For all of you who want a non-traditional, affordable spring break adventure with the family, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is your destination! Floridians may think you are crazy, but here’s how to really have fun:

  1. Play in the snow. Forgo the flip flops and enjoy the last weeks to snowshoe, snowmobile, snowboard, cross-country and downhill ski and snowman building. And if you want to go to a Beach Party, show up at Ski Brule in Iron River April 6-7.
  2. Visit frozen waterfalls. With more than 300 waterfalls scattered across the U.P., you can find one nearby. It’s spellbinding watching (and listening to) them thaw, too.
  3. Create a wild newbies and returnees safari. Cute wildlife babies will soon venture out with their mothers in our forests, meadows and along our streams. As you take your self-made safari, always keep your distance and remember never to touch our wild newbies. Around the Easter holiday expect to start seeing large numbers of migrating birds on their flight path north.
  4. Go on a quest for your favorite U.P. craft beer. Visit our pubs, breweries and restaurants to try U.P.-made beers. Many beer sites also showcase local musicians. And April 13, The Festival of the Angry Bear takes over State Street in Marquette with barrel-aged beers, food and music.
  5. Applaud shows and explore museums. The U.P. has cultural centers that showcase world-class art, music, theater performances and history. You’ll see several in the UPcoming events below. If you are vacationing with toddlers to early teens, The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum in Marquette is an interactive, imaginative learning space.