In a world where vacations often feel like a race from one attraction to the next, slow travel invites you to embrace a relaxed pace, prioritize quality over quantity and immerse in the local culture. Originating from the Slow Food movement of the 1980s, this style of travel values curiosity and meaningful connections with people and places. Whether you savor a meal at a family-owned restaurant, chat with locals at a farmer’s market or wander trails with no particular destination in mind, slow travel transforms a trip into a collection of cherished memories.
And in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with its rugged beauty and welcoming charm, there’s no better place to try it.
How to Slow Travel in the U.P.
Since slow travel is all about meaningful experiences, leave your checklist at home. It’s more than exploring new places, it’s a mindset. So instead of cramming as much as possible into your itinerary, here are some general ideas to help you deliberately slow down and fully immerse yourself in the journey.
- Stay Longer, Explore Deeper – Instead of hopping between towns and attractions, base your stay at one or two hubs, such as St. Ignace, Escanaba, Marquette or Houghton, and spend several days there. This allows you to truly experience the area's culture, food and natural beauty without feeling rushed.
- Engage with Locals – Strike up conversations with shopkeepers, artisans or locals at cafés. Ask for recommendations — they might lead you to hidden gems like an unmarked hiking trail, a secluded beach or a community event.
- Travel Sustainably – Opt for eco-friendly travel practices, such as walking, cycling or kayaking instead of driving whenever possible. The U.P. is full of scenic trails and waterways perfect for low-impact exploration.
- Choose Local Accommodations – Stay at nearby hotels and lodgings — many are locally owned and steeped in history and stories. Hoteliers are some of your best resources for must-explore places nearby. Just ask for ideas.
- Savor Local Flavors – Visit farmer’s markets and enjoy unique regional specialties like pasties, and try local craft beers, spirits or ciders. Slow travel is as much about tasting a place as it is about seeing it.
- Go Device-Free – Disconnect from your devices to better connect with your surroundings. Let the silent moments — like sitting by a lake or watching a sunset over Lake Superior — be uninterrupted and cherished.
- Take Public or Guided Tours – Instead of rushing through attractions, join guided tours or outfitters that provide deeper insights into the region's history and culture, like at stops along the Keweenaw National Historical Park, a carriage ride or haunted ghost tour around Mackinac Island or a lighthouse tour along Lake Superior.
- Capture the Journey, Not Just the Destination – Take time to photograph the small, everyday moments: your first bite of a fresh-caught fish, a quirky roadside stop or the way the sunlight filters through the trees.
- Practice Mindfulness – Whether it’s sitting by the shore of Lake Superior or walking through the Hiawatha National Forest, slow travel is about appreciating the now. Notice the scents, sounds and sights around you.
Ideas for Winter Slow Travel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Winter in the U.P. transforms the landscape into a snow globe of possibilities.
Snowshoe in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Explore snow-laden trails leading to the majestic frozen Tahquamenon Falls. Take your time along the five-mile stretch between the Upper and Lower Falls, where the serenity of the wilderness will wash over you.
Go Dog Sledding
Join local mushers for an exhilarating yet intimate dog sledding adventure. Unlike hurried tourist setups, this experience emphasizes bonding with the dogs and appreciating the snowy expanses.
Ice Fish on Lake Gogebic
Settle in a heated shanty on Michigan’s largest inland lake. Chat with locals, enjoy the silence of the frozen expanse and see if you can snag a trophy walleye.
Explore Eben Ice Caves
Take a careful trek to these natural formations, marveling at the way time and temperature create icy wonders. Bring your camera for slow, deliberate shots.
Immerse in Marquette’s Culture
Spend time in the U.P.’s largest city, Marquette, a cultural hub for all ages. Let the region’s rich Finnish heritage unfold before you. Attend classical symphony and regional folk, rock, jazz and indie music concerts. Don’t miss the storytelling nights, live theater and comedy performances. Learn the region’s colorful history housed in local museums and join in winter festivals. Every visit, taste your way in search of your favorite local beers, spirits, cocktails, wines and ciders — the foods handcrafted by local chefs are amazing finds, too
Ideas for Summer Slow Travel
When the snow melts, the U.P. becomes a playground for laid-back exploration.
Paddle the Au Train River
Drift along the Au Train River, where wildlife sightings — including loons and deer — are a given. Pack a picnic for a riverside stop and soak in the tranquility.
Rockhound Along Lake Superior
Explore Great Lakes shores for Lake Superior agates, glowing Yooperlites, colorful puddingstones, intriguing fossils and other wonderful finds. This serene activity lets you connect with the geological history of the region.
Hike the Porcupine Mountains
Forget speed hiking; these trails demand time. Stop often to admire old-growth forests, Lake Superior vistas and serene waterfalls.
Stargaze at Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park
Night falls slowly in the U.P. during summer. Lay a blanket at this certified Dark Sky Park and lose yourself in constellations, meteor showers and even the Northern Lights on occasion.
Visit Fish Houses for Freshwater Catches
The Great Lakes and inland waters of the Upper Peninsula offer up some of the tastiest fish for cook-your-own meals and picnic snacks. Visit fish houses like Frazier’s Fish House in Naubinway, Vanlandshoots & Sons Fish House in Munising, Thills Fish House in Marquette, Peterson’s Fish Market/4 Suns Fish & Chips in Hancock and many others along the U.P.’s Great Lakes coasts.
Plan Your Slow Travel Adventure to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Now
Whether you're hiking summer trails or snowshoeing through winter landscapes, the U.P. is the perfect destination for immersive, unhurried experiences. From budget-friendly to luxury hotels, you'll find accommodations that let you relax and recharge between adventures. Don’t wait — book your stay now to lock in your travel dates. Need advice on where to go or what to do? Reach out to us, and we’ll help you create an unforgettable slow travel experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
Share with Us
We’d love to see how you embrace slow travel in the Upper Peninsula! Use our hashtag #uptravel to share your photos, stories, and experiences with us. Your snapshots might even be featured on our social media, website, or other materials. Inspire fellow travelers by showing how you slowed down and connected with the U.P.’s incredible beauty and charm. Let’s celebrate the art of taking it slow, together.