10 Things to do Good for Kids in Upper Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss

October 10, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Mackinac Bridge, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Lakenenland Sculpture Park, Bond Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, Miners Castle Rock, Presque Isle Park, Black River Harbor Recreation Area, Lake of the Clouds.
Restaurants in Upper Peninsula

1. Mackinac Bridge

I-75, Saint Ignace, MI 49781 +1 906-643-7600 http://www.mackinacbridge.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,350 reviews

Mackinac Bridge

Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, this mighty bridge has a total length of five miles.

Reviewed By GoAlong2 - Seattle, United States

We went over the bridge once in the evening and then in the afternoon a few days later. The bridge towers high above the straits separating Lake Michigan from Lake Huron, and is several miles long. There are viewpoints along the shoreline at either end of the bridge. We stopped at on on the St Ignace side at a gift shop with a viewing platform. The speed limit on the bridge is 25 mph, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the view while driving over. The toll is $4 each way for a passenger car. There are two lanes in each direction with the center lanes made of steel grating which makes a humming sound as you drive. The outer lanes are paved. At night the bridge is lit with lights, for a good evening view. With its tall support towers and long suspension span (longest in North America) the bridge is an engineering marvel that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.

2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Headquarters on Sand Point Rd Between Munising and Grand Marais, Munising, MI 49862 +1 906-387-3700 http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,081 reviews

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Park located on the shoreline of Lake Superior encompassing cliffs, dunes, waterfalls and lakes.

Reviewed By 211charissek - Troy, United States

To actually see the pictured rocks you must either rent kayaks to get close up and personal, or take the boat tour.The double tiered boat gives you sensational views of the magnificent turquoise, orange, brown, copper, pink colors within the stones sculpted and worn by the seas of Lake Superior. The backdrop of the turquoise water is reminiscent of the pacific ocean and is a sight to behold.

3. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

4. Lakenenland Sculpture Park

2800 State Highway M28 E, Marquette, MI 49855-9537 +1 906-249-1132 [email protected] http://www.lakenenland.com
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 529 reviews

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Reviewed By magiccarpet2029 - Lansing, United States

A favorite to do in the area, this sculpture park is a unique stop for those traveling to or from the Marquette/Munising area. They do change out the sculptures so make sure you check this fun stop out if visiting annually. Donation is asked but not required.

5. Bond Falls

Ontonagon, MI 49953
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 393 reviews

Bond Falls

Reviewed By ChristinePolicandrio

Beautiful place!! We were awestruck!! Kid and dog friendly!! Great trails!! Gift shop had really nice stuff!!

6. Sugarloaf Mountain

County Road 550, Marquette, MI +1 906-273-0978 http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/departments/planning/sugarloaf_mountain.php
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 536 reviews

Sugarloaf Mountain

Reviewed By MissNeedles - West Union, United States

Great hike, take the difficult path as it is less sets of wood steps, which are hard on knees.Views+

7. Miners Castle Rock

Munising, MI http://www.lakesuperiorphoto.com/miners_castle_collapse.html
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 838 reviews

Miners Castle Rock

Reviewed By cristipayton - Lowell, United States

The walk to the lookout is easy, just a few hundred steps from the parking lot and the views of Lake Superior and shoreline are STUNNING!

8. Presque Isle Park

Peter White Dr., Marquette, MI http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 942 reviews

Presque Isle Park

Reviewed By 936timl - Edwardsburg, United States

The whole family did it - 17 & 15 yr old boys and a 10 yr old daughter - even Mom & Dad! Really cool and safe jump from about 20 feet into the crystal clear (and refreshingly chilly) Lake Superior waters near Marquette, MI!

9. Black River Harbor Recreation Area

County Road 513, Ironwood, MI 49938 +1 906-932-1330 http://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/ottawa/specialplaces
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 63 reviews

Black River Harbor Recreation Area

Reviewed By TAFCRacer - Mechanic Falls, United States

We visited the Black River Harbor Recreational Area of the Ottawa National Forest recently for a family reunion. This recreational area is located 14 miles north of US Route 2 in Bessemer, Michigan. It features boat access to Lake Superior, camping, a large grassy area with charcoal cooking grills, a sandy beach, many hiking trails with scenic overlooks and a large enclosed pavillion (with flush toilets) that can be reserved for events. About 60 of us enjoyed our afternoon at Black River Harbor, using the pavillion facilities. I took a short 1-1/2 mile hike to and from Rainbow Falls and was impressed with the enormous old growth trees in the forest. It was also very cool to hear the people playing in the park fade into silence during the hike, let my mind get lost in the still quiet of the forest, then slowly begin to hear the waterfall as I hiked closer to it. This is a wonderful place to visit & relax, as a solo trip, or with family & friends.

10. Lake of the Clouds

107th Engineers Memorial Highway, Ontonagon, MI
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 270 reviews

Lake of the Clouds

Reviewed By GitchSup - Duluth, United States

What a beautiful way to spend a fall afternoon! Even though we were not at the leaf peak yet there were some trees in the valley that had started to turn scarlet and yellow, it was stunning. The price per vehicle to get into the Lake of the Clouds lot is $9.00 and well worth it for all the natural beauty. The overlook is breathtaking and there are a lot of different views of the lake. The trail is a loop that is pretty short and handicapped accessible and an easy walk for all ages and abilities. Be sure to bring a camera, the view is something you will want memories of for sure.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.