama Canal, you’ll love visiting Soo Locks. Bonus: Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan and offers plenty of restaurants, shopping, and more.

Continuing with our maritime theme, our next stop is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan. Open May through October, this museum is one of the most popular attractions in the Upper Peninsula. It’s also home to the Whitefish Point Light Tower, the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior—this beacon of light has been shining since 1861.

Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum website to learn more. Since this museum is only open seasonally, make sure you’ve timed your Upper Peninsula road trip when they are open! It would be a shame to miss this iconic museum in Michigan.

Clocking in at nearly 50,000 acres and stretching for 13+ miles across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park is an absolute must. There are 35 miles of trails to explore, including one that will lead you to the park’s namesake and quite possibly the most popular waterfall in Michigan: Tahquamenon Falls.

Measuring 50 feet high and 200 feet wide, Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Tahquamenon Falls Brewery is nearby, and it’s the perfect spot to fuel up. Try the bison burger! You can also pick up some delicious micro-brewed beers to take back to the cabin. One more stop for the day and then we’ll introduce you to that slice of paradise!

Sitting pretty on the south shore of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most picturesque areas in Michigan. Known for its dramatic multicolors, Pictured Rocks cliffs, and unusual sandstone formations, no visit to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is complete without visiting this dreamy spot. 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is offensively beautiful year-round, with summer and fall being the most popular. Winter hiking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a mesmerizing experience, though we don’t blame you if you want to wait for warmer weather.

End your day with a stay in this rental in Au Train, Michigan. This tiny home has two bedrooms and one bathroom and all the peace and quiet you could ask for. Relax those muscles while soaking in the hot tub, and then get a fire going in the outdoor firepit to complete the day. While there is a full kitchen should you want to cook up your own meals, no visit to the UP is complete without a meal at The Brownstone Inn in Au Train.

Rise and shine! Our day begins with a drive south over to Kitch-iti-kipi, the largest natural freshwater spring in Michigan. This aquatic oasis in Palms Book State Park spans 200 feet across and clocks in at 40 feet deep.

You’ll be mesmerized by the iconic teal water. It won’t take long before you see one of the many trout swimming through the water—lake trout, brown trout, and brook trout all call this area home. Surprisingly, Kitch-iti-kipi rarely freezes, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a hot spring. The water stays about 45 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

The drive from Kitch-iti-kipi to Bond Falls is about three hours, so strap in and enjoy the ride. I’d recommend taking M-69 over US-41 so you can take in new scenery. The drive through the Crystal Falls State Forest Area is lovely, and you’ll pass through several charming small towns where you can stop, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat. 

The trail to Bond Falls is short, sweet, and paved (300 feet). This waterfall in the Upper Peninsula tends to get overshadowed by Tahquamenon Falls, but make no mistake—this one is a beauty, too! Watch in wonder as this waterfall cascades down 50 feet over the rocks.

Our final stop on this Upper Peninsula road trip takes us to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Affectionally nicknamed “the Porkies,” this 60,000-acre site is home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, endless miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, and so much more. Michigan’s largest state park is a true nature lover’s paradise. 

Both the Visiter Center Nature Trail and the Beaver Creek Trail are quick and easy hikes in the Porcupine Mountains that just about anyone can do. If you’re looking for a challenge, check out the Escarpment Trail. While it is one of the more challenging trails in the Porcupine Mountains, the views are worth it. Lake of the Clouds is another must-see attraction in the Porkies, which you’ll see from the Escarpment Trail.

After another day of exploring, this vacation home in Ontonagon is the perfect place to rest your head. Nestled along Lake Superior, this waterfront cottage offers breathtaking sunsets, beach access, and more—two kayaks are provided should you have one more adventure left in you!