Found 10 blog entries tagged as upper peninsula.

Crisp air, peak color, and packed calendars make fall the season to explore Michigan like a local, whether you’re living in Michigan or moving to Michigan. This month-by-month guide for September, October, and November highlights kid-friendly weekends and date-night ideas with practical details that matter to families and savvy locals, including dates, times, addresses, ticket ranges, and official links. You’ll find easy picks near Detroit and Ann Arbor, road-trip options Up North, and smart add-ons like cider mills, scenic drives, Halloween outings, and holiday markets. Skim for quick plans or dive deep to build an itinerary that fits your schedule and budget, with insider tips on parking, crowds, and weather. Use this as your trusted checklist to make…

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Families, weekend explorers, and anyone curious about Michigan’s creative side do not need a ticket to see world-class art. Across big cities and small lakeshore towns, public pieces anchor plazas, brighten alleys, and turn waterfront paths into open-air galleries. From Calder’s towering “La Grande Vitesse” in downtown Grand Rapids to the playful Walk of Art on Elk Rapids’ bayfront trails, these works say as much about their communities as they do about the artists.

This guide is written for how locals actually explore. It sticks to verified, official sources, names each piece precisely, and gives quick pointers on how to see more with a simple loop, stroller in tow, and camera ready.

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Michigan’s sunflower season is short, bright, and absolutely worth planning around. From Lake Superior sunsets behind golden blooms in the Upper Peninsula to kid-friendly mazes and u-pick bouquets downstate, the state’s farms deliver a burst of color right when summer is hitting its stride. Bloom windows vary by region and weather, fields often open or close with a few days’ notice, and photo policies can change by the weekend. The goal here is simple: help families and savvy locals pick the right field, show up prepared, and leave with great photos and even better memories.

Below you’ll find a quick-compare snapshot, then a region-by-region breakdown of Michigan’s best sunflower farms and festivals. Every listing includes practical details, insider…

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Ask ten Michiganders where "Up North" begins, and you’ll get twelve different answers. Some point to a highway exit. Others name a favorite lake town. A few insist it doesn’t start until you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

But that's what makes the idea of "Up North" so special: it's both a destination and a feeling.

It’s the first time you see more pine trees than power lines. It’s the moment traffic clears and the air smells like wood smoke and water. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, pulling up to a lakeside cabin, or just passing a handmade pasty sign on the side of the road, the experience is universal: you’ve left the grind behind and entered the best version of Michigan.

Still, there are some clear turning points. If you’ve ever driven north…

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There’s nothing quite like discovering a hidden gem in your own backyard, especially when that backyard spans the two peninsulas of Michigan. One such gem is Kitch-iti-Kipi, a spring so enchanting that the Ojibwa people nicknamed it the “Mirror of Heaven.” Tucked away in the lush forests of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), Kitch-iti-Kipi is a place many Metro Detroiters have heard whispers about but few have experienced firsthand. Imagine crystal-clear emerald water where giant trout glide over ancient sunken logs, and you can peer 40 feet down as if looking through glass. For lifelong Michiganders and curious families alike, this natural wonder is a must-see that truly lives up to the hype.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Kitch-iti-Kipi so magical,…

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Ready for an Upper Peninsula adventure? Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a lighthouse lover’s dream, dotted with historic beacons that once guided Great Lakes ships and now make for unforgettable road trip stops. From rugged Lake Superior shorelines to quiet bays, these ten lighthouses offer a blend of history, scenery, and family-friendly exploration – truly some of the best things to do in northern Michigan for those seeking “Upper Peninsula travel” experiences. Our Metro Detroit-based travel expert invites you to pack up the car, head north, and let these shining landmarks light up your journey. Each stop comes with local lore, stunning views, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of lighthouse keepers from over a century ago. Buckle up for a scenic…

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Michigan’s best-kept wilderness secret just hit the national spotlight. In a stunning victory that has Metro Detroit nature lovers cheering, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – affectionately known as “the Porkies” – was voted one of the Top 5 state parks in America in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This remote Upper Peninsula gem outranked some truly iconic destinations (yes, even beating Niagara Falls State Park and Ohio’s famed Hocking Hills in the rankings). For those of us who’ve long adored the Porkies, the award feels like a neighbor’s kid winning the state championship – we’re proud, but not too surprised. We always knew this 60,000-acre paradise was something special. Now the rest of the country knows it, too.

In this…

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Discover Les Cheneaux Islands: Your Perfect Michigan Mitten Adventure in Cedarville – Tucked away at the southeastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Les Cheneaux Islands and the waterfront village of Cedarville. This hidden gem is an archipelago of 36 lush, pine-studded islands dotting 12 miles of Lake Huron shoreline. Here, you’ll find a blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure that feels a world away from Michigan’s busier tourist spots. Les Cheneaux (French for “The Channels”) lives up to its name with countless serene waterways weaving between islands, promising endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploration. If you’re dreaming of an authentic Upper Peninsula escape – complete with…

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**Updated September 10, 2025


Michigan is brimming with charming small towns that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and friendly vibes. From the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula to the beachy havens of the Lower Peninsula, these pint-sized destinations prove you don’t need a big city for a big experience. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways in Michigan or an epic road trip, our guide now covers 26 of the best small towns in Michigan, 11 in the Upper Peninsula and 15 in the Lower Peninsula , that capture pure Michigan charm. Each town has its own unique attractions: think waterfall hikes, historic downtowns, cozy festivals, and maybe even a pasty or some fudge. So grab a cup of coffee (or a craft beer) and let’s explore…

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Planning a road trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the state's most stunning natural landscapes. For those living in Michigan or considering moving to Michigan, embarking on Michigan's Ultimate Waterfall Road Trip is a perfect way to experience the state’s hidden gems. This carefully curated journey will take you to nine must-see scenic locations, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Michigan’s waterfalls. From the majestic Potawatomi Falls near the Wisconsin border to the awe-inspiring Tahquamenon Falls in McMillan Township, this route covers the full length of the UP in just over eight hours. Whether you're drawn to the serene allure of Munising Falls or the rugged charm of Gabbro Falls, this epic…

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