Alpena also has Dark Sky Preserve Parks for stargazing, and even opportunities to see the Northern Lights. The east side of the state is known as the “Sunrise Side” because of the breathtaking views on Lake Huron in the early morning, but the views don’t stop there. The largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, the Upper Falls have a drop of nearly 50 feet and are more than 200 feet across. Or, you could start in the stunning Keweenaw Peninsula by Copper Harbor, and travel east along Lake Superior through Marquette to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.įind your way to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and end this beautiful trip with a tour of the Upper and Lower Falls here on the Tahquamenon River. Start in the western U.P., by Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds. If you have a week to set aside, then make the UP one big road trip. You can take a river boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls if that’s your style, or you can trek up and down the stairs along the river’s edge.

People come from all over the country to see this destination of natural beauty and magnificent falls. When people think of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, many immediately think of Tahquamenon Falls.

If you are making this trek during the warmer months, you’ll even be able to access the part of Au Sable Point Trail that is closed to vehicles during the winter.But, if you prefer winter scenery to summer, then Lake Superior frozen over and the ice caves along the coast are amazing sites to see. When you’re mapping out your drive, you’ll want to drive along Au Sable Point Trail so you hit all of the spots before reaching Pictured Rocks: Grand Marais, Grand Sable Lake, Log Slide Overlook, and the Au Sable lighthouse. Here are a few of the top priority sites at Pictured Rocks: Sable Beach & Falls, Hurricane River, Miner’s Beach Area, Chapel Rock & Beach Area, Spray Falls, and Sand Point Beach.

Things to do here include hiking, swimming, kayaking and camping. It’s one of the most-visited national parks in Michigan, and you’ll quickly understand why. You’ll also find a thick forest full of pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls and towering pines. You’ll find almost 50 miles of stunning scenery: colorful sandstone clifs towering up to 200 feet high. Truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a must-see destination. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore National Parks system, you can tour the mine area and learn about the role the area played in the development of the country. The Quincy Mines were once the most successful copper mines in the entire world for almost 100 years. PRO-TIP: If you take US-41 from the Houghton-Hancock area, check out the historic Quincy Mines. Check out our list of Scenic Hiking Trails in Michigan to find the best spots in Copper Harbor to stretch your legs during your road trip. The scenic overlooks offer panoramic views of the Michigan coast, and the forests and landscape give you that feeling of awe that only happens in nature. When you visit this area, I suggest taking an afternoon to slowly travel along the Brockway Mountain Trail before heading toward the rest of the byway so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. is an 8.8 mile scenic highway stretching along the Keweenaw Peninsula, and is also part of the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway. Copper Harbor in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula Copper Harborīrockway Mountain Dr.

The road trip itneraries that we’ve put together are perfect for outdoor adventurers and people who enjoy scenery from the comforts of their cars.Įmbrace that feeling of wanderlust within you and check out this list of Michigan road trips to plan your trip itinerary around the awesome mitten. Whether you’re going through the Tunnel of Trees during the fall color tour, or searching for a winter wonderland, or just taking a summer road trip to the beach, Michigan has something for everyone in every season. Road trips in Michigan are known for being spectacular year-round. Michigan’s motto is Pure Michigan for a reason – and the best way to discover that reason is to embark on some amazing Michigan road trips.

Week long road trip out west