Unforgettable Michigan Upper Peninsula Summer Travel & Mackinac Island
Before I came to the United States, I had never heard of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Mackinac Island. But after I started working here, my boss and coworkers often recommended I take a trip up north—especially in the summer.
My boss, who grew up in Michigan, always talked about how his family spent their summers at a cottage in the U.P., swimming in rivers and enjoying the outdoors. Everyone kept saying, “You have to go—it’s a special place.”
Their stories made me curious, and after visiting a few times, I completely understood why.
Michigan Upper Peninsula summer travel is truly something special. The quiet nature, friendly towns, and unique places like Mackinac Island made the trip unforgettable.
Even though it takes time to get there, I really hope you visit too. It’s worth every mile.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Michigan Upper Peninsula Summer Travel
Summer is the perfect season for a trip to Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula.
The tourist season on Mackinac Island is limited, usually from May to October, and many attractions, ferries, and shops are closed during the winter. Because cars are not allowed on the island, everything depends on good weather and seasonal operations.
In summer, you’ll find:
Warm temperatures and cool breezes from the lakes
Long daylight hours for sightseeing
All tours, ferries, and stores open
Perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and boat trips
If you’re planning to visit, I strongly recommend coming between June and early September. That’s when the island and U.P. are most lively and accessible.
How to get there
Let me be honest – getting to the UP and Mackinac Island isn’t the easiest trip since there’s no major airport nearby, but don’t let that stop you because here’s exactly how to make it work smoothly.
My Driving Experience
I drove from the Detroit area each time I visited, and the drive takes about 5 hours including rest stops, but it’s actually quite scenic once you get going and gives you time to transition from city life to the peaceful UP mindset.
Pro tip: If you’re arriving in the evening, consider staying overnight in Gaylord, Michigan, which makes a perfect halfway point where you can rest up and then continue fresh in the morning. The drive itself has become something I actually enjoy now as part of the whole experience.
Flying Options
If you’re planning to fly instead of drive, here are some airport options:
Major Airports (More flights, longer drives):
- Detroit Metro (DTW) – About 300 miles away, best flight selection from across the US
- Grand Rapids (GRR) – Major airline service, slightly closer than Detroit
- Traverse City (TVC) – Only 120 miles away, good middle ground option
- Minneapolis (MSP) – Great alternative if you’re coming from the west
Regional Airports (Closer but fewer flights):
- Pellston Regional (PLN) – Closest option
- Chippewa County International (CIU) – Also close option
- Marquette (SAW) – If you’re focusing on the UP
Taking the Ferry to Mackinac Island
Here’s something important to know – you can’t drive onto Mackinac Island, so everyone takes the ferry, and it’s actually part of the island’s special charm that keeps it so peaceful and unique.
I used Star Line Ferry (See the photo above.) on my first visit, but they’ve stopped operating, so now you have two main reliable options: Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company, both of which are dependable, though you’ll want to book early, especially in summer when the ferries get quite busy.
If you’re planning to stay overnight on the island, the ferry companies will transport your luggage for you, though since I always did day trips, I just parked my car and hopped on board for the adventure.
Exploring Mackinac Island
The Horse Carriage Tour
Initially, I thought we’d explore on our own. The island is small, after all. But I’m so glad we took the horse carriage tour.
No reservations needed. Just walk into the ticket office and climb aboard. The pace is slow and gentle. It perfectly matches the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
Our tour guide was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. The stories about the island’s history brought everything to life.
This tour became one of my favorite memories. Highly recommended.
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is iconic. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth seeing. We walked around the exterior and admired the architecture.
Fair warning: You can’t just walk into the lobby unless you’re a guest. The hotel staff will politely turn you away at the entrance. But the outside views are still impressive.
Fort Mackinac
A historical site with excellent views and interesting exhibits.
Arch Rock
A stunning natural limestone formation overlooking Lake Huron. You can walk from the town.
Main Street
The heart of the island. Fudge shops everywhere, restaurants, and those famous horse-drawn carriages.
Exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
After visiting Mackinac Island, we continued our journey into the Upper Peninsula (U.P.).
This area is filled with beautiful natural scenery, peaceful small towns, and unique places to explore. Here are the places we visited and what we experienced along the way:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was one of the highlights of our trip. We joined the Spray Falls Tour, which took about two hours. We chose this type of tour because we can visit one more fall than Classic Cruise.
From the boat, we saw incredible rock formations with colorful layers. The patterns were so unique—it looked like nature’s artwork painted on the cliffs. We moved around the boat and took lots of photos from different angles.
If you’re planning to visit Pictured Rocks, I highly recommend this boat tour. The views from the water are unforgettable, especially in good weather.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Paradise)
When we arrived at Tahquamenon Falls, I was truly surprised. The waterfall had a deep brown color, almost like Coca-Cola!
This unique color comes from natural minerals in the water, and it gave the falls a very mysterious and powerful look.
There are two main waterfalls—Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is taller and stronger, while the Lower Falls is calmer and more spread out. We visited both and enjoyed walking the trails between them. It’s a great spot for families, hikers, and anyone who loves nature.
Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie)
We happened to arrive at the Soo Locks at the perfect time. A large boat was already inside the lock, and we watched it slowly move down as the water level changed.
It was fascinating to see the system working up close. The boat was actually a tour boat, and everyone on board looked excited to experience the drop. We didn’t know there was a tour option until we got there, but I would love to try it next time.
Kitch-iti-kipi (Manistique)
Kitch-iti-kipi is a crystal-clear natural spring that feels like a hidden treasure in the woods.
We rode a self-operated wooden raft across the small lake. You operate a big ship wheel to move the raft yourself—it was surprisingly fun and peaceful!
Since we visited in November, there were very few people there. We took turns with other groups and had time to enjoy chatting and looking into the water.
The water was so clear we could see all the way to the bottom, even the fish and plants below. I especially recommend this place for families with children. The raft ride is a fun and safe activity, and the setting is beautiful.
Marquette
We stayed in Marquette, which is one of the larger towns in the U.P.
It had a relaxed and charming atmosphere, with nice local shops and dining options. After driving through remote areas, it was a great place to rest and enjoy a more urban feeling while still being close to nature.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Whitefish Point)
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is not only educational but also located in a scenic area near Lake Superior.
We learned a lot about shipwrecks and the history of sailing in the Great Lakes. The displays were interesting, and we also enjoyed walking outside to see the lake view. I bought a small moose keychain at the gift shop as a souvenir—it reminds me of the quiet and beautiful atmosphere of the U.P.
Keweenaw Peninsula (Copper Harbor)
This area is located at the far northern tip of the U.P., and it’s worth the drive if you have time.
We visited Copper Harbor and relaxed by the beach there. After a long day of driving, it was the perfect place to unwind. The water and sky felt endless, and the peaceful landscape helped us recharge before heading back.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is also known for its copper mining history, so there are museums and historic sites if you want to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island changed my perspective on American travel. Before visiting, I focused on famous big cities and national parks.
Now I know that some of America’s most magical places are off the beaten path. Places that require a little extra effort to reach. Places where you can truly disconnect and recharge.
Yes, getting there takes planning. The drive is long. The logistics aren’t simple. But that’s exactly what keeps these places special.
When my friends ask for travel recommendations, this is always at the top of my list. The natural beauty, the history, the peaceful atmosphere – it’s everything you need for a perfect summer escape.
Start planning your trip now. Summer fills up fast, and you’ll want to secure your accommodations early. Trust me on this one – it’ll be worth every mile.
Have you visited Michigan’s UP or Mackinac Island? Share your experiences in the comments below!
