Michigan's U.P.: Pictured Rocks & Tahquamenon Falls
The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan is, as they say, “a whole other country,” and I had the pleasure of visiting the U.P. many times while growing up in northeast Wisconsin. The road trips were most memorable to me because M-35 hugs the shores of Lake Michigan; nevertheless, if you feel adventurous, you could drive the entire 128 miles of M-35, taking in plenty of sightseeing. Also, at the northern end of M-35, if you take a right off of M-35 onto Highway 41 (46.5306° N, 87.5471° W), you will be heading east into the city of Marquette (about 10 miles), where you can enjoy more beautiful sights, including the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Superior!
A couple of things I enjoy about the scenic drives on M-35 in the U.P. are the trees and, of course, Lake Michigan. I don’t know what it is, but the U.P. simply smells fresh and revitalizes my senses. You will notice an abundance of trees on your trip on M-35: Eastern Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, Balsam Fir, and White Spruce. If you want to take in the views safely, there are many places where you can pull over and enjoy the surrounding nature and Lake Michigan. Make sure your camera or smartphone is fully charged because you will want to capture the breathtaking views.
Navigating Peak Travel Times to Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Planning your trips is a crucial component of safety; however, you will always be “outplanned” by some other experienced road traveler. So how can you stay ahead of the curve? Let’s look at peak travel times. June to August is the peak travel season for the U.P., as many people head north to enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Weekends are the busiest, especially Fridays and Sundays, as people travel to and from their destinations.
Holiday weekends are important to take note of if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of traffic. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer; the Fourth of July is notably the busiest travel time, and Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer when many families take one last trip before school starts.
Travelers from Illinois and Wisconsin often use major highways like I-94, I-90, and US-41 to reach the U.P. As a result, traffic on these routes can be heavy during peak travel times. Conversely, travelers from the Lower Peninsula, or the mainland of Michigan, typically use I-75 to cross the Mackinac Bridge into the U.P.
Exploring M-35: Top Scenic Stops on Your Route
- John Henes Park, Menominee, MI (45.1382° N, 87.5973° W): This park offers walking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. It's a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the lake.
- Van Cleve Park, Gladstone, MI (45.8522° N, 87.0206° W): This park features a lovely beach, a large playground, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk along the shore.
- Ludington Park, Escanaba, MI (45.7444° N, 87.0644° W): This park offers a variety of recreational activities, including walking trails, a beach, and picnic areas. It's a perfect place to take in the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan.
- J.W. Wells State Park, Stephenson, MI (45.4017° N, 87.3719° W): This state park offers camping, hiking, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. It's a great spot to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the lake's serene beauty.
Exploring I-75: Top Scenic Stops on Your Route
- Castle Rock, St. Ignace, MI (45.8683° N, 84.7244° W): This 195-foot-tall lookout spot offers stunning views of Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, and downtown St. Ignace. It's a great place to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
- Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling, MI (44.6944° N, 84.7131° W): This park features old-growth pine forests and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. It's a serene and educational stop that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
- Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, Bay City, MI (43.5961° N, 83.8885° W): Home to the USS Edson, a Forest Sherman-class destroyer, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history, particularly during the Vietnam War.
- Stepping Stone Falls, Flint, MI (43.0614° N, 83.6597° W): This manmade dam on the Flint River forms Mott Lake and offers a scenic path along the river with several lookout points. The falls are beautifully lit up with colorful lights after dark.
Exploring Pictured Rocks
Although I have not yet visited Pictured Rocks, it is known for its beautiful waterfalls, beaches, multicolored sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, inland lakes, and deep forests. I'm set to take a trip there soon. In the meantime, let me provide some information about Pictured Rocks:
- Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, between the cities of Munising and Grand Marais.
- Length: The park stretches for 42 miles along the Lake Superior shoreline and covers 73,236 acres.
- Cliffs: The park is famous for its multicolored sandstone cliffs, which reach up to 200 feet above lake level.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, kayaking, boating, and sightseeing. In winter, activities like ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular.
- Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in designated areas of the park, including specific hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Owners must keep their dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet and clean up after them.
- Hours: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, some roads and facilities may be closed during the winter months due to snow.
- Fees: Entrance fees are required for visitors aged 16 and older. The fees are $25 for a seven-day vehicle pass, $20 for a seven-day motorcycle pass, and $15 for a seven-day walk, bicycle, or boat-in pass. An annual pass is available for $45.
- Visitor Centers: The park has two visitor centers: the Grand Sable Visitor Center and the Munising Falls Contact Station. These centers provide information, maps, and exhibits about the park.
- Waterfalls: The park features several beautiful waterfalls, including Munising Falls, Miners Falls, and Bridalveil Falls.
- Shipwrecks: Pictured Rocks is home to several historic shipwrecks, which can be explored through scuba diving or glass-bottom boat tours.
- Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 42 species of mammals, 179 species of birds, and 57 species of fish.
- Best Time to Visit: While the park is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit for fall foliage is late September to early October. Summer is the peak season for outdoor activities.
Exploring Tahquamenon Falls
I've seen Tahquamenon Falls a few times, and it's amazing to hear the falls as you approach the park. When you are finally walking around the falls, it's remarkable because it's so refreshing to visit. Sometimes you can get close to the falls and feel the mist surrounding you.
- Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located in the northeastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, between the towns of Newberry and Paradise.
- Size: The park covers 46,179 acres, making it Michigan's second-largest state park.
- Waterfalls: The park features two main waterfalls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, with a drop of nearly 50 feet and a width of over 200 feet.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. In winter, activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular.
- Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in designated areas of the park, including specific hiking trails and campgrounds. Owners must keep their dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet and clean up after them.
- Hours: The park is open year-round, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- Fees: Michigan residents need a Recreation Passport, which costs $12 when purchased with vehicle registration or $17 at the park. Non-residents pay $10 for a daily pass or $36 for an annual pass.
- Visitor Center: The park has a visitor center near the Upper Falls, offering information, exhibits, and restrooms.
- Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, foxes, otters, and numerous bird species.
- Best Time to Visit: The park is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for fall foliage is late September to early October. Summer is the peak season for outdoor activities.
- Unique Feature: The water of the Tahquamenon River is brown due to tannins leached from the cedar swamps, giving the falls the nickname "Root Beer Falls."
- Trails: The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Tahquamenon River Trail, which connects the Upper and Lower Falls.
Closing Thoughts
There’s no doubt that you could have a fun-filled weekend by visiting both sites, and if you love photography, you will find many opportunities to take breathtaking shots. Make sure you bring mosquito spray because there are a lot of annoying critters, and bring long-sleeve clothing and try to cover up your legs as much as possible, especially if you are an avid hiker or camper. If you have any questions, let us know! We hope you enjoy your time visiting Michigan’s beautiful parks.
M-35 & I-75 Hotels
M-35 Hotels:
I-75 Hotels:
MJ Grenier
With a passion for crafting compelling content, he creates captivating pieces for Scáth Solas Life. He thrives on interviewing people, exploring their photography interests, traveling, and composing stories about their lives. His dedication to the craft is evident in every piece he creates, weaving together vibrant narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of those he encounters.
