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Camper
Perspectives
Beaches
One of the top things to do in Copper Harbor and only a quarter mile from the town, Hunter’s Point Park has gorgeous views and plenty of rocks ready to be skipped. A
natural walking trail offers visitors a bit of exercise, as well as many chances to go meet the big lake in person. It’s handicap accessible, too, with a boardwalk leading from the parking lot to the viewing deck. Kids will love, though moms won’t, climbing the rock formations.
Black Rocks Beach, Marquette, is the spot for adventurous hearts, whether young or old. Located within Presque Isle Park, the 323-acre peninsula juts right out into Lake Superior. Don’t expect to find a white sand beach on which to throw out a beach towel. You’ll need the towel after you jump from the either side of the short rocky cliffs. Rock hounds will love
perusing smooth Lake Superior rocks and adding to their collections.
If you’re traveling on U.S. 2, also known as the Lake Michigan Scenic Highway, definitely make a stop near Naubinway at Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan. Don’t let the rest stop appearance dissuade you. What you’ll find is a gem, a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach and grassy dunes. Besides the beach, you’ll find a large grassy area and picnic tables. As a fun fact, the northernmost point was historically the mark of the western boundary of the new frontier back
in 1805.
Inland, you can enjoy the beaches at the trio of lakes – North Manistique, South Manistique, and Manistique Lakes – at Curtis. This gorgeous retreat is an easy drive from the Mackinac Bridge as well as many other Upper Peninsula attractions such as the Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Seul Choix Lighthouse, and Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
Kayaking
The Two Hearted River, a name made famous in a poem by Ernest Hemingway, is 30 miles of serenity – a perfect respite from the busyness of the world. It is a calm, deep river that is
perfect for beginners and encourages you to take it easy. You can expect some manageable portages (where you need to disembark and carry the kayak over land for a short time) and log jams along the way, but you can also come across breathtaking points where the river meets Lake Superior. Those who have kayaked the Two Hearted River recommend
that you choose a time to paddle here when you don’t have anything else on the agenda. The time is a little unpredictable with the portages, and you may want to bask in the views
without having to worry about the time.
If you’re really looking for adventure and a brand-new experience, then kayak the coastline at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You won’t get a better view of the beautiful sandstone
cliffs, colors, and waterfalls that most people only see by land. Per the National Park Service, an
ordinary recreation kayak won’t do. A sea kayak, which is longer and slimmer, is the only type of kayak that should be used on Lake Superior. The design of the kayak helps to better keep water out of the boat and will better enable you to traverse the big, cold, often tumultuous water. Plus, the conditions around the Pictured Rocks can change drastically and unpredictably. Guided tours are available and recommended unless you have previous experience with sea kayaking on Lake Superior.
MARVAC Staff Recommendation
from Darren Ing, MARVAC Director
“Climbing Sugarloaf Mountain is a great way to see a stunning view of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Located just outside Marquette, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the picturesque beauty of the Upper Peninsula. There are two routes that you can take depending on the degree of difficulty you wish to experience. Once you reach the top there are different viewing platforms from which you can experience a 360-degree view almost 500 feet above the coastline.”
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