Plan a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that your whole family will enjoy!

Balancing the energy of young kids with the needs of older adults can be a challenge for multi-generational families traveling together. Luckily, we’ve pulled together some great locations across the U.P. that have plenty of entertainment and resting stops for the kids and adults alike.

  • Mackinac Island – With horse-drawn carriage rides and creamy-delicious fudge made right before your eyes, Mackinac Island will capture the attention of children ages 5-105. There’s plenty of places to explore (and rest) on this automobile-less island — including the historic, 125-year-old Fort Mackinac; the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World; and the picture-perfect Arch Rock; not to mention the iconic Grand Hotel (of course). So, hire a carriage or rent some bikes to start exploring this magical island.
  • Soo Locks – The best way to experience the “busiest lock system in the world” is to take a Soo Locks Boat Tour. You will not only ride through the locks but also learn about the passing ships and history of this engineering-wonder. If getting on a boat isn’t your idea of a good time, there are several other ways to watch the action. Take a stroll around the Soo Locks Park or, if you’re hungry, step across the street to the Lockview Restaurant for a bite and view the boats from their second-story windows. If you’re lucky the Visitor Center and Observation Platforms may be open when you visit.
  • Whitefish Point – Whitefish Point boasts of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which shares the tale of the famous wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, other lesser-known shipwrecks and the joys and trials of being a lightkeeper in 1861. Plus, across the road is one of the more renowned birding destinations in the country, the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Here over 340 different species have been recorded passing through!
  • U.P. State Fair – Who doesn’t love crunching on fried fair-foods while waiting for the next midway ride or slurping fresh lemonade while watching the UPIR cars race around a track! The U.P. State Fair is full of fun foods, rides, entertainment, exhibits and more, and it’s sure to entertain the whole family.
  • Marquette – With a beautiful lakeside view, plenty of downtown shops to explore and unique places to eat, it’s no wonder that this is home to so many fun-loving people. Presque Isle Park is a favorite spot for having a picnic or hitting the beach (or cliff jumping, if you’re so inclined!). And the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum can provide your children with hours of entertainment while exploring the human body, having face-to-face encounters with reptiles, sitting in a giant bird’s nest and so much more. To satisfy your family’s sweet tooth, check out Donckers. The toughest part is choosing which handmade chocolates to try!
  • Young’s Golf · Recreation · Dining in Iron River – Spend a day on the greens with the family. Or rent a cabin and spend the whole week at Young’s hiking and biking the woodland trails, kayaking and paddling on Scott and Minnie Lake, boating on scenic Lake Chicaugon and dining at the FireBrick Bar & Grill. Or base your days of fun from the other lodgings and resorts all across the U.P.
  • Quincy Mine – The Upper Peninsula’s copper mining history comes alive at the Quincy Mine. Take a guided tour underground or visit the No. 2 Shaft House to learn about the rigors of mining before (and after) pneumatic drilling equipment was invented.

For more U.P. destinations and vacation inspirations for your multi-generational family, sign up for our enewsletter and visit uptravel.com often!