Need a break away from your daily grind but only have a small travel budget? No worries. Come to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
There are many ways to immerse in the U.P.’s natural beauty, explore its fascinating history, thrill in outdoor adventures and celebrate with locals without spending wads of cash. These free and low-cost activities in our northern paradise will give you the vacation you long for.
SEE THE MAJESTY OF THE UNIVERSE UNLEASHED IN THE DARK SKIES
One of the most stunning, free experiences is watching the Northern Lights along Lake Superior’s coast while sitting under some of the world’s darkest skies. It’s not an every-night experience, but when sun particles, riding on the solar wind, collide with Earth’s atmosphere between August and April, the celestial dance of dazzling colors is unforgettable.
Below are the 11 top U.P. places to be wowed by the Northern Lights:
- Brockway Mountain, Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park | Copper Harbor
- Miners Castle, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Munising
- M-28 Turnouts | Between Munising and Marquette
- Breakers Beach, North Canal Township Park | Houghton
- Eagle Harbor Lighthouse | Eagle Harbor
- Big Shoal Beach, Glen Cove Beach & Drummond Island Township Park Beach | Drummond Island
- Brimley State Park | Brimley
- Whitefish Point | Paradise
- Au Train Beach | Au Train
- Big Bay Waterfront | Big Bay
- Arvon Township Park | Skanee
BE AWED BY A SYMPHONY OF WATERFALLS
The U.P. is home to all but one of Michigan's hundreds of spectacular waterfalls. From the thunderous roar of Tahquamenon Falls in the east to the cascading notes of the Chicagon Falls in the west, these natural wonders will keep your camera clicking and heart singing.
Check out this guide to U.P. waterfalls.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Every inch of the U.P. is steeped in long-ago stories. If you love history, the U.P. will ignite your imagination with ancient miners, gutsy women pilots and engineering geniuses. It will captivate you with the unexpected and inspire you for the future.
While there are dozens of other museums to explore, don’t miss seeing one or more of the picks below. Their exhibits will intrigue even teens and traveling companions who think history is boring. It’s not here!
- Historic Walking Tour & Waterfront Village | St. Ignace
- Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum | Naubinway
- Tahquamenon Logging Museum | Newberry
- Historic Sites, Museums & Soo Locks Boat Tours | Sault Ste. Marie
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum with Artifacts of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald | Paradise
- Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, Northern Michigan University | Marquette
- Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum | Marquette
- Keweenaw National Historical Park | Keweenaw Peninsula
- Astor House Antique Doll & Indian Museum | Copper Harbor
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park | Copper Harbor
- Old Victoria Restoration | Rockland
- Iron Mountain Mine & Museum | Vulcan
- World War II Glider and Military Museum and Cornish Pump & Mining Museum | Iron Mountain
- Upper Peninsula Military Museum | Escanaba
- Webster Marble: Inventing the Outdoors Museum | Escanaba
- Fayette Historic State Park | Garden
EXPLORE THOUSANDS OF MILES OF TRAILS
Adventure takes on a new meaning in the U.P. Across these expansive miles, you will hike, bike, ORV and horseback in some of the most scenic wildernesses and towns in America. Our trails take you around historic islands, along Great Lakes shorelines, up close to waterfalls and the tops of mountains overlooking lakes reflecting the skies above you. There are exhilarating thrills beyond every turn.
Cut your spending even more on two FREE ORV weekends. In early June and mid-August, Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Choose your next hiking, biking and ORV adventure.
JOIN IN SUMMER FESTIVITIES
Music and art flourish in the U.P., where community concerts and festivals abound. Many do not have admission fees — and those that do, have low-cost tickets. The summer months come alive with the sounds of local and visiting musicians and artists, midways, classic vehicles and more. These gatherings are not just entertainment; they're a window into the soul of the Upper Peninsula, its culture, heritage, creativity and fun-loving people.
- Lilac Festival | June 7-16 | Mackinac Island
- Roundup Rodeo | June 1-2 | Carney
- Pictured Rocks Days | June 8-9 | Munising
- Jeep Jamboree | June 13-16 | Drummond Island
- Bridgefest | June 13-17 | Houghton/Hancock
- Pine Mountain Music Festival | June 15-24 | Various Locations
- St. Ignace Car Show | June 27-30 | St. Ignace
- Soo Locks Engineers Day | June 28 | Sault Ste. Marie
- International Food Festival | July 3-4 | Marquette
- U.P. Championship Rodeo | July 12-14 | Iron River
- Festival Ironwood | July 17-21 | Ironwood
- Hiawatha Music Festival | July 19-21 | Marquette
- CopperFest | July 26-28 | Ontonagon
- 63rd Annual Art on the Rocks | July 27-28 | Marquette
- 906 Festival | August 3 | Curtis
- Free Entrance Day in the National Parks | August 4
- Les Cheneaux Antique Wooden Boat Show & Festival of Arts | August 10 | Hessel
- U.P. State Fair | August 12-19 | Escanaba
- Porcupine Mountains Music Festival | August 23-24 | Ontonagon
- Intercontinental Biennial of Indigenous Art Show | August 23-September 2 | St. Ignace
- Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk | September 2 | St. Ignace
- UP Fall Beer Festival | September 7 | Marquette
- 27th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show | September 12-14 | St. Ignace
For a comprehensive list, check our events calendar and start planning your getaway.
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW!
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the U.P. has something for every traveler. Summer is our busiest season. Book your stay early to get your desired rates, dates and amenities.
A FREE U.P. POCKET GUIDE TO FREE ACTIVITIES
Share with Us
We would love to see your Northern Lights photos! 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 Northern Lights Photo Crowdriff Collector below.