Western Upper Peninsula

Question

My husband and I, we are each 59 years old, are planning a trip up the west coast of Lake Michigan to visit the western half of the Upper Peninsula with our travel trailer this summer in July/August time frame for 2 weeks. We are still pretty active and enjoy hiking and sight seeing though I have lower back issues so we like to keep hikes to about 2-4 miles. We also enjoy doing some kayaking but not more than 2-3 hours at a time and enjoy bike riding.

We are heading up from Indiana, up through Wisconsin. We are considering making a few stops/overnights along the lake in Milwaukee (maybe tour the city and stop at the Art Museum), Sheboygan (maybe tour the Kohler factory) and Green Bay (tour Lambeau Field). Side note, we can also skip one or two of these stops and do them a different time if it would be best to devote more time to the rest of the trip. Then not sure if we should consider heading NW across to Bayfield from Green Bay and spend 2-3 days visiting the Apostle Islands? (Had to cancel a trip to them when COVID closed us down and would like to consider going there on this trip unless we find out that we are trying to pack too much into this trip and should save them for another time?) Then head towards the Keweenaw Peninsula and stop at the Porcupine Mountains for 2-3 days and hike to Lake of the Clouds and see some waterfalls? Or just head up into the western UP to Iron Mountain, perhaps stay a day or 2 there, and then head up into the Keweenaw Peninsula from there. After visiting the Keweenau Peninsula for 2-3 days, we would like to head along the coast of Lake Superior to Big Bay and then Marquette and then either head back down to Indiana by way of Wisconsin or possibly by way of Michigan. Is there places I have missed that should be included as we head back down to Indiana?

We did the eastern half of the UP heading up through Michigan a few years ago and visited Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Lelenau Peninsula, Fish town, Mackinac Island, the SOO Locks, the Tahquamenon Falls, kayaked Picture Rock, Munising, Marquette, Presque Isle Park, and Kitchitikipi and got to see the Mackinaw Island bridge lit up at night. We really enjoyed the trip but now want to see the other half of the UP. In addition, we have also been to Door County a few times and do not feel the need to revisit there this trip.

We would prefer to try and stay at least 2 nights/possibly 3, in some locations so we are not moving each day, but we also would like to do a good job seeing the western half of the UP and not miss out on things that we should do that I may have overlooked in my search and not listed here.

Any recommendations on an itinerary and must do's/see's for this kind of trip would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You!

Answer

It sounds like you and your husband are planning an exciting and scenic trip, with a great mix of activities like hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing! The Western Upper Peninsula (UP) and Lake Michigan coast offer so many beautiful places to explore, and it seems like you have a great plan already in place. I’ll break down your itinerary, provide some recommendations for must-see spots, and suggest how to make the most of your two weeks. This will help you focus on the best areas and activities while making sure you’re not cramming too much into your schedule.

Itinerary Breakdown

Since you’ve already explored the eastern half of the UP, focusing on the western half sounds like a great next step. It’s important to balance between driving, exploring, and resting, especially with your preference for longer stays in certain spots. Here's an optimized itinerary:

Day 1-2: Start in Indiana, Drive through Wisconsin, and Stop in Milwaukee
You can visit the Milwaukee Art Museum and explore the city a bit, especially the lakefront area, which is beautiful. Since you have a travel trailer, check the options for RV parking. If you’re really into architecture, don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum’s stunning design by Santiago Calatrava.
Day 2-3: Sheboygan
A visit to the Kohler factory and a walk along the lakefront is a nice way to experience Sheboygan. This city is known for its beautiful beaches and well-maintained parks. It might be worth spending a night here to stretch your legs and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 3-4: Green Bay
Tour Lambeau Field and explore downtown Green Bay. If you're into nature, check out the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a good spot for easy hiking and bird watching. If you’re interested in more time outdoors, you can kayak in the bay or check out the nearby parks.
Day 5-6: Apostle Islands
From Green Bay, you could cross to Bayfield. You’ve already been to some beautiful parts of Michigan and the UP, but the Apostle Islands are truly a unique experience. The sea caves, especially at Meyers Beach, are accessible by kayak or on a guided tour, and the area has plenty of scenic trails. Spend 2-3 days here if it fits your schedule, but if you feel like it’s too much to add, you can always save it for another time.
Day 7-9: Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains
Head north towards the Keweenaw Peninsula, where the scenery will be incredible, and hiking opportunities abound. In the Porcupine Mountains, the Lake of the Clouds and waterfalls are must-see spots. The area also offers excellent trails for short hikes, making it a great destination given your preferences. A couple of nights in this area will give you time to hike and relax.
Day 10-11: Iron Mountain
If you decide not to head directly to the Keweenaw Peninsula from Green Bay, Iron Mountain is a good stop to break up the trip. You can stay for a night or two, check out the area, and visit places like the Pine Mountain Scenic Overlook for great views.
Day 12-14: Marquette, Big Bay, and the Return Trip
Marquette is a wonderful place to explore with its beautiful lakeshore and the Presque Isle Park, which you’ve visited before. Big Bay has a nice, secluded atmosphere. On your way back, whether you choose to go south through Wisconsin or Michigan, there are many scenic routes. From Marquette, you could explore the Keweenaw Bay area, which offers quiet beaches and small-town charm.

Must-See Stops and Activities

Here are a few things you should not miss in the Western UP that will be a good fit for your interests:

Lake of the Clouds (Porcupine Mountains): This is one of the most iconic spots in the UP. It’s an easy 1-mile hike with a great view of the lake below. The Porcupine Mountains also offer several other waterfalls and scenic areas for shorter hikes.
Keweenaw Peninsula: This area is rich in mining history, and you’ll find several historic sites like the Quincy Mine and the Keweenaw National Historical Park. The coastal views from this peninsula are spectacular.
Apostle Islands Sea Caves: If you’re up for kayaking, this is one of the best places in the region. You can paddle through the sea caves or take a guided tour to explore the area by boat.
Marquette's Presque Isle Park: You've visited Marquette before, but it’s worth revisiting if you’re looking for more outdoor activities. The park offers some great, shorter hikes and beautiful lakeshore views. Also, the hike to Sugarloaf Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Houghton/Hancock: Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, these twin towns are charming and have many opportunities for hiking and bike rides along the lake. They’re also home to the Michigan Technological University, and you can visit the Copper Country Trail for a beautiful ride.

Suggestions to Avoid Overpacking the Trip

Given your interests, I think you’re on the right track to balance relaxation with exploration. The Apostle Islands are definitely a highlight, but if you feel like you’re trying to do too much in one trip, you could skip the Apostle Islands this time and focus on the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Porcupine Mountains. These areas offer plenty of hiking and sightseeing opportunities and will be a good combination of outdoor activities and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

In terms of travel style, I think you’ll be happiest with a slower pace that allows for a couple of days in each location, so you have time to really enjoy the area. The Western UP is packed with natural beauty, and since you’re already familiar with the eastern side, the western part will give you a fresh perspective. There’s no need to rush through everything—take your time to enjoy kayaking, hiking, and soaking in the incredible scenery.

Enjoy your adventure, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions about specific places!