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With only a few weeks left until the day dedicated to lovers, you may be scrambling for a unique idea unlike years before. If that’s the case, look no further! We have a peninsula full of romantic opportunities and unique adventures waiting for you and yours. Plan your Valentine’s Day dates with these six ideas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
A good ol’ fashioned drive is the best way to experience the U.P.’s scenery. But one season that you may not have considered for a leisurely cruise that you should is winter. This time of year transforms the already beautiful Upper Peninsula into a magical land that few places can match. Couple that with fantastic snow removal crews and a toasty-warm car, and you have the recipe for some dreamy winter driving.
Some of our favorite routes include St. Ignace to Naubinway along US-2, Munising to Marquette along M-28, Calumet to Copper Harbor via US-41 and M-26, Newberry to Paradise on M-123, L’Anse to Houghton on US-41 and Escanaba to Fayette Historic Park via US-41 and US-2 to M-183. Create a playlist of meaningful songs to you as a couple, or bring along an old mix tape. Hit the open road using the routes in this blog below!
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to over 300 waterfalls and it is the ultimate winter wonderland November through March. These roaring waterways become massive, silent ice sculptures in the wintertime that you have to see to believe. There’s something so serene about the natural beauty of a frozen waterfall and sharing that together could be a unique, must-have experience.
We suggest visiting Mandio Falls, Manabezho Falls, Canyon Falls, Bond Falls, Munising Falls, Alger Falls, Wagner Falls, Laughing Whitefish Falls, and of course Tahquamenon Falls. Read more about visiting winter waterfalls and what makes these romantic settings a date destination worth visiting in this blog.
Is there anything more romantic than laying on a blanket together or looking through a moon roof under a night sky? In the U.P., there is less light pollution so the nights are darker. That’s why on a clear night, you will be mesmerized by all of the stars, planets, moons and nebulae you can see overhead. You may even catch the shimmering green, purple, red and orange light dance across the horizon when the Northern Lights appear.
The show doesn’t happen every night; the solar winds and Earth’s atmosphere have to be just right. But when they are, head to an open area along Lake Superior away from town lights. Some of the darkest skies are near Brimley, Whitefish Point, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Au Train, Marquette, Big Bay, Skanee and Eagle River. The public is also welcome to stargaze at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor. Read our Stargazing and Northern Lights page for tips on what to bring and where to find Northern Lights forecasts.
While things often slow down in the winter, much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula activity ramps up! Snow season means snowmobiling, skiing, ice climbing, sled dog racing, pond hockey and a ton of other niche activities. In addition, you can still visit some of our indoor experiences and enjoy the U.P.’s eclectic culture through professional performances, too. A trip to the U.P. this winter doesn’t just mean recreation and site seeing; it means you can people watch and also participate in the fun! Here are some events happening on or around Valentine’s Day weekend.
Some Saturdays in Feburary | Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Porcupine Mountains Wildnerness State Park | Recreation Pass required for entry
Enjoy snowshoeing these tails lit by over kerosene lanterns on Saturdays in February. Bring a headlamp, and enjoy refreshments by the bonfire between laps.
Lantern Lit: Tahquamenon Falls | Lantern Lit: Porcupine Mountains
February13-17 | Marquette
A challenging and iconic sled dog race held annually in Marquette. The race brings excitement and community, making it a must-see winter event.
February 12-16 | Munising
Ice Climbing at its best. If you are a novice or an expert, this is one event you do not want to miss!
If none of these dates work and you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day earlier or later this year, check out our events calendar to see what is happening then.
A romantic dinner is truly up to interpretation. As we all know, the company is what makes the night most special. That being said, the right wine, beer, food, view and atmosphere can really enhance the time you spend together. Whether your thing is dining with Lake Superior Whitefish, pasta or a juicy burger, we have restaurants in every region where you’ll find the perfect place setting for two. Use our restaurant locator below to pick out your meals for your trip.
From hand-made jewelry and knit caps to homemade chocolates and other delicious treats, you can find the perfect gift for each other while traveling. Our suggestions are as follows:
Beth Milner Jewelry in Marquette has a passion for crafting high-quality jewelry inspired by the beautiful, natural landscape of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Lake Superior. Check out their new limited-edition heartwood pendants made for Valentine’s Day!
Alpine Chocolate Haus in Sault Ste. Marie boasts handcrafted chocolates from unique recipes made by Der Chocolatemeister. Try their popular chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day along with several other delicious treats!
Yooper Designz in Gladstone has a wide array of custom-made gifts — some of which use wood sourced from the Upper Peninsula. Pick from soaps, wooden signs, t-shirts and more!
Find other shops closer to your U.P. destinations using our store locator. Several places also ship to you!
It is hard to narrow it down to the top six ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so we have a few more quick ideas for you!
We also recommend sleigh rides or horseback riding in Ishpeming. What is more romantic than a ride through the beautiful, snowy scenery? You can also go dog sledding at Nature’s Kennel for a unique experience. If spending time outdoors is your favorite activity together, you could easily spend hours ice fishing. Some guides even have shanties that you can stay in, and the opportunity to eat your catch for dinner.
Have a happy, romantic Valentine’s Day, and come back next year for more romantic journeys together!
We would love to see your favorite winter scenes and adventures! Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our winter content collector below.
