Michigan Upper Peninsula Road Trip

With its sprawling suburbs and big metropolitan cities, most of Michigan's residents reside and hustle in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, leaving many residents and travelers aloof to the abundant forests, towering cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, and sprawling nature that exist in the Upper Peninsula. On this road trip to Michigan's “U.P.,” you'll discover the natural beauty and learn what it's like to live like a “U.P.-er,” or “Yooper,” as these northernmost residents have been canonically named. From eating pasties to living with lakeshores and never-ending forests as your backyard, you'll understand why Michigan's northern landmass need not be neglected.
You'll start your trip traveling through lower Michigan, hitting inland lakes, beaches, and eateries. Once you reach the top of the Lower Peninsula, you'll cross over the iconic Mackinac Bridge into St. Ignace, Michigan, where you'll stop off at limestone rock formations and stay the night before heading out to explore the Upper Peninsula.
On your second day, you'll travel to Kitch-iti-kipi, the state's largest freshwater spring, where you'll take a glass-bottom raft out to view its emerald green and impressively clear waters. You'll then drive up to Munising, Michigan, a well-visited town for its proximity to the fascinating Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You'll take a cruise out on the waters, which will bring you along to the most impressive natural wonders on the nature-painted rocky shores.
On your last day, you'll spend the day wandering, hiking, and wading through the waterfalls within the expansive Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You'll hike to the tall roaring falls and then wade in a rowboat through smaller cascading falls surrounding an island.
It's recommended to take this trip during the summer or early fall months to enjoy the entirety of the falls, take the Pictured Rocks cruise, and wade in the waterfalls.