U.P. Bound

A three-day weekend is all the passport you need to visit one of these iconic Upper Peninsula spots

By Lynda Wheatley and Kristi Kates | May 22, 2021

If you’ve lived in or visited Michigan for any length of time, chances are you’ve seen several of the Upper Peninsula’s popular highlights: Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Bay, the Hancock copper mines, and Pictured Rocks. But there are plenty of lesser-known sights that also deserve a spot on the U.P.’s must-see list, from the beautiful to the unusual to the super-kitschy tourist traps it simply wouldn’t be a summer road trip to the Yoop without.

THE LES CHENEAUX ISLANDS
Les Cheneaux means “the channels,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find weaving in and out among this picturesque grouping of three dozen small islands along the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Huron shoreline, 30 miles northeast of Mackinac Island. Nearby mainland towns Cedarville and Hessel offer plenty of lodging, shopping, restaurants, and marinas, making either the perfect place to set up base for your boating or kayaking adventure. Pack up your sunscreen, beverage, and lunch, and get ready to explore an alphabetical list of watery wilderness, beginning with Alligator Island and Bear Island and continuing to Rover Island, Strongs Island, and Winona Island. More information: www.lescheneaux.org

KITCH-ITI-KIPI
Michigan’s largest freshwater spring’s name actually means “big cold water,” and Kitchiti-kipi originally was called “The Mirror of Heaven” by the early Native Americans. One look will tell you why: Its glassy oval pool is about 40 feet deep, emerald green at its furthest depths, and so clear that the fish appear to be suspended in nothing. Step onto the observation raft (you can pull it across the pool yourself with a cable), and you’ll be able to look over the side or through the viewing windows to see mineral-encrusted tree branches and shifting colors caused by the spring’s constantly moving currents of sand. It’s mystical, beautiful, and it must be seen in-person; all you need to see it is a Michigan State Parks vehicle permit. More information: michigan.gov/dnr

LAKENENLAND SCULPTURE PARK
More classic Americana can be found at this park of quirky and extremely creative scrap iron sculptures by craftsman Tom Lakenen. You can choose to walk or drive through the 37-acre sculpture yard, but we recommend you pack a picnic lunch and take your time exploring. In addition to all the eclectic art to see  — alligators, space aliens, fantastical wildlife, giant metal flowers, and much more crafted from metal scrap, rebar, and assorted doohickeys — Lakenenland has a lot to do. Enjoy your lunch under “a massive timber-framed pavilion (with the coolest table and fireplace you’ve ever seen”) or spread out on the picnic grounds, drop a line at the two fishing ponds, hit the playground for kiddos, do the bog walk, and — if you’ve got energy to spare — take a hike; you’ll find direct access to the North Country Trail here, too. www.lakenenland.com

MINERS CASTLE ROCK
You’ve probably heard of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. But if you haven’t yet visited Miners Castle Rock, about six miles east of Munising, you’re missing out. This is a fairly easy-to-access U.P. spot with an enormous payoff: a paved trail leads to three separate overlook points (some stairs are involved) showcasing broad vistas across Lake Superior and out to Grand Island. These are fantastic spots for photo opportunities, and if you’re lucky you might even see a bald eagle. More information: www.exploremunising.com

GLASS BOTTOM SHIPWRECK TOURS
If you’ve ever wanted to see some of the massive shipwrecks of Lake Superior but don’t have the skills or the interest in diving, these tours are the answer. Float above the lake’s “underwater museum,” and you’ll travel back through the days of American shipping history by way of a two-hour trek on a glass-bottom boat that affords remarkable views of shipwreck sites, including a fully intact wooden sailing ship that was built before the Civil War and now resides only a few feet below the water’s surface. Each tour includes full historical narration, plus topside views that include the East Channel Lighthouse and the rocks and caves of Grand Island. More information: www.shipwrecktours.com

MOUNT ARVON
Mount Arvon is said to be the highest natural point in the state of Michigan, with an elevation of 1,979.238 feet. Access to this rugged mountain has been improved over the past several years; the logging road has been graded, and blue signs direct visitors up to a parking area from which they can walk the remaining 2 miles to the pinnacle. Most vehicles can handle the road, but you can hike it if you’re prepped for a trek of 16 miles (8 miles in; 8 back). The longer hike is worth it; you’ll spend most of it in deep, passing by a couple of breathtaking waterfalls and a beaver pond where area moose frequently stop. At the top, some of the trees have been cleared near the northwest corner, providing a great view over Lake Superior’s Huron Bay and the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is definitely one to tick off of your bucket list of Michigan sights. Make sure you open the steel mailbox at the summit, so that you can mark your visit by signing the logbook inside. More information: www.michigan.org (search Mount Arvon) and www.baragacounty.org.

THE MYSTERY SPOT
St. Ignace’s longtime tourist attraction The Mystery Spot claims to be a place where “gravity is a little different.” The jury’s out on that claim, but this place definitely captures the essence of roadside Americana. Take the Mystery Spot tour, put your skepticism aside, and simply enjoy the optical illusions and the cheerful staff as tall people appear to be shorter, balls roll uphill, and chairs (that you can sit on!) balance on two legs along the walls. You might be able to figure out the tricks if you think about it, but the whole experience is still a heck of a lot of fun. If feats of the imagination prove too much for you, you can go for feats of skill and daring instead; a mini-golf course and ziplining were added at The Mystery Spot in recent years, and both are open now. More information: www.mysteryspotstignace.com

PIERS GORGE
Two levels of Piers Gorge exist for the Upper Peninsula adventurer. The rapids themselves, a fast-moving section of the Menominee River, feature 10-foot drops like Misicot Falls and rough water sections dubbed with names like Volkswagen and Hell Hole. They call it “Mother Nature’s roller coaster,” and this part of the Gorge is perfect if you enjoy the adrenaline rush of crashing across the water on a kayak or guided raft tour. Prefer to peruse the wildlife in a less wild way? You can still enjoy the Gorge from its shores, via an extensive network of hiking trails and modern footbridges, all with gorgeous views of the rapids, plus opportunities to see osprey and waterfowl. More information: www.michigan.org (search Piers Gorge) or www.michiganrafts.com