Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that stretches far beyond what first-time visitors often imagine. With its sprawling wilderness, historic towns and rugged shoreline shaped by the Great Lakes, the U.P. rewards travelers for breaking their routines. It’s a place where the road winds through untouched forests, waterfalls roar just steps from the roadside and every mile traveled brings a deeper connection to the land and its stories.

Even seasoned travelers will find something new to explore here. The region’s sheer size and diversity mean there is always another trail to hike, another lake to paddle or a new town festival to delight in that captures the spirit of summer in the North. Whether planning your first visit or returning for your tenth, it helps to know where to go, what to do and how to make the most of your time.

Check Off These Top 21 Summer Picks

This bucket list will help you customize your next summer visit. From iconic experiences like taking a boat tour along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and riding in a horsedrawn carriage on Mackinac Island, to hidden gems like exploring the Pickle Barrel House and paddling the calm channels around Les Cheneaux Islands, we’ve compiled the must-do activities to fill your U.P. bucket list. Use it as a starting point for a summer filled with discovery, awe and unforgettable moments. You’re not just visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — you’re entering one of the nation’s most unique, unspoiled regions. Let the adventure begin.

1. Go back in time with a day trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan’s iconic summer destination. Accessible by ferry or small plane, this 4.35-square-mile island doesn’t allow cars, so you’ll explore its charming streets by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. Spend your day strolling the grounds of the world-famous Grand Hotel, teeing off on a historic golf course, savoring lakeside dining and treating yourself to legendary island fudge. With its mix of Victorian elegance, natural beauty and slower pace, Mackinac Island offers an unforgettable escape into Michigan’s past.

2. Stop at Fumee Falls, a majestic roadside waterfall east of Iron Mountain offering a spectacular view without the hike. It is a great place to stretch your legs and watch the water tumble over three drops, the highest reaching 10 feet. 

3. Bond Falls, near Paulding, is one of the most stunning and photographed waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its 100-foot-wide, 50-foot drop delivers a dramatic display of rushing water that’s both powerful and serene. A paved trail and 600-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk lead to multiple viewing decks, offering up-close perspectives for every traveler. The sound of the falls alone is worth the visit — steady, thunderous and surprisingly calming. It’s a must-see destination that blends accessibility with wild beauty, perfect for anyone looking to experience the U.P. at its most iconic.

4. Explore one of USA TODAY’s top five state parks in the nation! The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as “The Porkies,” is the last true wilderness escape in the Midwest. As Michigan’s largest state park, it spans nearly 60,000 acres of towering old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls and 90 miles of hiking and biking trails, many with views of Lake Superior. Must-see highlights include the sweeping overlook at Lake of the Clouds and the Summit Peak Observation Tower. Whether hiking deep into the backcountry or strolling a short trail to a scenic waterfall, there's something for every adventurer. 

5. Reach new heights on Mount Arvon. Michigan’s highest point, Mount Arvon, brings you 1,979 feet above sea level. What a rewarding hike! About a half-mile from the top, there is a beaver pond that moose frequent. Along the way, you will also see a couple of waterfalls. Keep your camera ready.

6. Kayak the Les Cheneaux Islands, a paddler’s paradise of 36 small islands and protected channels along Lake Huron’s northern shore. Glide through calm, crystal-clear waters where you'll discover hidden coves, narrow passages and secluded beaches framed by cedar-lined shores. Along the way, spot historic boathouses, quiet marinas and waterfront cottages that echo the area’s maritime heritage. Don’t miss paddling through Search Bay, known for some of the most tranquil and transparent waters on the Great Lakes. Whether exploring by day or catching a gorgeous sunset over the water, add this stretch of the Eastern U.P. to your must-paddle list.

7. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette. It’s a short, steep trail, but the views at the top are worth every step. Take in sweeping panoramas of Lake Superior, Marquette Harbor and miles of forested wilderness. Time your hike for sunrise or sunset to see the U.P. lit in golden light.

8. Adventuring along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must on any U.P. summer bucket list. Whether you explore by boat, kayak or trail, you will be surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, turquoise waters and a forested shoreline unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. Hike to Chapel Falls, take in panoramic views from the Miners Castle Overlook and gaze out into the vast blue of Lake Superior from the Upper Overlook. A worthwhile detour is the Log Slide Overlook, where towering dunes drop 500 feet toward the lake. This area was once used by loggers to send timber crashing to the shore below. 

9. Bike the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The 47-mile trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers as it crosses the Marquette Iron Range. You will experience everything from the Lake Superior shoreline to passing through three downtowns. Along the way, learn about this region’s 160+ years of mining history. 

10. Discover Isle Royale National Park. Its rugged isolation makes it one of the least-visited national parks in the country, yet one of the most revisited. Accessible only by ferry or plane during the warmer months, this car-free island offers a rare level of solitude in mid-America. Hike more than 160 miles of trails, paddle its rocky shoreline or scuba dive to shipwrecks preserved in Lake Superior’s cold water. Watch for moose, loons and even the elusive gray wolf as you immerse yourself in a true backcountry adventure.

11. Visit Eagle Harbor Light Station and Museum Complex. On the Keweenaw Peninsula’s western shore, the historic Eagle Harbor Light Station still actively aids watercraft. Explore the lighthouse, a Maritime Museum, the Keweenaw History Museum, the Commercial Fishing Museum and scenic views of Lake Superior.

12. Take a Soo Locks Boat Tour and witness one of the world’s busiest and most fascinating engineering marvels up close in Sault Ste. Marie. These massive locks help ships navigate the 21-foot elevation change between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes, playing a vital role in international shipping. While cruising through the locks is a thrilling experience, the Soo Locks Observation Deck offers a front-row spot where you can see freighters pass by just feet away. For the best view times, check the shipping schedule at the Soo Locks Visitor Center. Also, look at the lock system exhibits that explore its history, engineering and worldwide importance.

13. Spend a day at Marquette’s Presque Isle Park. This park’s picturesque trails are excellent for nature hikes, birdwatching, photography and beach time. One of the most popular walks is on Presque Isle Lighthouse Trail, which leads to the historic beacon and panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Additionally, the park is home to the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, another landmark worth visiting. 

14. Tour Quincy Mine. One of the best history lessons of copper mining is told on a two-hour tour of Quincy Mine’s underground workings and the world’s largest steam-powered hoist. The hoist serviced the No. 2 shaft to an incredible vertical depth of 6,200 feet. This tour is fully accessible. 

15. Check out the quirky roadside stop, the Pickle Barrel House Museum in Grand Marais. It was built for author/illustrator William Donahey who created the famous Teenie Weenie characters. Flower lovers will like wandering through the garden with heirloom irises. To discover other unique and quirky stops to add to your itinerary, find nine more here. 

16. Revel at a local festival: The U.P. is home to various summer festivals celebrating everything from beer to antique wooden boats to music and the rich traditions of Native American powwows. Check for festivals before your visit.

17. Eat a pasty — the U.P.’s most iconic comfort food. Originally brought over by Cornish miners in the 1800s, this hearty, handheld meat pie quickly became a staple of Upper Peninsula life. Packed with beef, potatoes, onion and rutabaga, then baked in a golden crust, a proper pasty is a warm bite of U.P. heritage. Whether you pick one up from a roadside bakery or a local diner, don’t miss out on this time-honored treat. Some Yoopers eat theirs with ketchup, others with gravy, but everyone agrees it’s a must-try. Here are some favorite pasty stops.

18. Experience the power and beauty of Tahquamenon Falls, one of the top natural wonders in the Upper Peninsula. The Upper Falls spans nearly 200 feet and drops 50 feet and its amber-colored water crashes down with unforgettable force. Just downstream, the Lower Falls split around a wooded island — explore by rowboat or footbridge for a closer look. With accessible trails, forested scenery and an on-site brewery and restaurant, this stop delivers both adventure and a place to relax.

19. Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point and dive into the fascinating maritime history of Lake Superior. The museum shares the stories of more than 200 vessels claimed by these unpredictable waters, including the famed SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Tour the restored 1861 lighthouse, explore engaging exhibits and see artifacts pulled from the lake’s depths, like the bell recovered from the Fitzgerald. With sweeping views of Lake Superior and the rhythmic crash of waves along the stony shore, it’s a place that connects natural beauty with powerful stories of the past.

20. Enter the 19th century at Fayette Historic Townsite, one of the U.P.’s most compelling preserved industrial-era towns. Once a booming center for pig iron production, Fayette thrived around large-scale blast furnaces that processed ore into usable metal. Today, visitors can walk through original buildings including worker homes, a hotel and the remains of the massive furnace complex along the quiet shores of Snail Shell Harbor on Lake Michigan. Interpretive signs and a visitor center provide insight into the people who lived and labored here, offering a vivid look at daily life in this once-thriving company town.

21. Look into the ever-bubbling Kitch-iti-Kipi. The U.P.’s “Big Spring” near Manistique is one of the most mystical places to add to your bucket list. Its teal-colored water has mesmerizing powers, something the Ojibwa discovered centuries ago. They nicknamed this ancient spring the “Mirror of Heaven.” Cross over the spring’s glassy surface on a self-driven raft and look into ethereal depths. Clouds of sand swirl constantly around the gushing water, creating ever-changing shapes and forms on the spring’s floor while large brown trout swim in full view.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How much time should I allocate for a U.P. summer bucket list trip?

A: To fully experience the U.P.'s summer bucket list, plan for a trip of at least 7-10 days. This period allows ample time to explore iconic destinations like Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks and the Porcupine Mountains and enjoy activities such as kayaking, hiking and scenic drives. If limited on time, a long weekend focusing on one region, such as the Central U.P. for Pictured Rocks and Kitch-iti-Kipi, can still be rewarding. Remember to account for driving times between attractions, as distances in the U.P. can be significant.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid crowds during the U.P.’s busy summer season?

A: To avoid crowds, visit the U.P. during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to early June) or early fall (September after Labor Day). If summer is your only option, plan to visit popular attractions like Pictured Rocks or Mackinac Island early in the morning or on weekdays. Exploring lesser-known destinations, such as the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary or Warner Falls, can also help you find more room for viewing.

Q: Should I book tours in advance?
A: Yes, booking tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer. Popular activities such as Pictured Rocks boat tours, Soo Locks cruises and guided mine tours at Quincy Mine can sell out quickly.

Q: Are there hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path attractions not listed here but worth exploring?

A: The U.P. is brimming with places to explore and our blogs, "Plan the Best Upper Peninsula Road Trip" and "10 Unique Roadside Attractions," are great starting points to uncover them.

Q: Are there outfitters that rent bikes, kayaks or other gear for outdoor activities in the U.P.?

A: Yes, numerous outfitters across the U.P. cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Check out Paddling Michigan in Munising or Keweenaw Adventure Company near Copper Harbor for kayaking. Bike rentals are available at Down Wind Sports in Marquette and Houghton. Some outfitters offer guided tours, making it easier for first-timers to confidently enjoy the stunning landscapes. Always call ahead to confirm availability and equipment.

Pack Your Bags!

The U.P. is massive, wild and packed with places to explore, so planning pays off. Book your lodging early, reserve those tours in advance and look up local festivals, ferry schedules and trail conditions. Whether carving out a long weekend or going all-in for 10 days, every mile you travel here offers something new — so leave room in your plans for spontaneity.

Need more ideas? Here are lots more suggestions of where to visit and things to do. And review these 8 Things to Know Before You Go to the U.P. We will see you this summer!