6 Valentine's Day Date 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.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lantern-Lit Snowshoe Trail 

Every Saturday from Feb. 4-25 | 6-8 p.m. | Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W. State Highway M-123, Paradise | Recreation Pass required for entry

Enjoy snowshoeing this 1-mile trail lit by over 70 kerosene lanterns every Saturday in February. Trailhead located near the Upper Falls restroom building. Skiers also welcome, but no track will be set. Bring a headlamp, and enjoy refreshments by the bonfire between laps.

101st Annual Winter Carnival 

Feb. 8-11 | Times vary | Michigan Technological University, Houghton | Cost varies by activity 

Known for huge, intricate snow statues around campus and the community, the Winter Carnival also brings MTU students together to compete in broomball, comedy skits, human ice bowling, a royalty coronation and more.

Michigan Ice Fest 

Feb. 8-12 | Times vary | Munising | Cost varies depending on registration date 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!