BIKING IN THE U.P.
Pedal through Michigan’s lush forests and gentle hills covering all corners of the state. Whether recreational or mountain biking, Michigan has a trail for every cyclist’s interest and comfort level. Michigan offers more rail trails than any other state and has top rated singletracks to thousands of miles of family-friendlyrails trails, Michigan is one of the most bike-friendly states in the nation. You can mountain bike on world class trails in Copper Harbor or join in an underground bike race called Miner’s Revenge or rappel down a mine shaft at the Adventure Mine in Greenland (less than a mile from Algomah Acres Meadery)!
BIRDING TRAILS
Birding trails offer birders, naturalists, and eco-tourists opportunities to explore diverse habitats near home and across the state of Michigan. Birding trails are typically driving routes linking prime birding locations. The growth of birding trails combines Michigan residents’ and visitors’ passion for birding and love of the open road, creating new opportunities for connecting birds and people.
Formal birding trails are still relatively new in Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Birding Trail debuted in 2013, sparking trail development elsewhere in the state. Some trails are marked by signs at each site, while others, such as the Superior Birding Trail in the Upper Peninsula, exist only in web or brochure format.
FISHING IN THE U.P.
With fresh water fish including trout, walleyes, salmon, perch and bass ready to bite, Michigan is home to some of the best catches a fishing trip can offer. With the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Family Friendly Fishing guide, a resource that provides family-friendly fishing locations across the state that are easy to access and have a high likelihood of catching fish, it’s the perfect time to plan a family fishing trip in Pure Michigan. Be sure to check out some fly fishing in one of Iron County’s five blue ribbon trout streams!
FOOT TRAILS
The hiking trails of Michigan lead us through old-growth forests. They guide us to waterfalls. They usher us to the tops of mountains, back across time and down through urban canyons. All skill levels are welcome – take your time and enjoy the views, test your endurance on trails that are truly epic, or jump on the Iron Belle Trail, the longest designated state trail in the nation. Here we can hike more than 220 miles on the Shore-to-Shore Trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Or do a day hike on any breathtaking section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Let’s walk among the giants that remind us that there are bigger things in life than us. It’s time to lace up our hiking boots, because in this part of the world, any given pathway will point us to Pure Michigan.
Be sure to visit the Iron Belle Trail, which runs over 2,000 miles and goes right through Ironwood. Be sure to visit the Cold Iron Brewery in your travels through!
LIGHTHOUSES OF THE U.P.
Great Lakes shipping and travel shaped Michigan’s history. Along the state’s 3,200 miles of shoreline, more than 2 dozen museums and historical sites help preserve that maritime tradition. Tour lighthouses that still stand guard over treacherous shoals, and museums that tell tales of tragic wrecks and valiant rescues. Visit the sampling of maritime museums and discover others when you travel in Upper Michigan. Museums are open for visitors during the summer and for special events.
Tour the grounds and visit historic lighthouses, such as Eagle Harbor and Sand Point in the Keweenaw Bay!
PADDLING AND ROCK COLLECTING IN THE U.P.
If you are looking for great paddling opportunities, you have found the right place! Michigan boasts an estimated 2,850 miles of coastal water trails — covering nearly every mile of coastline on both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas — as well as an estimated 1,280 miles of inland water trails. Water trails are located in some of Michigan’s most remote and natural environments as well as in some of the state’s most industrial and urban environments, weaving together Michigan’s beautiful water resources and its communities.
Look for agates along the shores of Lake Superior and search for leftover copper on rock piles of former native copper mines.
VISIT, HIKE, DRIVE, BIKE AND CAMP IN STATE & NATIONAL PARKS
Michigan State and National Parks have loads of things to do when you travel to their area. You can do things from boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and morel mushroom hunting to camping & lodging, hiking, biking, horseback riding and winter sports. Depending on the season, there are things for the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors and use our natural resources to play.
WATERFALLS IN THE U.P.
The web of rushing waterways that cross the “Mitten State” creates more than 300 waterfalls in Michigan. Each season, the falls take on distinctively different personalities. Come autumn, they are framed by colorful foliage that accents photos and makes for gorgeous hikes down paths that lead to them. In winter, the falls are frozen into ice sculptures as stunning as art—and great for recreational climbing. Spring brings the roar of winter’s melt, and in summer, weather that’s perfect for falls-focused picnics and more.
Take a scenic drive and visit all the waterfalls the Western Upper Peninsula has to offer or take a trip to the Tahquamenon Falls!
