Upper Peninsula Itinerary Help

Question

My partner and I are planning a vacation to the upper peninsula in late July. I’ve already read a good bit about the area, but we have never been to this region before and would appreciate any advice, particularly on how many days you would recommend we stay in different areas along the way. We are looking at 8 or 9 days starting by flying into Traverse City, exploring along the upper peninsula, and then flying out of Milwaukee making several stops for a few days each along the way. We would drive to Milwaukee the day before our flight home. On the weekend we plan to arrive, there is some big event going on in Milwaukee and there are no rental cars available, so doing the trip in reverse order isn’t possible for us. Do you recommend staying in the Traverse City area for a night or two? We definitely want to spend time at Pictured Rocks, but we probably wouldn’t want to try to spend a night on Mackinac Island unless you believe that is a “must do”. We enjoy scenic drives, hiking (5-6 miles max), waterfalls, lighthouses, and calm water kayaking. Thanks for your help!

Answer

It sounds like you're going to have a fantastic time exploring the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan! The region is full of natural beauty, and it's perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and waterfall exploration. Here’s how I would suggest dividing your 8-9 days and making the most of your trip based on your interests:

Day 1: Arrive in Traverse City Given that you’ll be flying into Traverse City, I recommend staying here for at least one night. The city itself has a lot to offer in terms of wineries, charming shops, and beautiful lake views. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. While in Traverse City, you can visit nearby spots like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which offers stunning vistas and easy hikes. If you’re up for it, consider a hike at Empire Bluff, which offers great views of Lake Michigan (about 2 miles) or explore the dunes themselves.

Day 2-3: Traverse City to Pictured Rocks From Traverse City, you’ll want to head towards the Upper Peninsula. Make your way to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is a must-see. This will likely be one of your main highlights, and I recommend spending at least two nights in the area. Pictured Rocks offers incredible hiking trails (like the Munising Falls to the Chapel Rock trail), beautiful waterfalls, and the chance to kayak in calm waters. You can also take a boat tour to see the iconic cliffs from the water. There’s also the option to do a kayaking tour along the shoreline to see the cliffs up close. Some great areas to explore include Miners Castle, Miners Falls, and Chapel Beach.

Day 4: Munising to Marquette After spending time at Pictured Rocks, drive west along the northern shore of Lake Superior to Marquette, which is about 1.5 hours from Munising. Marquette is a larger city with a fun downtown, plenty of restaurants, and some nice outdoor activities. You could spend the day hiking the nearby trails, such as the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail for great views of the city and Lake Superior, or the Presque Isle Park Loop. If you’re into lighthouses, stop by the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. Marquette is a great place for kayaking as well, particularly in the calm waters of Lake Superior. Spend the night here to recharge for the next leg of your journey.

Day 5-6: Marquette to Copper Harbor From Marquette, head up to Copper Harbor, located on the Keweenaw Peninsula. It’s about a 3-hour drive, but it’s worth it for the beautiful scenery and more remote feel. Spend two days here exploring. Copper Harbor is great for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. You can visit the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, which offers both history and scenic views of Lake Superior, or take a trip to Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. The area is also known for its scenic drives, so you could take a leisurely drive along the Keweenaw Peninsula. If you enjoy hiking, consider the trail to the Brockway Mountain lookout, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding wilderness.

Day 7: Copper Harbor to Houghton On your way down the Keweenaw Peninsula, stop in Houghton (about an hour from Copper Harbor). Houghton is home to Michigan Technological University and has a few great hiking trails and scenic spots. While you’re there, visit the Quincy Mine and take a tour to learn about the area's mining history. If you’re up for another waterfall hike, check out the Agate Falls, which are just outside of town. After a night in Houghton, you’ll be ready for the final leg of your journey.

Day 8: Houghton to Milwaukee From Houghton, it’s about a 5.5-hour drive to Milwaukee. Depending on your energy levels, you might want to break up the drive with a stop at one of the many smaller towns or attractions along the way. However, since you’ll be arriving the day before your flight, I’d suggest just heading straight to Milwaukee to enjoy the city’s waterfront, brewery scene, and maybe check out the Harley-Davidson Museum or the Milwaukee Art Museum. Since there’s a big event going on in the city, expect the area to be bustling, so plan accordingly.

Additional Thoughts on Mackinac Island You mentioned Mackinac Island as a potential stop, but if you’re not keen on spending a night there, it’s definitely doable as a day trip. However, it might be a bit rushed, especially considering your interests in hiking, waterfalls, and kayaking. Since you’ll already be visiting Pictured Rocks, you’ll get a good dose of scenic beauty and unique landscapes, so if you decide to skip Mackinac Island, you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on anything essential.

Summary Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Traverse City (1-2 nights)
- Day 3-4: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (2 nights)
- Day 5: Marquette (1 night)
- Day 6-7: Copper Harbor (2 nights)
- Day 8: Houghton (1 night)
- Day 9: Drive to Milwaukee (with a stop in a small town or scenic spot along the way)

This itinerary allows you to take in the highlights of the Upper Peninsula, enjoy scenic drives, and do plenty of hiking and kayaking while minimizing the amount of time spent in the car each day. If you have extra time, consider exploring other waterfalls in the area, like the Tahquamenon Falls, or checking out the various state parks along the way. The UP is incredibly scenic, and there’s always something beautiful around every corner!