Exploring the Off the Beaten Path Upper Peninsula Michigan

Introduction

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an incredible place. It is a place of breathtaking beauty, endless opportunities for adventure, and an abundance of natural wonders. For the adventurous traveler, the Upper Peninsula offers an array of off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore. From its wild forests and sprawling lakes to its charming towns and hidden gems, the Upper Peninsula is brimming with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best places to explore in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that are off the beaten path.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

One of the best places to explore in the Upper Peninsula is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located in Munising, Michigan, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a National Park with over 75 miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline. The park is home to breathtaking sandstone cliffs, towering sea stacks, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. The lake shore also has some of the best hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula. From the rugged 12-mile Lakeshore Trail to the more leisurely Miners Beach Trail, there are plenty of trails to explore.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Another off-the-beaten-path destination in the Upper Peninsula is Seney National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful refuge is located in Seney, Michigan and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The refuge is a great place for bird watching, hiking, and canoeing. There are many trails to explore, including the 7-mile Marshland Wildlife Drive and the 9-mile Wildlife Drive. The refuge is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and beavers.

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Grand Island National Recreation Area is another great destination in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Munising, Michigan, Grand Island is a large island in Lake Superior that is home to over two dozen hiking trails. Grand Island is a great place to explore and discover the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. From the rugged North Shore Trail to the tranquil South Shore Trail, there are plenty of trails to explore on the island.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is a great place to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Marquette, Michigan, Sugarloaf Mountain is a large mountain that offers some of the best views in the Upper Peninsula. The mountain is home to a variety of hiking trails, from the 1.5-mile easy loop to the more challenging 4.5-mile loop. The summit of the mountain offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is another great place to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Paradise, Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to two spectacular waterfalls – the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The park is home to many hiking trails, including the popular 5-mile River Trail that takes you to both the Upper and Lower Falls.

Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw Peninsula is another great destination in the Upper Peninsula. The peninsula is home to a variety of natural wonders, from the rugged coastline to the towering cliffs. The peninsula is also home to many hiking trails, from the easy 3-mile Copper Harbor Trail to the more challenging 8-mile Mott Trail. The Keweenaw Peninsula is a great place to explore and discover the beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is a great off-the-beaten-path destination in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Keweenaw County, Michigan, Copper Harbor is a charming town that is home to many outdoor activities. From the rugged trails of Fort Wilkins State Park to the many shops and restaurants of downtown Copper Harbor, there is plenty to explore in this unique town.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is another great place to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Ontonagon County, Michigan, the park is home to over 90,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula, from the easy 1-mile South Mirror Lake Trail to the more challenging 5-mile Escarpment Trail.

Soo Locks

Soo Locks is a great place to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Soo Locks is a system of locks that connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The locks are a great place to explore and learn about the history of the region. The locks are also home to a variety of boat tours that offer great views of the locks and the surrounding area.

St. Ignace

St. Ignace is another great destination in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Mackinac County, Michigan, St. Ignace is a charming town that is home to many attractions. From the historic Fort Mackinac to the quirky shops and restaurants of downtown St. Ignace, there is plenty to explore in this unique town.

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is another great place to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Located in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is an isolated island that is home to over 400 islands, islets, and reefs. The park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula, from the easy 1-mile Minong Trail to the more challenging 10-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Conclusion

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an incredible place to explore. From its wild forests and sprawling lakes to its charming towns and hidden gems, the Upper Peninsula is brimming with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. From Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Isle Royale National Park, the Upper Peninsula has something for every type of traveler. So, if you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the perfect place for you.