Our favorite Experiences in the Upper Peninsula
Welcome to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a region brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and endless adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the UP offers diverse activities catering to all interests. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in this enchanting part of Michigan and the very best place to stay while visiting the Upper Peninsula.
1. Explore Historic Lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula
Begin your journey with a visit to some of the UP’s iconic lighthouses. These lighthouses not only offer stunning views but also provide fascinating insights into the region’s past. Here are some of our favorites:
- Sand Point Lighthouse
Located in Escanaba, about 45 miles west of Nahma Township, the Sand Point Lighthouse is part of the Delta County Historical Society. It offers a glimpse into the area’s maritime history and provides beautiful views of Lake Michigan. - Peninsula Point Lighthouse
Situated at the tip of the Stonington Peninsula, approximately 30 miles southwest of Nahma Township, this lighthouse is an excellent spot for bird watching, especially during the spring and fall migrations1. - Seul Choix Point Lighthouse
Located in Gulliver, around 40 miles east of Nahma Township, the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse is known for its picturesque setting and historical significance. Its museum also showcases the history of lighthouses and the surrounding area.
These lighthouses offer stunning views and rich historical context, making them perfect additions to your travel and leisure blog.
2. Hike Through Scenic Trails in the Upper Peninsula
The UP is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that wind through dense forests, along rugged coastlines, and up to breathtaking vistas. Popular trails include the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
Nahma, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offers some beautiful hiking trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Here are a few top recommendations:
- Nahma Marsh Trail:
Length: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This scenic boardwalk trail in the Hiawatha National Forest is wheelchair-accessible and offers broad marsh vistas. At the end, there’s a viewing platform for observing local wildlife. - Manabezho Falls Trail
Length: 1.9 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: Located along the Presque Isle River, this trail features several waterfalls, including the impressive 25-foot Manabezho Falls. The trail includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and a suspension bridge. - O Kun-de-Kun Falls Trail
Length: 1.3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Part of the North Country Trail, this hike offers a relatively flat gravel path leading to the beautiful O Kun-de-Kun Falls. - Presque Isle Park Loop
Length: 2.3 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A favorite among locals in Marquette, this loop trail offers stunning lakeshore views. It’s an easy hike, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
These trails offer a mix of easy walks and scenic views, perfect for various hiking preferences.
3. Discover Charming Wine Trails
For a more leisurely experience, explore the UP’s charming wine trails. Visit local wineries, sample exquisite wines, and enjoy the picturesque countryside. The combination of delightful wines and beautiful scenery makes for an unforgettable day trip.
- Leigh’s Garden Winery:
Location: Escanaba
Highlights: It is known for its unique wines, like “Yooper Juice,” and seasonal offerings made from local fruits such as strawberries, plums, and blackberries. - Northern Sun Winery
Location: Bark River
Highlights: This estate winery features a Mediterranean-style tasting room and award-winning wines from cold-hardy varietals. - Threefold Vine Winery
Location: Stephenson
Highlights: Offers honey meads fermented in Kentucky bourbon barrels and wines made from local fruits. - End of the Road Winery
Location: Germfask
Highlights: A charming winery with various wines and a cozy tasting room.
These wineries provide a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts, with each offering its unique charm and flavors
4. Experience Water Adventures
With its abundance of lakes and rivers, the UP is ideal for water-based activities. Kayak along the shores of Lake Superior, fish in the pristine waters of Big Bay de Noc, or take a relaxing boat ride on one of the many inland lakes.
One of the more popular attractions is the Pictured Rocks in Munising, MI. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along the shoreline of Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views of colorful sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls1.
Imagine cruising along the lake, where the cliffs rise up to 200 feet above the water, displaying vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. You can also explore the area by kayak, getting up close to the rock formations, arches, and caves that nature has sculpted over millennia. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, leading to stunning overlooks and serene inland lakes.
Whether on a boat tour, paddling a kayak, or hiking the trails, the Pictured Rocks provide a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
5. Visit Historic Sites and Museums in the Upper Peninsula
Visit its historic sites and museums to immerse yourself in the UP’s rich history. The Fayette Historic State Park offers a glimpse into a 19th-century iron smelting town. At the same time, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point tells the tales of the many shipwrecks that occurred in the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.
6. Enjoy Seasonal Festivals and Events in the Upper Peninsula
The UP hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. There’s always something happening, from the Marquette Blueberry Festival to the UP State Fair in Escanaba. These events offer a great way to experience the local culture and community spirit.
7. Wildlife Watching and Birding
The UP is home to diverse wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife watching and birding. Head to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge or the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to spot various bird species, deer, and even the occasional black bear.
8. Winter Sports and Activities in the Upper Peninsula
When winter arrives, the UP transforms into a snowy wonderland. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in some of the best winter sports destinations in the Midwest. The Mont Ripley Ski Area and the Porcupine Mountains are popular spots for winter enthusiasts.
9. Relax and Unwind
Finally, take some time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the UP. Whether it’s a quiet moment by the lake, a leisurely walk through the forest, or a peaceful evening by the fireplace, the UP offers countless opportunities to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Now that you know you want to experience this beautiful part of Pure Michigan, it’s time to plan for a perfect home base. At the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, we love to highlight experiences and quality-assured and inspected bed and breakfasts close by. For your fantastic getaway to the Upper Peninsula, check out the highlighted lodging at Nahma Pines Cabin B&B. Our last tip for experiencing the Upper Peninsula is to stay at a cozy bed and breakfast, and we have the perfect recommendation!
Stay at a Cozy Bed and Breakfast
After a day of exploration, unwind at one of the UP’s charming bed and breakfasts. Nahma Pines Cabin B&B, located in Nahma Township, is a perfect retreat.
Nahma Pines Cabin B&B offers the perfect location right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Sand Hill Cranes and Mallord Ducks. Wake up to breathtaking views while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee on their spacious deck. The innkeepers have lived in this amazing area for all of their lives and have insider tips on how to live like a local. You’ll enjoy a heart full breakfast on the weekends that includes family recipes and during the weekdays a continental breakfast is served.
This lovely purpose-built log cabine includes four guest rooms, each one with it’s ouwn unique features including:
The White Pine guest room, located in the northeast corner of the upper main floor, is the largest room. The suite includes a comfy queen-sized bed, a full walk-in closet, full bathroom with soaker tub, French door access to the deck facing the bay and all the amenities you need for a restful stay.
The Spruce room is located on the ground level in the northeast corner of the house. This room is ADA compliant with attached bathroom accessible from both the bedroom and common area through separate locking doors. The large bay windows provide a great view of the wooded backyard with glimpses of the shoreline.
The Hemlock guest room is located in the southeast corner of the main upstairs level, You’ll enjoy a comfortable full-sized bed, a walk-in closet, private ensuite bathroom with a shower, bedroom vanity with a mirror and French door access to the deck facing the bay.
The Scoth Pine room is located on the upstairs main level, southwest corner of the house. This room has a queen bed, private ensuite bathroom with shower as well as a walk-in closet and in room vanity with a mirror. The views from this room include Hole #4 green from the Nahma Golf Course next door.
Which room is your favorite? When we asked the innkeepers which was their favorite room they shared that they have a special fondness for the Hemlock Room. Guests love it’s irect access to the deck and its coziness.
Book your stay today and find out which room is your favorite.
