Must Visit Attractions
Explore the wonders of Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula and be amazed. You will find a variety of captivating attractions, from natural wonders like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to historic sites like the Menominee Range Historical Museums. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or someone looking to experience the unique culture of this beautiful region, there’s something for everyone.
Bark River International Raceway
📍3731 D Road, Bark River
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Short-course off-road racing track that hosts events from the Amsoil Championship Off-Road Racing tour.
Craig Lake State Park
📍Nelligan Lake Road and US 41, Champion
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Craig Lake State Park is the most remote in Michigan’s state park system, spanning more than 9,700 acres in Baraga and Marquette counties. The park’s rugged and natural beauty can make access into the park somewhat challenging. Vehicles with high-ground clearance and four-wheel drive are strongly recommended due to the rocky conditions of the road.
Delta County Historical Society
📍16 Water Plant Road, Escanaba
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The Delta County Historical Society Museum, nestled within a beautifully restored former firehouse, provides a captivating journey through the area’s past. With its permanent historic displays, vintage photograph collections, and engaging living room diorama, it offers a remarkable window into Delta County’s heritage.
DeYoung Family Zoo
📍N5406 Co Rd 577, Wallace
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The DeYoung Family Zoo is nestled in the wilderness of Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula. This is NOT a big city zoo, step out of the box, away from the concrete jungle and come along on a new journey. You will love the natural setting filled with amazing animals from around the world. Large natural habitats, education through hands-on experiences, as well as up close and personal family fun!
Escanaba Motor Speedway
📍2401 12th Ave North, Escanaba
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Located at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds. The track is a 1/4 mile clay oval. Race classes include 4/6 cylinder cars, modifieds, street stocks, 600, 650 & Jr Micro-Sprints
Fayette Historic State Park
📍4785 II Road, Garden
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Find unmatched scenery and take a walk back in time at Fayette Historic State Park. Blending history and nature, the park is located on the shores of Big Bay de Noc – on Lake Michigan between Snail Shell Harbor and Sand Bay – on the southern side of Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula. Park Map
Grand Island National Recreation Area – Eben Ice Caves
📍Munising, Michigan
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The island is an exciting and secluded destination that offers Breathtaking overlooks, Pristine sandy beaches, and Inland lakes. In the winter the island offers spectacular ice caves. In order to get to the island ice caves you have to either hike or snowmobile across the frozen bay from Sand Point to the eastern coast of the island. Park Map
Eben Ice Caves are located within Hiawatha National Forest roughly 28 minutes southwest of Munising. The trail to the caves is a flat and easy 2.2-mile round-trip hike through the forest.
Indian Lake State Park
📍8970 W. County Road 442, Manistique
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Nestled on the shores of Indian Lake, the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, Indian Lake State Park offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy two campgrounds, overnight lodging, a boat launch, a popular swimming beach, a picnic area, and 2 miles of scenic trails. Park Map
Lakenenland Sculpture Park
📍2800 M-28 East, Marquette
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Lakenenland Sculpture Park is one of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s most beloved attractions. Visitors can explore a 37-acre park filled with over 100 whimsical, colorful metal sculptures. Created by artist Tom Lakenen, these sculptures offer a unique and entertaining experience, transforming scrap metal into awe-inspiring works of art. The Detroit Free Press calls it “The coolest unofficial roadside rest stop in the state.”
Marquette Maritime Museum
📍300 Lake Shore Blvd, Marquette
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The Marquette Maritime Museum is a family-friendly destination offering guided tours of the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and showcasing the largest collection of Fresnel lenses on the Great Lakes. Explore the museum’s exhibits, learn about famous Coast Guard rescues, and enjoy scavenger hunts and other fun activities.
Palms Book State Park & Kitch-iti-kipi
📍M-149, Manistique
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Located at the north end of Indian Lake, Palms Book State Park is home to Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. With over 10,000 gallons of water flowing per minute through limestone fissures at a constant 45°F, the spring is a must-see natural wonder. Visitors can experience it up close via a self-guided, accessible observation raft, enjoying the crystal-clear waters with an emerald green bottom. Park Map
Pictured Rocks Cruises
📍1348 Commercial St., Munising
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Embark on a breathtaking 2 ½ to 3-hour boat cruise that takes you along the stunning 40-mile shoreline of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The cruise offers unparalleled views of colorful sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and other natural wonders.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
📍1505 Sand Point Road, Munising
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Explore the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Discover sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and inland lakes meet the powerful waters of Lake Superior. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, sightseeing, and year-round adventures in a stunning natural environment.
Presque Isle Park
📍Peter White Drive, Marquette
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Presque Isle Park, a 323-acre forested peninsula, is one of Marquette County’s most visited sites. The park offers sweeping views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. You will a peaceful retreat and a great place for outdoor recreation.
Riptide Ride
📍1309 Commercial St., Munising
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Hop aboard the Riptide Ride for an exciting coastal exploration of Grand Island. On this tour, you’ll see Pictured Rocks, waterfalls, the island’s two lighthouses. If you are really lucky you will catch sight of eagles soaring overhead.
Sand Point Lighthouse
📍2-20 Beaumier Way Road, Escanaba
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The Sand Point Lighthouse was built in 1867. The National Lighthouse Service built it for $11K. It was a story-and-a-half, rectangular building. This was standard for the times, and had an attached brick tower. The tower was topped by a cast iron lantern room which housed a fourth order Fresnel lens. The light warned the ships off Sand Point and the sand reef which reached out into the Bay.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
📍1986 River Road, Seney
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Located in the east-central part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Seney National Wildlife Refuge covers 95,238 acres. This includes the 25,150-acre Seney Wilderness Area. The refuge is home to Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark. The area offers a range of outdoor activities amidst stunning wildlife habitats.
Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse
📍905 S Seul Choix Pointe Road, Gulliver
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Historically significant, Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse stands where Native Americans and French fur traders once sought refuge from a fierce storm. The bay became a safe haven, and the area was named Seul Choix, meaning “only choice” in French. Today, the lighthouse continues to be a prominent landmark along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Superior Dome
📍1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette
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Known for its mile-long beach along Lake Michigan, this park is a great spot to hunt for Petoskey stones, hike scenic trails, or relax in a modern campground.
The Menominee Range Historical Museums
📍Menominee Range Historical Museum. 411 Kent Street, Iron Mountain
📍Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum. 300 Kent Street, Iron Mountain
📍World War II Glider and Military Museum. 302 Kent Street, Iron Mountain
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The Menominee Range Historical Museum, established in 1974, has expanded. The museum now includes the Cornish Pumping & Mining Museum (1983) and the World War II Glider & Military Museum (2011). Notable exhibits include the Cornish Pumping Engine, the largest steam engine in North America. You will also discover one of the only seven fully-restored CG-4A WWII gliders in existence.
Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum
📍123 W. Baraga Ave, Marquette
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The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum offers engaging cultural and educational exhibits for children ages 1 to 13. You will find that visitors of all ages can enjoy the hands-on experience. The museum celebrates the region’s history, culture, and heritage. It will also frequently host special performances and programs to enrich the learning experience.
Upper Peninsula Veterans War Memorial Park
📍Kramer Drive, Iron Mountain
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Located in Iron Mountain, the Upper Peninsula Veterans War Memorial Park honors veterans of all wars. The park’s centerpiece is the 90-foot flagpole with a large Garrison Flag. It also features large stone markers honoring Upper Peninsula veterans from all military branches. The park has a peaceful sitting area for reflection.
Valley Spur
📍M-94, Munising
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Located 5 miles west of Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest. Valley Spur is a popular destination for outdoor activity. Cross-country skiers, hikers, and mountain and snow bike enthusiasts are frequent visitors. The area offers scenic trails and stunning views, making it a year-round outdoor recreation hotspot.
West Shore Fishing Museum
📍N5046 St. Hwy M-35, Menominee
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The West Shore Fishing Museum preserves the history of commercial fishing in the region. Visitors can explore the restored home and fishery of Charles Bailey. He ran one of the largest commercial fishing operations in the area from 1893 to 1950. Exhibits include fishing boats, tools, and a history of fishing from prehistoric to modern times.
Plan Your Trip
No matter what your interests are, Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula offers endless opportunities to explore, discover, and enjoy. From scenic vistas and outdoor activities to fascinating museums and cultural landmarks, this region of Michigan is full of hidden gems waiting for you to explore.
