Whether you live in Michigan are not, you should definitely know about the Upper Peninsula. It is a beautiful, snowy, cold, and mostly full of woods miles long, there's a reason its called "God's Country". I have lived in Michigan since 2011 and this past summer was the first time I have gone to the UP. It was even more beautiful than I ever thought it could be. This trip was so memorable and having my boo next to me was equally as great. Here is my top ten list of favorite UP spots and this could possibly be a future trip!
1. Mackinaw Island
Alexis Stachurski
The iconic island in Lake Huron. This island is so cute and the houses are gorgeously expensive. There are no cars allowed on the island and you need to take a ferry across the water. The only way to get around the island is by bike, so rent a bike and take a trip to Arch Rock!
2. Kitch-iti-kipi
A 40-foot deep natural spring with HUGE trout fish and freezing water. This spring is in the middle of nowhere next to Indian Lake State Park in Manistique. When it was discovered, it was covered in swampy trees that hid its beauty. Now nearly a hundred years later, its water is untouched and unswimmable. It is almost 2 hours after the bridge but it such a cute place to have a picnic.
3. Garlyn Zoo
Alexis Stachurski
The cutest zoo ever! It a mix between a petting zoo and an actual zoo. It is located in Naubinway, less than an hour on US 2. You can buy ice cream cones full of feed and give it to the deer and reindeer. Also, the bears will be very happy if you give them some apples. This is a super laid back zoo with the occasional free-ranging peacock or two
4. Pictured Rocks
Pictured RocksThis is #1 on everyone's list for road trips in the summer! It is one of the things that Michigan is well known for and you can see it on those "Pure Michigan" signs even down here in Lansing. You can kayak, go on boat tours, hike, walk the beach and SO much more. It's a 2-hour hike to Munising from the bridge but it is very worth it!
5. Tahquamenon Falls
Wikimedia CommonsAnother stop including water in this list! This orange colored stream is colored from the cedar swamps it runs through, it sounds a lot like Michigan State's Red Cedar! This waterfall is worth the hike in all seasons.
6. Porcupine Mountains
Michigan Nut
This had been a tradition for my family for years! We haven't been here in a while but it definitely needs to be a future trip for us! This Wilderness State Park is more than 59,000 acres of breathtaking views that are calling the hiker in everyone!
7. Lighthouses
Alexis Stachurski
There is more than 40 lighthouses along the Upper Peninsula's coast and many of them are open for public tours!
8. Sand Dunes
Alexis Stachurski
Along side US 2 is miles and miles of sand dunes that make for a great pit-stop along the way!
9. Castle Rock
A rock nearly 200 feet high that gives you awesome views of Lake Huron and the Mackinaw Bridge! There is so many steps (nearly died a couple times, not gonna lie)
10. This freakin Moose in St. Ignance
I am super excited!
Alexis Stachurski
LOOK AT IT!
The Upper Peninsula is such an amazing area and is so close to home for me that it's a perfect trip. Hopefully, this inspired some of you to take a trip across the "Mighty Mac" for the first time!
P.S. Thanks to Jeff for taking me on this trip for our anniversary! I cannot wait to go on many more adventures with you! 💕
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