Kids and teens are natural explorers, yet your daily routines can squelch their desire to discover, understand and try more. That is why family vacations are so important. It breaks you out of your routines and no place will instill your young explorers with wonder like the Upper Peninsula.
Whether you come for a few days or the entire summer, your kids will thrive being free of tight schedules. That freedom is a contagious feeling that exhilarates you the moment you enter the U.P. This is a vast place with lots for your family to do, so here are some ideas to create the best vacation ever.
Explore Outdoors | Rainy Day Favorites | What to Shop For | Where to Eat | Vacation Tips | Plan to Stay
TOP PICKS TO EXPLORE OUTDOORS
BEACH DAY — THROUGHOUT THE U.P.
Suggesting a specific beach for your family to explore is an impossible task — there are so many incredible options! The U.P. has bragging rights as the only land mass touched by three of the largest freshwater seas in the world — Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and the humongous Lake Superior. We proudly claim 1,700 miles of Great Lake beaches. Some have acres of toe-burying soft sand and others have towering dunes or are strewn with colorful rocks, agates and puddingstones that you can spend hours collecting in sand buckets. You can swim, paddle, boat, kiteboard, water ski, parasail, fish, soak up the rays, stargaze and every imaginable family beach activity on these waters. You probably will not see all our beaches in your lifetime, but it is worth trying!
KITCH-ITI-KIPI — PALMS BOOK STATE PARK, MANISTIQUE
This pick will bring out the inner explorer the second you step aboard the self-operated raft that glides you across Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring. Encourage your older children or teens to take turns with other riders propelling the raft with the hand crank. Gaze over the railings into an ethereal world teeming with large trout and submerged ancient tree trunks. Talk with your kids about why the Ojibwa call this the “Mirror of Heaven.”
TAHQUAMENON FALLS — TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK, PARADISE
Imagine what the first explorers felt when they heard the thundering Upper Tahquamenon Falls before they could see it. You can recreate that experience for your family by walking from the parking lot along the accessible boardwalk. Watch your children’s eyes widen with wonder as soon as they see Michigan’s largest waterfall. Its frothy, root beer-colored water presents a teaching moment to explain why this is a natural color for many U.P. rivers.
Plan time to hike and look for wildlife along the park’s excellent trail system. Include a visit to the Lower Tahquamenon Falls where you can take a footbridge or a rowboat to the island where the five small waterfalls cascade into the Tahquamenon River. The water is chilly, but if you are comfortable wade in. Then, head to the park’s family-friendly with a menu that caters to adults and children.
SOO LOCKS — SAULT STE. MARIE
Has your family ever gone freighter watching? The Soo Locks is the ultimate destination for seeing some of the world’s biggest ships ease through the locks — some so close you can practically touch them. This historic site operates two of the largest locks in the world where thousands of vessels pass through annually, many on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to Duluth, Minnesota on Lake Superior.
Make time to visit the SooLocks Visitors Center. Your kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and tracking the freighters and talking with the park rangers. While it is spellbinding to watch from the observation decks, going through the locks on a tour boat is sensational.
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE — MUNISING TO GRAND MARAIS
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the U.P.’s colossal natural wonders. It stretches over 40 miles along Lake Superior between Munising and Grand Marais. The “awe and wonder” showpiece is the ancient, vibrant-colored limestone cliffs. Consider a guided boat or kayak tour for the best viewing and photos.
Your children will love playing on the park’s pristine beaches, collecting colorful rocks, seeing the waterfalls and hiking or strollering on the accessible trails. In the summer, sign them up to learn about the park’s wildlife and geology from the ranger-taught programs.
For your teens, include these boredom busters in your plans — backcountry camping and hiking, sea kayaking through eye-popping sandstone arches, taking a glass-bottom boat tour over shipwrecks, scuba diving into Lake Superior’s mysterious water or, in winter, give them the ultimate adrenaline rush scaling sheer ice columns.
LAKE OF THE CLOUDS — PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK, ONTONAGON
Another wilderness mirror is Lake of the Clouds, one of the most photographed panoramic views in the U.P. The overlook is reachable by foot, bike, wheelchair or motorized cart. The scenery mesmerizes when the forest-covered mountains and valleys are drenched in fall colors.
Stop by the Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center to learn more about the region’s natural history and wildlife. Go hiking or mountain biking on hundreds of miles of trails. And if your family likes to fish, wet your lines in Lake of the Clouds and release everything you catch.
MANABEZHO FALLS — PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK, ONTONAGON
Part of a series of waterfalls on the Presque Isle River, the Manabezho Falls is the last major drop before the river makes a final sprint to Lake Superior. The falls are easily accessible by following a short, well-maintained trail with a few stairs and handrails. Its shiny, bare rocks, roaring water and rushing rapids will capture your children’s attention. Enlighten your older children and teens about how the falls were named after Manabezho, an Ojibwa spirit god.
BOND FALLS — PAULDING
Bond Fallsis one of the most frequently photographed and filmed waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. When you and your family see it, you will know why. You can reach the viewing platforms by following a short, level boardwalk accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Pack your tackle box and poles to fish for trout and panfish above the dam and your walking shoes to hike the easy one-mile loop trail.
WHITE WATER RAFTING — PIERS GORGE, NORWAY
If your kids’ ideal vacation is a day at a water or amusem*nt park, show them what they model man-made rides after. Bring the family to Piers Gorge. Pile into a raft for a screaming, heart-pounding thrill ride rocking and rolling over the Class IV rapids of the Menominee River. If you dare to try it, sign on with one of the guided tours and let the experienced professionals test your mettle in this untamed wilderness! Invite the cousins to come, too.
FAYETTE HISTORIC STATE PARK — GARDEN
Turn this vacation stop into what you want — a history lesson about a boom town gone bust, family kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, fishing or a ghost hunt. Fayette Historic State Park and Townsitebrings a 19th-century iron smelting town’s stories to life in its preserved buildings and Snail Shell Harbor. As you hike or bike the trail overlooking the harbor, point to the cedars clinging to the white limestone cliffs. Let your kids know some date back 1,400 years!
INDOOR AND RAINY DAY FAVORITES
GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM — WHITEFISH POINT
It’s spellbinding staring out at Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater seas. It can be smooth as glass, sparkling in the sun or rise with intensifying power, heaving and tossing giant freighters like paper boats in its dark, roaring waves. No one knows better the changing moods of the three Great Lakes that shape the U.P. than the men and women who sailed them.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum tells of the perils mariners and rescuers faced over the centuries. None is more haunting than the story of the 1975 shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald just off the Whitefish Point coast.
But there is more for your family to explore. An adjacent beach is a favorite for rockhounding and the area is renowned for birdwatching, adding to its all-ages appeal.
UPPER PENINSULA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM — MARQUETTE
Foster your children’s curiosity, imagination and desire to know more about their world at the hands-on Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. Ages 1 to 13 find interactive exhibits that let them climb behind the wheel of a huge mining dump truck, touch turtles, be the concierge at a hotel, pilot a jet and giggle as they enter a grumbling stomach. The only challenge is convincing them to leave for your next vacation stop.
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QUINCY MINE — HANco*ck
Show your older elementary-aged children and teens what it’s like to go deep underground into a historic copper mine. Your explorers will leave with a better understanding of mining techniques and the tough and dangerous conditions miners endured. Include the mine and smelter tours in your plans. Your family will never look at a copper penny or pipe the same.
FIND UNIQUE SOUVENIRS
U.P. TRADING COMPANY & THE EXCLUSIVE MOOSE — NEWBERRY
The are two neighboring stores that carry all things U.P. including clothing, toys and local crafts.
TOUCH OF FINLAND — MARQUETTE
Shopping at Touch of Finland is a simple way to introduce your family to the Finnish and Nordic culture that is pervasive in the central and northern counties of the U.P. The highest immigration from Finland was between 1870 and 1929, giving the region the nickname, “Sauna Belt.” This store carries a range of one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs, practical housewares and traditional Finnish sauna accessories.
DA YOOPERS TOURIST TRAP — ISHPEMING
This quirky attraction is part museum, part gift shop and all fun. It features humorous displays and inventions, including the world's largest working chainsaw, a giant mosquito and the mysterious Loop Garau. Send your family hunting for the funniest exhibits or products.
WHERE TO EAT AND GET U.P. TREATS
CLYDE’S DRIVE-IN — ST. IGNACE, SAULT STE. MARIE & MANISTIQUE
Your entire family will love the nostalgic American drive-in experience, including car-side service, juicy burgers, fries, hot dogs, malts and root beer.
ZAK & MAC'S CHOCOLATE HAUS — ST. IGNACE & SAULT STE. MARIE
is a beloved destination for family favorites — exquisite handmade chocolates, some of the creamiest fudge you will ever taste and delightful ice cream. This charming shop offers a variety of classic and innovative confections, including rich truffles, toffees and unique seasonal specialties. Visitors can also indulge in homemade ice cream, perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring.
THE ANTLER’S — SAULT STE. MARIE
The Antler’s, on the south end of the Soo Locks, is a legendary landmark serving Northern cuisine at lunch and dinner. Fill your plates with cheese curds, poutine fries, fresh-caught whitefish and walleye, Big Foot Burgers and more. They have decorated the rustic dining room with over 200 animal mounts; challenge your family to identify as many as they can name.
THE FALLING ROCK CAFÉ AND BOOKSTORE — MUNISING
This cozy café and bookstore offers a welcoming atmosphere with live music (voted one of the “10 Best Live Music Places in Michigan”), local art, a vast collection of books and delicious café fare. It’s a perfect spot for families to relax and unwind enjoying the best-ever grilled cheese sandwich, their trademark locally caught smoked whitefish bagel, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, company-roasted coffees and free Wi-Fi. It’s also a great place to try locally churned Jilbert Dairy ice cream. Mmmm.
BABYCAKES MUFFIN COMPANY — MARQUETTE
This bakery is a delightful spot for breakfast, picking up add-ons for your beach or trail picnic and a snack while shopping downtown. Everyone in the family will find their favorite muffins, bread, tartlets, cookies and more. You will enjoy sipping delicious coffees and teas, too.
DONCKERS — MARQUETTE
Donckers is a must-visit family destination. Since 1896, it has perfected making ALL people smile with its made-from-scratch chocolates, caramels and confections, old-fashioned soda fountain ice creams and beverages and genuinely family-friendly restaurant menus. They serve breakfast and lunch with “what you are hungry for” choices even if your kids are picky eaters. In the U.P., we are especially proud of Donckers’ commitment to sustainable, fair trade values.
JILBERT DAIRY — MARQUETTE
Take a drive into the countryside and stop by Jilbert Dairy for delicious ice cream treats or visit area stores for their fresh milk and butter. Besides eating every last bit of your favorite ice cream flavors, play a game with the family and see if they can find the three giant “Jilly” dairy cow statues at this whimsical roadside stand. Make sure to take a photo of you or the kids sitting on the milk stool pretending to milk one of them.
VIERLING RESTAURANT & MARQUETTE HARBOR BREWERY — MARQUETTE
The Vierling is a family-friendly restaurant and the oldest brewpub in Marquette. Come for their locally brewed beers and Lake Superior whitefish bites, chowder and sandwiches. It’s a premier spot for watching all the activities on the harbor.
SWEDISH PANTRY — ESCANABA
The Swedish Pantry lets your family taste Swedish cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try their pancakes, meatballs, Kroppkakor, limpa, cardamon braid, giant cinnamon rolls and so many tantalizing treats. While waiting for your meal, walk around the dining room. Charming musical clocks, collectible figurines and paintings fill the walls.
SAYKLLY’S CONFECTIONERY & GIFTS — ESCANABA
Ask anyone in Escanaba where your family should visit and they will say Sayklly’s. For three generations, this family has been catering to everyone’s sweet tooth. This candy heaven’s glass cases and counters are brimming with homemade chocolates, caramels and candies made from premium secret ingredients. Their Caramel Pecan and Caramel Cashew Snappies and molded milk or dark chocolate U.P. bars are best sellers. It’s a good place to find U.P. gifts and souvenirs, too.
KEWEENAW COFFEE WORKS — CALUMET
This place makes your taste buds dance! For your youngest family members, Keweenaw Coffee Works is one of the rare places you can order Ants on a Log or a comforting PBJ. Others will be happy with the breakfast croissants, toasties and galette or the house-made soups, salads and delicious sandwich flavor combinations. Their coffees, nitro cold foam, lattes and hot chocolates are a big reason to savor the moment together.
AJ'S LODGE & OVEN — BERGLAND
Enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Gogebic’s North Shore while eating piping-hot pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. uses only the freshest, tastiest ingredients. It offers traditional and unique pizza combinations, Italian sandwiches and grinders, salads and tantalizingly delicious desserts to please everyone around the table.
CURIOUS PIG — CRYSTAL FALLS
Does your family crave eating epic barbecue? The Curious Pig is a must-try. For over 20 years they have perfected incredible flavor collisions with slow cooking in their BBQ smoker. Locals will encourage you to try the BBQ pizza and fight for the last slice!
TIPS FOR AN ENJOYABLE VACATION
When planning your vacation to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, check out Know Before You Go and tips for seeing wildlife — one of the unforgettable thrills of exploring this wonderful wilderness. Our Plan Your Trip builder helps you blaze your vacation path while allowing you the flexibility to take the U.P.’s signature side stops along the way.
BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY
While this guide highlights some of the most popular family vacation options, there are so many more between Drummond Island and Ironwood. Look through this site for other ideas that match your family’s interests or cravings to try something new this year. Whenever you come, we advise booking your places to stay well in advance, especially during the summer months. That way you can get the locations, dates, amenities and rates you want. There are lots of lodgings to choose from so find yours today.
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SHARE WITH US
Please let us see where your family goes exploring throughout the year in the U.P. Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our Family Vacation Photo CrowdRiff Collector below.
