Upper Peninsula & Itineraries

• Itineraries

'Mighty Mac'

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is simply magical.  This region is a pleasant pocket of history and nature, a part of Michigan that  allows you to slow down and soak up the scenery.  Go back in time to learn the ins and outs of the fur trade at Colonial  Michilimackinac, where days gone by are still going on. Historic Mill Creek is an intensive and interactive look at the heartbeat of  early Michigan, the lumber industry. This industry supported the entire state in its early days and at the mill you can learn about the trade and the people who made it possible. And, if you’re looking for inspiration a stop to the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse will provide you a view past, present, and future.

Cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge. Known as the “Mighty Mac,” this bridge is the most functional piece of art in the entire state. As you traverse five miles over the Straits of Mackinac, the cerulean blue skyline gives way to your destination: the Upper Peninsula. One of the most iconic destinations in the Upper Peninsula is, of course, Mackinac Island. Located in the crook where the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan meet, this entire island is a National Historic Landmark. Take a ferry from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to reach this quaint island that is full of stories waiting to be told. Wander on foot or indulge in an old-fashioned carriage tour. No cars are allowed on the island, which gives you the chance to slow down, take a breath, and really experience the island. Become a fudgie by partaking in a bite or two of Mackinac Island’s famous fudge. Have lunch at the stately Grand Hotel, visit an ethereal butterfly habitat, or soak up some local culture at the Mackinac Art Museum.

There is no shortage of natural wonders in the Upper Peninsula. Take in the splendor of the largest fresh water spring in Michigan. Wander through the Pictured Rocks, massive mineral stained sandstones that leap from Lake Superior. These monuments to time change shape as the water laps at them year after year. Miles of lakeshore stretch out for your enjoyment, whether it is water sports or simply lounging on the sand. Enjoy a visit to Fort Wilkins Historic State park, where you can a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. The shoreline of the Upper Peninsula is a glorious piece of land that has been preserved for visitors to enjoy.

Explore the vast historical spots in this region. Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest cities in the country. The first residents here were Native Americans who set down stakes over 2,000 years ago. Today, you can exalt in their heritage by attending festivals and perusing local museums. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a birthplace of sorts. So much of Michigan’s history is in the water and soil of this region. From these humble beginnings, the rest of the state was born. A visit to this area is not a trip back in time, necessarily, but it is a trip heavy with significance. By learning about the history of Michigan in our wondrous Upper Peninsula, visitors grow to appreciate the state as a whole and all that is has to offer.