13 Best Upper Peninsula Michigan Road Trips to Explore

The Upper Peninsula Michigan is one of the last truly wild frontiers in the Midwest. Sprawling forests, rugged cliffs, historic sites, and more than 300 waterfalls make this a dream destination for nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts all throughout the year (especially in the fall as you’ll see). In this guide, you’ll discover 13 of the best Upper Peninsula Michigan road trips, each featuring detailed itineraries, scenic highlights, hidden gems, fall travel tips, and expert insights for planning your visit.

Overview

Each road trip in this list offers something unique, whether it’s colorful sandstone cliffs, car-free island charm, or ghost towns tucked in mountain valleys. Use them as standalone weekend getaways or combine several into one unforgettable adventure.

13 Best Upper Peninsula Michigan Road Trips

Each of these has a detailed itinerary planner you can use and below these, you’ll also get a complete itinrary if you want to do a complete UP trip.

1. Mackinac Island & St. Ignace Scenic Drive

Enter a fairytale with this road trip to Michigan’s iconic car-free island. From historic forts and horse-drawn carriages to dramatic lakeside views and fudge shops, this is a journey both relaxing and steeped in charm. The coastal drive from St. Ignace sets the tone with panoramic overlooks and photo-worthy roadside attractions. Once on Mackinac Island, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era, no cars, just bikes, horses, and historic elegance.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore St. Ignace’s lakeshore, hike to Castle Rock, and stroll the boardwalk.
• Day 2: Ferry to Mackinac Island, bike the perimeter loop, visit Fort Mackinac, and enjoy sunset views from Arch Rock.
• Day 3 (Optional): Visit Father Marquette Memorial or continue along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Towering sandstone cliffs in shades of red, orange, and green stretch for miles along Lake Superior, forming Michigan’s most jaw-dropping shoreline. The colors, created by mineral seepage, are especially vivid in golden hour light. Kayaking alongside the cliffs or hiking inland trails offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Waterfalls, caves, and pine forests complete the natural spectacle, making this a top pick for hikers, photographers, and paddlers alike.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Munising, hike to Miners Castle and Munising Falls.
• Day 2: Take the Chapel Loop Trail or a boat cruise to see the cliffs from the water.
• Day 3 (Optional): Visit Sand Point Beach, explore Scott Falls, and tour the historic Bay Furnace site.

3. Scott Falls & M-28 Waterfall Tour

This short road trip packs a visual punch, with roadside waterfalls dotting the scenic M-28 corridor. Ideal for families or those looking for lighter adventure, it combines effortless sightseeing with peaceful forest walks. Many of the waterfalls like Scott Falls are just steps from your car, while others require short, rewarding hikes through mossy woods and fern-covered trails. Bring a picnic and enjoy several stops in a single afternoon.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Start at Scott Falls and Alger Falls, then continue east to Wagner Falls.
• Day 2: Walk the trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls, one of the tallest in the U.P.
• Day 3 (Optional): Picnic at Sand Point Beach or detour into Hiawatha National Forest for more scenic drives.

4. Presque Isle Park And Marquette Highlights

Marquette blends college-town vibrancy with raw natural beauty. Presque Isle Park is a highlight, with a 2-mile loop offering cliff views, wooded trails, and a chance to spot deer and eagles. The town itself is a haven for art, food, and craft beer, with local galleries, cozy cafés, and lakefront dining. It’s the perfect balance of culture and wild spaces, all walkable from the charming downtown.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore downtown shops, hike Sugarloaf Mountain, and dine at the historic Vierling Brewery.
• Day 2: Circle Presque Isle Park, cliff jump at Black Rocks, and watch the waves crash along Sunset Point.
• Day 3 (Optional): Visit Lakenenland Sculpture Park and relax on McCarty’s Cove Beach.

5. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Michigan’s largest state park is a vast, untamed playground of ancient forests, winding rivers, and dramatic elevation changes. Known as the “Porkies,” it offers a true back-to-nature experience for those craving solitude. The fall foliage here is legendary, turning ridgelines into fiery tapestries. Expect breathtaking overlooks, remote trails, and wildlife sightings ranging from foxes to black bears. It’s one of the wildest places you can still road trip to in the Midwest.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Hike to Lake of the Clouds and Escarpment Trail for incredible mountain views.
• Day 2: Explore the Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop: Nawadaha, Manido, and Manabezho Falls.
• Day 3 (Optional): Drive South Boundary Road for peak fall foliage or hike to Summit Peak Observation Tower.

6. Presque Isle River Waterfalls Trail Loop

This compact loop trail, nestled within the Porcupine Mountains, is a hidden treasure for waterfall lovers. The roar of cascading water echoes through old-growth forests as the river tumbles over three major drops in quick succession. Wooden footbridges, mossy rocks, and riverbank views add to the magic. It’s a perfect place to breathe in the cool air and feel immersed in nature with minimal effort.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Base in Ontonagon or Silver City. Visit Nawadaha and Manido Falls.
• Day 2: Complete the full 2-mile loop to Manabezho Falls. Relax near the river mouth or on the cobblestone beach.
• Day 3 (Optional): Explore nearby Union Bay or walk additional shoreline trails.

7. Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor

This remote, cliff-lined peninsula feels more like the Pacific Northwest than the Midwest. Rugged coastlines, high overlooks, and the eerie remnants of copper mining towns make this drive unforgettable. Along the way, you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, alpine-like forests, and secluded bays that seem untouched by time. The scenic Brockway Mountain Drive delivers sweeping views of Lake Superior, while Copper Harbor offers historic sites, artisan shops, and a peaceful shoreline perfect for reflection.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive from Houghton to Eagle River. Visit Jacob’s Falls and the Jampot bakery. Continue to Copper Harbor via Brockway Mountain Drive.
• Day 2: Visit Fort Wilkins Historic Site, hike Estivant Pines, and enjoy kayaking on Lake Fanny Hooe.
• Day 3 (Optional): Visit ghost towns like Mandan or take a guided mine tour in Delaware.

8. Superior Falls And Western U.P. Waterfalls Circuit

Tucked away near the Wisconsin border, this region is packed with powerful, lesser-known waterfalls. Superior Falls is a roaring cascade that crashes into a dramatic gorge just steps from Lake Superior. Further inland, the Black River Scenic Byway features multiple falls connected by forest trails. This route is perfect for a peaceful nature immersion, where the sound of falling water and the rustle of leaves drown out the modern world.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Visit Superior Falls and nearby Saxon Falls. Walk the riverside trail at Black River Harbor to Rainbow Falls.
• Day 2: Head east to Bond Falls and Agate Falls. Take time for photography and short hikes at each.
• Day 3 (Optional): Camp at Lake Gogebic State Park or explore Ottawa National Forest trails.

9. Eben Ice Caves & Forest Loop

In winter, a quiet forest near Eben Junction transforms into a magical ice cathedral. The caves form naturally as groundwater seeps through sandstone cliffs and freezes into brilliant blue curtains. While it’s most popular in January and February, the surrounding trails offer year-round beauty with pine forests and hidden creeks. It’s an ideal stop for those looking for unique seasonal landscapes without long hikes.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Stay in Eben Junction or Chatham. In winter, hike to the Eben Ice Caves (1.6 miles RT).
• Day 2: Visit Laughing Whitefish Falls and hike the nearby Rock River Canyon Wilderness trails.
• Day 3 (Optional): Drive scenic routes through Hiawatha National Forest or stop by Au Train Falls.

10. Apostle Islands (U.P. Launch Point)

Though located in Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are easily accessed from Michigan’s western tip, making them a perfect add-on. These 21 islands are known for their sea caves, historic lighthouses, and kayak-worthy shorelines. Bayfield, WI acts as a gateway with sailboat charters and ferry access. On calm days, kayaking through red sandstone sea caves is an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of road trip extension that turns an already great adventure into a legendary one.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive from Ironwood to Bayfield, WI. Explore downtown, walk the shoreline, and grab dinner with lake views.
• Day 2: Take a sea cave boat tour or kayak trip. Consider visiting Raspberry Island.
• Day 3 (Optional): Ferry to Madeline Island and hike Big Bay State Park. Return to Michigan via scenic Highway 13.

11. Fayette Historic Park & Garden Peninsula

A blend of natural beauty and industrial history, Fayette is a preserved 19th-century iron smelting town perched on limestone cliffs. Crumbling brick buildings and tall smokestacks sit beside turquoise harbor waters, creating a surreal blend of ghost town and coastal retreat. Interpretive signs bring the past to life, while scenic trails trace the bluff line. It’s quiet, mysterious, and ideal for photographers or history buffs.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Stop at Kitch-iti-kipi (Michigan’s largest spring) en route to Fayette. Settle in at the campground or nearby lodging.
• Day 2: Explore the preserved iron town ruins, hike the limestone bluff trail, and enjoy lakeside views.
• Day 3 (Optional): Visit Peninsula Point Lighthouse and drive the Garden Peninsula loop.

12. Lake Michigan Circle Tour (U.P. Section)

This amazing Great Lakes road trip is a coastal drive traces the U.P.’s southern edge along Lake Michigan, offering breezy beaches, maritime history, and lighthouse views. It’s more laid-back than the rugged Superior coast but no less beautiful. Charming towns like Escanaba and Manistique offer good eats and easy access to scenic overlooks. You’ll find hidden beaches, wooden boardwalks, and peaceful pine forests all within a short drive of each other.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Begin in Menominee, drive to Escanaba. Visit Sand Point Lighthouse and walk Ludington Park.
• Day 2: Head east to Manistique. Walk the boardwalk, visit Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, and swim at Indian Lake State Park.
• Day 3 (Optional): Continue to St. Ignace or explore inland forests and parks.

13. Tahquamenon Falls & Whitefish Point

One of the most iconic destinations in the U.P., Tahquamenon Falls delivers raw power and beauty in equal measure. The Upper Falls stretches 200 feet wide and drops nearly 50 feet, especially thunderous in spring. A scenic trail connects to the Lower Falls, which can be paddled by rowboat. Just north, Whitefish Point’s Shipwreck Museum sits on a remote beach littered with driftwood and lake glass, a haunting reminder of Lake Superior’s turbulent history.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Paradise. Visit Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls, paddle or hike between them.
• Day 2: Drive to Whitefish Point. Tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and walk the driftwood-covered beach.
• Day 3 (Optional): Continue west to Muskallonge Lake State Park or hike along the remote Two-Hearted River area.

10 Hidden Gems and Stops

While the road trips above hit the highlights, here are some lesser-known spots worth detouring for and below you’ll get a full itinerary to get the best of both:

1. Jacob’s Falls (Keweenaw Peninsula): A beautiful roadside waterfall with a nearby monastery bakery (The Jampot).
2. Hungarian Falls (Hubbell, MI): A scenic waterfall series tucked into a forested ravine.
3. Pickle Barrel House (Grand Marais): A quirky museum inside a giant barrel once home to a children’s book character.
4. Bay Furnace Historic Site (Munising): The preserved ruins of an iron smelting facility beside Lake Superior.
5. Esrey Park (Copper Harbor): Cliffside picnic area with panoramic lake views and rocky shoreline.
6. Mandan Ghost Town (Keweenaw): An abandoned 1800s mining town hidden off a dirt road.
7. Black Rocks (Presque Isle Park): A lava rock outcropping popular for cliff-jumping and dramatic waves.
8. Lakenenland Sculpture Park (Marquette): A free roadside park full of recycled metal art, fun and family-friendly.
9. Cut River Bridge (US-2): A scenic steel bridge with trails below offering forest and river views.
10. Maxton Plains (Drummond Island): A rare limestone alvar ecosystem rich in wildflowers and solitude.

5–10 Day Sample Itinerary (Grand U.P. Loop)

If you want to link several of these road trips into one mega-adventure, here’s a loop-style itinerary you can use:

• Day 1: Start in St. Ignace, Castle Rock, Mackinac Island afternoon visit or overnight.
• Day 2: Drive to Munising via M-28, Stop at Scott Falls and Sand Point Beach.
• Day 3: Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, kayak (or rent a boat) or hike Chapel Loop.
• Day 4: Head to Marquette, hike Sugarloaf Mountain, Presque Isle Park sunset.
• Day 5: Visit Eben Ice Caves or Laughing Whitefish Falls, continue to Escanaba or Garden Peninsula.
• Day 6: Visit Kitch-iti-kipi, Fayette Historic State Park, overnight in Manistique.
• Day 7: Drive west to the Porcupine Mountains, hike Lake of the Clouds & Escarpment Trail.
• Day 8: Waterfall loop day: Visit Presque Isle River Falls, then Bond and Agate Falls.
• Day 9: Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor via Brockway Mountain Drive.
• Day 10: Visit Fort Wilkins, Estivant Pines, then return south via Houghton or head into Wisconsin for the Apostle Islands.

Upper Peninsula Michigan Fall Guide (Photos)

The Upper Peninsula Michigan fall time is legendary to say the least. Crisp air, zero bugs, and forests that erupt into shades of orange, gold, and scarlet make it a prime time to visit.

Best Time for Fall Colors:

• Western U.P. (Porcupine Mountains, Keweenaw): Late September – Early October
• Central U.P. (Marquette, Munising): Early – Mid October
• Eastern U.P. (Tahquamenon, St. Ignace): Mid – Late October

Best Scenic Fall Drives:

• South Boundary Road (Porcupine Mountains)
• Brockway Mountain Drive (Keweenaw)
• H-58 between Munising and Grand Marais
• M-94 through Hiawatha National Forest
• M-123 to Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point

Best Fall Hikes:

• Escarpment Trail (Porkies)
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Marquette)
• Chapel Loop Trail (Pictured Rocks)
• Estivant Pines (Keweenaw)
• Presque Isle Park Loop

Best Times to do a Upper Peninsula Michigan Road Trip

• Summer (June–August): Warmest temps, great for swimming, kayaking, and camping. Expect more crowds and mosquitos.
• Fall (Late September–October): Crisp weather, minimal bugs, peak foliage. Best time for hiking, driving, and photography.
• Winter (December–March): Ideal for snowshoeing, skiing, and visiting the Eben Ice Caves. Roads can be limited.
• Spring (April–May): Great waterfall flow, but trails may be muddy and some attractions closed early in the season.

Packing List

For the majority of items below, you can get many of them on my Amazon gear store:

• Warm layers (even in summer)
• Waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Offline GPS or maps (limited service in remote areas)
• Power bank and flashlight
• Reusable water bottle
• Swimsuit and towel
• Cooler and snacks for long stretches
• First aid kit and any personal meds

Where to Stay

• Munising: Base for Pictured Rocks (check hotels)
• Marquette: Urban comforts + nature (check hotels)
• Copper Harbor: Remote, peaceful, beautiful (check hotels)
• Ontonagon: Closest to the Porkies (check hotels)
• St. Ignace: Gateway to Mackinac Island (check hotels)
• Manistique: Central stop for Garden Peninsula and Kitch-iti-kipi (check hotels)

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6 Things to Know Before You Go

1. Many areas have limited cell service, download maps ahead of time
2. Gas stations can be far apart in remote areas, fill up often
3. Some scenic roads are gravel or seasonal (South Boundary Rd, Brockway Drive)
4. Bring cash for small towns, ferries, and rustic shops
5. Mosquitos and black flies can be heavy from May to July, bug spray is essential
6. Michigan State Parks require a Recreation Passport for entry (available when renewing plates or at the park)

Budget Saving Tips

• Travel in shoulder seasons (May, September–early October)
• Camp instead of staying in hotels, many state park campgrounds are scenic and affordable
• Buy groceries in larger towns to avoid expensive rural stops
• Visit multiple sites in one region to save on gas and time
• Get a Michigan Recreation Passport for unlimited state park access ($13/year for residents)

Final Thoughts

The Upper Peninsula is more than just a scenic region, it’s an immersive road trip experience that reconnects you with nature, slows down time, and offers endless adventure. Whether you’re exploring waterfalls, watching a sunset from a cliff, or kayaking through sea caves, every turn reveals something new. Use this guide to plan your perfect Upper Peninsula Michigan road trip, and get ready to explore one of America’s most underrated destinations.

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