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The 50 best spots for kayaking in the Upper Peninsula
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 17, 2025
Updated • updatedJul 17, 2025
Are you looking for the best kayaking in the Upper Peninsula? You’re not alone! Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. We’ve looked through different sources to find the best options, including favorites like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Mackinac Island, and Drummond.
Visiting Upper Peninsula? See our Upper Peninsula Trip Planner.Why trust us
We scoured through the internet and read through 14 reputable sites and blogs like paddleyourstate.com and Ironwood. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place.
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Park
National reserve
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning park that boasts 40 miles of lakeshore and 100 miles of trails weaving through a northern hardwood forest. The area features the impressive Spray Falls, where Spray Creek cascades over rugged cliffs into Lake Superior. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as camping, kayaking, and hiking while taking in the breathtaking sights of dunes, waterfalls, sparkling inland lakes and streams, towering sandstone cliffs, and unique rock formations.
As someone who’s lived in Los Angeles for 11 years, I can vouch that, at least in the summer, you won’t be able to tell the difference between Lake Superior and the Pacific Ocean. Whole area has pristine turquoise blue water and something for everyone. Long trails for serious hikers, easy viewing platforms for families or those doing a sightseeing road trip, and incredible beaches too. I drove up Miners Castle Road to miners falls and and also hiked around miners beach and mosquito beach, honestly you can skip the falls unless you have small children, there are many other better and less crowded falls in the area and in the UP in general. Don’t skip miners beach! Incredible place, please go!
Arthur H — Google review
Simply gorgeous. The ice cave. My last view of scenery before I go. The park is beautiful though my tears I had a hard time to see. But go and enjoy. Enjoy for me as well for I am going soon. GOD wants it this way. Good bye to you who look at this site.
The Chapel Rock / Mosquito lake loop is possibly the best hike in Michigan for beautiful, panoramic views. Only two other hikes ( that I'm aware of) can come close to this for sheer beauty: The Escarpment trail at Lake of the Clouds and the Empire Bluffs trail at Sleeping Bear.
I would suggest bringing Bear spray on this hike, along with a first aid kit. ( I saw a bear!) The trail conditions are treacherous at times, especially the hikes in and out to the coast. But, once you get to the cliffs, it is almost a dreamlike walk. Be mindful of your whereabouts, as you can literally walk off any given cliff. Trail condition are better along the cliffs.
The parking lot was overflowing with vehicles in late August, and I had to park about a quarter of a mile down the road and begin the 11 mile loop. Oddly enough, the trails were virtually empty, until you get to the campgrounds and cliffs. My return hike past beautiful Mosquito Lake ( I think we could do with a more majestic name!) was about a 2 hour solo trek and I did not encounter a single person until I approached the parking lot. You can definitely feel isolated out there, and don't plan on having internet service anywhere in the area. Happy trails!
We hiked the 10 mile loop- it was beautiful. Make sure to pack a lunch and lots of water. The trail is well taken care of and the directions are pretty clear. This is my second time back- and I think everyone who lives in Michigan should hike it at least once.
Chapel Falls, Rock (a tree on a rock!), and Beach...all beautiful but the trail is difficult for anyone with mobility issues (81 yo mother with foot drop/brace). She managed to do the full 6.3 mi loop but was much more than we planned. Got to falls and thought we made it this far..lets see the view,rock, etc. Limited signage along trail cause confusion in spots and zero trail markers, only maybe 3 signs on entire trail. Note that trail to left for Chapel beach is far easier than to the right. Took us 6 hrs to complete (incl some beach time)..maybe half for anyone at a better speed. Definitely gorgeous and the beach offers a great spot to take a dip
Was a lovely adventure ! My boyfriend and I did the 10 (turned into 12) mile Chapel Loop hike & it was gorgeous & so worth it. One of my favorite places to visit. So glad I checked this off my bucket list.
Definitely wear good shoes!! I would recommend starting by heading towards Mosquito falls as thats where the most elevation gain was (better to get it out of the way at the start of a 10+ mile hike than at the end when you're more tired!
Gorgeous views are a reality, not a filter. We did the free guided geology tour at Miners Castle Rock. There is a ranger station there, and the kids also earned their ranger badges, and we got our national park passport stamp at Munising Falls Visitor Center. We paid a $25 daily car fee there.
Very peaceful and remote park. Several nice waterfalls and lakes to see. The rocks are incredible, especially when viewing from the water. Don't miss the Au Sable light station and tour. You even get to go to the top of the light for an incredible view.
1505 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA•
Island
Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron's Straits of Mackinac, is a popular vacation destination known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. The island, which prohibits most vehicles, offers visitors a unique experience with its stunning arch rock formations and world-famous fudge shops. With a deep historical significance to the Anishinaabe people, the island was once an important spot for fishing and gatherings.
What a great place to visit, lots of beautiful things to see. No cars allowed, the only way around the island is by foot, bicycle or horse. Over 80% of the island is state park. Of course, the main street by the ferry dock is crammed with stores selling souvenirs and such.
Gerry O — Google review
Mackinac Island is definitely a beautiful and unique place with its charming streets, horse carriages, and scenic views. It’s worth experiencing at least once. That being said, it can get very crowded, which makes it less enjoyable for people like me who prefer quieter spots. Also, visiting on a hot sunny day can be overwhelming. Overall, I’d say it’s a great one-time visit, but not somewhere I’d return often.
What a romantic little island. We took a carriage ride around the island and every place we stopped was picture perfect. I felt like I was in a different country.
This really is a town out of time. I recommend a tour of the fort and the cherry cobbler at the tea room. Book a carriage ride around the island and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
We love visiting Mackinac Island. Great restaurants, fudge & Ice cream. Love our walks around the Island, lots to see. Definitely worth the visit. Will come again.
What a great escape nice that no cars allowed on the island ,tons of bikes to rent or bring your own we took the horse & buggy ride around part of the island. Lots of shopping, but the fudge is another story we stayed at the KOA in Mackinaw City. Nice clean park differently going back hopefully the next year or 2 . You won't be disappointed
Gorgeous island set back in time where motorized vehicles arent allowed. We highly recommend the horse carriage ride around the island where you can get off & back on at destinations. You can also walk, bike, take a personalized carriage ride/tour, drive your own carriage or motorized scooters. The Secret Garden is a must see!! Sit in a rocking chair on the porch of the Grand Hotel and enjoy the stunning views! Eat at the Chuck Wagon. (Limited seating) Visit Fort Mackinac during one of the event times, cannon firing or artillery) Enjoy views & Lake Breeze. Butterfly House! Forge/Blacksmith. Fudge!
Mackinac Island is like stepping back in time, with no cars and plenty of charm. From biking around the scenic views to indulging in famous fudge, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. The island’s natural beauty and history make it unforgettable.
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Drummond, a civil township in Chippewa County, Michigan, includes the remote Drummond Island. With a population of 973 as of the 2020 census, it is known for being the seventh-largest lake island globally. This hidden gem offers a unique and peaceful getaway experience. Visitors can enjoy serene vow exchanges with their toes in the water or paddle out on complimentary canoes for an unforgettable ceremony.
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Waterfalls
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located in Paradise, is a popular destination known for its stunning waterfalls, woodland hikes, and year-round activities. The park features the impressive Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, plunging 50 feet into the Tahquamenon River. Additionally, visitors can explore the picturesque Lower Falls with its smaller yet equally beautiful cascades.
My friend and I hiked both the upper and lower falls. We went to the different parking lots and didn’t walk from one to the other. (Although we found out there is a shuttle so you can hike the 4 miles and get a ride back.)
The boardwalks are nice and allow for a safe stroll. The steps to the bottom are also safe and sturdy. The falls are impressive and it was a nice excursion. And it wasn’t crowded which was nice.
Megan M — Google review
This was our first trip in the UP and we heard and read so many great things about this park and it lived up to the hype. This is a beautifully maintained park. The pathways are free of debris and easy to walk. This is coming from two people who didn't think they'd be able to walk the whole Lower Falls, let alone the Upper Falls too. The Lower Falls is about a 2-mile walk in total. The Upper Falls felt a little less than that. We had a gorgeous day to walk these paths. I would recommend getting to either one of these fairly early as parking fills up. The lower falls seems to have more parking than the upper but once you get there, you'll be glad you went, especially if you love nature.
A beautifully relaxing space in nature. The state has done a phenomenal job of blending human access and convenience with nature. Easy access wooden walkways to the falls. Great spots to overlook the falls, rent and launch kayaks, or access swim spots on the river. The visitor center has lots of great shopping and snacks that help support the park. We are so glad we decided to veer off our original mapped road trip to add this park as a stop. Well worth the extra mileage and time. Plan on spending at least an hour if not more.
Worth the trip, but be prepared to do a little walking. I believe the lower falls are better than the upper falls. Lower falls have a 3/4 + mile walking path with several observation points for photos and viewing the falls. Upper falls have some observation points but some are under construction and are closed. Plenty of parking, restrooms available and a gift shops with some food options. There is a cost to enter the park unless you have the annual pass. Expect some delays as they are paving the roads in the area. Also ensure you have plenty of fuel in your vehicle, limited number of gas stations in the area and gas is 35 to 50 cents higher then national average.
Beautiful park. The areas near the falls are easy to get to. The top falls has 181 steps down and back up if you want to view it from the Gorge, so be aware. We hiked the 4.5 miles from the bottom to the top falls. There are a lot of ups and downs, roots, soggy areas. If you are out of shape, I would avoid it and drive from the bottom falls to the top after visiting each. If you can hike it, it is beautiful. Round trip was 11 miles of walking. Be sure to plan for the 2.5 hours each way. I wouldn't want to do it in the dark. There is a private shuttle that can take you from one parking lot to the other, $ 20.00 for first person and $5.00 for others in your group. They have limited availability do read the signs and contact them. Gift shops are at the top and bottom falls.
The upper falls were amazing and easy to reach a good view point even in a wheel chair. In the photos and videos you can not really tell how large and powerful the falls really are. There are steps to the gorge view, which will give you a wider view of the falls, however this view is farther from the falls. With it 181 steps to reach the gorge, if you decide not to tackle the steps you will not really miss anything. There is also a 4 mile path between the falls if you are up for a hike.
Awesome scenery! Short and easy walk to the waterfalls. Handicap friendly. They have food, beer, ice cream, restrooms, and a few shops. Something for everyone. I'm glad we made the 2.5 drive from Escanaba. It was a little busy when we went with the fall colors. You won't be disappointed.
Went with my disabled 20 year old son and my teenage daughter. We went on a Tuesday and it was amazing! They could have used more van disabled spots (we have a side lift) but luckily did find a spot without issue. We were able to walk all around the lower falls and around the little island even though it was not paved. Absolutely impressed with how our day trip went! Highly recommend. They even had family bathrooms (an adult changing cable would have been super convenient)!
41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768, USA•
Mountain range
Outdoor Activities
Forests
State Parks
Hiking Trails
Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan's largest state park and a true gem for nature lovers. Spanning an impressive 60,000 acres, this pristine wilderness boasts towering old-growth forests and breathtaking cliff-top views. With over 90 miles of hiking trails winding through its rugged terrain, adventurers can explore everything from serene waterfalls to rustic cabins.
What a gorgeous park. Lake of the clouds is absolutely gorgeous. Pretty views from lookout. There are quite a few hikes in the park. Some have small parking lots so take this into consideration. The Escarpment Trail, is just over 8 miles and 1653ft elevation gained. Super pretty views.
There are seven waterfalls to check out. A lot of wildlife to encounter.
Camping there - The campground is split into two loops. The east loop is a generator-friendly side, while the west loop is generator-free.
Time recommended in park - three days two nights.
Marcelle A — Google review
The views are stunning. There are so many ways to experience the mountains. You could be here for days & not see everything.
Oldest hardwood forest in North America! The roads are easy to navigate, clearly marked. The lake in the clouds was breathtaking and worth the trip. Vistas galore with many other tourists unfortunately. I highly recommend Porupune mountains
Breathtaking views of Lake of the Clouds after just a short hike from the access point.
As an avid hiker from southeastern Michigan, I've been wanting to hike the Porcupines for years. I did the Government Peak--Connector Line--Big Carp River--Escarpment trail loop, which took about 7 hours and was a real beatdown because the Escarpment Trail, which I did last, had the toughest terrain.
But it was totally worth it. I'm into seeing big trees and old growth forest and the Porcupines have one of the largest remaining stretches of old growth Hemlock forest in the country. This forest has a dark, epic feel, unlike other kind of forest in the eastern US. And here, you can hike through it for hours on end, which is a really special experience.
Lake of the Clouds is as beautiful as everyone says it is and made for an especially satisfying 'big reveal' after 5 hours of hiking and a final big climb up a hill. But as pretty as it is, for me, the real highlight was the miles of hiking through primeval forest. There aren't many places where you can do that, especially in the eastern US.
Spectacular views at Lake of the Clouds. The amount of trees in the park were incredible.
Stunning sights, easily some of the best views that the Upper Penninsula has to offer.
Fantastic views! I can’t wait to go back and spend more time there!
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Tour operator
Tours
Airport shuttle service
Bicycle rental service
Located in Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Keweenaw Adventure Company offers a range of outdoor activities and services. From sea kayak, canoe, and mountain bike rentals to guided biking, hiking, and kayak tours, visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. The company also provides shuttle services for convenience. Additionally, they offer lodging options such as chalets, cabins, and cottages for year-round stays.
We came into Copper Harbor for a quick trip (First time!) to see the Bike Trails and were not disappointed! This shop got us bikes ready quickly and David was amazing helping us find good trails to ride! He was extremely knowledgeable on the area, and was able to give suggestions based on what we verbalized we were enjoying. He made sure we were having a good time. A1 Van driving skills too.
Genuinely seems like a great place with very kind, fun, outdoorsy people who enjoy sharing their passion with others! Will use them again when we come back!
Justin J — Google review
One of the best MTB shuttle experiences ever. David had the van rolling up Brockway Mountain as fast as we made it down. The trails and area are amazing too! No cell service, no problem! Love it UP there!
Raymond, the owner, was extremely polite, helpful and professional. Keegan did a thorough job going over the bike and explaining other need to know information, Lily, our shuttle driver, gave us great suggestions on trails to ride. Flow-Raptor Ridge-W.W.W.-Garden Brook.
Highly recommend this place and definitely worth getting the shuttle service.
Highly recommend their multi day kayaking trip to Isle Royale! Bonesy our guide made it a coveted experience between his encyclopedia like knowledge of the island and his delicious camp meals. They take the grunt work of planning a trip and getting to Isle Royale. I felt safe as a novice kayaker while still challenging myself and learning new skills.
We just had the MOST amazing experience on a trip to Isle Royale. Our guide, Zeke, was the VERY best - we couldn’t have had been paired better - he is extremely knowledgeable, professional, safe, and knew all the ins and outs while having fun with us at the same time. We booked a private guided experience, seakayaking to base camp, setting up camp for two nights, hiking the trails around camp, and then kayaking back to the lodge. Zeke knew all of the details for camping on Isle Royale, and brought all of the supplies. He also made awesome meals and didn’t miss a beat, so that we could enjoy every minute. Incredible!!!
I came up here alone, with 2 days of biking shuttle service booked. I never had to wait more than a few minutes for the shuttle, loading up was very fast (the shuttle vehicles hold 7 riders/bikes), and the drivers are all bikers so they were very helpful with giving me directions on where to find the good trails. I booked 2 days but my second day was rained out (they still ran the shuttle in the storm) and I gave up riding for the day, but they pro rated the price on a 3rd day of shuttle service which was nice (website says no refunds for rain outs, so pay attention to that).
Something I didn't expect, but was very nice to find, is people taking the shuttle are really good about getting into pick up groups at the top and riding down together. I rode with 3 different groups of people that I met at random on the shuttle who invited me to stick with them on the trails, which made things a lot more fun than riding solo. It sounds like this is pretty common with this shuttle service and something they encourage, which is a really good idea. I rode some pretty difficult trails that I definitely wouldn't have tried solo, but I was confident in doing with 3-6 other riders. Riding together also helps to reduce time that you're waiting for the shuttle.
I visited copper harbor a few years ago and did a mix of riding uphill (this is awful, don't even try unless you have an ebike or want to suffer) and having a friend be my shuttle. I got way more trail time by paying for the shuttle, with the added benefit that its a lot more fun to only ride downhill. My first trip here was also on a hard tail, and it beat me up pretty bad. KAC offers pretty good full suspension rentals and they sell them at the end of the season, replacing with new rental bikes in good condition. If you don't have a good full suspension bike (stumpjumpers seem to be the meta choice in copper harbor), its definitely worth renting one.
It does sound like this place gets quite busy in the summer, but my trip was late september and in the middle of the week, so they only had <10 riders per day and things went pretty quick. Not sure how things go when they get busy, they did say they have at least one more vehicle but I don't know what that would do to wait times at the bottom. I'll be back to bike next year, likely using this service again, but it'll be late in the season like I did this year.
Thank you to Isaac at Keweenaw Adventure Company! The guided sea kayak tour was my first time in a kayak. I was so nervous leading up to the tour. Isaac's instruction and attention to detail made me feel knowledgeable and comfortable. It was an incredible experience. We explored a three mile route around Porter Island and had so much fun!
Great personnel! Very helpful and friendly! I highly recommend them! I had a low tire on my Ford Expedition after hauling my camper to Copper Harbor. The valve on the tire was leaking. I reset it and it stopped leaking, but I needed to air it up. There were no gas stations, tire shops, or auto shops within miles to get air for my tire, and it was too flat to drive very far. The Keweenaw Adventure Company doesn't handle auto equipment, but they told me to stop by and they would help me out. When I got there, Megan and Norman both wanted to be the one to help me out, but Megan gave in and Norman took care of me. He stretched an air hose that they use for bike tires out behind the building and let me air up my tire with it. He checked the pressure with a pressure gage for me and helped me get it to the correct pressure. He was friendly and talkative the whole time, and then sent me on my way. It's really nice to meet people like them!
155 Gratiot St, Copper Harbor, MI 49918, USA•
Peninsula
Visitor Centers
The Keweenaw Peninsula, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is a large and picturesque area known for its rugged coastline and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The peninsula offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore national parks and enjoy the scenic landscapes along the crescent beaches.
Beautiful drive along the peninsula provides a picturesque view of Lake Superior. It is a quiet and an offbeat place to get away from crowd and have a pleasant vacation.
Nishita M — Google review
Very scenic and has tons to do, and lots of rich history. I was there for a summer camp at MTU and I loved the peninsula.
What a marvelous, beautiful, and authentically wild place to visit! So much culture, history, and unique aspects of society live here harmonious with nature. The people were so kind and genuine as we traveled (early season tourists). We explored everything on the west, north, and south sides of the peninsula. I saw so many things I've only read about in a book - it was fantastic LIVING it! (Do NOT forget the bug spray!) Rain will not deter your trip to this majestic part of the US. If early season travelers, be prepared for cold nights.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is a scenic and historical treasure. The beauty of the north woods and Lake Superior shoreline is reason enough to make the Keweenaw country a destination attraction, and the copper mining history of the Houghton-Hancock-Calumet area is a major bonus. Include Copper Harbor, Eagle River, and Eagle Harbor in your visit if you can. The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was our personal family favorite.
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We absolutely loved the Upper Peninsula. The amount of snow they get here every year is mind bending. We are glad we visited in the summer.
Been going up here for over 20 years. Love the UP.
Fascinating geology, and a TON of history to discover! We can't wait to go back!
My kids live here. I absolutely love it, all seasons. The gorgeous scenery, tons of things to do, wonderful restaurants and shops. Fun "touristy" opportunities. Unbelievable wild berries, apples. Nice folks.
Lake
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, offers a picturesque shoreline and abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Keweenaw Peninsula's northern location creates a unique climate that results in stunning fall colors from late September to mid-October. Rockhounds can appreciate various specimens such as agates and Michigan's state gemstone Chlorastolite around Isle Royale and Manitou Islands.
I am the Great Pirate Captain Bob! The Apostle Islands are my holy ground and the sea caves are where you wont find me! The cold blue waters of Lake Superior are unrivaled but her beauty and blessing are with those who respect her. She has the power to sink you instantly or show you purity in yourself and fresh water. Never forget The Lake is The Boss!
Captain H — Google review
This lake was depressing k was expecting better tasting water but no! It tasted like fish 😡😡😡😡😡
I live by the lake and would not have it any other way. Lake Superior is beautiful even though she's always cold. Lake Superior also has lots of nice beaches with agates.
The cleanest fresh lake left mostly thanks to Canada, if it was only in America it would be polluted like the rest. Thank you Canada 🙏
FYI lake water is not safe for drinking, after reading another review, people need to know the difference between drinking water and not drinking water.
Would you drink your pool water or bath water? I sure hope not!
my family lives up north and I get to spend time with them at the lake throughout the year. It’s one of my favorite places to explore and be in nature. Beautiful views and tranquility here
If you love the ocean but live in the Midwest driving to the ocean may not be always feasible. I'd suggest that the Great Lakes are a very adequate substitute. And the Mother of all Great Lakes would have to be Lake Superior it's vastness and beauty is mesmerizing. Every time I've been there with my kids they cannot wait to come back to see it again. Truly fun for the whole family.
A huge huge lake, but one that is absolutely gorgeous. It is like a sea in itself. The lake has a weather forecast of its own and can be dangerous when the weather is not fair. It has a number of beaches along side and the park office will guide you for all the activities you can do here. It is recommended to here with some experience for any of the water activities.
There are some fantastic view points and the drive around is a must do!
Labeled a lake, it is clearly an ocean. Please fix this issue so no misinformation is spread. Thank you!
Campground
Bay Furnace Campground is a lakeside camping spot located in Hiawatha National Forest near Munising, Michigan. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it offers tent and RV sites with fire rings and beautiful views of Lake Superior. The campground's beach provides an opportunity to explore historic blast furnace remnants from the 1800s and search for slag samples. Additionally, visitors can enjoy agate hunting and rock picking along the beach.
A total blessing to find another National Forest campground right on Lake Superior.
I absolutely loved this campground, despite its "character-building" entrance road. The road coming in was a minefield of potholes big enough to swallow a small car – quite the adventure! But thankfully, it was short, and any vehicle could make it just fine. There are reservation only campsites and first come first served with a self pay and register station at each loop.
At $24 a night for a primitive site (no electricity, but clean pit toilets, a dump station, and potable water), it initially felt a bit steep. Most National Forest primitive spots are much cheaper. However, with my America the Beautiful pass, it was a much more palatable $12, which, for this area, felt like steal. Honestly, for being right next to Lake Superior and having surprisingly few mosquitoes and horse flies (a huge win in the UP!), it might even be worth the full $24.
The campsites are mostly level, well-shaded (great for privacy and hot days, but not ideal for solar panels – hence why I snagged the one sunny spot in the first loop, right behind the self-pay station!). Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. I was lucky to even get a spot, as almost every site was taken!
Beyond the campground, there's so much to enjoy and the reason it gets 5☆s. It's walking distance to fantastic rock collecting spots along Lake Superior. The historic furnace nearby is both informative and cool, and the water is beautiful (just a heads-up, there are leeches further down the shore, but not right in front of the campground). It's not a great fishing spot, but that's perfectly fine by me, as I don't fish.
Cell signal and data were pretty hit-or-miss with Straight Talk, but that seems to be the norm everywhere in the Upper Peninsula. Dumpsters are available, and there's a host on site if you need anything. There's also a day-use area with picnic tables right on Lake Superior, and the lake and trails are within walking distance of most campsites. Although my campsite was perfect for my solar set up, it was unfortunately within smelling distance of the dump station. Thankfully the wind seemed to only blow my direction a few times.
After experiencing other camping fees in the area, I've come to realize that $24 isn't horrible for what you get in the UP. But seriously, for that price, they should really fix that road!
Friendly host, very well maintained campground and day use area, more rocks and less sand than most places which made it perfect for collecting rocks.
Rebecca L — Google review
Nice NFS campground. No hookups. 1-2 bars Verizon 4g. Several sites are right on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Will accommodate all size rigs, we saw several large class A rigs there. We camped in early June and the mosquitoes were out in force! Gave it 4 stars only mainly because of the condition of the road into the park. It is the roughest stretch of road that we have driven in decades. Fortunately it is only 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile long. I don’t foresee the NFS repairing it anytime soon due to recent budget cuts.
We had our tent on lot 22 for 2 nights. It was perfect for us. Near restrooms & hiding area. Quiet. If you are looking for sunshine in the morning, this lot is not for you. Bathroom was clean & no smells (as long as all campers follow the rules which is to close the lid after using it!) For firewood, we bought it from a store right access the entrance of this site. $6 (plus tax) per one batch. That was great!
A short walk from the parking lot is the remains of a blast furnace used to make pig iron. The rest of the complex is gone, there are remains of a 1200 ft pier. Slag chipped from the pig iron looks like black glass, and is all over the area. It only ran for 10 years, but 148 years later the furnace is still very much in tact (it has been repaired, and timbers replaced). If you enjoy history, you will like this. An explanation of how it worked and pics follow.
Got in on a Friday at noon end of August, still a few sites First Come First serve. Just a quick 7 minute drive into Munising - a quiet reprieve! Plenty of space in camp and between neighbors. Beach is like *gestures wildly* right there (bring water shoes!) Coming back next year!
Stayed here for a first-come first-served site. Super clean outhouses, nice beach, and cool history! The bugs weren’t as bad as I expected for July in northern MI. And the camp hosts kindly returned change to me when I accidentally overpaid for my site!
Quiet and on the edge of Lake Superior. Our site was large, like most sites. Gorgeous beach, and some of the cleanest Vault toilet buildings were the cleanest I've seen in all my camping...and funny thing to notic,e but I did! My children felt safe to bike around the loop. Such a beautiful place. Highly recommend
Very nice sites for different size set ups. I wouldn't recommend large class A or large 5th wheels due to size. There are 2 sites on the lake, but there is beach access not far from the sites. It is a nicely wooded area for most sites. It has a dump station with drinking water to fill with. There is no electric or water hook ups at sites. You can use a generator from 6 am to 10 pm. if needed. There is a small historic area at the beach area to the right that is neat. We really enjoyed our stay twice here.
E7900 W, M-28, Munising, MI 49862, USA•
Nature preserve
Sylvania Wilderness, located near Watersmeet, Michigan, is a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and offers an exceptional experience for camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and skiing. This 18,327-acre wilderness area boasts 34 pristine lakes surrounded by century-old forests. With no noise pollution or modern amenities like bathrooms or drive-thru food outlets, it provides a serene and undisturbed natural environment.
We wanted to explore a new place to hike that would give access to lakes and the colors of fall. Sylvania did not disappoint. We went on a cooler fall day, mostly cloudy. As of October 1, the check in center appears to be closed. It is normally a daily fee area of $5 but there are no envelopes anywhere to be found so I’m not sure what to make if that.
There is a campground with one loop open at this point sites 1-13 and numerous backpacking campsites along the many miles of trails. Right now these are first come first serve but are by reservation only during peak season.
For hiking, I recommend downloading a map as the trails are not marked all that clearly but leads to a wilderness feel. I recommend driving past the check in station down a short drive and you will come to a split. To the left a short ways down is parking at one of the trailheads that leads to miles of trails and backpacking sites. The campground is to the right. Taking a left or right and driving as far as one can go will lead to boat launches on either end. I believe there is a beach past the campground at Clark Lake. From what I could tell, Crooked Lake is only taking drop in boats like kayaks and canoes due to invasive species concerns. We had a great time exploring it woods, taking detours to see several lakes abs we plan to be back next summer to camp here.
Deanne C — Google review
Sylvania is a true gem for outdoors lovers - so much so I'm not sure I want to rave about it, but I will. It's unspoiled, serene, and absolutely gorgeous. Bring your canoe and unplug from the modern world.
For anyone who's into hiking vast stretches of pristine forest, Sylvania competes with the Porkies as the best I've seen in Michigan. Much of the hike around Clark Lake is through old growth Hemlock--Sugar Maple--Yellow Birch forest, which is always an awesome experience. This forest contains the largest Yellow Birch that I've seen, a few of which must be 3-4 feet in diameter
What makes Sylvania even more special, one area in which it surpasses the Porkies, is in its collection of White Pines on the eastern shore of Clark Lake. Several of these must be at least 150 feet tall. They certainly rivaled those in Hartwick Pines, but have the added benefit of being part of a long hike through old growth rather than just a small remnant section.
Only drawback is that for some reason, they couldn't give change for a 20 on the $5 entrance fee and only took cash or check. But a hike here is easily worth $20 if that's all you have--just offer to pay the next three people's entrance with the change!
~$5.00 for day use/beach area. Tranquil, peaceful beach with all sand bottom, crystal clear Clark Lake. If you are anywhere near Sylvania Wilderness, I would recommend visiting. Even if you just drive through, you will have beautiful scenery. There are no motorized boats allowed, so all the lakes are kept pristine, and there is a pack in/pack out policy. Whether you are camping, canoeing, kayaking, or just going to the beach, it is well worth the experience.
Nice area, plenty of parking. Wish there was more signage at the trail head for how far the trail went or where they connect.
Made my very first visit to the Sylvania Wilderness this past week. Brought a kayak along, but only had time to spend a day here (could spend a week !). I put in on Crooked Lake. Very much has a Boundary Waters feeling. Easy to "get lost" if ya don't want to be around people. Scenery is fantastic and water is clear !! Had a GREAT time !!
I love kayaking, swimming, and hiking at Sylvania! It's a beautiful wilderness and is always so peaceful. The water, beaches, and the woods are all so clean! Make sure to steer clear of the island on Clark Lake where loons are nesting to give the little fellas some space. The Neature Walk guy and his friend Rodney would think that all of the nature at Sylvania is pretty neat!
Our group has traveled to the Sylvania Wilderness since 2011. I think of it as the BWCA, only a lot closer and a lot easier to manage, especially for newbies. Campsites are primitive with a fire pit, and rustic bathrooms. A good water filtration device is helpful! Fishing is very good. Mosquitoes are plentiful as well - so be warned! It's a beautiful wilderness experience, with limited intrusions from civilization.
June 18, 2023: Another camping/fishing trip - another great experience! New pics added of camping, fishing, sunsets.
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Lake
Lake Gogebic, Michigan's largest inland lake, is a year-round vacation destination offering activities such as fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and pike, camping, water sports, and snowmobiling. It is known for its unique feature of being located in two different time zones. The area provides opportunities for hiking, hunting, and enjoying the Northern Lights in the fall.
We have so many wonderful camping memories of our time at Lake Gogebic. I highly recommend visiting in the Fall when the Northern Lights might show up!
Kelly J — Google review
This lake is great year round! Good ice fishing in the winter, amazing colors in the fall, and warm water in the summer.
I love the view from this lake of Michigan. Enjoy this lake always
Beautiful large lake in western Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Great for families. The lake at our rental was shallow enough to wade out quite a distance. Beautiful scenery too.
Did some ice fishing and had a great time.
Great place for R&R. Decent sized lake and not terribly busy. Wish I could comment on the fishing, but there are many "family day trips" within an hour or two of the lake that are worth the drive. I heard the fishing on Gogebic is quite good and next time I'll find out for sure!
Went Ice Fishing last winter with Lake Gogebic Guide Service! Caught some dandy Perch. Great experience on a big, beautiful lake!
River
Two Hearted River is an easy in-and-out trail that spans 2.8 miles and offers breathtaking views of one of Michigan's most iconic rivers. The trail leads to the mouth of the river, which served as inspiration for some of Hemingway's early writings. Nestled alongside Lake Superior's northern shoreline near Grand Marais, this picturesque location is perfect for camping, fishing, and rock hunting.
It is such a beautiful and peaceful place to camp. I have always had wonderful neighbors. Perfect place to fish, also a rock hunters dream!
All rustic
Two pit tolits
No shower rooms
Pets allowed (must be kept on leash)
No playground
Barbara P — Google review
Incredible spot! We've been 2 years in a row. Pit toilets. Potable water. Dumpsters. THE BEST rock hounding evar! Hiking. Behind the farthest north east camp spot in the 2nd camp area is a trail up a hill. On top of this hill is a beautiful overlook with a bench. 10/10. DO NOT blindly follow Google maps out there as most of it is offroad trail. The main road is 30 miles of gravel so you have to use good judgement. Once you find your way there, that's the only road. Don't try to shortcut across 2 heart landing road to Crisp point light house unless you're 4WD and ready for action. You should go way back south and cut across a main road.
Great place to get away. But it's a ride to get to it don't Google map this it took me way off path.
Found some beautiful rocks
4.5/5 Stars
Amazing beach if you can find it. GPS tries to take you down UTV trails. But if you manage to make it, it's worth it.
Love this place. Been going there for almost 50 yrs
Beautiful with a nice campground. Vault toilets were full.
Sad how that Beatle has destroyed the forest up there.. but it making a comeback, beautiful place..
Park
Grand Island National Recreation Area, located offshore from Munising, offers a stunning natural experience. The area features two well-preserved 19th-century shipwrecks just below the water's surface, making it a paradise for paddlers with its crystal-clear waters and up to 45 feet of underwater visibility. Above water, visitors can marvel at the colorful sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses, and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.
Beautiful island! Loved every second of it. Definitely don't forget to bring bug spray and maybe even a face head net. Didn't get bit much but mosquitoes are everywhere.
The ferry is super cool too! Enjoyed the ride both ways!
John C — Google review
If you have an extra day in the Munising area, Grand Island is a must. We took the ferry over and rented bikes to go around the island. It was a bit pricey, but the bikes allowed us a way to see the island at our own pace. We visited in early June and the bugs were heavy on the island so bring bug spray or dress accordingly. The beaches has smooth pebbles and sea glass which made for great stops between riding.
Such an amazing experience!! Biked 20 miles around the park and couldn’t have had a better trip. Make sure you bring a lot of bug spray and water. Bike rentals are highly recommended if you want to explore the entire island in one day.
Spectacular scenery especially by water. We trailered our PWC's up from Sturgeon Bay to spend an amazing day circumnavigation the island yesterday. We packed, Cell phones, coolers, beach blankets, hand held VHF emergency radio and launched at Munising municipal boat lift at 10:00 am. Highly recommend wearing a wet suit under your PFD hut not mandatory as the water was pleasant especially o. The beaches.
We emailed a "float plan" with family including details on our route, planned stops, and expected return time. Fortunately we were able to text a progress report from Trout Bay Beach area. We circled clockwise starting in smooth waves. By the time we reached the north side of the island, the waves had built to 2-3 footers. Living on Green Bay we were more than comfortable in these waves however, I would ot recommend doing this trip on a single PWC. Their are several stretches of 2-4 miles on the island that would not allow you to beach a boat or PWC. Please use caution and abundant safety.
We took our time on the tour with abundant pictures and stopped at every beach. But spent the most time on the long beach at trout Bay on the South East side of the island.
One of my favorite PWC trips we have taken. Do your weather planning, bring the proper gear, file a detailed float plan with friends or family,
Camped 3 nights 4 days at the very north end.i mountain biked in 8 miles,the trail is awesome! Then i biked around entire trail and more for a total of 51 miles.
My dog Chacha and I took the Ferry to Grand Island on July 11, 2024. I had expected Grand Island to be a natural place with no private homes or vehicles, but I was wrong. The island had several homes with private beaches, their cars, and unfriendly signs deterring visitors from trespassing.
My dog and I took the right side of the road and went to a beach about two miles from the Ferry. It was annoying that the bus full of tourists kept passing us because there was no room on the road, so we had to move to the edge every time. We could not see the water from the road; the only wildlife we saw was a dead turtle, which was boring.
When we finally arrived at the beach, it was nice but not better than the San Point Beach in town.
It would help to rent a bike or camp overnight to see the whole island.
After a few hours on the beach with boats full of tourists passing by, we returned to the Ferry. We were lucky we could fit in as the big group of tourists riding the bus was ready to leave. The last Ferry leaves at 6 p.m.
The best part of Grand Island was the Ferry. Don't waste your time and money seeing this island, which offers little in terms of natural habitat, wildlife, or solitude. That is why Grand Island is cataloged as a Recreational Area, not a National Park.
AMAZING! Pro tip. You can launch your kayak from the ferry landing. The launch is on the backside of the building.
Leaving 3 stars for now, we did not get to experience the “good side”. Mainly wanted to write this for people to hear about renting the bikes. This is not a bash on the company renting them- the experience with them was smooth and they were friendly. But for visitors to keep in mind:
This is not a leisurely ride around shores of a beach town. We rented bikes and had to ride counter clockwise due to the race. This is mountain biking- thru the woods, fighting various elevations and terrain. The bike seats of the rentals are so incredibly uncomfortable, absolutely zero padding. Again, not a bash on the company, just for people to be aware of. It’s not an easy ride unless you’re an avid mountain biker, then I’m sure it’s a breeze. Just sharing so no one is surprised and has an unfortunate experience like our group did!
River
The Au Train River is a picturesque waterway that winds its way for 10 miles through the Hiawatha National Forest, starting at AuTrain Lake and ending at Lake Superior. Once used for logging, it now offers a tranquil and wildlife-filled experience. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes from AuTrain River Canoe and Kayak, which also provides shuttle services. The area features campgrounds, cabins for rent, ATV rentals, and various trails to explore.
Slow river. Great for beginners but lots of obstacles making it fun for more experienced kayaking as well. Rope swing, campsites with firepits/picnic tables and lots of sandy beaches along the river. Long, lazy, beautiful trip.
D Y — Google review
I've been to so many beaches around the world and this just might be my favorite! Water temp perfect. No salt, no sharks, no worries as they say. I'd guess it is jammed packed on holiday or weekend. W went on a weekday so not very crowded, maybe parking lot at 90% capacity. Weather was perfect. Safe walkway across bridge which gives great spot to make the 9 foot or so jump into the 8 foot deep water of the Au Train river. A very short float or walk for a dip into the shallow crystal clear water of Lake Superior.
The Au Train is a beautiful river. It is perfect for kayaking. You can ease your way down the river with minimal activity, and even at a quick pace, it is an easy river to navigate. It is great for beginners and advanced kayakers alike. I definitely recommend anyone kayaking here in the fall to catch the fall colors!
Such a great place for a calm, relaxed kayak ride. There's at least one campground and numerous cabins for rent in the area. I believe there's atv's available for rent in the area and trails that lead to all over the place. There's a couple nice little stores to stock up for some drinks and a picnic on the river. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent and they'll drop them off at the beginning of the river and pick them up at the end for you. I believe you can get a ride from the end of the River where you park your car to the beginning where you take off, even if not it's not a real far walk. I would very highly recommend this river trip or at least to explore the area to anyone in the area
Worth stopping on the side of the road for
Wanted to know if the river flows North; it does!
Beautiful slow moving, winding river that is ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Yesssssssssss
Mentioned on
Copper Harbor, an unincorporated community in Michigan's Keweenaw County, is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty. Tucked away at the base of rocky Brockway Mountain, it provides stunning views of Lake Superior and picturesque trails for visitors to explore. Once the heart of the copper industry, this historic town now beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of activities. Despite its small size, Copper Harbor boasts numerous options for travelers to enjoy.
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Maritime museum
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Soo Locks is an impressive engineering marvel that allows ships of various sizes to traverse between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Dating back to the mid-1800s, these gravity-fed locks lift and lower 1,000-foot freighters as well as smaller vessels over a 21-foot drop. Visitors can observe this slow-motion action from a covered observation platform and explore the area's maritime history at the Visitors Center.
Our first experience going through locks. The crew was so informative. I had no idea there were so many locks in the US even after seeing the Panama Canal earlier this year. This is smaller scale but equally vital to commerce and industry. Our Captain took us up the Canada side and back (down) on the US side. We'll visit again and do this tour again.
Fred P — Google review
This was a great experience. The park does not allow any weapons! Leave your pocket knives in the car. Public restroom. The locks are very interesting. My family and 2 other families traveling had a great time. The ice-cream right across the street is amazing and very affordable. Walking strawberries are great but expensive.
This may be one of the coolest things Ice seen. Its just amazing watching the big ships move through the lock. There's a a nice viewing platform. A lovely park. And the visitor center is very interesting. Definitely want to come back, 2 hours just isn't enough to enjoy the area and I want to take the boat tour.
Fascinating experience. You float through a lock upstream, rising 22', tour the St Mary's River a bit, and then head back through a Canadian lock. No passport required. We rode on the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours. Well worth the price!
The Soo Locks are a set of parallel locks, operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and they enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. The locks are located on the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, between the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario. They bypass the rapids of the river, where the water falls 21 ft (6.4 m). The locks pass an average of 10,000 ships per year.
The Soo Locks has a nice visitor center, which provides historical information, as well as current workload and performance statistics. It's well worth spending 25 minutes visiting all the exhibits. A three-level observation deck allows visitors a close-up of the locks in operation.
Was a amazing experience, we got there on a busy day and loved seeing so many ships come thru and 3 - 1000 footers in one day. Waiting to see when the 3rd lock gets done. Definitely will be going back once it's done.
Definitely worth the trip. Watched three boats go through on a rainy afternoon. The viewing platform (under roof) is awesome and the historical visitor’s center has great info and visuals to view. Staff was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and engaging.
Took the very informative boat tour. I highly recommend the boat trip since you not only see the 1000 ft ships go thru, we went thru the locks too... so I got the full picture of how the locks work.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA•
Temporarily Closed
Maritime museum
Museums
Gift shop
Historical landmark
Specialty Museums
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a historic lakefront complex located in Paradise, at the very northeastern point of the Upper Peninsula. It features a maritime museum, a working lighthouse, and a seasonal guesthouse. The museum showcases the commitment and sacrifice of sailors on the Great Lakes through artifacts, videos, and exhibits. Whitefish Point Lighthouse, one of Lake Superior's most beloved lighthouses, is also part of this complex.
I have been to the museum twice. I enjoyed it both times. The staff is always incredibly friendly which is a bonus. It's a gorgeous location as well. There is lots to read and learn and multiple artifacts. My personal favorite is seeing the inside of the lighthouse dwellings with their old time dishes and furniture, etcetera. There is also a nice deck overlooking lake Superior. They have a film you can watch on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Unfortunately I always tear up when I watch it but it is very interesting.
Eve K — Google review
All in all a great place to visit, but it's probably not going to take you 3hrs to tour the grounds. Nice 20 minute video on the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which i recommend you watch. Some really good points of interest, some things not so much. The drive is somewhat long and there is only one way in and one way out. The buildings are close so walking should not be an issue. You may encounter a large amount of mosquitos,so prepare for that. Great view of the sandy beach ship graveyard. There are a lot of interesting artifacts and stories in the buildings, so be ready to read a lot. Was not too crowded so much of reading should be in view. It's a pleasant visit but I'll let you be the judge 🤔
We lucked out on an early October weekend with temps in the 80's at Whitefish Point's Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. One fee gets you into the museum, along with several other buildings on site. There is a wonderful gift shop which helps sustain the museum, so your $$ are well spent. Buildings are in wonderful condition, given that they sit right on Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. They now offering a wonderful viewing deck of Lake Superior, which is totally accessible to all. You can still kick off your shoes, wander on the beach, and even dip your toes into Lake Superior. Parking is ample.
Great place, many buildings to explore, inside and out, but we only had 40 minutes. They charge $15 per person. All the staff in buildings 1, 3 were enthusiastic and helpful, but they were in a hurry to close up in buildings 2 & 4. Didn't get to go in anymore buildings. I recommend 3 hours. Then afterwards, you can explore the beach and wildlife nature preserve...make it a whole day visit.
This is a must visit if you're interested in the Great Lakes as well as the Legendary Edmund Fitzgerald. The displays were amazing and informative. Loved learning more about a few of the many shipwrecks of the Great Lakes. Plus everything else with the lighthouse and beach makes this worth the drive and price of admission.
Very informative and interesting attraction. You have a museum, living quarters of lighthouse keeper, 15 minute movie about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and a gift shop. There are two observation decks, one on the beach of lake Superior and one for bird watchers. Plenty of parking (free) and clean restrooms. Staff very friendly and there to answer your questions. FYI, if driving ensure you have full tank of gas as gas stations are far & few and gas cost about 30 to 50 cent more in the area. Minimal construction so expect delays during high traffic times. Definitely worth the visit. If you buy tickets inadvance there is virtually no WIFI to pull them up on your phone but they can use your name to pull up tickets you purchased on line. Tickets can be purchased on site as well
This was a wonderful experience. We were on our 15th anniversary vacation. You can go into different museums and walk down to the beach of Lake Superior. You get to learn about the Fitzgerald sinking, get to see how they lived, and learn about the Coast Guard from the day. Very interesting and fun place to visit. Don't forget to visit the gift shop!
I visit this location EVERY time I visit the U.P. The museum contains a plethora of shipwreck history as well as artifacts found from some of the wreckage. The lighthouse keeper's residence is a highly recommended place to walk through. It is reportedly haunted so it's possible to have a paranormal experience. Be sure to walk out on the Whitefish Point beach. Walk a bit to the west and up toward the dune you will find a weathered memorial with about four photos of some of the crewmen from the Edmund Fitzgerald. The beach is also great for rock picking, but you are not allowed to take driftwood or use metal detectors so be sure to respect the rules. The staff is very friendly and informative. The gift shop has lots of gift and souvenir items as well as books about local history, Michigan haunting, etc.
18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768, USA•
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Nestled in the forested Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds is a stunning valley lake that offers various activities such as swimming, fishing, and camping. Accessible via hiking trails or a scenic overlook, this shimmering blue lake is a picturesque gem in Upper Michigan. Surrounded by old-growth forest and located near Lake Superior, it provides breathtaking views of forested mountains and clear blue waters.
Very nice to visit, not far from the parking lot. 300 ft walk upwards but do-able. Hiked up with a 30lb baby attached to me so not bad lol. The board walk is also great to walk little longer but more to see! They even put up binoculars for people who have red-green color blindness to enjoy a more vibrant view. I thought it was awesome.
Rita A — Google review
Gorgeous spot with a view of the lake and the Porcupine Mountains. The viewing area is at the end of a 7-mile drive that is quite scenic. The path to the overlook is short, paved and fairly steep. At the top, you can enjoy the views from a flatter viewing area on the right, or the more adventurous can climb some rocks for a nice view.
Beautiful area. Free to enter if you have a state park pass. Definitely worth checking out if your near by. Tons of hiking trails. They have a nice paved path taking you to a awesome view. For an even better view it's a uneven rocky climb. Lots of signs explaining the wildlife
A once in a lifetime must see! Even on a cloudy day it was incredibly breathtaking. Stop at Porkies Outpost first for some food and souvenirs!
Stunning. Access from the parking lot it really easy. If you are in the porcupine mountains you have to visit this wonderful overlook.
Stunning! Highly recommend hiking some of trails in the area for scenery.
Beautiful vistas of the lake and mountain valleys. Well worth a visit.
Except for the detours, our trip was awesome.
Canoe & kayak tour agency
Tours
Boat Tours
Kayaking & Canoeing
Paddling Michigan offers an extraordinary way to explore the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with a variety of tours designed to showcase this breathtaking area at its finest. Whether you opt for a serene morning paddle or a picturesque sunset tour, each experience allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you.
My family and I had the best kayaking experience with Uncle Ducky's! Check in and everything went smoothly and we had a great tour guide, shout out to Jesse! He told us some good places to eat and was really knowledgeable about the rocks and shipwreck! We did the 3pm 3hr tour which I thought was the perfect amount of time to go. My favorite part was going through the tunnel 😁 Overall had a blast and can't wait for next year, definitely a MUST DO❤️
Lydia M — Google review
Wow! What an amazing experience! Our guide was knowledgeable and so nice! I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’ve never been in a kayak but after a quick introduction and instructions we were on our way and the 6 hours flew by! The water was a bit choppy at times but our guide tested the waves before letting us get too close to the cliffs and we felt safe the whole time. I would definitely do it again next time I visit!
This is a must do excursion if you’re vacationing in Michigan!!! We did a 3 hour tour and it was WELL worth the cost to experience some amazing views!! It wasn’t physically exhausting by any means and the water was SO CLEAR that we were able to spot the wreckage of a 100+ year old ship! We even got to go through a narrow enough way that we could touch each side of the rocks! Also had a good time cooling off under the waterfalls! Shoutout to our tour guide Shelby who made it even better with tons of info and history of the rock formations, waterfalls, and the plants and animals that inhabit the area!!
We did a tour around Grand island and had a great time. It was a bit windy but our guides were super accommodating and provided blankets and you can also bring your own. You can also bring snacks and drinks in the boat. We got bloody Marys from the bar and were given lids to take them in the boat and it was *chefs kiss*
Took the 6 hour kayak tour of Pictured Rocks. Our guide was McCoy who was very friendly, engaging, and funny. The trip itself was easy to do as an amateur kayaker. The lunch spot/turn around point was nice. Really good way to see everything.
I had the time of my life here !!!
I went on the 6 hour paddlers choice and loved it, our tour guide ( Dom ) was great, very informational, well mannered, to the point and very safe. I really enjoyed him being so friendly and helpful!
The equipment was nice and up to date.
The staff were friendly, great place to bring the family or just some friends!
The photos don’t do it any justice! We did the 3 hour tour and our guides were Dom and Marty since we were in a group of 14 (normally the do groups of 10 per guide). Both provided details along the way and made it entertaining. I gave it 4 stars because the owners need to replace many of their kayaks. Many did not have the pedals or working adjustable pedals to place your feet on and the kayak we were on was warped because no matter what we did we kept zig zagging and pulling to the left. On the return trip we had to be towed in by Marty because of this.
My five friends and I enjoyed a wonderful kayaking tour with chase as our guide. He was so informative about the rock formations and could answer any questions we asked! If I’m ever in town again I’ll definitely be kayaking with y’all again!! Thank you!!
1331 W Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA•
Wildlife refuge
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a vast wilderness with wetlands and pine forests, providing a home for migratory birds and the famous Strangmoor Bog. Visitors can enjoy encounters with various wildlife such as moose, deer, swans, turtles, ducks, bald eagles, and muskrats. The refuge offers activities like marsh drives, biking trails, nature trails through wetlands and meadows. Additionally, visitors can indulge in paddling, hunting, fishing and birding opportunities.
One of our favorite places to visit when in the U.P. Don't go expecting to see deer, bear, and moose. But if you go with hopes to see some cool birds and possibly a muskrat, beaver, and many other small animals - you'll likely be pleasantly surprised. The visitor center is very informative. Take the driving loop slow, like the sign says. It's a stunning drive, especially in the fall (don't go too late or you'll miss the birds!).
Free to visit, but donations are welcome.
Nick W — Google review
Beautiful and well maintained two-tracks. Seen lots of different birds and if you look into the cattails you will see the Canadian geese with their babies. Seen a few deer and a beaver.
Essential to visit alongside your pictured rocks trip! Bird-watching paradise, even from your car. The Robinson Rd trails were also great, highly recommend a mountain bike. Seeing an otter and beaver in the daytime was incredible, would love to go back at dawn or dusk to see even more. Could easily spend a few days exploring the whole preserve, can’t wait to get back.
What an absolute hidden gem. If you're even a little bit interested in birdwatching, this must make it onto your U.P. itinerary. I stopped into the temporary visitor center and was greeted by a trio of friendly and very knowledgable gentlemen who gave me the rundown on where to go and what to expect and sent me with a bunch of really nice maps, postcards and a book about the refuge. I hadn't been here in decades and I definitely won't wait so long next time.
This is a fantastic place for birding if you are traveling with kids or people with limited mobility.
Horse flies and deer flies are out in force!! We were afraid to get out of the truck. There were 100's swarming around the truck as we drove thru the refuge. But the scenery and wildlife was beautiful!
Absolutely gorgeous area. We saw swans, geese, ducks, beaver, otter, muskrat, eagle, and sandhill cranes. The auto route takes a couple of hours, so be prepared.
Absolutely love driving through here. The views are spectacular and not knowing what animals you may see.
I loved this place! Now I want a meadow with wild flowers and bugs flying all around. Butterflies and grasshoppers everywhere.
1986 River Rd, Germfask, MI 49836, USA•
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Park
Nature & Parks
State park
Brimley State Park is a popular bayside park known for its modern campsites and stunning view of the International Bridge. The campground offers 237 sites, many of which are just a short walk from the shore of Lake Superior. Visitors can enjoy fishing and access to a 2,000-foot sandy beach along the lake. Additionally, the park is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Sault Ste Marie, where visitors can experience fireworks on both Canada Day and American Independence Day.
I camped here last June and it quickly became one of my top 5 MI state parks to stay at. My site was a short walk from two multi-stall restrooms, including accessible stalls and a single person restroom. My first night there, I was very happy to discover I could hear the lake from my site; amazing ambiance to fall asleep to. A short drive to Sault Ste. Marie, meaning you can quickly stock up on supplies you may need without having to make a long trek. Definitely will come back some time and explore more of the area.
Arly W — Google review
Nice campground. Bathrooms are clean and in good repair. Awesome beach with shallow, clear water. Would give 5 stars except for the fact that the smaller tent lots are so small and on top of each other. I could hear my neighbor snoring. Over the sound of the rain. 4.5 stars, though.
The campground is very busy. It's nearly full daily. There is a great beach to play and swim on. Picnic tables are all over the park. There are open public restrooms and a pavilion. Overall a great park. One downtown seems everybody is burning good in the provided fire pits, making it pretty.smoky.
If you want some solitude, this is your place to go. You can watch ships as they come and go from the locks. The shore is beautiful with all the rocks and driftwood. My husband and I had a lovely time on this deserted beach for the afternoon
Very well maintained park. Staff and rangers were friendly and efficient, though the host could be more welcoming (when we stopped by.) Great stretch of sandy beach right next to the campground and the restrooms were clean. There’s grocery and general stores within 5 minutes drives.
Some very large sites. Great for small group camping. Nice sandy beach. Dogs are allowed (leashed) on almost all of it. Water is nice with gradual dropoff for swimming. Scenic, but wildfire smoke made it hazy when we were there. Typically looks like there would be nice sunset views but the smoke blocked it. Doggy pickup bags and dog waste trash bins throughout park. Nice playground. No good fishing. Nice (standard state park) bathrooms.
Nice looking park.
Lots of low areas on some sites.
When we arrived after a rain, didn't expect to see so much flooding.
Very nice new Restrooms!!
We stayed in the 1-mini cabin in the campground. I think this is the best campground in Michigan! Cabin was very clean & was perfect for the us two adults. Can sleep four but would be a bit more cramped. We put all our luggage on the top bunks. Had mini fridge, microwave, 2- single sized bunk beds, nice blinds on all (door, back, & front) windows. Screens on front/back windows to open. Had 4 beautiful wooden stools that you could pull up to the attached wall bench to eat/drink while viewing through the front window. No air conditioner, but they did provide a fan & a portable heater. The top bunks could get hot if sleeping on top. We did get direct sunlight in front windows late evening. But it was quite cool at night during our stay. Fire pit & picnic table in area behind cabin. Public restrooms & showers close by - brand new structure & very clean. They even had an outside hot/cold sink on the outside of the restroom building. I used that to fill up my container to wash dishes that we brought. We were just a short walking distance to the sandy beach. You can easily see the freighters as they passed by coming or going to the Soo Locks. Camping sites all seem good size, grassy, with lots of trees for shade & sun. We loved our stay!
9200 W 6 Mile Rd, Brimley, MI 49715, USA•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Miners Beach is a stunning and memorable destination with breathtaking views and ample space to relax on the beach. The sand may be warm, but the cool water offers relief. While parking can be crowded, a new parking area is under construction. Access to the beach is free, but the walk down may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's a favorite dog-friendly beach in Michigan, offering swimming with Pictured Rocks as a backdrop and smooth colorful rocks along the shoreline.
Amazing scenario, extremely well maintained. Roads are closed in the winter. Plenty of parking, except for holidays.
JT B — Google review
Some of the finest and softest sands anywhere in the Great Lakes basin that we’ve ever seen so far.
Plenty of parking in the large lot. Restrooms. I didn't see any fees req'd. Not ADA accessible as there are stairs to the sand. The beach is beautiful! Clean sand. Little waves. Pretty little Lake Suoerior stones and the bluest sky and water ever! Can't wait to come back.
This beach was absolutely stunning!!! Because it's nestle right between Miners Castle and Elliott Falls, it has an abundance of rocks, if you are rock hunting. Beautiful stones! We went on a Saturday afternoon Labor day weekend and it was super packed. No parking at all. It was a short 5-10 minute hike to the beach. There's also a wooden stairway to the beach, definitely not stoller or wheelchair accessible.
Absolutely beautiful beach. Short walk from the parking lot to steps down to the sand.
Pretty big beach right in-between the pictured rocks. Not horribly busy, a bit out there so dont expect to have phone service.
Dog friendly, lots of rocks and drift wood. Clean though. Recommend to anyone over the other beaches.
Came during the off season and it was still beautiful just a bit chilly. Off-road parking, restrooms, and waste & recycle containers on site with stairs leading down to the beach. Walkable trail connecting to Miners Castle Rock. The beautiful trail is about a mile long with a somewhat steep elevation change about halfway. Passed family with children walking the trail as well.
Very gorgeous and beautiful. The water is too clear…sandy beach..want to go back again and again!
Canoe & kayak rental service
Tours
Kayaking & Canoeing
Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Da Yak Shak, located in the charming town of Au Train, is your go-to destination for kayaking adventures across Michigan's stunning Upper Peninsula. They offer a variety of kayaking excursions and will conveniently deliver kayaks to numerous lakes and rivers, allowing you to immerse yourself in some of the state's most picturesque landscapes. One highlight includes guided tours through the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Very nice staff, I had surgery on ankle 6 weeks ago and they put me in a Cadillac of kayaks. Very sturdy and safe. The seat was incredible.... I'll never do a cheap kayak rental again... Spend the extra $$$ and enjoy the ride.
Joe M — Google review
Great people! We rented kayaks and had the most relaxing trip down the Au Train river. They have so many options and flexible trip schedules, they make everything so easy and are the nicest crew! Love Da Yak Shak!
The guys went completely out of their way to accommodate our large group. We had an emergency and they went back to pick up an extra 2 kayaks and also pick up extra family at our rental on curtis near by! Very happy with our experience! Thanks again guys.
Had a great paddle down the au train river! Super nice and informative. Several options for a trip (short or long) they take you to drop your vehicle at the end of the trip then take you and the kayaks to drop at the beginning. Gave you lots of options on kayaks and trips, no pressure just let you choose what you wanted. Super friendly and answered any questions. I enjoyed this kayak trip (@ 3 hours) more than the painted rocks kayaking just for the nice relaxing river. Several places to stop and hang out and restrooms to accommodate along the way. Don’t pass this one up, worth the time.
Love floating down this river. There are two trips, a 1-2hr and a 3-4 hr. Easy little place to walk in to and get relaxing a change of scenery.
100000/10!! Great prices, awesome selection of yaks, we did Doucette to Au Train beach, was a beautiful 7 mile paddle along the river and shoreline of lake superior!
If i could leave a zero i would. Totally clueless- rude-called us liars. We had our tent robbed and wrote a check to pay. The check needed to be held due to my account being frozen. They called us at least 30 times and came to our camp site. No humanity. Extremely poor customer service. Can't wait to put them out of business! Dr. Julie Reynolds
Amazing service, very kind. Great experience!! They waited for my daughter when she was running late. Highly recommend!!
7556 Autrain Forest Lake Rd, Au Train, MI 49806, USA•
River
Nature & Parks
Parks
The Paint River stands out as one of Iron County's most cherished paddle routes, offering an enchanting experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This designated Michigan Natural River features gentle currents that meander through stunning landscapes, making it perfect for leisurely paddling or simply soaking in the serene surroundings. Wildlife watchers will appreciate the calm pools along the way, providing ample opportunities to observe local fauna. The area is not only a haven for paddlers but also a fantastic spot for fishing and relaxation.
LOVE this area because it's close to my parent's camp and LOVE the location!! 💖💖
Brenna D — Google review
Looks good . Beautiful in stretches.
Canoe , kayak , Float , good access.
But , RELATIVELY lackluster fishing .
Sections have fish.
Many parts are STERILE for miles producing only the occasional Sm. Mouth bass.
Such a beautiful scenic place. Good for fishing too
Great place to fish relax. Highly recommend seeing
Love this place.Glad to be here.Great bar and restaraunt.Ray was very friendly
Good food every time I went there great atmosphere!
Beautiful river and mostly an easy paddle.
Great place good food!
National forest
Ottawa National Forest is a vast expanse of wooded hills dotted with numerous lakes and 18 waterfalls, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing are enjoyed here. The forest offers easy access to ATV and snowmobile trails, making it an ideal location for adventure seekers. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Bond Falls, Sylvania Wilderness, Lake Superior, and the Porcupine Mountains.
Drove through this region and around. Very beautiful forest, absolutely loved it and the small but beautiful mountain ranges. Very remote and pretty slice of forested Americana not too different looking than in. New England states like New Hampshire, though a little more flat. The nearby Lake in the Clouds is also an amazing site and are some legit mountains next to Lake Superior and quite a view. The porcupine mountains where they are a legit mountain range and very beautiful.
Overall loved our little weekend trip up here and definitely recommend all the lakes and hiking areas and pretty forest and topography.
John S — Google review
A "MUST SEE" when you are near Ironwood. Not only is it an amazing sight, but its also a piece of history! Simply amazing views of Copper Peak in the Fall.. at sinrise!
The beauty of this place is magical. Being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature. There are beautiful streams, dense forests and so much peace. Wildlife is everywhere. I love it.
Lovely mixed deciduous forest. Not much, if any old growth though. Beautiful foliage in the fall and lots of places to camp in the parts that aren't riddled with private properties.
Such a beautiful national forest with many things to see. Espcially the black river scenic area. It's hard to leave this place.
This place is heaven. All the diverse wild life, from deer, turkey, wolves, grouse, moose, bears, huge eagles. Fishing is unbelievable. Rough country, not for weak people. Your in the middle of no where. Must be armed for personal safety.
Beautiful area. We have been coming up for 5 years now. Great camping. Clean and well kept campsites. The falls are amazing!
There is a billion mosquitoes here, but the lakes are gorgeous with dark blue water and beautiful greenery around.
Bruce Crossing, MI 49912, USA•
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National park
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in Lake Superior, near the Canadian border. Established in 1940, it encompasses Isle Royale and numerous small islets. The park's secluded setting offers pristine wilderness with thick forests, rugged ridges, and scenic shorelines. It's known for its abundant moose and timber wolf populations. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving in the surrounding waters.
Our 45th National Park.
They say it the least visited one in the southern 48 states.
There are limited ways to get here- ferry or seaplane.
We booked a ferry 5 months ahead, for an ease of mind. Captain and crew were very friendly and helpful. We were lucky with no rain weather. But if it was rainy many people would get wet, as the main room on the ferry can’t fit all the passengers.
I do recommend having layers, I had rain cover for backpack just in case, plus rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof boots/shoes. Weather is truly unpredictable here.
We did 2 small hikes- Nature trail and Grace creek overlook. That’s pretty much what you can do in 4 hours on the island from Washington harbour. They have a nice restroom, a visitor center and a cafe near the port.
Marta S — Google review
Have hiked end to end twice. A wide range of experiences from tranquility to misery can change your outlook on life and make you appreciate the amenities we have at home. Experience raw wilderness unspoiled by humans, dark sky stargazing, gorgeous sunsets, and brisk swimming in Lake Superior. It can also be a rewarding social experience meeting friendly folks at the campgrounds.
Our family just got back from a 3 day trip on this amazing island. The island offers great amenities when close to the harbors but seclusion when you hike. The campgrounds were beautiful and clean. This was one of my favorite trips that our family has done. I am looking forward to going back!!!
Least visited park in the lower 48 but the most re-visited. You can do a day trip, but this park deserves an immersive wilderness experience. Spent almost five days here and not a moment felt wasted.
Beautiful island. If you are looking to walk the Greenstone Ridge Tr. do so in the fall or early in the summer before all the plants grow too high as they can become quite a pain to walk through when hiking one end of the island to the other. Careful of leeches in Hatchet Lake, and Lake Desor is home to some Wolf activity so keep a look out for some cool sightings near the lake. MAKE SURE to travel from Rock Harbor to Windigo when crossing the island due to the elevation gain, if you start in Windigo it is nothing but uphill for many miles. Lastly, BRING BUG SPRAY, otherwise you'll be eaten alive before you even start your hike(s).
The Lodge has a million-dollar view! There were many challenges with a runny bathtub and a bathroom window that wouldn't open. For the cost of the room - 253.00 a night - I expected daily cleaning and prompt correction of the plumbing issue. Neither occurred. I was able to get garbage emptied and towels replaced.
I am allergic to gluten, and I was counting on the many gf options that were on the menu. Unfortunately, there was a gap in planning over the 4th of July Holiday and many items on the limited menu ran out. I was given the wrong pizza and spent 2 hours of our precious time on the island screaming in the bathroom.
I have given Aramark two opportunities to make this right and I was only told there would be retraining. Isle Royale is one of the most expensive parks to visit. It is as beautiful, if not more so, than Acadia. I do expect more value for the cost.
The ferry ride over was insane!! 90% of the passengers were puking, coffee machines were flying around, fans flying, and imagine the bathroom situation. They were reporting 14 foot waves. BUT 10/10 recommend for the “experience” 😂 The ride back off the island was uneventful.
We took the ferry from Copper Harbor to Rock Harbor where we started our hike. Rangers were very informative and there were so many more options at the camp store than I would have thought. We had a wolf encounter while at the Rock Harbor Shelter, we had to shoo him away from taking our food bag, Mid breakfast.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Visit to Isle Royale. But Poor Timing and Unsettling News
We unknowingly chose an unfortunate time to visit Isle Royale National Park. Persistent fog blanketed the island, causing the cancellation of all boat tours and water activities, except for the main ferry service. Even the seaplane, which usually offers a scenic and efficient way to arrive or depart, was repeatedly delayed due to the low visibility.
Despite the weather, we still managed to explore some of the island’s beautiful trails. Hikes like Suzy’s Cave and the Scoville Point Trail offered stunning, if moody, views of the landscape. The rain and haze transformed the scenery into something more mysterious and brooding, an atmosphere that gave the park a haunting kind of charm, though it made certain parts feel more isolated and eerie than serene.
Adding to that sense of unease, we later learned, days after we had already left, that two bodies were discovered at a remote campsite on the very same day we were in the park. The news wasn’t mentioned or made known to any visitors during our stay, which made the discovery all the more unsettling in hindsight.
Overall, Isle Royale remains a unique and rugged destination, but the timing of our trip, coupled with the weather and the tragic news, made for a strange and somber experience. I’d love to return one day under clearer skies and calmer circumstances to truly appreciate all the park has to offer.
River
Menominee River in the Upper Peninsula offers a range of experiences for water enthusiasts, from gentle family floats to exhilarating class IV rapids and falls at Piers Gorge. The river is known for its scenic beauty, with bluffs along the river in Niagara, Wisconsin providing a picturesque backdrop. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, tubing, kayaking, and rafting with experienced outfitters offering guided trips. The area also features hiking trails and peaceful spots like Duvals resort for relaxation.
Always a great view. Lots of fun to tube. Places for o putting in a pontoon boat are the best. There are some good swimming holes. Kayaking can be fun. Fishing is spotty. One of my favorite Rivers. Damms are cool. Great place to drink beer.
Steve P — Google review
These were taken along the trails to Piers Gorge. Absolutely beautiful this time of year, or anytime of year!
Try Duvals resort! Most peaceful place I know. Always something to see. Fishing is always at least good.
Wonderful river for canoeing and exploring. Very scenic with many canoe / kayak launches.
What's not to love !
The tube ride is great when you launch from Norway dam, just give yourself 3-4 hours to make the trek. Water is very slow in places and a paddle comes in handy. Pack a cooler and enjoy the ride.
Very pretty river with several great fishing and tubing spots. The Bluffs along the river in Niagara Wisconsin are especially nice. Piers Gorge offers excellent white water rafting with several adventure companies running affordable rafting trips every weekend. Most offer substantial group discounts.
There are no fish here!!! No 50 + inch sturgeon or musky.No 30+ inch, 15# walley.No world class bass fishing.No gills or crappie or perch.Stay home. There are already 50 boats at the launch.
Campground
Bay View Campground is a fantastic place for a secluded camping experience. The campground offers spacious and well-maintained campsites, with some providing direct beach access. The friendly hosts are knowledgeable and keep the facilities clean. While it's a small campground, the proximity of bathrooms and water pump adds to the convenience. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises from their own paths leading down to the beach. It's recommended to stock up on supplies before arriving as there are limited nearby amenities.
Second time camping here. More bugs in June than our previous trip in August… still a beautiful place. Great hosts. Everything is clean. We hit a day in the high 80s while camping and the kids swam all day. Little breezy but it kept the bugs away. Definitely would recommend it.
Jared H — Google review
Beautiful views at the beach, a short walk down, few people and lots of space, felt like we had the place to ourselves. Sunsets are spectacular. There are some biting flies and mosquitoes for sure so wear light colored clothing and bring your Deet spray. Towels are handy to wrap around your legs when they get vicious. The bathrooms are clean and well kept. Water pump works well.
Best campground we’ve ever stayed at!! The hosts were nice & kept the place very clean. The pit toilets even smelled nice. The sites on the right have direct beach access. The ones on the left have to walk to the public access path. There are games available to take to your site to play. The sites are spread out. We had a great time.
This place had the nicest camp host ever ! They worked hard everyday you could tell they enjoyed and are proud of their work ! Man i can't remember their names sorry !
We stayed mid August 2021 hope they will return next season !
Campground is the best that's easy when you have the Best taking care of it !
Back here july 4th weekend 2022 .
Chief Huganut welcomes you !
Camp host very nice this year as well !
Campground is super clean !
Returned july 4th 2024
Awesome as usual !
First off the host Gilly was beyond friendly and full of information. We camped at site 25. It is a walk in, they provide a wagon to help carry in which was so helpful. You have your own path down to the beach, which we were able to watch the sunset and sunrise each day. It is a small campground but with that being said it made the bathrooms and water pump close by. You will want to load up on supplies before heading here as there is not much near by. Also the price per night was a extremely fair price.
I feel like I shouldn't review this place so it stays pretty secluded but everything about this campground was fantastic. Went camping here for 2 nights, no reservations but driving through on a Thursday there were still plenty of spots open. We stayed at camp site #7 and it was amazing. You get enough space between campsites so you actually feel a little more secluded. You're about 50 feet from Superior beach which was all sandy when we went, search for agates elsewhere!
For night time, the stars are always amazing and if you look to the east you can see all the lights off in the distance. There are plenty of trees in the area so you can get some fallen wood (please don't knock down trees!) or you can buy firewood by the front gate into the campground.
The water pumps worked great and the outhouses were well maintained.
If Gilly still works there, say hello to him, he was a great person to meet.
What an awsome little campground ! Super senic views and wonderful more private spots if you aren't interested in being super near your neighbors. Good price and plenty of campsite room. Great water access as well!
We had a great stay! Will definitely return and be sure to get one of the lake lots. Hosts Kathy and her husband are wonderful and do a great job at keeping this a clean and quiet camp. Thanks guys!
W Lakeshore Dr, Raco, MI 49715, USA•
Campground
Nestled on the south end of AuTrain Lake, AuTrain Lake Campground offers a serene and picturesque setting for camping. The campground is situated in an active area with several other campgrounds and resorts along the lake's shores. Just a short distance away are attractions like Au Train Bay on Lake Superior, Grand Island, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The campground provides well-maintained vault toilets and clean campsites with ample space between them for privacy.
I LOVED this campground and 10/10 would go back. It's a great location to explore the area, but also to use as a base to have day trips around the UP.
If you can score a site that has access/view of the water, awesome, but if not, they are all great spots. Site #29 was a great size, had access to the water and felt kind of magical back there. There are vault toilets (but they are serviced regularly!) and no showers. The Bird Watching Trail on site is lovely and well-maintained with nice informational signage.
Becca B — Google review
Some sites offer nice shade and surrounding trees for privacy. The property is very well maintained including clean vault toilet buildings. Waterfront campsites don't have great frontage for swimming, but there's a beach a short walk away.
On Memorial Day weekend 2025 there was no potable water available. The water in the campground was signed unsafe to drink, and the well at the beach was removed altogether a few years ago. Plan ahead and bring your own water in case it's needed.
$24/night fee is a bit steep for times that drinking water isn't provided, otherwise I'd recommend without hesitation.
A nice hiking trail also runs through the campground.
Our campsite was 24 and it was open and well maintained. There is a narrow spot to get into the lake but we preferred to use the boat launch that was a couple sites away. The camp host was nice, made us feel welcome and checked in after the first night. Vaulted toilets were always clean and didn't smell horrible like most. The campground itself was quiet and relaxing, not far from munising, tons of trails and beautiful waterfalls! Love this campground and can't wait to return.
We really loved our campsite here. We got a first come first serve site and it was nice. Bathrooms were very clean and had a tiny tree in them to keep them fresh! Whole camp ground was clean and the portable water was always full.
Au Train Lake Campground is always a good time. This visit was no different again a great time. The campground host definitely took pride in their efforts. The campground was extremely clean and well kept, the restrooms were fantastic super clean even my Sweetie commented on how clean they were. Thanks for your efforts they were much appreciated and definitely noticeable. It sounded like she was on an adventure so be safe on your venture and have fun.
The swimming area is to be desired - it's small and overrun with weeds, BUT Lake Superior is less than a 10 minute drive away. We stayed a week camping with family and it was great, bring a fogger for the bugs though. Fishing was great, boat launch area is clean, outhouses are clean, and there are nice walking trails nearby!
06/23/2025:
only visited here to hike a trail, so this is for Au Train Songbird Trail rather than the campground—
nice trail, kept well-maintained, nice creek views. the bugs weren’t great when we went but it was a hot day, 90°F ish. no cell service and we didn’t see any other people here except for a guy driving around in need of directions.
Nice quiet campground near Lake Superiors beautiful sandy Au Train bay. National forest so generally no loud people around.
Co Hwy 596, Au Train, MI 49806, USA•
Waterfall
Superior Falls is a stunning 65-foot waterfall located on the Montreal River, right on the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. Visitors can enjoy a viewing area above the falls or follow a trail down to the lake for an even closer view. The waterfall has multiple drops totaling over 110 feet and sits just below a dam, making it an impressive sight. The hike down to the falls is steep but manageable, with a roughly cemented path that makes it easier.
The waterfall are absolutely beautiful and the fact that about half of the water if not, more is actually going into a giant water power plant that you need to walk by on your way to see the fall is pretty amazing when you think about it. It’s pretty easy to walk on over the hill is pretty steep and it goes right into Lake superior.
Samantha M — Google review
Great spot for some pictures the waterfall is great , the maps or directions aren't the greatest kinda had to look around to actually find the viewing spots. Didn't find these on any of the Wisconsin waterfalls loop list's thankfully found them on Google and I would say they are worth it.
Such a cool spot! Worth the hike back up, its not that bad anyways. Definitely worth a visit!
What an amazingly beautiful waterfall! If you like waterfalls, this is definitely one of the best ones I have ever seen! There's a good size parking lot at the top of falls. You can see the from over the top with just a short hike. From there you can go downhill and take a short hike to see the falls from the bottom. The falls then flow out into Lake Superior. It is an absolutely beautiful area.
A top visit only slightly below Bond Falls in amazement. Here you can experience the red clay cliffs along the shore from on top as well as shoreline. A rough "paved" path guides you down for grip in either direction. Then you can crawl along the rocks, hugging the wall, to reach a small beach facing the falls (just one). Bring a swimsuit to make your way to the base of the falls and start climbing it.
Cool falls with unique rock formation. Cool to see if your in the area
The waterfall is great but hard to find. No signage in this area to show where it is. Decent trails and good views.
I should have double checked Google maps before we went, as we missed hiking at the top of the falls! That being said, it was beautiful down below. The hike down and up is steep but roughly cemented for trucks, which makes it easier. The Superior shoreline is beautiful, and a great place to have a fire and relax. You can see the falls from the rocky beach, and it's beautiful. When hiking around, you need to go past a power plant building and be cautious if the water is high. But walking along the trail is absolutely gorgeous and flat down there. It's a beautiful place. There's also a very short trail to look out at the top (go to the right instead of down). We really enjoyed our visit here!
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Marina
Copper Harbor Marina is a picturesque spot to start your adventure exploring the beaches and rugged shores of Lake Superior. The marina offers a peaceful and scenic sunset boat tour, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights under the right conditions. It provides ample parking, a good boat ramp, clean facilities, and even free WiFi for checking weather in areas with no cell service.
We started our hike to Hunters Point at the Copper Harbor, Harbor 👍 this is a beautiful, kid-friendly 1.5mile hike.
Terrah Q — Google review
The marina was a great relaxing experience. Great place to view lake or fish.
Strong, wide concrete pier and docks. Fantastic shower, clean bathrooms.
Great service!
Millionaires only! Been here maybe 50-60 times fishing off the dock over the last five years, never by any boats. Often having conversations about fishing with the DNR conservation officers about catches and life in general, never once being asked to leave. Not until the garbage guy working as a DNR Employee put up all the makeshift signs and barricades so he can play hall monitor. Now they have barricades on a state owned harbor informing all (not just fisherman) that they can’t set foot on the docks unless they rented a dock slips (untrue according to their website), only the millionaires and their 3 yachts that don’t even use up half of the slips. Not all the slips are taken, this is the only state harbor I’ve been to that will kick you out for setting foot on their docks. Don’t make the mistake of using the public bathrooms! They are now only for the yacht slips too, with the public restrooms having a sign saying “boaters lounge: Boaters only” despite being listed as public restrooms. Really heinous and abusive behavior of one townie DNR maintenance/garbage man ruining life, recreation and fishing for tourists and townies alike.
I was told you could see the curve of the Earth from a vantage point nearby, which you can. Then went to try and see the Northern lights. Got there early and happened upon a sunset boat tour, thought why not, and went out. Peaceful and scenic. Got to tour the lighthouse and it's grounds and watch the sunset. Didn't see the Northern lights, but it's possible from the area with the right conditions.
We used this marina to launch our kayaks, so I cannot speak to how this marina fairs for boaters. The marina has a fair amount of parking, and a very good boat ramp. It is not a large marina, with a total of a dozen or so slips available.
Clean, friendly, and a great stop if the weather isn't cooperating. They have free WiFi which is huge for checking the weather in a no cell service area.
They have premium ethanol free gas too.
Good place to dock up and walk the trails.
14447 State Highway M26, Copper Harbor, MI 49918, USA•
Park
Black River Harbor is a stunning recreational area located within the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan's upper peninsula. It offers public access to Lake Superior and provides kayak rentals for visitors to explore the picturesque surroundings. The harbor features a series of small falls along the Black River, which are particularly impressive in spring and beautiful in fall. Additionally, there are hiking trails with scenic waterfalls, camping facilities, fishing opportunities, and a large beach for swimming and sunbathing.
A nice park and beach (rocks and pebbles along the shore). Spring, summer, or fall it's a nice place to visit. There are a series of small falls along the Black River that leads into the harbor. They can be pretty impressive in the spring time, and quite beautiful in the fall. Lots of memories coming up here over the years.
Andrew W — Google review
The UP sucks, tell your friends!
A short walk down to the harbor and over a beautiful bridge leads to a great rocky beach for rock hounding. Amazing sunsets.
Loved coming to the park as a kid and it hasn't changed at all. The grounds are kepted up well. The scenery is fantastic. The beach is sandy and clean. Looking for rocks never gets old.
An absolutely beautiful don't miss place on Lake Superior. The photos speak for themselves.
A beautiful piece of Michigan's upper peninsula. This location has camping, fishing, and hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls. There is also a large beach for swimming and sun bathing. As well as a large picnic area with plenty of grills and tables for people to enjoy overlooking the harbor.
Take the trek all the way to the beach, beautiful crystal clear water, we found a gates and skipped a bunch of rocks. Beautiful for a beach day! Make sure you take everything down with you...its a good walk!
Loved the suspension bridge! Hidden gem!
Black River harbor has always been one of my favorite places to go to, you just don't know what the beach is going to look like cause it changes so much from year to year. This year not many rocks on the beach from the storms. Very long beach to walk down and listen to the waves. The hiking trails are some of the best around, I've been using them most of my life here. The trails are not the easiest ones along with the beach they change a lot also. With a nice big park to do picnics at I think it will always be one of my favorites.
Very nice park with lots of recreational activities to do. You do need to pay a fee to park here.
Island
Isle Royale is a remote island in the Great Lakes, part of a national park accessible by ferry. It's known for its camping options and lack of permanent residents. Rockhounds can find Michigan's official gemstone, the chlorastrolite or Isle Royale Greenstone here. The island offers 36 campgrounds and well-marked trails for backpacking, with options for enclosed shelters or tent sites at Windigo.
An absolutely life-changing experience. If you are questioning whether or not to come here and are on the fence, definitely visit Isle Royale. I stayed at Three Mile, Daisy Farms, Mcargoe Cove, West Chickenbone, and Moskey Basin. If I had to rank them, it would be 1. Moskey Basin- absolutely beautiful and super cool rock formations, and a sandy beach. 2-Daisy farms-very large, nice dock. Water super clear and blue, and campsites were nice 3-Mcargoe Cove-super friendly people, boat access, and a beaver dam across the cove! 4- Three mile- nice dock, clean latrine, and only 3 miles from Rock Harbor. 5-West Chickenbone-Very mosquitoey, and campsites were hard to navigate. It was a long, confusing hike and we weren't sure where to go in order to get to the campsite. Still a good one, but backcountry so no water access except chickenbone lake, which I am not sure if it has algae blooms. My experience with Isle Royale was amazing and if you get a group of people together, it is super fun.
Stina — Google review
Well my scouts had to choose between Yellowstone and Isle Royale for a summer trip (with the flooding, I'm glad they picked here). I took ages 9-16 out. We opted for a ferry ride out and back. We we spent 5 nights on the Isle. Backpacked to different campsites everyday. The trails are well marked (we hiked 32 miles of the island, with a lot more to go). The locations of all campsites are also well marked. At Windigo, there are 2 different options for sleeping. There are enclosed shelters or tent sites. We chose a shelter for our final night since it is right on the inlet. We were able to see several moose walking the waters at sunset. Red Fox also visited our site. The cove has a spectacular view. Even though the water was chilly, the scouts were out splashing around, having a great time. While hiking, we ran across very few people on the trails. Very few hikers and the park being so remote, were huge parts of the peacefulness and quietness that we all enjoyed.
The rangers were all fantastic and the employees at the shop were also friendly. The shop does have some supplies, but they only get shipments every 4 weeks. So if you are planning on being there just overnight or several nights be prepared, they may not have what you need. You must be able to filter your water, chemically treat it, or boil it. Only windigo and the northern port have potable water. Cell service is basically non existent. Every now and then, I had an American signal. Other times I picked up a Canadian signal.
I am definitely going back. Wether it is with more scouts or by myself.
Isle Royale is a beautiful park. It's very remote and the further you get from the boat dock, the more dense the forest gets. Lots of vocal wildlife including moose. I went here for a day trip, which meant about 4 hours on the island between the ferry rides. There are plenty of easy hikes in the area, but also long ones if you plan for overnight camping.
Secluded park with lots of moose and wildlife. Most dense forest I have ever been too. There was about half the people doing long trip hiking and the other half like me visited for a half day. This park is a ferry ride away and is carry in and carry out so you really need to plan advance to visit and stay here. I enjoyed the park immensely though.
Isle Royal is my favorite place. We stayed for 3 days at the cabin. We were lucky to see many animals during our stay. Next time I would love to stay much longer.
Isle Royale is Michigan’s only national park and also the least visited national park in the country. That alone makes it worth the visit if you want to avoid crowds. Backpacking the island is not for beginners, but the terrain is easy with few technical areas. We had spectacular weather while we were backpacking. We went in early July a few years ago and only had the mosquitos to deal with along a couple trails and some camp sites near the water. I’d strongly recommend taking the seaplane to make the most of your trip.
Love it here, lots of good hiking trails.
Good planning is important, I think a lot of people come here not knowing what they getting into.
Plan ahead, Pack Light, don't bring things you can do without.
Amazing place. I would go every week if I could!!
River
Tahquamenon River, located in Michigan, offers a stunning natural spectacle with its two distinct waterfalls cascading around an island. The river rushes with 50,000 gallons of water per second and features falls that drop 22 feet with a width of over. Visitors can hike along the Tahquamenon River trail, which spans 4.8 miles one-way or take a trolley and ferry to access the area.
Lovely train ride was really nice. I would advise sitting up close so the smoke keeps the mosquitoes away. Take bug spray!!! The boat ride was fabulous! You can take your own snacks and drinks but they do sell items like hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and various drinks including alcohol. There are bathrooms on board the boat. The entire adventure takes around 6.5 hours. There is a 1.5 hour hike to the falls so wear sneakers! The trail is hilly so I would rate it a medium terrain. There is an out house on the trail.
Virginia L — Google review
It's beautiful to visit and the hiking by the river is worth great.
I love this place a cruise around the river
Nice leisurely boat ride. Saw some wildlife. Good narrative from boat Captain. Hike to Upper Falls when you get there, but if your unable to make the climb you are able to stay on the boat with majority of the crew while the other people are gone.
Better than I anticipated. Fishing was good.
If you take the trolley and ferry, you should be very mobile. At the end, its a hike up several stairs and thru a rough hiking trail to actually see the falls. However, the trolley ride was absolutely worth it. The train engineer, Steve, was a true gentleman and that part was proctored with interesting bits. Once we got to the riverboat, there is a nice and underpriced kitchen and snack bar aboard. Captain Stewart and the crew pointed out a lot of visible historical artifacts along the river. Overall, you have a truly great adventure even if you cannot make the trek. Ask Captain Stewart for his photo album, it should probably get published as a book. We will ride it again!
Beautiful.....what are these tiny tiny birds everywhere that like to land on my skin and give me itchey little kisses? They leave little love bumps afterwards? Cute little bãstãrds.
Beautiful spot to visit on your sled in the winter. Spent a few days at the
"Cole Country" cabin w/ friends and family
Campground
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Sturgeon River, Flowing Well Campground offers a delightful escape into nature. With its six secluded campsites surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildflowers, this charming spot is perfect for camping enthusiasts looking to unwind. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as fishing, canoeing, and picnicking amidst serene surroundings. Each campsite features essential amenities like picnic tables and fire pits equipped with grill tops for cooking under the stars.
6 campsites on the river. Pit toilet. Bring your own water. No RV hook-ups. No hook-ups in general. ATV friendly. Pet friendly. Firepits with grated grill top. Picnic tables at each site. $24.00 a night. Campsites 3, 4, and 5 are pull through. Campsites 1 and 2 are first come first serve.
We stayed and loved it. Tent camped. It has bugs because it's outside... Pit toilet was clean. Water spigot was missing so bring your own water or filter system for the river. You can cut downed wood so bring chainsaw or an ax. We bought wood in Manistique on the side of the road. Faint road noise, but wasn't a big deal. Close to ATV trail access. Camp hosts greeted us on our first day, super friendly. It's rustic camping. If you are into that then I highly recommend this spot.
Angie F — Google review
The area is beautiful and the sites are nice, bad mosquitos so plan accordingly.
Really disappointed in the upkeep, USF contracts with vista recreation to maintain it but they aren’t doing much.
User stated last year the water was broken, it’s still broken.
Stayed a whole week, and they only refilled the toilet paper once, it was out by the third day during a holiday weekend. Luckily I had my own.
No trash, a small trash can by the day use area, all the campers piled their bags up around it and it stunk.
For the money it should be better.
My wife and I stayed here with our two dogs on Memorial Day weekend 2022.
The campground was well maintained. The sites were not packed together, but we could still see our neighbors.
The campground is near a road, but traffic was minimal during the day and almost non-existent at night.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring; the fire ring has a grill you could swing to hang off the side and leave the pit open or set over the fire for cooking and boiling water.
The restroom was a single-occupancy vault toilet. It was clean and odors were not an issue.
The picnic area had a couple picnic tables and grills. Additionally, there was a spigot but I either did not know how to operate it or the spigot was broken. We ended up getting water from the flowing well and filtered/boiled before use to be safe. Water from the well was clear, but smelled slightly of sulfur.
The surrounding area is marshland, so bugs and mosquitoes are heavily present. A good fire will keep the bugs away and a little bit of bug spray will pretty much eliminate issues with the pests.
Some maps of the campground show 10 sites, but the campground only has 6 sites.
We camped with tents for 3 days. We had 4 tents, we were 7 people, and we had plenty of space. The background noise of the river is nice but during the day you will hear the trucks passing through the nearby road. No showers and no lumber sold at the place, although you could self serve buy lumber 10 mins away by car going north on road NF-13. Mosquitoes were pretty bad in August.
Very quaint and peaceful campground, only 6 sites to camp at , a few with great views of the river nearby.. light traffic audible but nothing terrible like I read in other reviews. The well was really pretty and I had a great time !
Was going to stay here but found a better place up the road. Bugs at night are fierce since the sites are by the river. Audible road traffic since camp is not off set from the road. Outhouse was really gross. Did not stay primarily due to loud generator and I'm glad we found a better spot.
Great small campground with u-shaped drives for each site so you can pull thru. Bathroom was very clean. River behind sites is pretty cool, but maybe a warning should be posted about the fast current for those who may bring children.
Saved us after someone took our campsite! It was a great time and perfect for just a night stay. $22 a night. There is an actual flowing well in the park area where you can get drinking water.
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Canoe & kayak rental service
If you're seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure, look no further than The Woods Tahquamenon River Canoe and Kayak Rentals. Nestled along the stunning Tahquamenon River, this rental service offers paddlers a chance to explore nearly a dozen picturesque lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With options for kayak delivery available for an additional fee, convenience is at your fingertips. Visitors rave about the friendly service and reasonable pricing that The Woods provides.
Great place to go to kayak the Tahquamenon River. Kayaks, canoes and lifejackets available but you can bring your own and just use their shuttle service. Reasonable prices. The river was pretty, very curvy and the current moves you pretty well. Good river for beginners!
Nichole P — Google review
Kayaks and canoes are in great condition and reasonably priced. Life jackets are provided and are clean and in great shape. Friendly and knowledgeable people, very willing to help out. My family and another rented canoes and kayaks and had a very good experience. Highly recommend this company!
My family and I rented some kayaks here and we had an issue with the man who drove us to the drop in spot. The owner handled the problem with grace and sincerity. I was really impressed with his reaction. He has taken steps to ensure no one else will have issues. Plus, the river was gorgeous and the kayak was so comfortable. Great for beginners or anyone who wants a leisurely trip down the river. We will be back!
Such a beautiful river. The staff were friendly and they had bug spray and sun tan lotion for anyone to use. Just make sure to call before going to get trip times.
Scenery was absolutely amazing even got blessed to see the beginning of the color changes in the trees in August
Our experience on the Trip B kayaking experience (June 17th, 2019) was nothing short of perfect. Doreen cheerfully took my reservation 2 weeks in advance. She also informed me that due to flooding from the heavy winter snowfall that Trip B may not be advisable but that she would keep me posted. 2 days before our trip, she told me that we were a go! Ken greeted us at our cars when our party of 9 arrived and quickly got us all outfitted with life vests, which are comfortable and in good condition. Doreen got us geared up with verbal instructions for our trip, along with a map & complimentary bug spray (which turned out to be unnecessary.) Ken led us to the endpoint for us to leave our vehicles and then drove us all in the van (towing kayaks) to the drop-in point and helped each of us launch. This leg is indeed 5 hours long at a leisurely pace, and a VERY mild current. It took very little effort to turn around & paddle against the current. We saw turtles, herons, families of baby ducks and woodchucks along the way. Prior to our drop in, Doreen told us that they purposely stagger trips so that groups can enjoy some solitude on the river and that was the case on our trip; we encountered no one else for the entire day. Bottled water is offered at 50 cents per bottle before departure. I would advise those interested in this trip to bring beverages, small coolers & sunscreen. Our experience was wonderful and I recommend The Woods very highly...we will be back!
My dad and I were looking to rent a canoe, after going to a place that did not accommodate walk in customers we came here and were greeted with friendly service very reasonable pricing complimentary bug spray and a choice of canoes. We chose the 2-3 hour trip (took us 2 hours and 45 minutes) and enjoyed it very much the river is very beautiful and picturesque. Based on our experience I highly recommend them for your canoe rental needs especially if you are looking for friendly people and a beautiful river.
Did the Lower Falls to Rivermouth trip (17 miles) with tandem kayak for $65. Made a reservation several weeks in advance. I think they're the only such rental place in the area. We had to carry the kayak ourselves down several flights of stairs to get to the river at our drop-off point. The kayak we had was very worn out, uncomfortable, and seemed warped. I’m 5’ 10” 170 lb and had almost no room to move in my seat. The trip itself was very strenuous but well worth it.
M-123, Newberry, MI 49868, USA•
Lake
Crooked Lake is a stunning destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As the main entry point to Sylvania Wilderness, it features a public boat landing where visitors can enjoy boating—though motor use is limited to preserve the tranquility of the area. This lake has been a cherished spot for many families over the years, with memories spanning decades, from summer vacations filled with fishing and boating to romantic getaways.
Absolutely beautiful lake with super clear water!
Steve S — Google review
Come to Crooked Lake in the summer and get SWIMMERS ITCH.....UNCONTROLLABLE ITCHING from the duck poop/ snail/ virus life cycle. Dont be tempted to swim here when yer on the bike path. It will mess up yer whole week! I had hives for 3 weeks. Minimal scarring but damned if i didnt wanna doe during the first 3 days.
I have owned a house on this lake for 30 years and moved into it after I retired. Great fishing and boating. Headwaters of the inland waterway which connects to the great lakes and from there, the rest of the world.
Vacationed summers on Crooked Lake for 10-12 years, in the 90's and early 2000's late July-Early August. The highest praise I can give is that when my son got married, he and his wife spent their first summer vacation together on Crooked Lake, great memories, inland waterway to Indian River, Pizza and "Big Luke's" at Vivio's, good golf courses in the area, easy access to Petoskey & Harbor Springs...just a beautiful area, terrific memories!
Grew up on the lake. Know it very well.
Crooked Lake is gorgeous, I love the majestic sunsets! A great vacation spot.
Beautiful area and had wonderful time over the weekend
Very crooked.
Lake
Lake Fanny Hooe is a picturesque spot located near Fort Wilkins State Park, offering a serene and beautiful setting for visitors. The area features various accommodation options including a lakefront hotel, cozy cabins, and campground facilities to cater to different preferences. Additionally, there are amenities such as a gift shop with an array of items ranging from candles and souvenirs to camping supplies and fishing gear.
This is a gorgeous little lake. Great place to kayak.
Kirsten M — Google review
Sit here in June, for a quick overnight stay before I jumped on the queen to head to Isle Royal. $45 for the night, which I felt was a little expensive for a non-electric campsite. However, I paid for convenience and was only blocks from lake Superior and the views were beautiful. Staff was friendly. It was a plus having Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere so that I could connect with my family before I left on a 6 Day hike where there was no cell phone service or electricity
Great place friendly and nice peaceful views
It’s a nice setting but don’t waste your time or money. Old outdated (not rustic) accommodations. Off and on wi-fi, ancient TV’s that won’t work and carpeting that should have been replaced several years ago. Terrible management who prefer to only communicate by email and use questionable business ethics. We arrived on time but management was nowhere to be found leaving a key and map to the cabin. We were going to stay several days but left after looking at the cabin and the unacceptably location.
This lake wasn’t on our radar when we were planning our UP camping adventure. It really didn’t show up on any must-see lists for the area. I wish we would have brought our SUPs!
The lake front is gorgeous. Located right along Fort Wilkins State Park, the historic buildings add to the beauty of the location. A walking path connects the campground to the fort and lakefront.
The lake was under-used. Very few people were swimming or recreating despite the clear, clean water and nice weather. Perhaps because the area has so, so many things to do. Or perhaps because of the lack of a beach. It’s very rocky—pebbly, actually, not sandy.
Make sure and bring a kayak or SUP to this quiet, clear, and enjoyable lake. It’s a great place to relax for the day, right across the road from our country’s best Great Lake!
One star for location and one for office help. We arrive expecting full hookups with 50Amp. First site we can not park on because RV next to us is in head first with sliders out over our site. With us in correctly no room for our sliders, second site can not get into because campers are parallel to the road with slider actually out on roadside. Third site we were assigned, we got parked. RV next to us had 2 big dogs on 6-8 ft runs. Come back from day out and one dog is under our RV near our water and electric hookups. This happened more than once. Barking while under the RV. Other site next to us had RV, car, trailer and motorcycle. Each trip in and out with motorcycle he backed on our site and had to run over our water and electric cords to leave or return. None of 3 sites we were assigned had 50Amp or sewer that we had requested in reservation. Beautiful area to visit but do on a daytime and camp elsewhere.
Beautiful area. the lake is about two miles long and has a mountain bike trail around it. fort Wilkins State Park is alongside the lake.
if you’re in copper harbor and planning on going up brockway mountain, i would highly recommend visiting the boat launch at lake fanny hooe (just off US 41) first, especially if it’s like 5:30ish and not a cloud in sight.
Island
Round Island Bar & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant offering all-day dining options, including a hot and cold buffet and made-to-order omelets. The indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy signature drinks from the cocktail garden while taking in views of Lake Huron. Visitors can also appreciate the beautiful views and designs on the island, as well as find peaceful camping spots for a tranquil experience. Although not perfectly round, it offers a serene environment that makes it worth revisiting.
Rowed over here from Bois Blanc Island and camped out for a couple night. It was very peaceful. Really enjoyed the quiet. There is a pre existing camp spot that we found and utilized.
Amanda C — Google review
Would rate 5 stars but it's not round
Nice island. Not really as round as the name would make it seem. Would stay here again. 5 stars.
Thank you Epic Homes on Destinations America and the wonderful couple for letting me into their home.
Because of Destination America I was able to experience the beautiful views and designs 😊
And wow what a whirlwind of tenacity they had to have
I am grateful 😊🧚♀️
It’s not round.
nice but not round. False advertisement should be a capitol offense.
Not very round 1 star
Beautiful Lake Huron Island. Very scenic
Lake
Nestled in the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Medora is a picturesque destination known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boasts several small islands that are perfect for exploration by kayak. These islands feature charming firepits, with one larger island being an ideal spot for camping. Boasting a good boat launch, the lake is best experienced from the vantage point of a kayak, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its breathtaking allure.
Wonderful and peaceful lake
Michael F — Google review
Breathtakingly beautiful lake. Good boat launch. Best seen in a kayak.
Beautiful lake! Several small islands to explore via kayak. Each one with small firepits and the large one is great for camping.
My husband and son and I love it and will be coming back next year.
Love it. So nice
Beautiful lake.
lake
Horrible stay away
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Island
Nestled along the northern Lake Huron coastline, the Les Cheneaux Islands is a picturesque archipelago of 36 forested islands, with 12 of them inhabited. This destination is popular for sailing, kayaking, and the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show. The name "Les Cheneaux" means "the channels," reflecting the narrow waterways that make it ideal for boating and kayaking.
The Les Cheneaux Islands are a must if you've never experienced life out of a city and need to slow down and relax, this is the spot. The community is warm and welcoming with an outdoor adventures around every corner. The Soo Locks and Mackinac Island are a short 45 minute drive.
Marc B — Google review
Les Cheneaux Islands are a tremendous place to vacation! Particularly if you have a boat. There are 36 islands in the archepeligo! All protected water, and you can slip over to Mackinac Island easily! Vatationed there for years!!
I've been fortunate to travel much of the world and the Les Cheneaux Islands is where call home.......... God's Country!
Our cabin is fantastic been in family since the 50s
Favorite family vacation destination,!
Great
Favorite place to go
Lake
Nestled along M-26, just a short drive of about 10 miles west from Copper Harbor, Lake Bailey is affectionately known as the "doughnut lake" due to its unique shape. This picturesque body of water features a public boat launch at its eastern end, making it easily accessible for visitors eager to explore its serene surroundings. The shallow and marshy landscape creates an idyllic setting that attracts various waterfowl, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Beautiful lake
Rita A — Google review
Quiet little fishing lake.
Great place love it. It's a must go.
Yaaas cynthia bailey 😍
43Schlatter Lake
Lake
Nestled about eight miles east of Copper Harbor, Schlatter Lake is a hidden gem located on State Forest land at the tip of the peninsula. This secluded spot is perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Accessible only by 4-wheel drive or through a bit of portaging, it offers an ideal escape for boaters, anglers, and paddlers alike. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities and features a charming island that adds to its allure.
Amazing lake! Need 4x4 to get there.
Big P — Google review
Super sucluded. 3 months of rain left the roads rugged with washed out areas and huge mud puddles. One puddle between us and the lake was impassable. The edge of the puddle sucked my feet in and pulled my flip flops off. We were stopped by several people and warned to stay away from the nearby shoreline because the flies just hatched and were covering people. They said the flies will be dead in 3 days and to stay away until then.
Very much in the middle of nowhere and you’re likely to have the place to yourself
Grant Township, MI 49918, USA
River
The Brule River, located in Iron County, is a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. This serene waterway offers kayakers the chance to glide through calm stretches while also navigating exciting rapids. Surrounded by lush tree-covered banks, the river provides stunning views that enhance the experience of paddling.
Carny dam fishing no luck today
Bryan Y — Google review
Great place to kayak. .
Beautiful
(Translated by Google) Not with
(Original)
No com
Lake
Keweenaw Waterway is a manmade water passage that spans 25 miles across the Keweenaw Peninsula. It features boat launches, swimming areas, and picnic spots, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The waterway is also home to diverse wildlife and offers tranquil paddling experiences with scenic views of historic lighthouses at both ends. Fishing and camping opportunities are abundant along the river, lake, and canal that make up this picturesque water route.
Very interesting body of water through the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Marsha H — Google review
Vacationed at my Grandparents dairy farm. My father's land, adjacent to it totaled 620 acres.
A
Idk
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River
Manistique River, situated near Lake Michigan, is home to a recreated log and bark Mission built by Father Frederick Baraga in 1832. The site offers visitors the chance to explore dwellings similar to those from many years ago. Additionally, Upper Crust Deli has been a staple in the Manistique community for over twenty years, serving classic deli fare and expanding its menu offerings and event catering services.
Gorgeous color this autumn! Beautiful views and very clean environment.
Fannyroo6950 — Google review
My grandmother went there as a youngin and had a blast her and my grandpa and family so I want to go so it gets 5 stars
47Munising
Mentioned on
Munising, a charming city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is known for being the county seat of Alger County and offering access to the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This natural wonder features vibrant blue-green waters hugging orange sandstone cliffs, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Lake Superior's beauty up close by taking a glass-bottomed boat tour or embarking on the Chapel Basin Loop, a 10.
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Marquette, the county seat of Marquette County in Michigan, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. It's a major port known for shipping iron ore from the Marquette Iron Range and is located on the shores of Lake Superior. The area offers a variety of housing options, including log homes that have proven to be a safe investment with increasing value. Northern Michigan University's main campus makes this neighborhood popular among students and renters, leading to a high residency turnover rate.
Mentioned on
Eagle Harbor is a charming community located on the north side of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. With a population of 69, it offers a tranquil escape with its picturesque surroundings. The area is known for its prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, owing to its position extending into Lake Superior and high elevation. Visitors can explore attractions such as Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, Bete Grise Preserve, and Copper Harbor lighthouse for optimal Aurora sightings.
50Big Bay
Mentioned on
Nestled in the heart of Marquette County, Big Bay is a charming unincorporated community that serves as a serene getaway for those looking to explore Michigan's natural beauty. With a population of just 257 as of the 2020 census, this quaint spot offers an intimate atmosphere away from bustling city life. Just a short drive from Marquette, visitors can enjoy stunning views along Lake Superior and discover delightful attractions like the Maritime Museum.
Michigan 49855
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- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Egg Harbor
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Harbor Springs
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Saint Ignace
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Suttons Bay
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Ephraim
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Frankfort
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Washington Island
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Baileys Harbor
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Glen Arbor
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Manistique
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Bellaire
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Boyne City
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Leland
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Boyne Falls
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Newberry
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