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7 Reasons the Upper Peninsula is Pure Michigan Magic

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From the outside looking in, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may appear to be an undiscovered, uninhabited expanse of wilderness. BUT, while the UP may be a land of rugged beauty, it’s also a place of pure Michigan magic.

It’s a land with rich history and endless adventure — a place where nature’s wonders are on full display and every turn reveals a new treasure.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park-Ontonagon County-fall
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | photo via christophurous

1. Its Pristine Wilderness is Beautiful

There’s no other way to say it: The Upper Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, dense forests, and unspoiled wilderness areas, it offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Hiking through the Porcupine Mountains, paddling along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or simply soaking in the serenity of Tahquamenon Falls, brings out the best of the UP’s unparalleled beauty.

RELATED: Michigan’s “Big Spring,” Kitch-iti-Kipi near Manistique is one of the most beautiful and famous spots in the UP and definitely worth a trip.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse-Eagle Harbor
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse | photo via wtkphoto

2. It’s Full of Charming Small Towns

From the bustling streets of Marquette to the historic charm of Sault Ste. Marie to the rich mining history of Iron Mountain and all points in between, the UP’s small towns are brimming with character.

RELATED: Explore Michigan’s small towns on scenic drives along US-2 and M-35.

Whether you’re a history buff, an antique and boutique enthusiast, a foodie, or just enjoy traveling, each Upper Peninsula town offers a unique glimpse into why the UP is a magical place. At the very least, stop somewhere and treat yourself to a pasty.

  • St. Ignace is the first city visitors encounter when they cross the Mackinac Bridge and is home to fun attractions like Castle Rock, fascinating museums, and lakefront views.
  • Eagle Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula features miles of hiking trails and is one of the UP’s best spots to rock hunt. Toss in incredible views of Lake Superior, and it’s a spot you won’t want to miss.
  • Crystal Falls, along the western border of the UP, is home to several inland lakes for fishing and water activities as well as local hiking trails.
Delaware Mine
Delaware Mine | photo via c_houston_a

3. It’s Full of Rich History

The Upper Peninsula is steeped in history, from ancient Native American sites to historic mining towns and its past is a fascinating tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered.

Lighthouses have played a pivotal role in Great Lakes transportation for decades and curious visitors can see many of these majestic towers up close.

The UP always has a proud mining history, and that history can be seen on tours of some of the region’s oldest mines, including Delaware Mine, Quincy Mine, and Adventure Mine where visitors can go underground to get a sense of mining life for themselves.

Fort Wilkins State Park is Michigan’s northernmost state park and gives visitors a good look at a well-preserved example of a 19th-century military outpost in the heart of Copper Country.

Bond Falls-Winter
Bond Falls | photo via @aubrietahope

4. It Provides Opportunity For Year-Round Outdoor Adventures

No matter the season, the UP offers outdoor adventures for everyone.

In the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking along the Great Lakes shoreline. Fall’s vibrant foliage provides a stunning, colorful backdrop for all your adventures, and spring’s blooming wildflowers herald the arrival of a new season of exploration.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge-Germfask
Seney National Wildlife Refuge | photo via jaredles

5. The UP is Home to Unique Wildlife

As a one-of-a-kind nature paradise, the Upper Peninsula is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Travelers can keep their eyes peeled for majestic moose, black bears, and rare bird species — including the Kirtland’s warbler, one of North America’s rarest songbirds.

The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is home to two different areas that offer beautiful views, plenty of tranquility, and a chance to see a variety of different animals.

The Oswald Bear Ranch in Newberry is a hidden gem where visitors can see graceful, powerful black bears in their natural habitat.

The Millie Bat Cave near Iron Mountain is an honest-to-goodness bat cave that offers a chance to see one of North America’s largest breeding and hibernating bat colonies.

Tahquamenon Falls-Paradise-fall
Tahquamenon Falls | photo via izzca

6. There Are Waterfalls Galore

The sight and sound of a majestic waterfall can bring a smile to the faces of travelers young and old and the UP is bursting with waterfalls — more than 300 of them.

Tahquamenon Falls is one of the must-see cascades in Michigan and is one of the nation’s biggest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Picturesque waterfalls can also be found near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula, too.

Each waterfall has its own unique charm, making them perfect destinations for nature lovers and eager photographers alike.

Pasty Fest in Calumet
Pasty Fest, Calumet | photo via wisconsincheeseplease

7. It Hosts Unique Festivals and Events

For all of its natural beauty, the Upper Peninsula is a magical place because it’s the home of a variety of annual, exciting festivals that celebrate everything unique about the UP’s history and culture.

  • Pasty Fest in Calumet celebrates the UP’s greatest delicacy — tasty pockets of beef, rutabagas, potatoes, and onions in a flaky crust — and includes a Pasty Olympics.
  • The Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship in St. Ignace draws almost 200 teams and hundreds of spectators for fast-paced hockey action on Lake Huron.
  • The Outhouse Classic in Trenary is a one-of-a-kind attraction where outhouses made of different materials are raced down Main Street.

No matter when you visit, the UP has exciting events that are a great way to experience Yooper culture and community spirit.

AuTrain Michigan Northern Lights - September 2022
Northern Lights in AuTrain | photo via Jeremiah Chappelle

Experience the Magic of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a place where natural beauty, adventure, and history converge to create an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, peaceful retreats, or rich cultural experiences, the UP offers something for everyone.

Come see for yourself why this magical peninsula is a place of pure Michigan magic!

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