Hi there!
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan in general you can consider to be a more remote part of Michigan.
And there are many ways that you can feel that remote UP when you visit the western Upper Peninsula.
I can’t say that all the places on this western UP will be without crowds. (There are a few spots that are popular.)
But you will still very likely have at least some sort of experience in the western Upper Peninsula that will have you feeling like you are in a more remote and quiet area of Michigan… and the US!
And so… what can you do in this part of the UP?!
This list below will give you ideas for visiting the Lake Superior shoreline, waterfalls, a lighthouse, campgrounds, and then some!
I went to the western part of the UP as part of a 2 week circle the UP road trip! Here’s what you need to know!
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1. Hunters Point Park
Keweenaw Peninsula
This is a small park with shoreline access to Lake Superior. You can find different stretches of red sand beaches. (Well, it can look that way from a distance! It’s more like red pebbles or red rocks.)
Although this may not compare to a “real” red sand beach, this is a unique type of beach in Michigan!
2. Hebard Park
Keweenaw Peninsula
This is small roadside park that’s located along the shores of Lake Superior.
There’s a good chance that this will be a quiet spot with not many people.
Walk around along the coast around here and you’ll find “hidden” beaches. These are rocky beaches, though, as are most “beaches” around here. (Water shoes can be a good idea for a Michigan road trip in general.)
From a distance, it can even look like you’ve found a red sand beach! (Once again, it’s more like red pebbles or red rocks.)
This is also a picnic spot you may consider that comes with views of Lake Superior!
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3. Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Keweenaw Peninsula
Lake Superior lighthouses are a thing, and the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse might be among the most convenient lighthouse to visit in the western Upper Peninsula to make a part of your trip.
See more about how to spend your time in the western UP: Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula
4. Lake of the Clouds
Porcupine Mountains
Lake of the Clouds is one of the most popular spots in the Porcupine Mountains, and it’s also one of the most iconic spots in the western Upper Peninsula. It requires a short walk through a forest to get to this scenic overlook.
See more about how to spend your time in the western UP: Lake of the Clouds overlook
5. Escarpment Trail
Porcupine Mountains
If you are look for just one hike to do in the Porcupine Mountains, this is it! If you are looking for just one hike in the western Upper Peninsula, this also might be it.
After you take in the views from the Lake of the Clouds overlook, you can continue on the trail to hike the Escarpment Trail for some more iconic views of the Porcupine Mountains. This is an out-and-back trail of around 8 miles round trip. You can make it a shorter hike by turning around sooner.
See more about how to spend your time in the western UP: Escarpment Trail
6. Presque Isle River Trail
Porcupine Mountains
The UP is where to go if you want to see waterfalls in Michigan. You can make it a Michigan waterfalls road trip in the UP.
The area of the Porcupine Mountains to see waterfalls is along the Presque Isle River. This is also the quieter side of the Porcupine Mountains State Park.
The main thing to do in the Presque Isle scenic area is to see the Porcupine Mountains waterfalls. By taking the Presque Isle waterfalls loop trail, you can see several waterfalls along the way.
See more about how to spend your time in the western UP:
- Presque Isle River waterfalls
- Camping in Porcupine Mountains State Park
- More things to do in Porcupine Mountains State Park
7. Bond Falls
Bond Falls Scenic Site
It will be a short walk to see some waterfalls that likely has lots of water flowing!
8. Ontonagon River
Bond Falls Scenic Site
Also in the Bond Falls Scenic Site you can find a hiking trail that goes along the Ontonagon River for a bit. You can get up close to the river!
See more about how to spend your time in the western UP: Bond Falls Scenic Site
MAP: Western Upper Peninsula
For the visual!
Explore the map.
The western UP is the Wisconsin side.
If you’re making a trip to the UP from Chicago, you may also arrive to the UP on the western side of the Upper Peninsula.
Otherwise, if you’re driving up from the lower peninsula of Michigan, you’ll drive across the Mackinac Bridge to get to the UP.
This means that you will start your trip in the eastern Upper Peninsula, and then make your way to the west.
Pictured Rocks to the Western UP
Explore the map.
If it’s your first trip to the Upper Peninsula, you may also want to make time for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! If you are driving from the east, you can also have a look at this driving route:
- Mackinac Bridge and the Eastern UP
- Grand Marais to Pictured Rocks
- Pictured Rocks to Marquette
- Marquette to the Keweenaw Peninsula
Copper Harbor is the town at the very northern tip in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Pictured Rocks to Copper Harbor is around a 3.5 hour drive. Give yourself a day to get to Copper Harbor, and you can make many stops along the way from Munising to Marquette.
Pictured Rocks to Porcupine Mountains State Park is around a 3 hour 15 minute drive. Similarly, you can make stops along the way from Munising to Marquette.
If you are interested in camping, be sure to see the list of Upper Peninsula campgrounds, many that have campsites that come with Lake Superior views.
Recap!
What are the prettiest parts of the Western Upper Peninsula?
1. Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula is at the northern tip of Michigan. It’s famous for formerly being “copper country” with lots of historical sites, as well as a mountain biking destination. You will also find many areas of Lake Superior shoreline that you can spend your time at.
2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains State Park is located along Lake Superior, and you can spend your time along the shoreline as well as inland in the “mountains” of Michigan!
3. Bond Falls Scenic Site
Bond Falls may be among the grandest waterfalls you can visit in the western Upper Peninsula! As a part of the state scenic site, you can also take a stroll along the river for a riverside casual walk.
And that’s a bit of what to do in the Western Upper Peninsula!
Explore more things to do in the Western UP in each of the places:
Best campgrounds in the Western UP:
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park campground
- McLain State Park campground (Lake Superior camping)
- Union Bay campground (Lake Superior camping in the Porcupine Mountains)
- Presque Isle campground (quieter camping in the Porcupine Mountains)
Explore more of the Upper Peninsula on your way to the Western UP if you’re coming from the Mackinac Bridge!
- Things to do in the eastern UP
- Driving from Grand Marais to Pictured Rocks
- Things to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Driving from Pictured Rocks to Marquette
- Camping near Lake Superior
- Circle the UP road trip route
HAPPY VISIT TO THE WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN!
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