Gas up and get going!
7 beautiful Upper Peninsula attractions you can drive to, and still be home by bed-time.
Summer is calling...warm sun, cool shade, open water, and lots of green scenery along the roadways. Sometimes we just want to hop in the car and drive, soaking it all in.
As the cover photo suggests, there are endless numbers of dirt roads in the UP that wind through the trees, across streams, and can leave you lost for hours in what seems like a cool, green heaven. This is our first choice for UP day trips...just make sure you keep the GPS fired up!
Munising
Of all the towns in the Upper Peninsula, Munising is probably the best destination for a day trip. Just driving through is a treat, with scenery left or right. Although the main attraction is the legendary Pictured Rocks, there is so much more to explore.
If you decide to stop, you can enjoy the creations of local artists and craft stores, boat tours, various dining establishments, lighthouses, and more waterfalls than you could possibly see in a day.Visit the ExploreMunising! website, which can help you plan your day.
Lake Superior Beaches
Some are rocky, others sandy...but all are a great place to pull over and soak in the summer. Have a picnic, hunt for agates and beach glass, or both. And, if you're one of the brave ones, or its an especially hot day, jump into the clear, cold water for a refreshing swim!
Canyon Falls
Take a drive towards Alberta, MI and you won't be disappointed. If you're extra lucky, you'll score at the nearby farmers market on the way home!
Canyon Falls is known as the Grand Canyon of the UP. The trail-head can be found along
US-41 near Alberta, about 15 miles south of L'Anse, behind the roadside park (check out Google Maps). The trail to the falls is about 1 mile over level terrain, and worth every step of rapids, rocks, cliffs, and interesting tree formations
The river has cut out a gorge past the falls, and those prepared for a longer and more aggressive hike can continue on via the unmaintained trail along the edge of the gorge. You can find more information and pictures at the Pure MI website.
Porcupine Mountains...Lake of the Clouds
Along a beautiful winding road, past the end of the earth, you will end up at the Lake of the Clouds lookout in the Porcupine Mountains (Find it on Google Maps). Park your ride, and take the very short walk to a view that is beautiful any time of year (i actually have pics of my husband in this exact spot in the middle of winter on his snowmobile...although the trip is unsafe and certainly not encouraged!).
Take it in and move on, or make a day of picnicking and hiking the trails along the cliff side and into the woods. In fact, there are several trail heads in this area, all clearly marked and maintained.
Remember to bring a buddy, plenty of water, bug spray, and stay on the trail.
East and West River Trail Loop, AKA
The Stairs to the Kettles
Running through the Porcupine State Park is the Presque Isle River. Along its banks, the park has built a system of walkways and stairs so that you can safely experience every breath-taking step of the hike which boasts wildlife, various flora, and moving water. Just before the river pours into Lake Superior, kettles have been gouged out of the rock creating a long stretch of unique rapids.
Although this hike is enjoyable, it is also long and rigorous. Wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Directions and additional info can be found HERE.
Greenwood/Bonanza Falls
Right off of Route 64, Bonanza Falls is part of the Big Iron River. Its located 4 miles North of White pine...easy to miss, so watch for the small sign. If you reach Lake Superior, you've just missed it (Check out Google Maps).
This is a no-stress day-trip. Just park your car, walk a few yards to a picnic table shaded by apple trees, or get some sun out on the flat rocks. Bonanza Falls is a calm, slow moving section of the river in the summer (the video shows it with more action than is typical). There's even a nice little gully for swimming when the weather turns hot.
Feel like a short, easy hike? Just walk the footpath downriver and you will find a smaller falls a short ways down.
Easily our favorite summer destination, this drive will not leave you disappointed.
Konteka Black Bear Resort
Its not often that a business becomes a tourist attraction, but the Konteka has become a regular destination for travelers making their way along M64. Why? Its not the gas station and convenience store, although that can be pretty handy.
Is it the bowling alley? Depends on your objective.
Maybe the hotel? Getting closer...
The amazing lounge and dining room? Almost!
People visit the Konteka in the summer to see this from the restaurant's wall of windows...
Bears!
That's right...enjoy a meal or a drink while watching wild bears just beyond your table. If you're lucky, a Momma and cubs will come to visit.
It has to be said, however, that these are WILD bears, not caged in animals or pets. You will not be able to get up close and personal, or you risk being dinner instead of eating it. At the very least, breaking the rules means the bears will be frightened away, and you will have a restaurant full of angry people posting your picture on Facebook and calling you "that guy."
Hope you enjoy these destinations as much as we do, and...
Remember that you can hop in your vehicle and go places in the winter too!
Harbor Town Auto can help you get there.