You’ve heard the stories. Yes, Michigan's Upper Peninsula does indeed get a whole lot of snow between December and March. However, we happen to have some of the best snow plowing crews in the world. This means your scenic stops are still possible during wintertime. So, hop in that car of yours, and explore all of the crisp, breathtaking winter scenery the U.P. offers.
We know you are up for a challenge, but we wanted to make your U.P. winter voyage as easy as possible. So, here’s a list of our favorite Eastern U.P. winter-friendly, stop-worthy scenic sites. They are a great way to break up your U.P adventuring or to simply be your end destination.
Upper Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise
Back to Top of ListThe Tahquamenon Falls are a must-stop on any season’s scenic sites list. But the wintry mix of the snow, ice and roar of the amber water make for a wholly unique experience. For ease of access in the winter, we recommend viewing the Upper Falls. A short, well-maintained walkway will take you to Brink View. The scenery is breathtaking. Note: To get to the Brink viewing area, you do have to go down (and back up) 94 steps. After taking in the falls, stop at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub. It’s conveniently located by the Falls’ main parking lot and serves a hearty selection of food and beverages.
Bridge View Park, St. Ignace
Back to Top of ListWhether you enter the Upper Peninsula from the Lower Peninsula or come through on the west side, seeing the Mackinac Bridge from the winter shores of the U.P. is a sight to behold. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, coming in at roughly five miles long. It’s a true engineering marvel. Bridge View Park is an easy place to see the Mighty bridge. When you stand by the shore, keep an eye out for the blue ice of the Mackinac Straits. This is a rare, natural occurrence, but you are in for a treat if you are fortunate enough to see this phenomenon. The ice isn’t really blue, but the lack of bubbles allows the light to reflect in a way that it looks blue.
Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Brimley
Back to Top of ListTwenty miles west of Sault Ste. Marie stands one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula — the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. The creamy, white walls blend serenely with the snowy blanket of winter while the red roof provides a fiery pop to the scene. From the lighthouse’s parking lot, you can take a short walk down to the shore of Whitefish Bay and view Lake Superior in all its winter might.
Plan your Winter visit to the Upper Peninsula
The snowy world of the Upper Peninsula really is something special to see. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful from a rosy sunrise to a star-blanketed night. Best of all, you don’t need any special sports equipment to experience it. Just drive throughout the U.P. and look around you. Then come back often. These scenic winter-friendly stops are just the beginning of why you’ll love winter UP here. Start planning your Upper Peninsula visit today.
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.