As a former Michigander, I visited the U.P. multiple times during my childhood and even as an adult.

Yet, none of those trips took me further than Mackinac and Sault Ste Marie—the areas easiest to get to from the Lower Peninsula where I lived at the time. When I left Michigan, getting to the more remote parts of the U.P. felt even less likely to ever happen in my lifetime.

Plus, my idea of travel wasn’t to go back to my home state. It was to see the world beyond “the Mitten.” But then, I met and married my husband, John, and felt compelled to revisit the Great Lakes State with fresh eyes. And, after casually throwing around the idea of a fall trip to Northern Michigan for several years, we finally made it happen.

CLICK HERE to read my recommendations for the Traverse City area in the Lower Peninsula.

And if you really want an inside look at our trip, check out my Instagram story highlight here.

Is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Worth Visiting?

If you have the time and the means to get there, my answer is YES. Make it happen. You won’t regret it.

But let me add a caveat. Unless you are a diehard lover of winter and outdoor activities in the snow, I suggest planning a trip for summer or early fall.

Summer will be more touristy, but you’ll also enjoy the best weather, if that’s important to you. Personally, I’m happy we chose fall. In late September, traffic was minimal, tours and activities were still open for the season, the leaves were changing, and the cooler mornings felt refreshing.

The way I see it, Michigan’s U.P. is for adventurers who prefer an off-the-beaten-path experience with lots of natural beauty and wildlife in the mix.

Best Towns to Visit in the Upper Peninsula

There were so many spots I wanted to see and too little time to fit them all in. Driving across the U.P. of Michigan takes longer than you might think.

To narrow it down, we focused on the Munising area and decided to take a day trip to Marquette—the Upper Peninsula’s largest town. Also in the running? The Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw Peninsula. But either would have meant a LOT of driving in one day, so we opted for the hour-long drive to Marquette and didn’t regret that choice.

Marquette offers rich history, beautiful views, good eats, and plenty of parks along Lake Superior. Plus, it’s home to Northern Michigan University (NMU) and does have that college town feel, if that’s what you’re going for.

On a future trip, I’d love to see the Porcupines, as well as Iron Mountain and Escanaba. Until next time…

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Unique Things to Do in Marquette Michigan

Mt. Marquette Overlook

I’m a sucker for views, so when I saw this spot on Google Maps, I was sold. Thankfully, we drove my husband’s GMC Sierra because the steep, unpaved road to the overlook felt like off-roading—despite the fact that it appears as a legitimate road on the map. A four-wheel drive vehicle is definitely recommended, and, even then, you may find yourself questioning this life choice on the way up, but stay the course. The panoramic view of the town, Lake Superior, and the old ore docks is worth it. Promise.

Of course, if you question your vehicles ability or simply prefer the physical activity, you can also hike to the top. According to AllTrails, the trail is a 3.8-mile loop with 534 foot elevation gain.

Presque Isle Park & Black Rocks

Jutting out into Lake Superior, this peninsula park offers plenty of trails, picnic areas, a playground, and VIEWS.

We drove the perimeter road and stopped at the Black Rocks overlook, where there is a small parking lot. During peak season, I imagine it fills up quickly. On the first of October, there were plenty of spots available. And just off the parking lot, you can actually walk out on the dark, cracked rocky shoreline and watch the waves crash below your feet.

Best Restaurant for Lunch in Marquette

Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery is the place. Located in a historic building across the street from Marquette’s Lower Harbor, the eatery is both casual and quirky with a menu to match. I was pleased to find several dairy-free / vegan options, including an incredible oatmeal date cookie that I grabbed for the road.

After lunch, we walked along the harbor at Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

If you have more time, I recommend checking out the following spots in Marquette (that are still on my list):

• Picnic Rocks Park (and beach)
• Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
• DeVos Art Museum
• Forestville Dam Falls
• Wright Street Falls
• Superior Dome on NMU’s campus

Where We Stayed in the Upper Peninsula

We stayed just outside of Munising in this Airbnb on a private lake.

The drive into Munising took about 15 minutes for easy access to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and more.

Best Places to Eat in Munising Michigan

For its size, Munising has a surprising number of restaurants and places to get food. These were our favorites.

• Tracey’s at Roam Inn — A more upscale experience that still feels local
• Pictured Rocks Pizza — The best spot for woodfired pies, including gluten-free and dairy-free options
• Miners Pasty Kitchen — Offers a variety of pasty options, including vegan
• Driftwood Deli & ByGeorge Brewing — A casual, yet unique menu paired with lots of local craft beer
• East Side Treats — Treats include ice cream, desserts, chocolate, and candy
• Earl E. Byrds — A veteran-owned American diner open for breakfast and lunch

Top Things to Do Near Munising Michigan

In the Munising area, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems to explore for a memorable outdoor adventure, including waterfalls, hikes, beaches, and lighthouses, plus activities like fishing, kayaking, and ATV off-roading.

While we didn’t have a chance to experience it all, here’s what I’d recommend.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

In case you’re wondering, Munising is the closest town to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

This unique national park was actually the first national lakeshore in the United States—and is one of the biggest draws of the Munising area. Whether you physically enter the park or view the rugged coastline from the water, experiencing Michigan’s Pictured Rocks is a must.

Why “pictured rocks” you ask? Well, apparently the name was chosen because the variety of minerals in the rocks make them look painted.

Pictured Rocks Boat Tour

Riptide Ride | “Pictured Rocks #1 Boat Tour” — We booked Riptide Ride for its last run of the season, September 30. If you’re not prone to seasickness, don’t mind getting wet, and like going fast, this tour is the one for you. The 90-minute ride takes you around Grand Island for a look at cliffs, waterfalls, lighthouses, and more.

Technically, Grand Island is designated as a national recreation area that is separate from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; however, the rocky cliffs along the perimeter of the island are the same geological type of rock.

Pictured Rocks Cruises — For a boat ride that takes you past the “official” Pictured Rocks, book one of the Pictured Rocks Cruises. These cruises are two to three hours long with four options, including a sunset cruise.

Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour — We considered this shipwreck tour, but a jet boat felt more our speed. (No pun intended!) Next time, I will definitely book this tour, especially seeing first-hand how crystal clear the water is in Lake Superior. In case you didn’t know, this Great Lake is known for its treacherous shipwrecks

Pictured Rocks Kayaking

To be clear, we did not even consider kayaking on this trip. And, to be honest, I don’t love kayaking in choppy water. But, if that’s the kind of adventure you’re looking for, click here for more info on booking a kayaking tour.

Beaches Near Munising

One afternoon, we drove to Miners Beach, one of the closest beaches to Munising. It’s free to visit and is flanked by two other natural sites: a rock formation known as Miners Castle and Elliot Falls. While not large, this remote beach is one worth visiting for the views and nearby trails if you also want to hike.

Sand Point Beach is another near Munising that you can reach by vehicle. We did not visit this one due to lack of time, but its Google reviews are solid. Lake Superior Overlook toward Grand Marais is another I saw recommended by road.

Many of the stunning beaches east of Munising are accessible only by trail, including Mosquito Beach, Chapel Beach, and Twelve Mile Beach.

Waterfalls Near Munising and Pictured Rocks

Similar to the beaches, many waterfalls are only reachable by trail—or best viewed out on Lake Superior.

Bridal Veil Falls, one of the Upper Peninsula’s most well-known, cascades into Lake Superior just east of Miners Beach. Spray Falls is another along the coast.

Click here for a full list of waterfalls in the Munising area to decide which ones fit your preferences and travel itinerary.

Historic Lighthouses Near Munising

You can’t visit the U.P. without seeing a lighthouse or two.

During our Riptide Ride boat tour, we cruised past several, including the wooden1868 Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse and the Grand Island North Lighthouse.

Click here for a look at more lighthouses around Munising.