Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country (a 223% surge overall since 2013) — and now ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing sports globally! If you’re one of the 50 million pickleball players in the U.S.A., you likely want to swing your paddle any chance you get. So, when exploring the Upper Peninsula and its outdoor, history-filled and fun activities — there’s a pickleball court nearby for a game or two. 

 

What Is Pickleball?

If you've heard of the sport but aren't quite sure what it is, think of it as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or outdoors on a 20-by-44-foot court, with a net 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle.
The game requires only a paddle — larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racquet — and a lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a Wiffle ball. Whether you play singles or doubles, it's a sport for kids to seniors, adding to its popularity at family and friends reunions in the U.P.

Here’s where to get your game on:

 

Where Can You Play Pickleball in the Upper Peninsula?

 

St. Ignace

Indoor Courts

St. Ignace Elementary School | 429 Portage St. | Monday & Wednesdays | Free Play

Outdoor Courts

St. Ignace East Truckey and Chambers Street Tennis Courts | Unavailable Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. during the youth tennis program | Free Play

Mackinac Island

Outdoor Courts

Great Turtle Park | 2601 Crest View Dr. | 3 courts

Grand Hotel | 286 Grand Ave. | 2 Courts | $20/hour | Learn more

DeTour Village, Drummond Island & Les Cheneaux Islands

Indoor Courts

DeTour School | 202 Division St. | 3 Acrylic Courts in Multi-Purpose Room | Nets, Paddles, Balls and Instructors Available | Schedule

Drummond Island Elementary | 33800 S. Townline Road | Gym | Nets, Paddles, Balls and Instructors Available | Schedule

Outdoor Courts

DeTour Village Veterans Park | 400 St. Marys St. | 4 Asphalt Courts | Free Play

Drummond Island Golf Course | 29901 E. Fairchild Lane | Free Play | $5 Paddle Rental

Drummond Island Resort | 33494 S. Maxton Road | Free Play on Tennis Courts | $5 Paddle Rental

Cedarville Snows Heritage Park | 207 N. Blindline Road | 4 Hard-Surface Courts | Free Play

Sault Ste. Marie

Indoor Courts

Sault Ste. Marie Drop-In Senior Centre | 619 Bay St. | 1 Court | Free Play

Munising

Indoor Court

Munising Fuzzy Boyak Fitness Center | 413 Maple St. | 1 year-round court | Trial Pass

Outdoor Courts

Munising Fuzzy Boyak Fitness Center | 413 Maple St. | 2 Courts | Trial Pass

Marquette 

Indoor Courts

Marquette Senior Center | 300 W. Baraga Ave. | 4 Wood Courts | Nets, Paddles and Balls Available | Free Play

Sands Township Hall | 987 S. State Highway 553, Gwinn | 1 Court | Bring Your Own Nets | Free Play

Outdoor Courts

Sands Township Hall | 987 S State Hwy 553, Gwinn | 6 Hard-Surface Courts | Bring Your Own Nets | Free Play

Iron Mountain

Indoor Courts

East Elementary | 800 East E St. | 2 Courts | Free Play

Outdoor Courts

Stanton Street Courts | 800 E. Stanton St. | 4 Asphalt Courts | Free Play

Escanaba and Delta County

Indoor Courts

Catherine Bonifas Civic Center | 225 North 21st St. | 3 Courts | Daily Fee

Northern Lights YMCA | 2000 N. 30th St. | Clinics and Drills; Gym Hours, Mornings Monday to Saturday | Day Pass

Outdoor Courts

Gladstone 10th St. Courts | 300 South 10th St. | 4 Asphalt Courts | Free Play

Gladstone John and Melissa Besse Sports Park | 901 Montana Ave. | 8 Courts | Free Play

Escanaba Ludington Park | 4 Multi-Use, Lighted Pickleball/Tennis Courts | Free Play

Wells Township | 6436 North 8th St. | 2 Concrete Courts | Free Play

Houghton and Hancock Area

Indoor Courts

Dee Stadium |  616 Sheldon Ave., Houghton | Winter Play in Ballroom | $4 Fee | Schedule

Outdoor Courts

Laurn-Grove | 1222 Roberts St., Hancock | 4 Asphalt Courts  | Free Play

Ironwood and Gogebic County

Indoor Courts

Ironwood Memorial Building | 213 S. Marquette St. | Pickleball Courts in Gymnasium

Pat O’Donnell Civic Center | 4946 Jackson Road, Ironwood | 3 Acrylic Courts | Portable Nets Available | One-Time Fee

Outdoor Courts

Erwin Heritage Park | 8970 Buskirk Road, Ironwood | 1 court | Learn More

 

Pickleball Leagues and Organizations in the U.P.

For updates on places to play, schedules, round robins and tournaments follow:

 

Tips for First-Time Players

  • Learn the Basics: Watch a quick YouTube video or join a beginner’s clinic. 
  • Bring the Right Gear: If you are starting out, many facilities have paddles and balls available. However, investing in a mid-range paddle will elevate your game.
  • Be Ready to Socialize: The U.P.’s pickleball scene is tight-knit and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you make a few friends along the way.

 

Upcoming Pickleball Events in the U.P.

March Madness Pickleball Tournament

Start Planning Your Adventure-Filled Days

Playing pickleball is one of the many ways to make remarkable memories with family and friends in the Upper Peninsula. Pack your paddle and ball (and bring a net if you have one) so you’re ready to hit the courts as you explore the U.P. Along the way, enjoy your favorite things to do and outdoor adventures. And don’t worry if you can’t fit everything in this time — this incredible land and water will be here waiting for your next visit!

Before you arrive, plan where to stay so you have a comfortable home base to recharge for another day of pickleball and adventure. You'll find plenty of options with the amenities and rates to suit you and your travel companions. See you swinging on the courts soon!

Book Your Stay

 

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