Must DO/See in UP
 

Hi. I've never been to the UP and would like some advice on where to stay for a long weekend. I am planning a surprise trip for my finance's birthday (in March) and am not sure where to start. Given the time of year, what do you suggest? We are very active and like to hike, bike, canoe, take scenic drives. We also love towns with charm and character. Any ideas on towns or inns? What about a travel itinerary for newbees?

Much thanks,
Cynthia

I wouldn't plan on biking or canoeing. I might plan on snow-shoeing, snow-mobiling, or snow-skiing. They usually have 4 foot of snow towards the end of May.

Where are you coming from? The western UP has quite a few ski areas. The eastern UP is better for snowmobiling. There are also Indian casinos scattered throughout. Many of the smaller towns pretty well shut down for the winter. The Soo, Marquette and Houghton all have Universities so have a few more things to do.

As you probably have figured out from the previous two posts, March is not the time of year to "hike, bike, canoe, take scenic drives" in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It will be winter.

Tahquamenon Falls is spectacular in winter.

Keith

Hi Cynthia,

A classic trip is to take US 2 along the northern shore of Lake Michigan. Another is to travel along US 41 to drive the south shore of Lake Superior.

A few more cities to consider, in addition to those listed above, are Munising, Ontanogan, Escanaba - they don't roll up for the winter.

Porcupine Mountains is a great area for skiing & snowshoeing.

Do let us know which direction you'll be coming from (eastern or western) so we can be more specific, and if you are interested in recommendations for winter sports.

My wife and I just got back from Upper Michigan. We live in Wisconsin, and every year (for my January Birthday)we go up to The Listening Inn B&B located in Crystal Falls(near the MI/WI border). You can check out pictures of the place here.

http://www.thelisteninginn.com/

We like to visit The ListeningInn twice a year, once in winter and then again in spring. The owner, Carol Kufahl, has a 10,000sqft log cabin located on 562acres of land. You can cross country ski, snow shoe, hunt(in season), fish, or just relax in your jacuzzi(in room). Each room has a two person hot tub and a small gas fireplace. Ski Brule is located about 20 miles west of here, where you will find wonderful skiing.

If you are interested give her a call and tell her that T.J. & Renee Holdren sent you! Otherwise just shoot me an email at [email protected]

Thanks for the information. We live in Chicago so we are used to the winter weather. I want to make sure we visit a town where shops are open and there are winter activities available.

Any advice on which areas to stay.
Cynthia

I would be tempted to stay in Sault Ste Marie (a modest sized college town), which would be a good base for the eastern UP and a side trip to the (much larger) Canadian Soo.

But driving from Chicago, the drive to the western end of the UP would be much shorter.

Keith

As Keith mentioned, it is not a good time of year to go hiking. I am from Chicago. I have a cabin w/40 acres in the Felch, North Dickinson County area. (north of Iron Mountain). I go up every Spring, Sept., Oct., and November. I would not go in March if you want to see the sights. The snow and cold could make life/vacation miserable. If you want to go and hang out at a B&B, then it's fine. These activities: "We are very active and like to hike, bike, canoe, take scenic drives." should wait until May through October.

Just my two cents.

How about traveling in the summer? We like place to visit that have historical or natural significance.

We are in our late 60s, so hiking is pretty much out now-a-days.

We will be coming from Wisconsin and exiting down to Saginaw to visit an uncle.

Thanks,
Wil

Assuming you are staying close to the route from Wisconsin to Saginaw, the places that come quickly to mind are Kitchitikipi Springs, Fayette State Park & Mining Ghost Town, Mackinac Island, and Mackinaw City.

Going just a little farther from your route, I would add Tequamenon Falls and the Soo Locks.

Keith

Joe H, Hey, I know this is an old post but the information is still great. We are leaving this weekend from the Chicago area to WI or the UP, whatever we can get to. What route do you take to your cabin and about how long is the drive? Thanks much, Kim

Kim,

Boy, I just ran across this post by chance. I just happened to take a trip around the lake through Traverse City/Mackinac/Whitefish Point/Tah.Falls/Munising and down along the coast.

To answer your question. I normally drive straight through to Iron Mountain to the UP. I live in Western Burbs, taking 294/94 to Milwaukee then I-43 to Green Bay then I-141 to Iron Mountain. From Westmont to the Green Bay bridge is about 3.5 hours without stopping. From Green Bay to Iron Mountain is another 90 miles, about 1.45 hours without stopping. Not much to do between Green Bay and Iron Mountain.

I am not sure about your situation or itinerary, but here are some ideas if an end goal is Munising. Some sights/etc. along the way.
1. Port Washington has a good fish restaurant right on the pier (Smith's fish shanty). It is about 20 minutes off of I-43.
2. Submarine/maritime museum in Manitowoc is a real hidden gem if you like that kind of stuff, the submarine tour is really interesting, much better than the U505. Worth a 2 hour stop if you have the time.
3. The drive from Green Bay to the UP is more interesting if you take rt. 41 along the water. Escanaba, Marinette, Menominee are decent stops.
4. On the Garden Peninsula, just around the horn from Escanaba, there is a neat old ghost town, Fayette, that is worth a 4 hour detour, if you have the time.
5. Munising. I have stayed in Munising. The Pictured Rocks tour is worth seeing. The boat tour (really the only way to see the rocks is from the water) takes about a half a day. Besides this tour, not much else to do in Munising.
6. Gwinn, the old KI Sawyer AFB outside of town is worth a stop if you are driving by. The have a B-52 you can gawk at.
7. If you go farther east, Whitefish Point and Tahq. Falls are really worthwhile. But this would entail much more driving.

I don't know your itinerary, but the UP is mostly for relaxing in the woods. Not many sights. Most find a campground or cabins and enjoy cooking outside by a campfire.

I have been going up there for 25 years mostly for hunting and fishing so, even though I have been to many of the attractions, my trips up north consist of straight through late night driving and, if I even leave the camp, frequenting local taverns and supper clubs.

If you have a particular itinerary, I can help you a little better.

Hoep this helps.

Joe H,
Thank you SO much for posting a reply. I appreciate you taking the time to give me a lot of information. Thank you again!
Kim

ttt