The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with its rugged landscapes, vast forests, and stunning Great Lakes shorelines, feels like a world all its own. This region, often affectionately called the U.P., offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. From the thunderous waterfalls and tranquil inland lakes to charming small towns brimming with character, every mile holds a new discovery. Join us as we journey through this breathtaking area, where endless outdoor adventures and the serenity of the wild await.

St. Ignace

St. Ignace is a small, charming town located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac. It serves as one of the oldest European settlements in the state, with roots tracing back to its establishment as a French Jesuit mission in 1671. The town is named after Father Jacques Marquette, whose statue stands prominently in town. St. Ignace is a gateway to Mackinac Island, with ferry docks and a variety of accommodations and restaurants catering to tourists year-round. St. Ignace is located just north of the Mackinac Bridge, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. This makes it an ideal spot for travelers looking to explore both regions or visit Mackinac Island.

Straits State Park

Offering amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge, Straits State Park encompasses over 180 acres on the shores of the Great Lakes. Named after the Straits of Mackinac, this state park has been one of Michigan’s most loved parks since 1928, long before the bridge was even built! We had the shoreline to ourselves as we slightly went around the closed gates and “Closed for the Season” sign! It was truly one of my favorite nights as a family, skipping rocks, building rock towers, watching the sunset go down behind the Mackinaw Bridge. We laughed, we played, we loved the simplicity of the night.

Clyde’s Drive-In

Take a trip back in time! Clyde’s is an old-fashioned drive-in with classic American diner fare fresh off the grill. You can sit at the counter and watch the cooks hard at work while drinking an ice-cold milkshake. Heads up: its cash only. I may now owe one of my kids $60!

Drive the Mackinaw Bridge

When visiting St. Ignace it can be nearly impossible to miss the giant bridge that spans atop the convergence of two of the powerful Great Lakes. The Mackinac Bridge is a state icon and boasts the titles of being the 3rd longest suspension bridge in the country and 27th longest suspension bridge in the world! The bridge is often nicknamed the “Mighty Mac” by locals. Interstate 75 (I-75) cross the 3,800 foot bridge while the 552 foot towers shadow above. Whether you cross the bridge on your adventure into Mackinaw City or simply want to make the trek, you can enjoy the majestic beauty of the straits and this gigantic bridge for a toll ($4) that is collected on the northern side of the bridge.

Nautical North Family Adventures

The Nautical North Family Adventures Shipwreck Tour is a must-do experience in the Mackinac and Cheboygan area for anyone fascinated by maritime history and the mysteries beneath the water. This glass-bottom boat tour offers an up-close view of several historic shipwrecks lying in the clear waters of Lake Huron’s Straits of Mackinac. You can peer through the glass panels on the boat’s floor to see the preserved remains of wooden ships and other artifacts, all while enjoying knowledgeable commentary about the history and stories of the wrecks.

Beyond the shipwrecks, the tour offers spectacular views of the surrounding waters and shores, including lighthouses and beautiful natural landscapes along the lake. Meeting Captain Jen, the owner and captain of the boat, was truly a blessing. Her inspiring personal story and remarkable memory made the experience even more special—she remembered everyone’s name on the boat! I can barely remember my kids' names sometimes, yet she nailed all 12 of ours! The kids especially loved taking a turn as "captain," standing behind the wheel and feeling on top of the world. Nautical North Family Adventures’ warm, family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for all ages looking for a memorable, educational, and unique way to explore the Great Lakes’ hidden treasures.

Mackinac Island

It easily could have it’s own blog post!

Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes,” Mackinac Island has long been a summer getaway for Michiganders and travelers seeking a unique escape. Nestled in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, this car-free island offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and charm. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, Mackinac Island has something for everyone. In October, the island is a delightful family-friendly destination, offering a mix of festive fall activities, scenic outdoor adventures, and historical attractions, all set against a backdrop of colorful foliage and fewer crowds. With crisp autumn weather, it’s the ideal time for exploration before the island winds down for winter. The Halloween festival marked the closure of the island and we were lucky enough to be there! The kids experienced the epic trick-or-treat walking the streets of Mackinac and got a sugar stash!

Carriage Tour

Taking a carriage ride on Mackinac Island was like stepping back in time. With the steady clip-clop of hooves, we traveled through scenic spots like Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, and even up to Arch Rock. Our guide shared local stories and history, making each stop come alive with fun details about the island’s past and unique, car-free way of life. Relaxing and scenic, it was the perfect introduction to all Mackinac has to offer.

Horses, Horses, and more Horses!

The horses on Mackinac Island were an absolute highlight for my kids—they were completely obsessed! Every time they spotted a horse, they flocked over with wide eyes and big smiles. Without fail, they’d say, “I love your horses!” to each one they saw, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Watching them interact with the horses, from gentle pets to riding on carriage tours, added a special magic to our visit and made the island feel even more enchanting.

Seaquest Cafe

We stopped by Seaquest Café for a quick bite and was impressed by the fresh flavors and relaxed island vibe. Their menu had a great variety, with sandwiches, salads, and snacks perfect for a midday refuel. It was an ideal spot to sit back, enjoy some tasty food, and recharge before continuing our island adventure. I had the Whitefish Reuben, DELISH!

Grand Hotel

Visiting the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island felt like stepping into another era. Built in 1887, it’s famous for having the world’s longest porch, stretching 660 feet and offering stunning views of Lake Huron. Walking through its vibrant, elegantly designed spaces, we learned the hotel has hosted five U.S. presidents. The top must-do on a visit to The Grand is to head out to that massive front porch and pull up a rocking chair to enjoy the view. There's a bar just off the porch that you can order drinks from. We also wandered through the Parlor, poked our heads into the Audubon Wine Bar, and went up to the fourth floor to see the Cupola Bar. Pro tip: The Grand Hotel technically has a dress code, especially in the evenings. If you're visiting for a meal or just to look around after 6 p.m., note that men are supposed to be in a jacket and tie, and ladies should wear skirts or dresses. (Yes, this is real, and it's posted at various points before you enter the hotel.) During the day, though, the dress code is casual. The Grand Hotel was buzzing with fall and Halloween festivities over the weekend, and we jumped into our first Halloween activity with quite the bang (or rather, screech, yell, and cry!). The hotel had set up a haunted trail and maze that I thought all the kids would absolutely love—but boy, was I wrong! Even in broad daylight, it was enough to leave Emmie spooked for life and my eardrums ringing. Staying there or just touring the grounds is a unique experience, capturing the timeless charm and grandeur of Mackinac Island’s history and luxury.

Shepler’s Ferry

Shepler's Ferry offers fast, scenic ferry rides to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Known for its friendly service and iconic striped boats, Shepler's provides a smooth, enjoyable ride with options for standard trips, sunset cruises, and lighthouse tours. On our way back the first night, another ferry was 30 yards away next to us which made for some fun entertainment. Five minutes into the trip, he bolted to Mackinaw City as we continued to St. Ignace. We will certainly use Shepler’s again if we come back to this area! It's one of the most popular ways to reach Mackinac Island, combining convenience with beautiful views of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge.

Rent a Bike!

Riding a bike around Mackinac Island was an incredible experience! The 8.2-mile loop along the shoreline gave us amazing views of Lake Huron, Arch Rock, and even some peaceful hidden spots. We could stop whenever we wanted for photos or just to take in the scenery, making it such a relaxed and fun way to see the island. Plus, without any cars around, it felt like a safe, family-friendly adventure, perfect for exploring at our own pace. Our favorite stops: Arch Rock View, British Landing, Devil’s Kitchen, and Mackinac Bridge Overlook. There are multiple places to rent bikes but we used The Bike Shop, just outside the Shepler Ferry area.

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac, built in 1780 by the British during the American Revolution, making it over 240 years old, is a well-preserved military outpost where you can experience history firsthand through interactive exhibits, historic reenactments, and a daily cannon-firing demonstration that captivates visitors with the sights and sounds of the past. At the fort, staff dress in historic uniforms and reenact life as it was in the 1800s, bringing history to life! Inside the fort, the Tea Room by Grand Hotel offers an unforgettable afternoon snack experience with panoramic views over Lake Huron and the island’s harbor.

Downtown stops

Wandering through downtown Mackinac Island was a blast! The streets are filled with unique shops, from fudge stores to charming boutiques. I could have spent hours browsing, finding little treasures and souvenirs. After a day out on island, we made our way to the Pink Pony—a must-visit spot! With its famous pink decor, waterfront views, and tasty food, it was the perfect place to kick back, relax, and take in the lively island vibe. It was also their LAST DAY for the season!

Our trip to Mackinac Island was packed with fun, but my kids had a few favorites! They loved seeing and petting all the horses, a huge part of life on the island. Trick-or-treating in downtown was also a big hit, with all the shops decked out for Halloween. And, of course, the bike ride around the island’s scenic 8.2-mile loop was an adventure they won’t forget—especially with all the beautiful views and fun spots to explore along the way.

*Skelton with LED mask, hiker (because he had everything already!) and Llama (sometimes she says an ‘albino alpaca’*

Here are some fun facts about Mackinac Island:

Car-Free Island: Mackinac Island banned cars in 1898, so visitors get around by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot.
Fudge Capital: Known as the "Fudge Capital of the World," Mackinac Island has been making world-famous fudge for over a century, and it’s a must-try treat for visitors.
Historic Fort Mackinac: Built in 1780 by the British, Fort Mackinac offers a rich history with reenactments, exhibits, and incredible island views.
M-185: The island’s 8.2-mile road, M-185, is the only state highway in the U.S. that prohibits motor vehicles.
Native American Origins: The name "Mackinac" comes from the Ojibwe word Michilimackinac, meaning “Great Turtle,” inspired by the island's shape.
Haunted Island: Mackinac Island is considered one of Michigan’s most haunted spots, with tales of ghostly sightings in historic buildings like Mission Point Resort and Fort Mackinac.
Preserved Architecture: The island is home to some of Michigan's oldest buildings, with over 80% of its land designated as a state park to preserve its historic charm.

Here comes AMAZON! All the deliveries, from Amazon to lumbar, is delivered by horse & buggy.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point in Michigan offers an in-depth look at the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, especially focusing on the tragic story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. We explored artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including items from the Fitzgerald, and learned about the technology used in deep-water dives. The museum is also home to the historic Whitefish Point Light Station. It’s a fascinating destination for anyone interested in maritime history and Great Lakes lore.

*Looking to the land across the lake… Canada!*

Where we stayed

Tiki RV Park in St. Ignace is a family-friendly campground offering a cozy spot for travelers exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It provides RV hookups, tent sites, and essential amenities in a relaxed setting with access to local attractions, like the Mackinac Island ferries and historic St. Ignace sites. The owner of the park lives on site and very helpful. Great customer service. The park's convenient location and welcoming atmosphere make it a great base for outdoor adventures in the area.

Timeless Adventures on Michigan’s Enchanting Coast

The unique beauty of Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, and the surrounding area is something that stays with you long after you leave. From the car-free charm of Mackinac Island, where horses and bikes take center stage, to the scenic shores and rich history of St. Ignace, every moment here is an adventure. Whether it’s exploring trails, soaking in lake views, or enjoying local traditions, this area of Michigan offers a special blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that feels timeless and unforgettable.

Upper Peninsula, MI

Traverse City, MI

Duluth, MN