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MARVAC
Upper Peninsula
Driving Tour: Visit the Upper Peninsula’s Natural Wonders
Region
Driving Time: 3 hours, 49 minutes Mileage: 214 miles
MARVAC Staff Recommendation from Darren Ing, MARVAC Director
The Keweenaw Peninsula located at the northernmost tip of the Upper Peninsula is a beautiful, year-round place to experience. From scenic drives to amazing waterways, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take a tour of the Quincy Mine and Shafthouse or spend an afternoon at Fort Wilkins State Historic Park. If you are a pasty lover, you can attempt to complete the Keweenaw Pasty Trail Challenge. If you are looking for more adventure, visit Isle Royale National Park. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this 45-mile stretch around the remote island almost ensures that you will have more engagement with wildlife than people. Whatever you decide, you will not be disappointed by this splendor of a region.
Stop ➊
Mackinac Island
www.mackinacisland.org
This gem in Lake Huron used to be only known by Michiganders, but recent years have changed that. Cruise ships
in the Great Lakes make it a popular destination along their routes, bringing thousands more visitors during the summer and early fall months. To avoid crowds, try to visit the island during the weekday, early season, or close to the end of the season (late October). The island is unlike any place you’ve ever been. There are no vehicles save for an ambulance; transportation is by foot, wheel, or hoof. Hundreds of horses carry passengers around and across
the island. Visit the Grand Hotel, which has the longest porch in the world, explore the gardens, hike up and over to Arch Rock, head up to the fort (cover your ears for the cannon fire), and sit with a cocktail on the lawn at Mission Point Resort. You can experience the island in a day, but it is worth staying overnight to simply bask in it – and wake up to the sound of horse clops.
Don’t miss... Taking a sunset cruise out of Mackinaw City. During the summer months, take a one-hour cruise and pass under the Mighty Mac, around Mackinac Island, and watch the sunset from the water. A guide points out important landmarks and regales guests with stories of history.
Stop ➋
Tahquamenon Falls
www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/v-centers/ tahquamenon/upper-lower-falls
These are the largest falls in Michigan, with upper and lower falls that are
both stunning to view. A favorite for travelers and photographers, this
natural wonder is 200 feet across and tumbles 50 feet at the Upper Falls. You can reach the Upper Falls by walking a flat pathway only one-third of a
mile to some viewing areas. Then you can decide if you want to go down
94 steps to the Brink view (very close to the falls) or 116 steps downriver to the Gorge view. You can either hike to the Lower Falls (approximately five miles) or drive. The Lower Falls are viewable very close to the parking
lot, although a closer view of the falls requires walking about half a mile. They aren’t as majestic as the Upper Falls, yet they fall an impressive 20 feet over several tiers of rocks, adding dynamic and beauty in its own way.
Don’t miss... On your way there, take a little detour east to see the Soo Locks (the St. Mary’s Falls Canal at Sault Ste. Marie is one of the Upper Peninsula’s man-made wonders)
and continue along the coastline to Whitefish Point to see the lighthouse and museum. Of course, you can simply drive the more direct route of 80 miles through beautiful, wooded scenery on US-123 from the Bridge.
Stop ➌ Pictured Rocks Natural
Lakeshore
www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks is the most known for what gives it its name: the multicolored rock cliffs and formations along the coastline. Rising 50 to 200 feet high, these sandstone cliffs run 15 miles from Sand Point to Spray Falls. The colors are streaks of mineral stains, with a different mineral responsible
for a different color. There are commercial boat tours as well as the
opportunity to rent sea kayaks to see the formations up close for yourself. On land, Miners Castle and Miners Beach provide good views as well. Go swimming and have a picnic at Sand Point (don’t forget to look for agate stones) or choose to hike one of the trails found throughout the national lakeshore – and find a few waterfalls while you’re at it. Truly, spend at least two or three days exploring everything this magnificent lakeshore has to offer.
Don’t miss... The log slide overlook at Grand Sable Dunes. Located within the lakeshore, this spot really delivers the “wow” factor. And it’s only a quarter-mile hike through the woods.
Stop ➍ Kitch-iti-Kipi www.visitmanistique.com/ bigspring.shtml
In Palms Book State Park in Manistique, you’ll find our next natural wonder
-- Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring).
This is the state’s largest freshwater spring, stretching 200 feet across, 40
feet deep, and remaining a constant
45 degrees. There is a self-operated observation raft that you can take across the spring to gain various vantage points. But the best part is that this
raft has a glass bottom section to be able to see the debris and aquatic life below in the crystal-clear water.
Don’t miss... Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse is accessible via a boardwalk, and rock and concrete breakwater. People describe it as “secluded” and “with a great view.” Don’t miss out!
For more of the Upper Peninsula’s natural wonders, read the full article at www. michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/visit-the- upper-peninsulas-7-natural-wonders/.
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