Below you’ll find a simple, budget-friendly guide to some of the coolest places in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Looking for a guide of where to eat? Check out Taste of Marquette: Where to Eat in This U.P. Gem
In June 2025, my husband and I traveled to Marquette for our honeymoon. I know, I know—most people choose an extravagant, all-inclusive resort for such a trip. But we’re much more casual and value adventure over being catered to. If that sounds like your vibe too, you’ll absolutely love the UP.
You’ll see the word Yooper everywhere, plus plenty of shops selling pasties. Large iron ore docks are scattered throughout the area, and many souvenirs include a Yooper theme, an iron ore dock, or sometimes both. And you may even notice a few unique accents. My favorite moment was when a server came up to us and said, “What can I get for yous?”
Where We Stayed
We found the cutest, most quaint little Airbnb just 14 minutes outside of downtown Marquette, and I would absolutely recommend a stay here. Getting to it was part of the adventure—the road is narrow, recently logged, and definitely more manageable with four-wheel drive and decent suspension. Only one car fits down the path at a time, and the divots from the logging trucks make it a bumpy but memorable ride.
Once you arrive, though, it’s all worth it. The cabin sits in a peaceful, quiet clearing surrounded by nature. We happened to be there right as the lupines were in bloom, painting the area in purples and pinks and making everything feel even more magical.
The Airbnb was perfect for the kind of trip we wanted. Since we spent most of our days out exploring, it was the coziest spot to come back to at night—especially with a campfire going. Just a small heads-up: this place is just one step up from camping. There’s a shower and running water, but no air conditioning, and the restroom is an outhouse on the property. For us, that rustic vibe added to the charm.
Presque Isle Park
Presque Isle Park has so much to offer. This is where you’ll find Marquette’s famous Black Rocks. The whole park is filled with stunning lake views, and you can walk across massive rock formations that overlook Lake Superior.
We watched some fearless kids jumping off the Black Rocks—probably no older than ten—leaping from heights of 20 feet or more! They definitely had more courage than I did, especially considering Lake Superior was maybe 50 degrees that day. Burr!
The lookout spots are breathtaking, and the rock formations create a bay-like area where the water turns a stunning turquoise. It almost reminded me of the Caribbean. Who needs the tropics when you have Lake Superior?
Presque Isle Park is one large loop that brings you right back to the start, which happens to be one of Marquette’s iconic iron ore docks—another landmark the city is known for.
Dead River Falls
Dead River Falls ended up being one of the most convenient stops of our trip since it was tucked right off a side road we drove every day to get to our Airbnb. Don’t let the easy access fool you, though—this trail is definitely for the more experienced hikers.
The hike is strenuous, with steep rocky climbs and equally steep descents that require careful footing. If you enjoy a trail that keeps you on your toes, this one will be right up your alley. On a cooler day, it would be a perfect adventure; we, unfortunately, chose a very hot day, which definitely made the challenge feel even more intense.
The good news? The trail is mostly shaded, and every effort is worth it once you reach the falls. The scenery is beautiful, rugged, and incredibly peaceful.
If you plan to go, make sure to come prepared with good shoes, plenty of water, and some experience with uneven terrain. If you’re up for the challenge, the views will not disappoint.
Little Presque Isle
Little Presque Isle is just a short drive north of Marquette, making it an easy and worthwhile addition to any Upper Peninsula itinerary. This spot feels like a quiet escape, offering beautiful wooded trails lined with tall pine trees and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace.
The paths are relatively easy and great for casual hikers, families, or anyone who just wants to wander without tackling anything too strenuous. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll eventually reach the lake, a scenic stretch of sandy and rocky shoreline that’s perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or dipping your toes in the water.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning walk, a place to unwind by Lake Superior, or simply a nature-filled break from town, Little Presque Isle is a refreshing stop you won’t want to miss.
Sugarloaf Mountain
If you’re looking for a hike that’s totally worth the effort without taking all day, Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Marquette’s most beloved outdoor experiences. It’s located about six miles north of downtown Marquette, and the trailhead is easy to find along County Road 550.
The hike itself is short but rewarding, about 1.1–1.4 miles round-trip with around 290–300 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts through shaded forest paths, and as you approach the top, you’ll climb a series of stairs that lead to the summit platforms.
What makes Sugarloaf special is the panoramic view from the top. From the observation decks, you can see Lake Superior, the rugged shoreline, Little Presque Isle, Presque Isle Park, Hogsback Mountain, and even parts of Marquette itself. It’s a perfect spot for photos, sunsets, and big sky moments.
There are a couple of route options: a shorter, steeper “difficult” trail and a slightly longer, gentler “easy” trail. Both eventually converge near the summit lookout, so you can choose based on how you’re feeling that day.
This hike is great for most experience levels, though the stairs and rocky sections mean good shoes and water are a must. Even if you’ve only got an hour or so, Sugarloaf is an awesome way to get fresh air, scenic views, and a little adventure outside of town.
Munising
We ventured about 45 minutes from Marquette to Munising. The drive along Lake Superior was beautiful, and Munising itself has so much to offer. It’s a charming little town right on the water, full of history, views, and things to explore.
Shipwreck Glass Bottom Tours
We booked a tour with Shipwreck Glass Bottom Tours, and it was such a unique experience. The boat takes you through South Bay and around Grand Island—an area often called the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.” Many ships sank here because of unexpected shallows created by rock beds, narrow channels, and unpredictable weather.
The tour guides take you directly over the shipwrecks while sharing the history behind each one. The boat has large glass viewing panels that let you look straight down to the rocky bed of Lake Superior. Because the wrecks sit in water only about 30–40 feet deep, you get an incredibly close, detailed view of the ships. It feels surreal seeing pieces of history lying quietly on the lake floor.
Pictured Rocks
This same Glass Bottom Boat excursion also brings you near the famous Pictured Rocks. These are massive, colorful rock formations shaped over time by the powerful waves of Lake Superior. Erosion, combined with the many minerals in the rock, creates stunning patterns and streaks of color. It truly looks as if the cliffs have been painted—almost like Mother Nature used them as her canvas.
Kitch-Iti-Kipi Springs
From Munising, we drove about an hour southeast toward the coast of Lake Michigan to visit Kitch-iti-Kipi Springs. The pronunciation alone is a great conversation starter for the drive—trust me. I still don’t know if I’m saying it correctly. You can take your best guess or ask a local once you arrive!
The spring stays a constant 45 degrees year-round, and the water is so unbelievably clear that you can see ancient tree trunks, swirling sand, and huge trout gliding below the surface. The best part? You view everything from a self-guided wooden raft that you operate using a simple pulley system. It slowly glides you out into the middle of the turquoise water, giving you a view you truly can’t get anywhere else in Michigan.
The trail around the spring is short and easy, making it great for all ages. It’s a peaceful, low-effort stop with very high reward—perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon between hikes.
The Upper Peninsula truly surprised us in the best way. From rugged hikes and hidden waterfalls to turquoise springs and towering sandstone cliffs, the UP is packed with natural beauty you won’t find anywhere else. It was the perfect honeymoon for us—laid back, full of adventure, and free from the rush of city life.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a week-long escape, or a special trip like ours, you’ll find something unforgettable here. If you love the outdoors, crave quieter destinations, or just want a place that feels untouched and authentic, the UP is absolutely worth the visit.
If you’re planning your own trip and want more tips, check out my guide:
Taste of Marquette: Where to Eat in This U.P. Gem
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