OT: Upper Peninsula recommendations

Submitted by Laser Wolf on

Wife and I are looking for a five- to seven-day vacation and are considering the UP. It's been on our list for a while and neither of us has ever been so we're looking for recommendations on where to stay, how long, what todo, etc. Major caveat: we will have an 11-month old with us so nighttime activities will unfortunately be restricted to drinking as much beer as possible by 6:30 PM and then calling it a night.

We know Pictured Rocks is the major attraction, but should we stay out that way for a couple nights? Should we stay on Mackinac Island for a night? Is there a preference between St. Ignace or Mackinaw City? How the hell do I pronounce Ignace anyway?

Thanks in advance.

BlueWolverine02

April 11th, 2018 at 8:03 PM ^

I like to stay in Grand Marais. right near the pictured rocks, easy drive to Tahquamenon. Munising only about an hour drive to the west. fairly central location and the drive isn't too bad for us (About 7 hours from metro Detroit area).

HenneGivenSunday

April 11th, 2018 at 8:13 PM ^

The wife and I are heading up there in Aug. It’ll be my first trip. We are doing 1 night in Mackinac, 1 night in Sault St Marie, 3 nights at Nevins Lake (south of Pictured Rocks), and 2 nights in Marquette. Checking out everything in between that we can. After reading about the areas W and N of Marquette I’m wishing we had more time.

BlueInWisconsin

April 11th, 2018 at 8:16 PM ^

While there are some neat things there, Mackinaw City is a dumpy tourist trap. It’s just a place to spend the night before your ferry ride to the island in the morning.

BluCoast

April 11th, 2018 at 10:55 PM ^

While MacCity does have its tourist tee shirts & fudge traps, it also has a few nice restaurants (Audie’s is favorite) and a new Seafood restaurant overlooking Lake Huron. And, of course, there’s the legendary Keyhole—one of the best food and PBR Dives in NorMI. There’s even a new BrewPub just South of town!



There’s the Dark Sky Park & trails right on Lake MI, and the Beach by the MacNaw lighthouse and Fort which offer the best view of the Straits and MacBridge by far! If there on a Tues or Sat you might catch a concert at the bandshell near the new City Marina. Also fun to take a Sheplers Ferry Lighthouse or Sunset Bridge cruise around the Straits and under the Bridge!

rob f

April 11th, 2018 at 8:29 PM ^

Saint I-gō-nâ-Ace'.

As in "I gonna ACE this hole".

Always remember, WINNING takes positive thinking, whether on the golf course, on vacation, or life in general.

Victor Hale II

April 11th, 2018 at 10:05 PM ^

The post several above yours got it right. Lived in the area most of my life, and everyone pronounces it “ig-niss”.

OP: if you like burgers, go to Clyde’s in the Soo or St. Ignace, and get a Big C. Also in the Soo is Antlers restaurant, which has a huge burger called the Bigfoot or Sasquatch or something like that.

Keebs

April 11th, 2018 at 8:26 PM ^

I lived in Marquette for a summer and thought it was a great little town.  Lots of good restaurants, Blackrocks brewery is awesome, as is Ore Dock, and it has beautiful views of Lake Superior.  Also it's a college town, if that does anything for you, even though the students will mostly be gone for summer break.  

If you do go, you MUST visit Lagniappe's.  Best cajun food I've ever had, and my coworker (from Baton Rouge no less) was beside himself with joy when he ate there.  Why there is a cajun restaraunt in Marquette I have no idea, but it is truly amazing.

 

 

B1G Winning

April 11th, 2018 at 10:26 PM ^

Owners are from creole country I do believe. Amazing food, and a unique setting in the "cellar."

Vangos is amazing too. A little more casual, but has what is probably the best cudighi (best to google it) in the whole UP. Amazing waffle fries too.

People above were spot on when they said Marquette is full of awesome restaurants and breweries. Really is an awesome place.

rob f

April 12th, 2018 at 12:50 AM ^

on the Drummond Island suggestion. When I was up in the Soo area last summer for a couple weeks I spent an entire day along the eastern tip of the UP, drove somewhat along the coast as much as possible from Sault Ste Marie to DeTour Village, then took a ferry accross to Drummond Island and just explored for most of the afternoon, some by car, some by foot. Got hungry and found a great little Mexican restaurant on the island and feasted on some of the best Mexican food I have had in several years.

Scenic trip tip: take M-134 between St Ignace and Detour Village/Drummond Island. It hugs the northern shoreline of Lake Huron and the scenery is just gorgeous.

ndekett

April 11th, 2018 at 8:46 PM ^

I've read through the comments and don't have a ton to add, but if you ever get the chance to go to the Yooper museum in Ishpeming, DO NOT GO. Unless you and your family have the tackiest, cheesiest taste in entertainment

Andystubs

April 11th, 2018 at 8:47 PM ^

Take the 30 minute drive west to Spectacle Lake an hour before sunset.. Drive up the lookout on the south side.
Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine. Enjoy the best view in the Eastern U.P.

MichiganTeacher

April 11th, 2018 at 8:47 PM ^

Can't believe that no one has mentioned Clyde's. I can only imagine that it is because everyone just assumes that any trip to the UP must include multiple stops at Clyde's for burgers and shakes.

But perhaps the OP doesn't know this, so we should point it out.

OP: GO TO CLYDE'S. There's one in St. Ignace and one in the Soo. Best burgers I've ever had. Get the orange shake to go with. And don't expect a fancy, fusion, froo-froo pretentionburger. We're talking the real thing at Clyde's. Beef. Lots of it. Fresh. Delicious. In a paper wrapper in a paper basket brought out to your car. Punch the seagulls who will attempt to steal it. Punch them extra hard if you want to avenge a certain unfortunate 1995 incident that has scarred me for life. But whatever you do, GO TO CLYDE'S.

rob f

April 12th, 2018 at 1:37 AM ^

but I love West Pier Drive-in even more. Problem is, West Pier is hard to find and even easier to miss when you go by. It's just a little light grey nondescript building with a lot of cars in its tiny overfilled parking lot, hidden in the shadows of the International Bridge to Canada.

OTOH,Clyde's in Sault Ste Marie is right along a main route just blocks from downtown, nestled between the docks for the Soo Boat Tours and the Sugar Island Ferry. MUCH easier to find.

Whichever one you choose, Clyde's or West Pier Drive-in, you can't go wrong. Nothing but YUMM both places!

In reply to by MichiganTeacher

jabberwock

April 13th, 2018 at 3:40 PM ^

So we can pickup and eat while on the ferry.

Been doing it for literally 50 years.

I think I had a similar seagull incident, but it happened 20 years ealier, it also involved a passing freighter as well me almost dfrowning in the St. Marys River

HateSparty

April 11th, 2018 at 8:47 PM ^

Seven days for sure. One night in Mackinaw City, save the nightly costs of the island and take the ferry. A few shops in Mackinaw City will get you to just before lunch. We always camp so no hotel suggestions. Mackinaw Mill Creek is great with cabins (2 night minimum). Stay in Newberry for a night to experience the Tahquamenon Falls. Lower are prettier but the upper are impressive. 2 nights in Marquette. Day trip to Munising for Pictured Rock boat ride if baby can tolerate it. Chill for a day just resting and drinking in Marquette. Lots of opportunity to drink. Three nights in Ontonagon County. Find a cabin. We love Petersons Cottages. http://www.exploringthenorth.com/lambert/lambert.html. Stop in Houghton/Hancock for lunch and beers on your way there. Next day rest and drink. Next day explore Porcupines. Tourist areas is lake of the clouds and Presque Isle River. Both must sees. Stop at welcome center and ask ranger for other suggestions. Be home by late afternoon. Eat and drink. Next day Find Highway 2 after Rapid River on your way back and stop along the shores of Lake Michigan to snack, nap and/or treat your wife right. Haul ass after you are under the bridge to get home.

SkyPanther

April 12th, 2018 at 12:08 AM ^

If you're going way up in the tip (yeah, we Yoopers call it the tip) try to get to Jampot, a Monk owned and operated bakery.

Jampot: http://store.societystjohn.com/Coffee-c18671483

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv5HSVrF_Bw

But don't go hiking in the tip in the uknown where the abandoned copper mines are. Go see the abandoned mines if you have time. It's interesting. Just don't go off hiking where unmarked abandoned mines are. http://www.mg.mtu.edu/abmine/abando.htm

Eng1980

April 11th, 2018 at 8:54 PM ^

My wife and I have been indulging in late summer and fall color and waterfall tours in the UP/ Keweenaw for several years and love all the stops mentioned above.

You can stay in St. Ignace (less expensive, my choice) and hit Mackinaw City, Mackinaw Island, the Soo Locks (can sit for boat tour while holding 11-moth old), Taquamenon (sp) Falls, and Shipwreck Museum as well as Crisp Point (Two Hearted River, think ale) all while keeping the same hotel room if that helps.  This could be 3-5 days.  We did this with a 6-month old.

Munising and Pictured Rocks is 4-hours away.  There are waterfalls, beaches, and the Pictured Rocks boat tour (child can rest) to experience but that is it (one day).  Muldoon's pasties (west end of the town) are as good as any. I might drive through Christmas (just for the name) and stay in Marquette (Iron Country) for less expensive hotels, good food, and hikes to scenic peaks and waterfalls.  However, I stop in Marquette just to get to the Keweenaw.  If you want something exclusive, you might hook up with the Huron Mountain Club.

Keweenaw (Copper Country) - Ambassador in Houghton with view of lift bridge and food as mentioned above.  MICHIGAN House with microbrewery in Calumet is one of my favorites.  Delaware mine tour is alternative to Quincy tour mentioned above.  Canyon Falls park south of Baraga is family friendly and outstanding for a medium length walk.  McLain State Park has nice beach but Calument city beach is free.  Copper Harbor has Fort Wilkens State Park/Fort is family friendly.  Brockway Mountain Drive and US-41 is worth the trip.  Jam Pot has, well jam, but also cookies and muffins.  Eagle River Inn is special while Eagle Harbor Inn is also good.  If you don't like Notre Dame, skip the George Gipp Memorial in Laurium. (My brothers and I can do this part from Ann Arbor in four days but most of the stops are at microbreweries.)

Yes, black flies may be a challenge.

 

old98blue

April 11th, 2018 at 8:57 PM ^

5 to 7 days may not be enough to make it to Copper Harbor seeing everything in between Munising and pictured rocks are a must your wife can do some shopping you can do some drinking in Marquette but a must-see is the Sturgeon Gorge it is a miniature Grand Canyon

SlickNick

April 11th, 2018 at 9:02 PM ^

I grew up in U.P. and I am always thrilled when one of my coworkers asks me where to go/what to do up there because it's so much fun to hear about what a great trip they ended up having. 

If you are coming from downstate and crossing the bridge I would recomend  stopping off before and checking out Mackinac Island either for the day or staying the night out there. 

From there I would check out Tahquamenon Falls, theres a little brewery there where you could grab lunch and some decent beer. Unless you plan on camping there isn't much of an area to stay unless you drive to Newberry and get a hotel. 

Continue west and check out Pictured Rocks. There are some cool waterfalls, beaches and cliff formations.. if you've never been there you've got to check it out.  The town of Munising is a few miles west...pretty small town, but I would recomend checking out Falling Rock Cafe for some good coffee and ice cream. Absolutely get pasties from Muldoons. Might be a little pricey for a hotel, Munising jacks up their summer prices to try to make money off of tourism.

Next stop I would make is Marquette, truly a cool historic town. Lots to see and do in Marquette relative to the rest of the U.P.  Blackrocks Brewery, Oredock Brewery, The Vierling is a good place to eat dinner, fresh Lake Superior whitefish, and home brewed beer...can't really go wrong there. The Landmark is a historic hotel that has a few cool bars and restaurants in it(ask about going up to the skylounge). I would check out Presque Isle, sugarloaf mountain, little presque isle, plenty of beaches and outdoor recreation in the area. 

Depending on how many days you have left on your trip I would say pick some of the destinations others have recomended in the Houghton/Keewenaw area. Keweenaw Brewing Company is a good brewery to check out in Houghton. 

Hope this helps. Now you've got me planning my own summer trips up North!

killerseafood3

April 11th, 2018 at 10:54 PM ^

Great post, love the UP, got married on Miner’s Beach. Munising does get a bit busy during July / August, so we always rent a small cabin in Au Train (about 15 min outside of Munising). Awesome roadside beaches that aren’t very full, awesome views, great kayaking through the Au Train river. Munising is great with kids because free waterfalls, obviously partial to Miners Beach as mentioned, and as everyone else stated, the boat tour is a must if Lake Superior allows it. Au Train is also about a 20 min drive away from Lakenenland (a free, very cool place that words can’t really describe). Google it.



Kayaking along Pictured Rocks is awesome too, but you will have to wait till the little one is a bit older.



On a hotel note, if you want a cheap, but rustic and clean place to stay, try the Terrace Motel. The owner Larry actually did my wedding up there and is a super nice guy. The motel is no frills, but well taken care of.

Have fun, the UP is an awesome place!

wolverinebutt

April 11th, 2018 at 9:15 PM ^

I'm not a Mack Island fan - sorry.

-The pictured rocks boat tour is VERY nice. 

-Have very warm stuff for the baby because its the UP.

-The falls and Whitefish point are a must.  Bring back some rocks from the big lake at the point.  Don't miss Browns fish house for whitefish by the point. 

-Don't leave the UP without some yopper food(pasty).  I like Suzies just west of St Ignace on M2.  Its outside eating only and no bathroom, but there is park and bathrooms near.  Pasties need catsup or gravy.  I'm a gravy man and my Finnish Wife and family curses me for the gravy.  Don't start a gravy battle here: )     

-If you go west Bond Falls is under rated. 

-See some stuff and plan on going back.      

Eng1980

April 12th, 2018 at 3:44 PM ^

Yes on Suzie's

Yes, on Bond Falls (impressive roar) but a tad out of the way unless going to Wisconsin

The Pasty Association recently announced that it was okay to include peas and carrots in a pasty.  The announcement was made on April 1st.

I was 40 before anyone offered gravy with a pasty.  I burst out laughing but was embarassed when I realized it was a serious and kind offer.

US-2 is scenic

Naked Bootlegger

April 11th, 2018 at 9:16 PM ^

The Porcupine Mountains are gorgeous, with a lot of very accessible hikes.  

A great series of accessible waterfalls are located on the western edge of the Porcupine Mountain park.   Presque Isle River, then the Black River further west.  Both offer great scenery.

I'm also partial to a whitefish basket from the warm season outdoor "restaurant" at Peterson's Fish Market on top of the hill in Hancock. 

You can't go wrong in the U.P.   Just go there and get lost.  Totally worth it.