When you think of Michigan, you either think of MSU vs. U of M or the Great Lakes; but have you ever been to Northern Michigan? The deep woods, numerous waterfall, never ending beaches, and miles of land to explore. Take a break from your busy work week, cell phones, and anxiety to join friends in an adventure to one of these beautiful areas.
1. Marquette
Not only is it one of my favorite places just because I go to college there, but it also is home to many natural beauties such as Presque Isle, Dead River falls, and Hogsback Mountain.
2. Charlevoix
Michigan’s known tourist town below the Mackinac Bridge. In Charlevoix you can enjoy Michigan’s weird breweries, the Draw Bridge, and quaint little shops downtown.
3. Torch Lake
AKA the place you want to be on the fourth of July when hundreds of boats party all day on the famous sandbars. Within the two mile wide lake people love to boat, paddle board, jet ski, and just swim.
4. Copper Harbor
Located at the very top of Northern Michigan in the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor was named after the copper mining that was done in the late 1800s. Even though there is no more mining Copper Harbor offers hundreds of miles of back country downhill biking and various surrounding lakes to have fun in.
5. Traverse City
Residing on Grand Traverse Bay come hit up Traverse City for the cherry festival which attracts thousands of people; even with the big city feels you are always surrounded by beautiful lakes and country side.
6. Mackinac Island
I can now say that I know someone who lives on the island which I didn’t know was possible before. But in addition to that the island offers the Grand Hotel, various homemade chocolate and ice cream shops, and miles of bike trails.
7. Munising
To those who don’t know, Munising is home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which is part of the beautiful rock formations created by Lake Superior. There is a guided ferry boat ride that shows you the lakeshore and Grand Island.
8. Sault Ste. Marie
Interesting fact of Sault Ste. Marie is that just across the river is its twin city Sault Ste. Maria, Ontario, separated by St. Mary’s River. Sault Ste. Marie used to be the center of the trading route of 3,000 miles. Now days people come from all over the world to see the ginormous ships pass through the locks.
9. Isle Royal
This 45 miles long, nine miles wide island makes up the largest natural island in Lake Superior. You will definitely not get cell service there so be prepared to not be in contact with anyone. You can catch a ferry from Copper Harbor, MI, Grand Portage, MN, and Houghton, MI which all shuttle to Isle Royal.
10. Whitefish Point
Whitefish Point is known for their lighthouse which is the oldest operating lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whitefish Point Light is arguable the most important light on Lake Superior for the reason that all vessels that are either entering or leaving pass by the light. While staying in Whitefish Point area one of the most popular attractions to visit is Tahquamenon Falls.
