Things to do & places to visit in Upper Peninsula, Michigan, United States

Upper Peninsula region in Michigan, United States. Timezone: America/Detroit, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 20:59.

Top things to do (15)

Top places to visit (18 attractions)

5.0 Lakenenland Sculpture Park (572 reviews)
- So Unique, and free!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Galleries • Parks

My husband and I were driving home from a week up in the UP and saw this along our way home so we thought we’d stop and check it out. It’s completely free! Though you can donate to the artist if you wish :) But there is a trail with a huge assortment of different metal pieces of art, everything from giant daisies to huge iron mine carts. During the summer you can drive your car down the trail but it is easily walkable. There was also a bog walk, a pavilion to sit under, a stage for bands to play, just really a unique place. I definitely recommend checking it out and supporting a local artist if you’re in the area, really cool stuff! See more..
5.0 Sugarloaf Mountain (567 reviews)
- Views for days
Mountains

This no-frills hike to the top of Sugarloaf was a trip to spectacular views of Lake Superior. From the parking lot, you may take the improved or unimproved route. Great views also abound as you summit the peak. Rock outcroppings encompass the area as you venture upward. At the peak, you are awarded breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Lace up your shoes, and head out. See more..
5.0 Bond Falls (412 reviews)
- one of our favorites!
Waterfalls

Worth the drive to see Bond Falls. Very easy to walk and see. There are some paths you can hike that are slightly more difficult, but well worth the walk. You can pay to park, or there is also free parking on the road (at the top of the falls). See more..
5.0 Tahquamenon Falls (319 reviews)
- See both Upper & Lower Falls
Bodies of Water

Easy well paved walkways and boardwalks at both locations. Drivable between them. Well marked by signs. Upper Falls Easy wide path with a number of look out points. 94 steps down with handrails to viewing platform for better view. It’s 1/4 mile each way. You can see falls from look out points as well. There’s also a store & area to buy food & eat. There was a man playing the guitar in the center sitting area. Lower falls 1/2 mile to main look out point .. with a second look out for next smaller fall up about 200 feet & then you can continue into the bridge. Bridge is 1/4 past look out platform (so 3/4 from start). Well paved paths. There are a few looks out areas along the way. Both are accessible to anyone. They are starting to build a gift shop and bathroom that will be nice once done. See more..
5.0 Palms Book State Park (311 reviews)
- The Sea of Fall Colors
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

This park is famous because of the Big Spring. It's not the only attraction of this place. Especially during the fall, when colors are changing. you have great opportunity to see so many beautiful spots with crazy-beauty colors. You can take many trails through the woods and you will be surrounded by the nature. You have to pay the fee, but it's very "symbolic number". I recommend this park. RomanP See more..
5.0 Lake of the Clouds (291 reviews)
- A fall beauty not to be missed!
Bodies of Water

What a beautiful way to spend a fall afternoon! Even though we were not at the leaf peak yet there were some trees in the valley that had started to turn scarlet and yellow, it was stunning. The price per vehicle to get into the Lake of the Clouds lot is $9.00 and well worth it for all the natural beauty. The overlook is breathtaking and there are a lot of different views of the lake. The trail is a loop that is pretty short and handicapped accessible and an easy walk for all ages and abilities. Be sure to bring a camera, the view is something you will want memories of for sure. See more..
5.0 Forge a Memory (276 reviews)
- Forged in Fun
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Rides & Activities

Step into this blacksmith shop and forge your own knife! Chad Osborne, two-time Forged in Fire competitor will guide you through the process. There are 3 sizes of knives to choose and the price ranges from $25-100 depending on the knife you forge. All knives come with a sheath. This activity is perfect for visitors that would like to Forge a Memory while visiting Mackinac Island. See more..
5.0 Adventure Mining Company (210 reviews)
- Excellent experience with the Captain's Tour
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mines

The Adventure Mining Company offers a variety of tours of the Historic Adventure Copper Mine. Choose from easy 45 minute underground walks to 3 hour excursions that feature rappelling down and 80 foot underground shaft. No fancy electric lights or walkways underground here, real mining the way it really was. Participants of our guided tours receive hardhats and headlamps and any other gear needed for use on the tours. Light jacket and good walking shoes recommended. The best and most authentic and exciting underground tours available anywhere! Open late May through mid-October. See more..
4.5 Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (956 reviews)
- Pay the fees, its Worth it !!
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has become one of Michigan’s most popular destinations in the cultural tourism industry, attracting over 75,000 visitors each season. Museum patrons learn about the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Point Light Station, an Historic Site on the National Register of Historic Places. See the Whitefish Point Light Tower, in continuous operation for 155 years, the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society was founded in 1978 by a group of divers, teachers, and educators to commence exploration of historic shipwrecks in eastern Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula. See more..
4.5 Munising Falls (768 reviews)
- Munising Falls near sunset
Waterfalls

On our final day in Munising we stopped at Munising Falls. It was an easy hike to the falls. There are two stairways on either side. The stairway on the right as you approach the falls took you up to a walkway that was next to a rock wall with a small cave. The view from this walkway placed you closer to the falls. The stairway on the left did give you a better view of the bottom of the falls where the water hit a large rock below. The sky was partly cloudy but when the sunset came through the clouds it made the falls look like they were orange. I recommend seeing these falls if you are in Munising or anywhere nearby. See more..
4.5 The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World (700 reviews)
- The majesty of butterflies
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the 1st of its kind in Michigan, and the 3rd oldest LIVE butterfly exhibit in the United States. The world-renowned facility has 1800 sq ft of tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from four continents. After a relaxing visit with the butterflies, take some time to check out Insect World, where you will be amazed at the size of the insects that live in the tropical regions of the world. On display are 14″ walking sticks and 6″ centipedes, along with giant beetles and spiders. The current record setter for the world’s “heaviest bug” is also found here. Regular Season Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Prior to Memorial Day, After Labor Day: 10 am – 6 pm *Last admittance is 30 min prior to close See more..
4.5 Brockway Mountain Drive (623 reviews)
- Always beautiful, do not miss it!
Scenic Drives

We’ve been up here before, and it truly does not disappoint. If you go for sunset, arrive early for your spot, bring chairs, snacks, blanket as it can get cold and a camera for sure. We went twice this visit, one early evening and it was a zoo, people looking for spots to park, second visit was mid afternoon on a beautiful, but windy day. We had more time to enjoy without all the people walking around looking for the right picture angle. The mountain has two drives one headed towards Eagle Harbor, one towards Copper Harbor, this one is the cool twisty one and has a great overlook about half way, City of Copper Harbor and beyond, really a gorgeous view, don’t pass this by! See more..
4.5 Miners Falls (612 reviews)
- Second best falls we’ve seen in the UP so far according to us
Waterfalls

Exceeded our expectations! A beautiful wide path through the woods to the falls gives you a nice view from the platform with minimal steps & some small hills. However, for the best view it is worth going down the flight of steps to the lower platform if you’re able to. About a 1-1/2 mile round trip walk. We’ve seen a few waterfalls throughout the UP but certainly not all of them. So far this is our 2nd favoritest. Beautiful!!! See more..
4.5 Whitefish Point Lighthouse (601 reviews)
- If you are a boat nerd or Great Lakes lover this is a must see!
History Museums

Our 4th trip in 30 years, so much to see on the grounds, Great Lakes Shipwreck museum is a must, $14 per person, gets you in all the buildings, the other buildings have wonderful docents and displays. The vast beach area provides an entire day of relaxation and beauty. Bring your chairs and watch the water. Large parking area but it is popular so we got there mid morning, busy when we left. Highly recommend! See more..
4.5 Bridge View Park (516 reviews)
- Beautifully frigid
Parks

I was looking for a different spot for my wife to photograph the straits and the Bridge. This is a beautiful park with amazing views. There is some historical markers there also. It was February and 11 degrees but still beautiful. I can only imagine what it would look like in the summer. See more..
4.5 Wagner Falls (516 reviews)
- Don’t miss this gem
Waterfalls

Loved this place! Such a beautiful atmosphere and water fall. The walk down is so peaceful and beautiful. The woods around the boardwalk have a variety of colorful mushrooms to photograph, if you keep a sharp eye for them. One of our favorite places. See more..
4.5 Museum Ship Valley Camp (419 reviews)
- A must do Museum when you are in the Soo!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Aquariums

We are open Mid-May to Mid October! For more information click on the website link on Tripadvisor. Retired Great Lakes Freighter with over 100 exhibits on Shipping and Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes. Access into the Engine Room, walk the Upper Deck to see crew quarters and pilot house. 3 levels to tour with ramp system for easy access. Last tickets and entry an hour before closing. See more..
4.5 Quincy Mine (412 reviews)
- Excellent and informative Quincy Mine tour
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Mines

Very interesting tour of the mine with Allie as a great guide. The tour takes about 90 minutes and costs $35 per person. Reservations are recommended but if you are flexible, you can try to make them in person. There are lots of interesting things on property that are not included in the tour but outside exhibits could use more descriptive signage. It is amazing to listen to how hard these miners worked for a tiny salary with no benefits. NOTE: Bring a light jacket as temperature in the mine is about 42°. The full tour involves going up and down a few short segments of stairs. The ground is often wet with puddles but mostly level. There is some dripping from the ceiling. There are brief episodes of loud noise and total darkness but the guide warns you in advance. You are required to wear a plastic miner’s helmet for the duration of the tour. The gift shop has water available and you are allowed to carry it with you. See more..