Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Stretching across the southern shore of Lake Superior, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (the ‘UP’) has big water, beautiful beaches, fabulous forests, lots of waterfalls, and our son Shaun. We recently visited the UP for about two weeks and explored the Keweenaw (say KEE-wuh-naw) Peninsula, the Munising (say MYOO-ni-sing) area, and the area around the Straits of Mackinac (always say MACK-uh-naw, even if it’s spelled Mackinac). Mackinac is short for the native American Michilimackinac, meaning “place of the great turtle,” originally a description of the island.

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge (between Houghton and Hancock, MI) is the world’s heaviest and widest double-decked vertical-lift bridge and a prominent local landmark. Below the bridge is the National Park Service vessel Ranger III returning from a trip to Isle Royale National Park.

Chutes and Ladders, one of the best playgrounds we have ever seen. Jane and I know from personal experience how fun these extra-long chutes are!

The UP has many beautiful waterfalls; we visited several, both on the Keweenaw Peninsula and in the Munising area. All of the waterfalls we visited were either a 1-3 mile hike or just beside a road. There are many more waterfalls we did not visit.

Mosquito Falls

Miners Falls

We love tangled tree roots.

Rock River Falls. This water fall was labeled “for the adventurous.” We thought that meant the hike was difficult, maybe scrambling over boulders or long steep climbs. However, the adventure was the drive to the falls. It was seven miles of poorly maintained dirt road to the hike. It took us over an hour to go the seven miles.

We took a two and a half hour boat ride to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from Lake Superior. That is the best way to see the cliffs. It was fun to both ride the boat and hike on land.

Spray Falls in Pictured Rocks.

Bridal Veil Falls in Pictured Rocks.

Lovers Leap in Pictured Rocks.

Mackinac Bridge – the third longest suspension bridge in the US connects the UP with lower Michigan. Yoopers call people from lower Michigan trolls (because they’re below the bridge).

Mackinac Island is in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Automobiles have been outlawed since 1898. People get around the island via horse drawn carriage, bicycle, and walking. The fudge is as good as advertised and there are lots of great places to eat, walk, and ride a bike. We walked (because we brought the dog instead of our bikes) from the ferry dock to Arch Rock then back to town via Fort Mackinac. A very relaxing day.

Ferry to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Arch Rock

Mackinac Island Grand Hotel. It is a place of tradition and luxury.

Grand Hotel carriage.

Round Island Lighthouse

Mackinac Island St Anne’s Church.

Mackinac Island is a fun place to visit and a great place to slow down and unwind. I recommend bringing a bike and planning on exploring the island that way. Bikes and dogs are allowed on the ferry.

Really cool clock on the public pier in St Ignace (say IG-nuss).

Oops.

We really enjoyed our time in the UP and will return. There are more trails to hike and lakes to kayak!