Our family absolutely loves to travel! One of our most favorite places to go is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We try to get to the U.P. at least once a year, but if we can get there more, we’ll do it. Check out these top eight places to visit!
Mcglupin Rock
One of my favorite things in the straits area is McGulpin Rock. This is a little lesser-known feature of Mackinaw City. The rock is located approximately two miles west of the Bridge, in Lake Michigan. Depending on lake levels, it can be walked out to or is up to 100 yards out in the water. As an example, it’s taken me ten years to get out there and 2024 was my first successful attempt. Fun fact, it is one of the oldest recorded landmarks in the straits dating back to the early 1600s.
Clyde’s Drive-In
No trip to the Upper Peninsula is complete without a Big ‘C’ cheeseburger. Clyde’s Drive-In opened in 1949, it predates the bridge by eight years. It’s not only an adult experience, but the kid’s meals also come in a convertible car complete with fruit snacks under the hood. Just across the Bridge on US2, this is a must stop!
Deer Ranch
Best $6 you will ever spend! Deer Ranch is the number one stop for our kids. Buy some apples/carrots and seed ($1 each) and head out to the fawn barn. Make your way around the property feeding the does and bucks; they are friendly and excited to eat! With the duration of only an hour, it’s the perfect to stop at every time you’re in the Upper Peninsula.
Castle Rock
You can’t buy a McChicken for $1 anymore but you know what you can do? You can climb Castle Rock! They’ve kept the price $1 since 1929. Just north on I-75 you can make the treck up the rocky stairs and stop in the best gift shop afterwards. You want to be in moderately good shape to make it up the stairs as they are rigorous. No trip is complete without a picture with the Paul Bunyan statue.
Fayette Historic Town
This one is a little more of feat as it’s two hours west on US2. Fayette Historic Town is absolutely beautiful! The cliffs, restored historical buildings, trails, and harbor views are definitely worth the drive. This is one of my top five favorite places in the Continental 48. Bring your hiking shoes and get ready to step back into 1885 with a fully restored town including the hotel, physicians’ home, schoolhouse, and church.
Tahquamenon “Root Beer” Falls
Every time we’re in the Upper Peninsula we find ourselves at good ol’ “Root beer Falls”. Tahquamenon Falls is in Paradise, Michigan which makes sense, since it is quite literally a slice of paradise. With recent funding from the State of Michigan you can now cross a pedestrian bridge linking the Lower Falls to the inner island. This gives you a closer look to falls on the other side of the island that you would not otherwise be able to see. There are great picnicking spots and fantastic photo opportunities within the falls. The best part, anyone can enjoy this feature as it is handicap accessible. Another great addition, if you are an avid hiker, you can hike from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls and there waiting for you (if you need it) is a shuttle if you are not feeling a round-trip hike. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled as this is one of the highest concentrated areas for bear and the allusive Michigan Moose!
Kitch-iti-kipi
With this being located only a half hour north of Fayette, I would do both of these in the same day.Kitch-iti-Kipi is breathtaking! The water is incredibly clear, and you can see straight to the bottom. You can see the natural spring by taking a wooden raft boat out that is manned by a State Park employee. We’ve loved it so much we’ve been multiple times and taken friends so that they can enjoy this natural beauty!
Munising
Just south of Christmas, Michigan is Munising. Home of the famed Pictured Rocks National Shoreline, Munising is full of hiking, waterfalls, camping, and plenty more adventure! Pack a lunch, get your hiking boots on, and get ready see a gauntlet of waterfalls. The fact that this is In Michigan is always mind-blowing to us.
Honorable Mentions
These didn’t make my top eight, but are still great places. If you have more time, check out Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry, Whitefish Point, the Soo Locks in Sault St. Marie, and Cut River Bridge.
Final Thoughts
We love serving our customers, but what I love even more is enjoying my family that God has blessed me with and making unforgettable memories. For a full list of nearly 750 places in the Upper Peninsula visit our UP site.
