ミシガン州アッパー半島旅行ガイド:ミシガン州アッパー半島でやるべき20のベストアクティビティ
So you want to know what are the best things
to do in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan? Great, you’re in the right place. In this video we’re gonna discuss the
top things to do in the Upper Peninsula. Number 20: Soo Locks
Located in the Saint Marys River, the Soo Locks are a set of giant boat lifts that
move ships between the higher waters of Lake Superior and the lower waters of Lake Huron.
You can watch massive freighters, sailboats, and cruise ships go up or down
through the locks using only gravity. Most ships use the Poe Lock, which
was built for larger vessels. The viewing platform in Soo Locks Park gives
you a close look at the locking process. The park also has neat gardens, a
lit fountain, a Japanese archway, and trees from around the Upper Peninsula.
Inside the Soo Locks Visitor Center, you’ll find exhibits on ships, lock
operations, and Great Lakes history. Number 19: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
This museum sits along the Lake Superior coast at Whitefish Point, where over 200
ships sank, including the Edmund Fitzgerald. Inside, you’ll see real pieces from these
wrecks, like the Fitzgerald’s recovered bell. You’ll learn how dangerous this part of the lake
is and what caused so many ships to go down. The exhibits explain what happened during storms,
what the crews faced, and how rescue teams worked. You can also see the old 1923
Coast Guard Lifeboat Station. Right outside, you can walk near the Whitefish
Point Lighthouse, which has helped guide ships for years along this risky stretch of water.
Number 18: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Covering nearly 60,000 acres (24,280 ha), Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
State Park is the largest state park in Michigan. You’ll find old-growth hardwood forest, waterfalls
like Manabezho Falls and Nawadaha Falls, rivers such as the Presque Isle River, and
over 90 miles (145 km) of hiking trails. The Escarpment Trail gives wide views of Lake
of the Clouds, while a shorter paved walk takes you to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook.
If you want to get close to the water, hike down the Lake of the Clouds Trail.
You can also walk to Summit Peak and climb the Summit Peak Observation Tower for
views of Isle Royale and the Apostle Islands. After hiking, you can swim or paddle
in Lake Superior’s cold waters. Number 17: Tahquamenon Falls State Park
This 50,000-acre (20,234-ha) park is home to Tahquamenon Falls, with the Upper Falls stretching
200 feet (60 m) wide and dropping 50 feet (15 m), one of the largest east of the Mississippi River.
The water looks dark because of tree tannins, and the falls create thick foam due to the soft water.
You can hike over 35 miles (56 km) of trails and stop at overlooks for views
of the Upper and Lower Falls. There’s a 10-mile (16-km) path along
the river between the two falls. You can also reach the island at the Lower Falls
by rowboat or walk across the all-access bridge. In winter, you can snowmobile,
snowshoe, cross-country ski, or ride a dog sled to the falls.
Number 16: Lake Superior State Forest Campground If you like camping near water, head to
Lake Superior State Forest Campground. You’ll find 18 spots for tents and
small trailers right by the beach, about 12 miles (19 km) from Grand Marais.
You can walk along the sandy shore or follow the 7-mile (12-km) Blind Sucker
Pathway beside the campground. There’s also a hand-pump for
water and simple toilets. If you enjoy fishing or paddling, Blind
Sucker No. 1 Campground is just a mile away on the Blind Sucker Flooding.
This area gets busy in summer, but spring and fall are quieter.
The road isn’t plowed in winter, so it’s best to go when the snow has melted.
Number 15: Mackinac Bridge Also known as the “Mighty Mac,” the Mackinac
Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, stretching nearly 5 miles (8 km)
between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It stands 552 feet (168 m) above the
water and crosses the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron.
Before the bridge opened in 1957, people had to take a ferry to get across.
If you’re nervous about driving over the bridge, there’s a program where
someone can drive your car for you. Every Labor Day, you can join thousands
of people for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk and enjoy wide views of the water
and a glimpse of nearby Mackinac Island. Number 14: Mackinac Island
Only accessible by ferry or charter plane, Mackinac Island is one of
the lovely places in the Upper Peninsula. Cars are not allowed, so you’ll get around
by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. You can ride through quiet trails, see limestone
formations like Arch Rock and Skull Cave, and enjoy the smell of lilac trees in spring.
You can also visit Fort Mackinac, where guides in period costumes share
stories and perform cannon firings. Downtown, you can watch fudge being made
in shops like Murdick’s and Joann’s. There’s a butterfly conservatory, quiet
beaches, and lots of small stores. At night, you can eat by the water
or relax at the historic Grand Hotel. Number 13: Marquette
In Marquette, the largest town in the Upper Peninsula, you’ll find
small-town charm mixed with plenty to do. Downtown has local breweries like Blackrocks and
Ore Dock, plus shops and cafes you can walk to. You can hike up Sugarloaf Mountain
or ski at Marquette Mountain Resort. Along Lake Superior, you’ll see the old ore
dock, a symbol of the town’s mining history. You can catch the northern lights or walk
the 47-mile (76-km) Iron Ore Heritage Trail. You can also visit Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
and its maritime museum, or check out local history at the Marquette Regional History Center.
For arts, the Devos Art Museum and Lake Superior Theatre host shows and exhibits.
Number 12: Kitch-iti-kipi Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest natural
spring, found in Palms Book State Park. The water is clear and cold all year, staying
around 45°F (7°C) and rarely freezing. A short paved path takes you to a dock
where you can ride a raft across the spring. The raft moves by turning a big
wheel, and there’s a glass opening in the middle so you can look down.
You’ll see large trout, bubbling sand, tree branches, and logs below the surface.
The water flows from limestone cracks, sending up 10,000 gallons every minute.
There are also picnic tables, grills, and a small shop near the dock.
Number 11: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Another fun thing to do is
paddle along the colorful cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
You can book a kayak tour from Munising and get close to the tall, painted rocks that
stretch for miles along Lake Superior. If you prefer less effort, a boat cruise gives
you the same views and covers more ground. Some cruises even have glass-bottom windows
so you can see old shipwrecks under the water. Taking your own kayak isn’t a good idea unless you’ve had safety training and
know how to handle rough water. The waves and weather can change fast,
so guided tours are the safer way to go. By the way, check the links in the description
for the ultimate guide on saving money while traveling, plus recommended tour
operators in the Upper Peninsula. Number 10: GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park
At GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park, you’ll walk through pine forest paths
and see animals from all over the world. This family-run zoo has been around since
1994 and is home to hundreds of animals. You’ll see wolves, bobcats, bears, deer,
and cougars, along with African lions, hyenas, camels, and Siberian tigers.
There are also friendly animals like goats, llamas, and reindeer that kids enjoy.
The zoo is easy to find on Highway US-2, just 6 miles (10 km) east of Naubinway.
It’s designed to be easy to walk through, with animal enclosures that let you get
a close look without feeling crowded. Number 9: Bond Falls
Bond Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to enjoy in the Upper Peninsula.
You don’t need to hike far—just follow the boardwalk from the parking lot to see wide
cascades that drop about 50 feet (15 m). The water flows over broken rock,
spreading into many smaller falls. In autumn, the trees around
it turn bright with color. You can walk the one-mile loop trail
along both sides of the river to get closer to the falls and climb to the top.
Above the dam, you’ll find Bond Falls Flowage Campground with 26 free campsites.
The area is also good for fishing, with Trout, Walleye, Pike, and Perch in the water.
Number 8: Deer Ranch The Deer Ranch in St. Ignace is another place
to see native Michigan animals up close. It’s the oldest live whitetail deer exhibit in
North America and has been running since 1950. You will see whitetails, white whitetails, and
even rare albino deer in a natural setting. You can walk along a trail, feed
the deer, and take photos as you go. Some of the deer enjoy being petted.
The ranch also cares for baby fawns each year, and if you call ahead, you might get
the chance to help bottle-feed one. After your walk, you can stop by the gift shop
for Minnetonka items and other unique finds. Number 7: Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale is a remote island in Lake Superior, about 15 miles (24 km) from the nearest shore.
You can get there by boat from Houghton or Copper Harbor.
It’s a quiet place where you can hike, camp, or paddle along the rugged shoreline.
If you stay in Rock Harbor or Windigo, you can sleep in a cabin and take day hikes
or short paddling trips in safe coves. You’ll likely see moose on
the trails or near your camp. Guided kayaking trips are available,
but the open lake is rough and cold, so going with a guide is safer.
Some areas are only good for experienced paddlers with proper gear and planning.
Number 6: Copper Harbor Located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a small village surrounded by forests, water, and quiet trails.
You can start by driving Brockway Mountain Drive for wide views of Lake
Superior and colorful fall trees. If you enjoy mountain biking or trail
running, the Copper Harbor Trails offer 37 miles (60 km) of paths through hardwood
forests, rocky ridges, and inland lakes. You can also walk among 300 to 500-year-old
eastern white pines at Estivant Pines. For history, visit Fort Wilkins to see
restored soldier quarters and blacksmith shops or head into Delaware Mine to walk
through 110-foot-deep (34-m) copper tunnels. At night, you can watch the sky fill with
stars and sometimes the Northern Lights. Number 5: Fayette Historic State Park
A visit to Fayette Historic State Park lets you walk through a 19th-century
industrial town on the edge of Big Bay de Noc. You’ll see tall limestone cliffs, quiet
trails, and clear water along the shore. Around 20 buildings are open,
including the furnace complex, charcoal kilns, and workers’ homes.
Inside the visitor center, you can view a miniature model of the town and
learn how people lived and worked here. Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits showing
daily life, chores, and toys from the past. You can also walk through the Music Hall where
traveling performers once entertained the town, with their signatures still
visible on the backstage walls. Number 4: Escanaba
Escanaba, a small town by Little Bay de Noc, is a peaceful place with things to see and do.
In late summer and early fall, you can watch thousands of Monarch butterflies as
they pass through on their way south. At Ludington Park, you can walk
along the shore, bring a picnic, and let the kids play by the water.
Downtown, you’ll spot bright murals on buildings and a big fish statue
near the Chamber of Commerce. If you head to Portage Point Beach, you’ll find
shallow water where kids can swim and trails where you can ride your bike.
Number 3: Eben Ice Caves You will see these frozen ice walls deep in the
Rock River Wilderness of Hiawatha National Forest. They form in winter when melting snow flows over a
small cliff and freezes into thick layers of ice. The frozen water builds into tall, clear
walls that look like a cave entrance. As you walk the trail, you’ll notice how the water seeps through the sandstone and freezes
into long icicles hanging above you. Make sure you wear shoes with good grip or
ice cleats—the path can get very slippery. To get there, follow signs from Eben Junction to
the parking lot at the end of Eben Ice Caves Road. Number 2: Iron Mountain Iron Mine
To learn more about the Upper Peninsula’s mining history, take a guided tour of
the Iron Mountain Iron Mine in Vulcan. You’ll ride a train 2,600 feet (792 m) into an
old mine tunnel first used in the late 1800s. Skilled guides show you early mining
tools, machines, and rock formations that are millions of years old.
One highlight is the “big stope,” a huge underground space where most of
the 22 million tons of ore were removed. You’ll also see Big John, a 40-foot
(12-m) miner statue outside the museum. Inside, there’s a collection of original mining
equipment and displays about how workers mined iron over the years.
Number 1: Castle Rock For more views, climb Castle Rock, one of
the oldest lookout points near St. Ignace. The Ojibwe Tribe once called
it “Pontiac’s Lookout.” It stands 195 feet (59 m) above
the water and gives you clear views of Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, the
Mackinac Bridge, and downtown St. Ignace. From the top, you can see up to
20 miles (32 km) on a clear day. There are binoculars to help you see even farther. At the base, you’ll find a small gift shop with
birch bark walls and a ceiling built by local Native Americans in the early 1950s.
Click here to watch this video.
This Upper Peninsula travel guide shares the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula.
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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com
Recommended Tours in Upper Peninsula:
White-water Rafting Adventure on the Menominee River: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Whitewater-Rafting-on-the-Menominee-River/d29649-28542P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
Wildman Zip Line Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Wildman-Zip-Line-Tour/d29649-28542P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
St Ignace Parasailing: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/St-Ignace-Parasailing/d29649-270808P3?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Keweenaw Copper Country Trail: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Keweenaw-Copper-Country-Trail-Audio-Driving-Tour/d29649-309754P37?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
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Welcome to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, often called the U.P., a rugged and quiet region known for its forests, lakes, waterfalls, and strong local identity. Separated from the rest of Michigan by the Straits of Mackinac, the Upper Peninsula offers a slower pace of life, wide-open spaces, and a strong connection to nature.
The Upper Peninsula, Michigan is bordered by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, giving it more freshwater coastline than almost any other part of the U.S. The landscape is filled with forests, cliffs, and rocky shores. Popular spots like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park show off the natural beauty of the region.
Small towns and historic areas are part of what makes the Upper Peninsula special. Places like Marquette, Houghton, Munising, and Copper Harbor give visitors a look at local life, with small diners, outdoor gear shops, and views of the lakes. Each town has its own charm, whether it’s a lighthouse, harbor, or mining history.
The seasons shape life in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan. Fall brings bright colors to the forests. Winter brings deep snow, and locals take part in skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, camping, and kayaking. The long summer days near the lake are peaceful and cool, even when other parts of the Midwest are hot.
The Upper Peninsula also has a strong culture of independence and tradition. You’ll hear the nickname “Yoopers” used for locals, and it’s common to see signs in both English and Finnish in some areas. Regional foods like pasties (meat pies) are a local staple, and small events and fairs often center around local history and outdoor life.
Driving across the Upper Peninsula gives you a sense of space and stillness not often found elsewhere. Long highways lead through forests and along lake shores, with plenty of places to pull off and explore. Whether you’re watching the Northern Lights, walking to a lighthouse, or just enjoying the calm, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers a quiet, natural setting that feels far from the busy world.
Keep watching to see the top things to do in Upper Peninsula, top attractions in Upper Peninsula, places to visit in the Upper Peninsula and Michigan travel guides.
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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com // Recommended Tours in Upper Peninsula:
White-water Rafting Adventure on the Menominee River: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Whitewater-Rafting-on-the-Menominee-River/d29649-28542P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
Wildman Zip Line Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Wildman-Zip-Line-Tour/d29649-28542P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
St Ignace Parasailing: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/St-Ignace-Parasailing/d29649-270808P3?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Keweenaw Copper Country Trail: https://www.viator.com/tours/Upper-Peninsula/Keweenaw-Copper-Country-Trail-Audio-Driving-Tour/d29649-309754P37?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-UpperPeninsula