Located in the northernmost part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Upper Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting attractions. The region is often overlooked by tourists flocking to the more popular destinations in the state, but it’s a mistake to do so. Upper Michigan offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness, picturesque towns, and world-class attractions that make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the Great Lakes State.
From the scenic beauty of Lake Superior to the rolling hills and forests of the Upper Peninsula, Upper Michigan is a nature lover’s paradise. The region is home to numerous state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter, fisherman, or simply looking to connect with nature, Upper Michigan has something for everyone.
But Upper Michigan is more than just a pretty face. The region is steeped in history and culture, with a rich heritage that’s waiting to be explored. From the historic mining towns of the Copper Country to the charming villages of the Upper Peninsula, there’s a wealth of museums, landmarks, and cultural attractions to discover. And let’s not forget the food – Upper Michigan is famous for its pasties, a savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables that’s a staple of the region’s cuisine.
In this article, we’ll explore the best tourist spots in Upper Michigan, from the stunning natural beauty of the region to its rich history and culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a unique vacation experience, Upper Michigan has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the hidden gem of the Great Lakes State.
Outdoor Adventures in Upper Michigan
Upper Michigan is a nature lover’s paradise, with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From hiking and camping to fishing and boating, there’s something for everyone in the region.
Hiking and Camping
Upper Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness areas in the country. The region’s numerous state parks and national forests offer endless opportunities for hiking and camping. From the scenic trails of the Porcupine Mountains to the rugged terrain of the Hiawatha National Forest, there’s a hiking trail to suit every skill level and interest. (See Also: Tourist Spots in Carmona – Hidden Gems Waiting)
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula, this park offers over 60,000 acres of wilderness to explore.
- Hiawatha National Forest: Spanning over 750,000 acres, this national forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure.
- Seney National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, this refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Fishing and Boating
Upper Michigan is famous for its world-class fishing and boating opportunities. The region’s numerous lakes, rivers, and streams are home to a wide variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, and walleye. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking to try your hand at fishing, Upper Michigan has something for everyone.
- Lake Superior: The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring.
- Keweenaw Bay: Located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula, this bay is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
- Sault Ste. Marie: Located at the mouth of the Soo Locks, this city offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.
Historic Mining Towns
Upper Michigan is home to several historic mining towns that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich mining heritage. From the charming villages of the Copper Country to the rugged terrain of the Upper Peninsula, there’s a wealth of history and culture to discover.
Copper Country
The Copper Country is a region in the western part of the Upper Peninsula that was once home to a thriving copper mining industry. The region’s numerous historic mining towns, including Hancock, Houghton, and Calumet, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich mining heritage.
- Hancock: Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Hancock is a charming town with a rich history and culture.
- Houghton: Located in the heart of the Copper Country, Houghton is a bustling college town with a rich history and culture.
- Calumet: Located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula, Calumet is a charming town with a rich history and culture.
Cultural Attractions
Upper Michigan is home to a wealth of cultural attractions that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and heritage. From the charming villages of the Upper Peninsula to the world-class museums of the region, there’s something for everyone in Upper Michigan.
Museums
Upper Michigan is home to several world-class museums that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. From the historic mining towns of the Copper Country to the charming villages of the Upper Peninsula, there’s a wealth of museums to explore.
- Copper Country Museum: Located in Hancock, this museum offers a glimpse into the region’s rich mining heritage.
- Finlandia University’s Museum: Located in Hancock, this museum offers a glimpse into the region’s Finnish heritage.
- Seney National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: Located in Seney, this visitor center offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Recap and Summary
Upper Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting attractions. From the stunning natural beauty of the region to its rich history and culture, there’s something for everyone in Upper Michigan. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a unique vacation experience, Upper Michigan has something for everyone. (See Also: Tourist Spots in Ilocos Region – Hidden Gems Uncovered)
In this article, we’ve explored the best tourist spots in Upper Michigan, from the stunning natural beauty of the region to its rich history and culture. From hiking and camping to fishing and boating, there’s endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in Upper Michigan. And with its numerous historic mining towns, world-class museums, and charming villages, there’s a wealth of culture and history to discover.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the hidden gem of the Great Lakes State. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Upper Michigan is a destination that’s sure to leave you in awe.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Upper Michigan?
The best time to visit Upper Michigan depends on your interests and what you want to do. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long days perfect for outdoor adventures. Fall is a great time to visit if you love foliage, with the changing leaves creating a stunning backdrop for hiking and camping. Winter is a great time to visit if you love snow sports, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Spring is a great time to visit if you love wildlife, with many species of birds and animals migrating through the region.
What are the best places to eat in Upper Michigan?
Upper Michigan is famous for its pasties, a savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables that’s a staple of the region’s cuisine. You can find pasties at many local restaurants and bakeries throughout the region. Some popular places to eat in Upper Michigan include the Pastie Shop in Hancock, the Copper Country Brewing Company in Hancock, and the Soo Brewing Company in Sault Ste. Marie.
What are the best places to stay in Upper Michigan?
Upper Michigan has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. From cozy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels and resorts, there’s something for everyone in the region. Some popular places to stay in Upper Michigan include the Hampton Inn in Hancock, the Holiday Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, and the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. (See Also: Open Tourist Spots in Philippines 2021? Ready To Explore!)
What are the best things to do in Upper Michigan?
Upper Michigan offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The region is also home to several historic mining towns, world-class museums, and charming villages, offering a wealth of culture and history to discover. Some popular things to do in Upper Michigan include visiting the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, taking a boat tour of Lake Superior, and exploring the historic mining towns of the Copper Country.
Is Upper Michigan safe?
Upper Michigan is generally a safe region, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any region, it’s always a good idea to take common-sense precautions to ensure your safety. This includes locking your car doors, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding walking alone in isolated areas at night.