Upper Peninsula, Michigan | Lake Michigan Destinations

Traveling Through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Some people say that you aren’t really UP NORTH until you’ve crossed the Mackinac Bridge. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has shoreline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, and those destinations along Lake Michigan are worth the trip!
Highway 2 takes you along most of the Lake Michigan shoreline between the “Mighty Mac” bridge and Escanaba, and provides beautiful scenery along the way of Lake Michigan and natural wooded areas.

Scroll down for more information on the towns in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula which along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, such as Manistique and Escanaba.

Upper Peninsula Michigan Destinations

There’s nothing like being “Up North” and we think you will want to linger in this beautiful region, filled with outstanding Lake Michigan Destinations.

Here are but a few of the towns which are delightful to discover in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:

St. Ignace, Michigan

Located in the Straits of Mackinac, and known as the “Gateway” to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace has more than 300 years of history.

Manistique, Michigan

Manistique is a harbor town and was formerly known as a lumber transfer town as well as a popular commercial fishing port.

Gladstone, Michigan

Nicknamed “Happy Rock”, Gladstone, Michigan is known as “The Year Round Playground” with a spectacular choice of parks and activities.

Escanaba, Michigan

Escanaba is the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair and is popular for fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Menominee, Michigan

Among the water activities, shopping, and dining, Menominee, Michigan offers historical museum, beaches, and parks.

Upper Peninsula Lake Michigan Lighthouses

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) has lighthouses on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron.

View Lighthouses in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, Gulliver
Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse, Manistique
Poverty Island Lighthouse, Poverty
St. Martin Island Lighthouse, Garden
Peninsula Point Lighthouse, Rapid River
Eleven Foot Shoal, Escanaba
Minneapolis Shoal Light, Escanaba
Sand Point Lighthouse, Escanaba
Escanaba Crib Light, Escanaba
Cedar River Lighthouse, Escanaba
Menominee North Pier Light, Menominee

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Lake Michigan water photo by Todd Reed

Evanston, Illinois

Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan

Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers sand dune adventures and much more! Ride the dunes, splash in Silver Lake, and enjoy the expansive dune views!

Lake Michigan Reed Photo

Waukegan, Illinois

North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.

kayaks on beach

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.

Winthrop Harbor

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Egg Harbor is known as one of the best small towns in America. It boasts a new marina and an expanded, freshly renovated beach.

Parasailing

Ephraim, Wisconsin

Nestled in the harbor, Ephraim of Door County, Wisconsin has a picturesque view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island.