Turn College Visits in the Upper Peninsula into Family Adventures

At the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan Tech is a top choice for those wanting a hands-on, industry-focused education. Renowned academic programs include engineering, forest resources and environmental science, wildlife ecology and conservation, sustainability and Great Lakes research. It boasts the loudest pep band in the nation and its students and faculty love snow, which is a good thing because it can get 200 inches annually.

Family Adventure Ideas

1. Cross Portage Lake on the Iconic Houghton-Hancock Lift Bridge

U.S. Highway 41/M-26, Houghton and Hancock

This lift bridge spans Portage Lake, part of a waterway that cuts through the Keweenaw Peninsula. It connects the cities of Houghton and Hancock and is the only moving bridge of its type in Michigan. The bridge has two decks, the upper deck handles four lanes of vehicle traffic and in winter, the lower deck serves as a snowmobile crossing. It is your gateway north to Keweenaw Peninsula adventures.

When you visit in the warmer months, pull into the Raymond Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton to watch the bridge’s middle section lift from its low point of four feet clearance over the water to a clearance of 100 feet to allow boats to pass underneath. It is a national engineering marvel!

A Rare Bridge

2. Tour the Quincy Mine

49750 U.S. Highway 41, Hancock

A Michigan Tech visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the region’s mining history. Take an underground tour of the Quincy Mine or visit the Quincy Smelter,  the world’s oldest and most intact smelter from the Copper Boom era. Learn how the Keweenaw helped build America in the 1800s.

Tour Info

3. Explore Michigan Tech/Nara Trails/Nature Park

U.S. Highway 41 South, Houghton

This year-round recreational haven is one of the best ways to see why Michigan Tech’s Husky Nation is passionate about everything outdoors. The park links to the MTU Trails creating a combined system of over 50 miles for seasonal hiking, running, biking, skiing and snowshoeing. In the winter, there is also a sledding hill and a chalet with an interpretive display featuring the plants and wildlife that call the park home. 

Connect with Nature

4. Head West to Lake Superior’s McLain State Park

Hancock, MI

This is one of the best places to encounter the majesty of Lake Superior. Only 10 miles from campus, the 443-acre McLain State Park offers a sandy beach, fishing, windsurfing, berry picking, rock hounding and views of the lighthouse. Its 4-mile trail is a favorite for spring through fall hiking and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s popular for picnics and photographing unforgettable sunsets. 
Local Tip: Even in the summer, bring a sweatshirt — it’s always cooler by Lake Superior.

Explore the Park

Lodging Near Michigan Tech

Want a college with an urban vibe paired with action-packed outdoor recreation? Northern Michigan University is for you. NMU is in the U.P.’s largest city and offers award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and academic programs that challenge top students. It is one of the most affordable colleges in Michigan and ranks as one of the safest in the state and the nation. The breadth of college majors opens opportunities to match almost anyone’s career path. 

Family Adventure Ideas

1. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain

1400 Townsend Dr., Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area, Marquette

For breathtaking views of Lake Superior, this short but challenging hike is a must. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of Marquette’s harbor, Presque Isle and miles of wilderness inviting you to explore further.

Go Hiking

2. Hit the Beach at McCarty’s Cove

Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette

On a warm day, go to the best beach in Marquette and relax. Walkable from downtown, this family-friendly expanse of sand is perfect for swimming, soaking up the sun or paddling. Besides the beach, there are picnic areas, volleyball courts, a playground and picturesque views of the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, but always be on the alert for rip currents. 

Plan a Beach Day

3. Discover Presque Isle Park

Presque Isle Park, Peter White Drive, Marquette

A must-visit when in Marquette! Drive, bike or hike to this recreational wonderland with outstanding views of Lake Superior. Its hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails are tough to beat for nature walks, birdwatching and photography. The park offers a diversity of landscapes from sandy beaches to rocky bluffs and dense forests. You also can see the Presque Isle Lighthouse which still actively guides ships into the railroad iron ore dock. Explore silently — there’s a good chance to see whitetail deer near the trails.  

Explore Presque Isle

4. Explore Downtown Marquette

Washington St. & Third St.

When you are not exploring, head to downtown Marquette. It’s a lively place all year round with shopping, shows, festivals, farmers markets and a wide variety of places to eat and drink. A few suggestions include grabbing a locally brewed pint at Blackrocks Brewery, shopping at Donckers for handmade sweets or satisfying your cravings at The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, the city’s oldest brewpub. Or tour the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse in the summer and early fall.

Find More in Marquette

Lodging Near NMU

Lake Superior State University is in Michigan’s oldest city, Sault Ste. Marie, and across the St. Marys River from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The two cities combine to give students the advantages of a larger community with the outdoor adventures and safety of a U.P. small town. The educational opportunities it offers are a superior blend of liberal arts, healthcare, technical studies and the preservation of Great Lakes ecosystems. If you want a personalized education, this will be the “right fit.” 

Family Adventure Ideas

1. Watch Freighters at the Soo Locks

Soo Locks Park, Sault Ste. Marie

You can’t visit Sault Ste. Marie without stopping at the Soo Locks, one of the greatest engineering feats in the U.S. Watch massive freighters navigate between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes between the end of March and mid-January — a true testament to human ingenuity.

Visit the Soo

2. See for Miles from the Tower of History

326 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie

From mid-May to late October, look at a 360-degree view of the Soo Locks, the river and even Canada from 210 feet in the air.
Local Tips: This spot is even better at sunset. Consider getting a combination ticket that lets you visit the Tower of History and the nearby River of History Museum and the Museum Ship Valley Camp.

Plan Your Visit

3. Paddle to a Voyageur Island Adventure

Here’s a hidden gem when you visit Lake Superior State University. Paddle your kayaks 30 minutes to Voyageur Island in the middle of the St. Marys River. Consider it your private island where you can dock your kayak or paddleboard, watch passing freighters and explore its hiking trails. 

Where to Launch

4. Take a Boat Tour Through the Soo Locks

Original Soo Locks Boat Tours or Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours E. Portage Ave.

Sure, you can watch from the shore as freighters ease through the Soo Locks, but it’s far more thrilling to go through the locks. Take one of two boat tours to see all the interesting sights along the St. Marys River and learn the intriguing history of these engineering wonders and the area. It’s a maritime adventure that is educational, loads of fun and you don’t need a passport to travel into Canadian waters.

Ride the Original
Tour on the Famous

Lodging Near LSSU