Must Visit Attractions

The Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. From towering statues to historic parks, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore the rich mining heritage or enjoy the serenity of its pristine landscapes. Our Ultimate Guide to Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula offers must-visit places that capture the essence of Northern Michigan and offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

📍1404 Sharon Ave., Houghton
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Home to the largest public collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum is often referred to as the unofficial Great Lakes Mineral Museum. Established as the Mineral Museum of Michigan by the Michigan legislature on April 24, 1990, the museum’s mission is to engage and educate the public on the subjects of mineralogy and geology.

Adventure Mining Company

📍200 Adventure Avenue, Greenland
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At Adventure Mine, you can experience thrilling activities like rappelling down a mine shaft, underground drilling and blasting workshops, or take a more relaxed guided walking tour. The mine offers experiences suited to all ages, skill levels, and interests.

Baraga County Historical Museum

📍803 US-41, Baraga
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This accessible museum offers plenty of parking for RVs. A picnic area located between the museum and the lakeshore is perfect for enjoying a meal or taking in the view of beautiful Keweenaw Bay, with the Village of L’Anse visible across the water.

Baraga State Park

📍1300 US-41 South, Baraga
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Set along the scenic Keweenaw Bay of Lake Superior, Baraga State Park is a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, camping, and ORV-friendly recreation. It also serves as a convenient basecamp for visitors exploring the western Upper Peninsula. Park Map

Bewabic State Park

📍720 Idlewild Road, Crystal Falls
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Located on Fortune Lake, part of the Fortune Lakes Chain, Bewabic State Park offers modern and rustic campsites, a day-use area, a tennis court, hiking trails, and a boat launch. Rich with Civilian Conservation Corps history, the park features several CCC structures still in use today. Park Map

Copper Peak

📍N13870 Copper Peak Road, Ironwood
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Nestled in Michigan’s stunning Upper Peninsula near Ironwood, Copper Peak boasts the world’s largest ski jumping hill, as recognized by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views with Copper Peak’s Adventure Ride.

Craig Lake State Park

📍Nelligan Lake Road and US 41, Champion
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Craig Lake State Park, Michigan’s most remote state park, covers more than 9,700 acres in Baraga and Marquette counties. The park’s rugged beauty can make access challenging, so vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive are recommended due to the rough road conditions. Park Map

Dee Stadium

📍700 E Lakeshore Dr., Houghton
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Dee Stadium serves as a community center featuring a historic ballroom and an ice skating/hockey rink. The ballroom is available year-round for rent, offering a venue for parties, private gatherings, or public classes.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

📍15223 U.S. Highway 41, Copper Harbor
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Located at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park offers a modern campground, trails, a historical fort with a living history program, and two 1860s lighthouses on Lake Superior, among other attractions. Park Map

Hiawatha Statue

📍Burma Road, Ironwood
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Standing at 52 feet tall, Michigan’s legendary Hiawatha statue is the world’s largest Indian statue, as recognized by the World Record Academy. Built by Gordon Displays and funded by Charlie Gotta, the statue weighs nine tons and is engineered to withstand winds up to 140 mph.

Iron County Museum

📍100 Brady Avenue, Caspian
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Located in Caspian, Michigan, the Iron County Museum is one of the largest outdoor museum complexes in the U.P. It’s known as the “Log Cabin Capital of Michigan” for its abundance of historic log structures. Popular exhibits include the Carrie Jacobs-Bond House, Stager Depot, St. Mary’s Church, Toti’s Tavern, Pioneer School House, Giovanelli Studio and Gallery, and the Lee LeBlanc Memorial Art Gallery.

Ironwood Carnegie Library

📍235 E. Aurora St., Ironwood
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Built in 1901 with support from Andrew Carnegie, the Ironwood Carnegie Library is the oldest continually operating Carnegie Library in Michigan. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, it has served the community for over 100 years and remains a beautiful historical landmark in Ironwood.

Isle Royale

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Explore Isle Royale, a rugged and isolated island in Lake Superior, perfect for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross the lake to find peace and refuge in the island’s pristine wilderness.

Keweenaw Historic Park

📍25970 Red Jacket Road, Calumet
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Keweenaw Historic Park tells the stories of people and copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula, which have been intertwined for over 7,000 years. Indigenous peoples crafted copper into tools and trade items, while 1800s investors and immigrants fueled a mineral rush that shaped thriving industries and communities. The mark of these historical developments is still visible today.

Keweenaw County Historical Society

📍670 Lighthouse Road, Eagle Harbor
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The Keweenaw County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Keweenaw County. Through the work of volunteers, the society maintains 11 historic sites in one of the most historically significant regions of Northern Michigan.

Lake Gogebic State Park

📍N 9995 State Hwy M-64, Marenisco
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Covering 360 acres with nearly a mile of lakefront on the west shore of Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this state park offers lakeside campsites, as well as others nestled among trees, all within 100 yards of the water. Park Map

McClain State Park

📍18350 Highway M-203, Hancock
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Located between Calumet and Hancock, McClain State Park stretches along 2 miles of sandy beach on Lake Superior. It’s a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula and spend time on the water. Park Map

Mt. Arvon

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Mt. Arvon is Michigan’s highest point, standing 1,979 feet above sea level in Baraga County. Located about 27 miles from L’Anse, the hike to the summit includes a half-mile detour to a beaver pond, where moose sightings are possible. The rugged terrain and muddy roads during the rainy season make it a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Park Map | Mt. Arvon Brochure

Old Victoria

📍25401 Victoria Dam Road, Rockland
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Explore the four historic log cabins at Old Victoria, once home to copper miners and their families in the late 1800s. The cabins are furnished to reflect the past, and visitors can learn about the lives of those who once called this area home.

Ontonagon County Historical Society

📍422 River Street, Ontonagon
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The museum houses exhibits showcasing Ontonagon County’s mining, logging, farming, marine, and social history. Visitors can explore restored artifacts in room settings, including a tour of the Ontonagon Lighthouse, which has been carefully restored by the Society.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

📍33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon
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Covering 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park features an old-growth forest, breathtaking waterfalls, over 90 miles of hiking trails, and a shoreline along Lake Superior. It’s an ideal destination for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventure. Park Map | Trail Map | Trail Information

Portage Lake Lift Bridge

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The Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Hancock and Houghton, crossing Portage Lake and linking the Keweenaw Peninsula to Lake Superior. In June 2022, it was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The bridge is the heaviest and widest double-decked vertical-lift bridge in the world.

Quincy Mine

📍49750 US-41, Hancock
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Part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, Quincy Mine offers a step back in time to the copper boom of the 1840s. Visitors can explore the mine and learn about the industrial heritage that shaped the area.

Twin Lakes State Park

📍32650 N. Hwy M-26, Toivola
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Located 26 miles from Houghton, Twin Lakes State Park is situated on the southwest shore of Lake Roland, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. This park is one of the few in Michigan that allows off-road vehicles to travel between the campground and nearby trails. Park Map

Youngs

📍159 Young’s Lane, Crystal Falls
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A 3,000-acre property donated to Iron County by George and Margaret Young, this scenic land is home to an 18-hole golf course designed by George Young. Opened in 1984, Young’s is a cherished community golf destination. The clubhouse, built in 1993, honors the Youngs’ legacy.

Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time, immerse themselves in breathtaking natural surroundings, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails of the Porcupine Mountains or exploring the history at the Quincy Mine, these attractions showcase the diverse and vibrant character of Michigan’s northernmost region. Don’t miss out on these incredible spots that celebrate the past while offering exciting adventures for the whole family.