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MARVAC
Upper Peninsula
Driving Tour: M-28 from Marquette to Munising
Region
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARCI MOON
Driving Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes Mileage 53 miles MARVAC Staff Recommendation from Darren Ing,
MARVAC Director Head over to Munising to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Managed by the National Park Service, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of only four National Lakeshores. This year-round park provides opportunities for camping, kayaking and hiking to ice climbing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. There are over 100 miles of trails that lead to lakes, streams and forest to explore. The Pictured Rocks cliffs are 200 feet above Lake Superior at their highest point and the lakeshore contains 15 miles of beautiful beaches with 5 miles of sand dunes, waterfalls and lighthouses. Don’t forget to stop at Muldoons for a pasty either before or after your visit.
Stop ➊ Marquette How much do we love Marquette?
Let us count the ways. This bustling
UP college town is situated between the stunning lake and stretches of beautiful northern forest. This port
city is definitely worth a stop, and you might find yourself staying longer than expected. Visit the historic downtown and meander down to the old ore docks – one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. Other attractions would include the Maritime Museum, which is part of an active lighthouse, Black Rocks and Ore Dock Brewing, and the campus of Northern Michigan University. The CR-510 Bridge has both new and historic versions which are accessible and a great place to take in a view and have a picnic.
Stop ➌
Au Train Beach
After you’ve had a taste of the UP wilderness, it’s time to get a feel for a Lake Superior beach. If you didn’t jump in at Blackrocks, or even if you did, Au Train Beach near the town of the same name is a paradise. Go for a walk on the sand, splash in the shallow outlet of the Au Train River (warmer and perfect for kids), or just sit for a while to take in the sunshine and feel the sand between your toes. It’s a perfect place to relax.
Stop ➍
Bay Furnace ruins
Not far down the way and only five miles from Munising is another historic site, the Bay Furnace ruins. You can
Stop ➋
Presque Isle Park
A short three-mile jaunt from
Marquette is the pristine Presque Isle Park. The 323-acre peninsula juts out into Lake Superior. Go to the park’s
east side for an unparalleled vantage point from atop sandstone cliffs. You can choose to go on the Peter White Drive – a two-mile scenic roadway accessible by foot, bike, or car (probably not an RV though). For those interested in hiking there are many trails in the area from which to choose. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow one of the roadways to Blackrocks and dive 10-15 feet from the cliffs into the fresh, cool water. One of the best viewing spots, however, is on the west side of the park: Sunset Point. One of the best times to visit is, you guessed it, sunset.
access the ruins through a 1/8-mile accessible trail. The ruins are the remains of a blast furnace where pig iron was made in the 1870s and is one of the last remaining structures of its kind in Michigan. From the ruins, you can also view Lake Superior and Grand Island.
Stop ➎
Wagner and Alger Falls
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Munising in particular are hotspots for waterfalls, and there are several roadside falls that don’t require much hiking on your part. Wagner Falls is one of the most impressive and located just south of the M-28 junction with M-94. There’s a small parking lot and from there it’s a short, easy walk with a few stairs to the viewing platform. Alger Falls is also nearby, just down the road. If you’re a waterfall hunter, explore other waterfalls in the area, all accessi- ble by less than two-mile easy walks: Tannery Falls, Memorial Falls, Miners Falls, Chapel Falls, and Sable Falls.
Stop ➏ Munising This is where you can hop on a boat
tour to cruise around the Pictured Rocks, and you really need to do this because pictures don’t do it justice.
You can see many rock formations and waterfalls on your voyage. If you want to get closer, rent a sea kayak and go on a guided tour. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the gem of the area, and you could easily spend several days exploring the vastness, lighthouses, beaches, and hiking trails. In Munising, stop in at Dogpatch – a very popular and famous restaurant that is fun for
the whole family.
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