Memorial Day Weekend in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a powerful blend of reflection and recreation. Across the region, communities gather to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation with heartfelt ceremonies, decorated gravesites and moving tributes at local parades and military museums. At the same time, warmer temperatures awaken the U.P.’s wild beauty — hundreds of waterfalls surge to life, trails reopen and lively festivals invite you to celebrate the return of summer. With fewer crowds than peak season, it’s the perfect time to explore, relax and connect with both the land and the legacy that defines this remarkable place.
Where to go Memorial Day Weekend
Honor heroes | Festivals & Events | Where to stay
Honoring Our Brave Military Men and Women
U.P. Military Museum, Escanaba | Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free, donations welcome
One of the newest history museums in the U.P. (opened July 2021), the U.P. Military Museum is the only space dedicated entirely to recounting the stories of veterans from across the Upper Peninsula. For nearly two centuries, men and women from this land have answered the call, serving in all branches of the military and supporting the war effort as civilians. As you explore its powerful collection of artifacts from every major American conflict, you’ll uncover heart-tugging letters from home, diary entries etched in hardship and tributes to battlefield bravery — including the heroism of dogs who crawled through trenches with life-saving messages, the daring of the WWII Fly Girls and the extraordinary rescue of 2,000 citizens from a Japanese internment camp, including two nuns from the U.P. Learn more about this open-year-round museum.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Copper Harbor | Daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. | State Parks Recreation Passport required
Built in 1844 on the shore of Lake Superior, Fort Wilkins is a well-preserved example of mid-19th-century army life on the northern frontier. Among the 19 buildings that survive, 12 of the original structures date back to the 1840s. Explore a ¼ mile of Lake Superior shoreline, Lake Fanny Hooe, Lake Manganese’s 1/4-mile sand beach and two lighthouses built in the 1860s. It is open from mid-May to mid-October. Discover this remote army post.
Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial, Iron Mountain | FREE
This beautiful memorial is next to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump. It honors the men and women from all 15 U.P. counties who gave their lives or served in the armed services during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon-Granada War and the Gulf/Middle Eastern Wars. Parking and picnic areas are nearby. Visit this memorial.
May 26 | Fort Mackinac Memorial Day Observance, Mackinac Island | 8:30 to 9 a.m. | Admission
Plan to attend this brief and informal Memorial Day observance to pay tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac. Soldiers will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Mackinac, march to the cemetery, perform a brief ceremony and salute, and return to the fort. While on this storied island, tour Fort Mackinac, visit Fort Holmes and bring home slabs of creamy fudge — if you have the fortitude not to eat it all first. Enjoy this Mackinac Island Itinerary.
May 26 | Memorial Day Salute in DeTour Village | 12 to 1 p.m. | Free
Join us at DeTour Village Veterans Park for a quiet Memorial Day tribute honoring the U.S. military men and women who gave their lives in service. This small gathering will include the raising of the colors, the singing of the National Anthem and the playing of Taps, followed by light refreshments. Everyone is welcome. Join the salute.
May 26 | Rapid River Memorial Day Parade | 1 p.m. | Free
Please help celebrate America as “The Home of the Free, Because of the Brave” at the Rapid River Memorial Day festivities. The day’s events start at noon at the Lions Club with a flag ceremony, crowning of the Memorial Day Queen and selection of the Grand Marshall. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m., followed by adult kickball, Back 40 axe throwing, bouncy houses for the kids, food, beer garden, live music and more at the township park. Fun for the whole family.
Memorial Day Weekend Festivals & Events
While we remember those who gave their lives in war, we also strive this weekend to create a more peaceful world. Festivals bring us together to laugh, dance and share cultures, food, music and outdoor adventures.
May 22-24 | Lasers on the Ore Dock | Mattson Lower Harbor Park | Marquette | 20 Minutes After Sunset
Experience a stunning light show illuminating the Lower Harbor Ore Dock from Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette, MI on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Whether you watch from your vehicle or stroll along the Lake Superior shoreline, this dazzling display will wow you. Return each month for another show. Light up the sky.
May 23-24 | Find Your North Music Festival | Ironwood Theatre Center for the Arts | 2:30 to 10 p.m. | Ticket Prices Vary
The 2025 Find Your North Music Festival takes place in downtown Ironwood. Featuring 16 bands across 4 stages, this two-day event offers an eclectic mix of bluegrass, blues, country and soul. Performances by regional and national artists, including Them Coulee Boys and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. Get your tickets.
May 23 | Norway Speedway Races, Norway | 7 to 10 p.m. | $10 to $15, cash or check only
Watch (or drive) in these thrilling amateur, spectator eliminator and professional races on a one-third-mile oval track. Get an adrenaline rush! Learn more
May 23-25 | Ride the Keweenaw & Enduro Races, Houghton | Keweenaw Trails, Various Locations
Bring the family to kick off another summer of single-track mountain biking on one of the most beautiful peninsulas in America. Test your mettle on trails from Söké to Copper Harbor, seeing incredible scenery in between. Choose from guided rides and races for all biking levels. Prove your grit.
May 23-26 | Go waterfalling, hiking, paddling, fishing & ORVing | Throughout the U.P.
Explore with a variety of outdoor recreation options! Spend day after day doing what you love best. Explore your outdoor passions.
May 24 | Native American Festival, St. Ignace | Museum of Ojibwa Culture | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Free
Celebrate our earliest U.P. culture. Attend ceremonies, workshops and demonstrations on making ash baskets, traditional hide tanning and use of the sacred pipe, sacred medicines and Ojibwa regalia. Join the festivities.
May 24 | Fireworks Over the Bay | Downtown St. Ignace
Enjoy the fireworks over Moran Bay on Saturday at dusk. Learn more.
May 24-25 | Back 9 Endurance Run, Copper Harbor | Keweenaw Mountain Lodge | 12/24 hour enduro run
Runners will navigate a mix of Back 9 trails, golf course paths, hills, mud and forest — all with spectacular views of Brockway Mountain. This challenge is better shared, so sign up as a team of 2 or 4, or take it on solo if you're feeling bold. The goal: complete as many loops as possible within the allotted time, with only one team member (or your wild, solo self) on the course at a time. Learn more.
May 23-26 | Farmers Markets | U.P. towns | Times vary
Pick up farm-fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and more to enjoy here or to bring home. Favorite farm markets.
Where to Stay
Make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend by staying close to the experiences that matter most to you — whether it’s a sunrise hike, a downtown celebration, or a moment of quiet remembrance. From charming inns and cabins to lakeside resorts and campgrounds, the U.P. has accommodations to fit every kind of traveler. Book your stay today and start your summer the Upper Peninsula way.
Share with Us
We would love to see your favorite summer scenes and adventures! 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 Summer Content Collector below.