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

West Michigan Coast

From the tip of the mitten, to the southern end of Lake Michigan, the West Michigan coast has beautiful scenery.

Gary, Indiana

A blue-collar city on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Gary was built on the hard work done in its once prosperous steel mills.

Lake Michigan water

Charlevoix County, Michigan

Charlevoix County is located in Northern Michigan and includes communities like Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan.

Lake Michigan water

Allegan County, Michigan

Allegan county is located in southwest Michigan and is home to communities such as Allegan, Douglas, Fennville, and a segment of Holland.

Manistee Lighthouse

Manistee, Michigan

The “Victorian Port City” of Manistee is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and is also the gateway to scenic highway M-22.

Frankfort, Michigan

Frankfort is located along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and is home to attractions like the Betsie Pointe Lighthouse and The Garden Theater.