Tackling Michigan’s entire Upper Peninsula has been at the top of my list for quite some time now, so when my two youngest requested an U.P. trip versus a birthday party this year, I may have done a little happy dance. All my lectures about experiences versus things must finally be kicking in 😉
A few years ago, my husband and I did a romantic vacation there, last year we headed to the east side with the kids, and this year we took on a chunk of the upper/western quadrant. Each time has been more memorable than the last! It’s just so dang amazing up there.
Don’t get me wrong though: This trip has a lot of driving, so if that’s not your thing, no worries. But honestly, if you ask my kids — the drives and the hotel pools are usually their favorite parts. We just download podcasts ahead of time and bring books and plenty of fun to keep the kids occupied.
In the busy world we live in, there is nothing quite like spending 5 days in the Upper Peninsula where there is a lack of crowds, lack of traffic, lack of cell service, lack of cost…But ZERO shortage of beautiful places to go!
I’m sharing our itinerary with the hopes of inspiring other families to explore this magnificent gem of a place!
DAY 1: EAGLE HARBOR, EAGLE RIVER AND COPPER HARBOR
Our trip started bright and early — at 4 a.m. to be exact. We knew we wanted to have a chunk of the day to explore since we were heading up on a Saturday and many things are actually closed on Sunday, so we had to cram it all in.
After lunch and playground playing in the cute town of Ishpeming, we stopped to visit the Bishop Baraga statue in L’Anse. His story of being the “Snowshoe Priest” and traveling miles between Native American tribes was really fascinating to us and we were in need of stretching our legs, so it worked out great. It really was a cool roadside attraction to see!
After, we swung up to Calumet to shop around and visit the Keweenaw National Park station, which had helpful maps and a wealth of information. It was such a cute little historic city — I wish we had more time there!
From there, we headed up to Eagle River to visit Jampot, an AMAZING bakery run by monks who are a part of the Byzantine Catholic Monastery. We grabbed some jam, cookies, and muffins and everything was delicious. I wish we had grabbed more!
Jacob’s Falls is literally next door on the road and was a pretty stop, too.
After, we toured the Eagle Harbor lighthouse {$5/adults, kids are free}. The lighthouse tour could’ve been dry for the kids BUT they had a fun Bingo game that helped keep the kids engaged. It was a really neat lighthouse to learn about, and our tour guide, Ginny, was so great with the kids!
After, we checked into our cabin for the night at Minnetonka Resort. It was straight out of the 1950’s but super clean…and $59 for the night! The bathroom was teeny tiny, but I would stay here again in a heartbeat. It is quintessential U.P. lodging!
We grabbed dinner up the road at Captain Matt’s Fish N’ Chips food truck {highly recommend the fish tacos!} and a pint at Brickside Brewery, so we could say we’ve drank in the northernmost brewery in Michigan.
After, we played a round of crazy putt-putt at Into The Woods Mini Golf & Gardens. This course was SO cute! The garden was gorgeous, and “crazy” putt-putt meant you could play with a hockey stick, pool cue and more unique ways. It was super affordable as well.
To top off our long day, we drove up Brockway Mountain {FREE} for sunset. Let me tell you, the views were EPIC and an absolute MUST drive for your Michigan bucket list! Next time, I’d love to do some mountain biking there. {Dare you to do the “On The Edge” trail, which is 3 miles straight down!}
DAY 2: COPPER HARBOR & HOUGHTON
We started day two by visiting Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor {FREE to visit with a Michigan Recreation Passport}. It was a neat place to learn about the history of the copper mining region in 1844, and even had costumed interpreters for asking quesions. We actually spent a lot more time here than I had anticipated. The history was very interesting and the location was gorgeous!
Just outside the park was a lovely stop for picnicking with plenty of tables and a playground.
After, we started venturing back down to Houghton, but only after stopping to hike down to Eagle River Falls and swim at Great Sand Bay in Eagle River. Only my husband was crazy enough to take a dip in Lake Superior! Brrrr.
Once in Houghton, we visited the Chutes & Ladders playground {FREE}, which has to be one of the coolest playgrounds in Michigan! My kids didn’t last too long climbing up and down in the heat, but it was still a great little pitstop.
We ate dinner at the Downtowner for the view on the deck, and were not disappointed.
We checked into the Holiday Inn Express in Houghton for the night.
DAY 3: HOUGHTON & SILVER CITY
Day three started with an adventure to the Quincy Mine. The tour was a couple hours long and full of some really cool history. The kids really dug being able to go down into the mine, and it was almost a cave-like experience.
TIP: Layer your clothing. It was 43 degrees inside the mine, so very cold!
While we had plans to do more park hopping, a downpour of rain sent us driving to our next stop: Silver City.
Silver City is a town in the middle of nowhere, right next to the Porcupine Mountains. We stayed at the AmericInn – Silver City, and cannot recommend this spot enough! The hotel itself is nothing special, but it’s right ON Lake Superior, which made for some lovely sunset watching over a bonfire we made. We made lots of friends with fellow travelers, which was fun!
My kids enjoyed the color-changing pool at night too, so it really was a win-win for all 😉
DAY 4: SILVER CITY, PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS, BOND FALLS, CANYON FALLS & MARQUETTE
This day was definitely full of the most driving. We started the day at Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains. WOW is all I have to say. The view is simply astounding, and I only wished we had time to stay all day for the sunset.
From there, we drove to Bond Falls, which is famous for being the “second best” falls in the Upper Peninsula, just behind Tahquamenon. It definitely was a gorgeous falls, with a neat walking trail all the way to the top, which was a cool hike for the kids.
The next stop we visited on our way to Marquette was Canyon Falls. This was probably my favorite hike of our trip. It was a great length for young kids, and the views were SO pretty. Best of all, we barely saw anyone on the trail, which made it even more special!
Once we arrive in Marquette, we headed downtown for dinner at Donckers, an amazing old time spot famous for its chocolates, cute gift shop and killer mac n’ cheese. After, we walked around town down by the boats and old Ore Dock, and stumbled upon a really cute wooden playground that was perfect for kids.
We had to end the day at the Marquette fave — Jilbert Dairy. How can you not want to pose with a giant cow?!
DAY 5: MARQUETTE, GARLYN ZOO & CLYDE’S DRIVE-IN
On day five, we worked our way back home. We started off bright and early and toured Lakenenland quickly before heading out of town. This FREE sculpture park is something odd yet amazing to see!
On the trek home we also stopped at Garlyn Zoo. It was a cute spot with some neat animals. My kids loved having the chance to feed some of the animals too. Our favorite was a snow monkey who had a ton of personality!
TIP: There is a $45 flat rate for larger families, which was awesome! You can also get 10% off admission if you show your Michigan Recreation Passport.
Before we could cross the bridge back home, we had to stop at Clyde’s Drive-In. This cash-only establishment is one of my favorite reasons to visit the U.P. Best burger under $5 in ALL of Michigan!
Overall, this trip was not only EPIC, but it was affordable too! Our expenses were a few outings, but mostly just food, gas, and hotels. There are so many FREE spots, so the Upper Peninsula makes for a great inexpensive getaway.
Happy planning if you visit!
