Summer in the Upper Peninsula - Lots of things to do and see
Summer is a state of mind up in the U.P. It could come as early as June and stay as late as a warm September day. Traditionally summer is bookended by Memorial Day and Labor Day, but however long the season runs, warm months are always lived to the fullest in the U.P.
In the north country the summer sun lingers, casting angled rays across our pristine landscape of woods and water. Days are warm and nights balmy, encouraging folks to stay outside and gather by beach bonfires as twilight fades into quiet night.
Summer is a busy season, with so much to pack into our long days. But don’t worry, with all our activities and room to roam, it’s never that busy or crowded. Take to the water for charter fishing action for salmon and lake trout, or try our inland waters for pike, bass and walleye. Trouty-looking water is seemingly everywhere and even if the fish aren’t biting, there’s always something miraculous happening in nature when you’re streamside.
Summer is a state of mind up in the U.P. It could come as early as June and stay as late as a warm September day. Traditionally summer is bookended by Memorial Day and Labor Day, but however long the season runs, warm months are always lived to the fullest in the U.P.
In the north country the summer sun lingers, casting angled rays across our pristine landscape of woods and water. Days are warm and nights balmy, encouraging folks to stay outside and gather by beach bonfires as twilight fades into quiet night.
Summer is a busy season, with so much to pack into our long days. But don’t worry, with all our activities and room to roam, it’s never that busy or crowded. Take to the water for charter fishing action for salmon and lake trout, or try our inland waters for pike, bass and walleye. Trouty-looking water is seemingly everywhere and even if the fish aren’t biting, there’s always something miraculous happening in nature when you’re streamside.
Scour the many public beaches for semi-precious agates, or find a funny face in a piece of driftwood worn smooth by its tumbling journey. Venture to Mackinac Island to discover a land lost in time. Rent a bike and pedal the island’s circumference, then treat yourself to homemade fudge and a quiet night at a posh bed and breakfast.
When the heat is at its height, drop by our sandy beaches and cool yourself with a dip in our pure and refreshing lakes. Plunge under a waterfall for a reviving natural shower.
Another way to beat the heat is to journey underground on one of our historic mine tours. Imagine the life of a copper or iron miner as you delve into the cool dark of the earth’s inner sanctum.
The links are in their prime now, so drive fairway after fairway touring courses from our rugged highlands to a quiet streamside green. Shop our unique downtowns for locally crafted art and food. Stop in a museum to wonder at the proud history of our people and changing landscape.
Feast on freshness in our regular farmers’ markets or linger in corner cafes overlooking sleepy harbors. The local food movement is coming on strong and many restaurants feature delicate local whitefish and lake trout as well as seasonal specials grown locally by U.P. farmers.
Blueberries and thimbleberries are ripening out on the plains and in our woods. Take some time, drive aimlessly on a backroad and you’re sure to find some. Or visit any number of local gift shops to take home rich, red thimbleberry jam or blueberry preserves.
Pull off the road on a whim, kick off your shoes and take a run down a Lake Michigan sand beach. Climb the low dunes and rest your back against a singing red pine. Watch as the wind etches its portrait in the sand through the bobbing of dune grass. Hear nothing but the sigh of nature welcoming your home for the summer.