10 Must-Visit Museums in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Location: 18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, Paradise

Perched at the edge of Lake Superior at Whitefish Point, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is one of Michigan’s most powerful and popular cultural destinations. Explore dramatic exhibits on famous shipwrecks, including the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, while touring historic structures like the 1861 Whitefish Point Light Tower — the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. The museum’s world-class displays, rare artifacts and sweeping lakeshore views offer an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s maritime past. With nearby birding opportunities, boardwalk access to the lake and a well-stocked gift shop, it’s a destination that blends history, natural beauty and immersive storytelling.

Interesting Fact: See the bell from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

Location: 49750 US-41, Hancock; part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park

The Quincy Mine is your window into Michigan’s copper mining heritage. This National Historic Landmark offers guided underground tours, exhibits and a cog-rail tram ride with views of the Portage Canal. Explore historic buildings, step inside the massive Number 2 Hoist House and learn what life was like for miners at “Old Reliable,” a mine that once powered the region’s economy. Whether you opt for the full two-hour underground adventure or a shorter surface tour, Quincy Mine takes you deep into the history that earned the Keweenaw Peninsula its name — Copper Country.

Interesting Fact: When the mine ceased production in 1945, the Quincy Number 2 shaft was the world's longest mineshaft and used the largest steam-driven mine hoist in the world.

Location: 500 N. State St., St. Ignace

The Marquette Mission Park & Museum of Ojibwa Culture tells the story of the Ojibwa people, the 17th-century Huron village and the French Jesuit Mission where Father Jacques Marquette lived and is buried. It’s the real history of Michigan’s Original People, told through engaging exhibits, educational videos and the region’s largest selection of authentic Native American art and crafts — from beadwork and pottery to sculpture and moccasins. Create lasting memories by sharing this cultural experience with your children.

Interesting Fact: This museum is the site of the annual Native American Festival and the St. Ignace Heritage Festival. Drumming, colorful dances, traditional foods and more await.

Location: 312 W. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie

Soo Locks Park is your front-row seat to one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, where 1,000-foot freighters pass through narrow locks just feet from an observation platform. If you are not already hooked on Great Lakes shipping, you will be after coming here. Inside the Soo Locks Visitor Center, interactive exhibits explain the lock system’s operation and history. Check the boat schedule to see which domestic and international freighters will go through the busiest waterways in the world. For an extraordinary experience, take one of the tour boats through the locks!

Interesting Fact: Ninety percent of the world’s iron ore passes through the Soo Locks.

Location: 501 E. Water St., Sault Ste. Marie

Step aboard the Museum Ship Valley Camp for a rare opportunity to explore a Great Lakes freighter from deck to engine room. Inside its massive 20,000-square-foot cargo holds, you’ll discover over 100 exhibits showcasing shipwreck artifacts, maritime history and even an aquarium teeming with native Great Lakes fish. Highlights include the powerful Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial featuring two recovered lifeboats and a detailed account of the ship’s final voyage. 

Interesting Fact: From the nicely appointed Captain’s Quarters to the plain accommodations for the Oilers and the Coal Passers, see how the 29 sailors once lived and worked aboard ship.

Location: 73 Forge Road, Negaunee

Think for a moment of all the things that are made from iron or steel. The Michigan Iron Industry Museum offers a fascinating look into one of the U.P.’s most impactful industries. Overlooking the Carp River, this modern museum is only minutes away from Marquette. It brings to life over 125 years of iron mining history through engaging exhibits, audiovisual programs and outdoor interpretive trails. Easily fill half a day exploring artifacts, mining technology and miners’ stories from the region’s early mining communities.

Interesting Fact: This is the site of the first iron forge in the Lake Superior region.

Location: 300 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette

Marquette Maritime Museum offers a fascinating dive into Great Lakes maritime history. Tour the historic Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and explore exhibits on Lake Superior shipwrecks, the U.S. Coast Guard, the legendary SS Edmund Fitzgerald and more. The museum also houses one of the largest collections of Fresnel lenses on the Great Lakes, including rare pieces from Stannard Rock Lighthouse and Huron Island Lighthouse. With interpretive tours, accessible facilities and a well-curated nautical gift shop, it’s a standout stop for anyone interested in the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

Interesting Fact: This is the home of one of the most photographed lighthouses in the Great Lakes region.

Location: NE corner of Lake Ave. & Randolph St., Grand Marais

Eager to visit one of the most unique historic attractions in Michigan? Welcome to the Pickle Barrel House Museum — a whimsical, 16-foot-tall cottage built in the shape of two giant barrels. Originally constructed in 1926 as a surprise gift from author and illustrator William Donahey to his wife, the home was inspired by his beloved Teenie Weenies cartoon. Restored to cottage condition, visitors can step inside and explore what it was like to live in this imaginative space. Located near the shores of Lake Superior, the site also features a historic iris garden and is one of the U.P.’s most fun photo stops for families, history lovers and fans of the wonderfully odd.

Interesting Fact: The Donaheys originally built this cabin in the woods at Grand Sable Lake. As much as they wanted it for a summer getaway, it turned out to be an annoyance for them. So many curious visitors came to see it that the Donaheys eventually sold it and the cabin was moved to Grand Marais in 1936.

Location: W11660 US-2, Naubinway

The U.P. is one of the nation’s premier snowmobiling destinations and the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum offers one of the most in-depth looks at the sport’s history. Home to more than 185 antique, vintage and racing sleds — many one-of-a-kind — this family-friendly museum also features a large collection of memorabilia, a gift shop and a rentable meeting room. Love opening the throttle in Snow Country? This is your must-see museum.

Interesting Fact: This museum was named the Best Snowmobile Museum in North America by SnowGoer Magazine.

Location: Michigan Technological University, 1404 Sharon Ave., Houghton

The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is a world-class destination if you are drawn to the ancient natural beauty and history of minerals. Officially recognized as the Mineral Museum of Michigan, it features the largest public exhibit of Great Lakes minerals and the finest collection of Michigan minerals anywhere. This internationally acclaimed museum showcases over 25,000 dazzling specimens from around the globe, with a special focus on the Lake Superior region. While visiting, stroll through the variety of plants and rocks in the Phyllis & John Seaman Garden.

Interesting Fact: This is home to a world-record-holding 17-ton native copper slab.