4 Day - Itinerary to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan

4-Day Upper Peninsula Adventure: Waterfalls, Whitefish, and Wilderness

Welcome to the wild beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! If you’re wanting epic waterfalls, fresh whitefish, and some of the most mind blowing, beautiful hikes in the Midwest, this 4-day itinerary is your ticket to adventure! This is a great itinerary for those seeking a lot of adventure… feel free to cut what seems like too much and you’ll still have an incredible time. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and let’s go!

Day 1: Tahquamenon Falls – Upper & Lower + Dinner in Paradise

Morning: Upper Falls

Start your journey at Upper Tahquamenon Falls, one of Michigan’s most iconic spots. The falls drop 50 feet and span 200 feet across, creating a powerful sight. To get close, you’ll need to descend 94 steps to the viewing platform. If you're up for more, a longer boardwalk leads to a second platform offering a direct view of the falls. For those preferring a less strenuous experience, there are accessible viewpoints along the paved path that provide stunning vistas without the need for stairs. National Park ServiceUp Travel

At the entrance, you’ll find food trucks serving up local snacks, perfect for a quick bite before exploring.

Afternoon: Lower Falls

Drive 4 miles south to Lower Tahquamenon Falls. This area features a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. A 0.4-mile ADA-accessible path leads to a 143-foot pedestrian bridge offering beautiful views. Once on the island, an accessible boardwalk provides close-up views of the falls. You can also rent rowboats or canoes to paddle around the falls, with rentals available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. he Lower Tahquamenon Falls Café and Gift Shop provides these rentals, with a current hourly rate of $25 per hour, up to 4 hours, and a daily rate for longer durations. 

Best food in Paradise

Head to Paradise, MI, for dinner. Stop by Catch of the Day LLC, a food truck specializing in fresh Lake Superior whitefish. It's conveniently located on M-123 just south of the blinking light in Paradise. OR if you are lucky grab lunch at Brown Fishery - they only serve what they caught that day then they close up shop!

For a sit-down meal, consider The INN, offering rustic UP North cuisine with a southern twist. Located in front of the Magnuson Grand Lakefront Hotel.

Day 2: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Waterfalls & Vistas Ending with a Sunset Cruise Scenic Vistas & Short Hikes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: A Journey from Whitefish Point to Miners Falls (Yes, we skipped Chapel Rock and Chapel Falls on purpose.)

1. Whitefish Point – History and Tranquility at the Edge of Lake Superior

Hiking Required: Minimal (0.1–0.3 miles walking around the grounds)Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Whitefish Point is the northeastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Lake Superior reveals her power and mystery. This site is best known for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which offers a sobering but fascinating glimpse into the perilous history of Great Lakes navigation.

Shipwreck Museum Highlights:

• The bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald, recovered and preserved.

• Exhibits detailing over 200 shipwrecks in the area, including interactive displays.

• Lighthouse and Coast Guard rescue station grounds open for exploration.

This isn’t a hike-heavy stop, but it sets a deep emotional tone for your journey. Stroll along the boardwalk to the beach for panoramic views of Lake Superior, where you might spot freighters on the horizon.

2. Log Slide Overlook – Dunes, Drop-offs, and Daring Views

Location: Near Grand Marais, within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore🥾 Hike Distance: ~0.25 miles (round trip) Time Needed: 30–45 minutes

Your next stop, Log Slide Overlook, is named for the historic chute that loggers once used to slide timber down to Lake Superior. Today, it's an easy walk through a sandy forest path leading to one of the most striking views in the park.

What You’ll See:

• Expansive views of the Grand Sable Dunes and Au Sable Point.

• A steep, sandy 500-foot drop to the lake (not recommended to climb down due to the dangerous return).

• Interpretive signs detailing the logging era and geology.

It’s a short walk, but the reward is massive. The overlook provides a raw, powerful sense of scale with Lake Superior stretching endlessly below you. 3. Sullivans Landing – A Quiet, Lesser-Known Gem

📍 Location: East of Munising, off Grand Sable Lake Road Hike Distance: ~0.5 miles (round trip to the lakeshore) Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Sullivan’s Landing is more of a serene escape than a grand vista. This area sits on the southern shore of Grand Sable Lake, offering a quiet, forested walk with fewer crowds than nearby attractions.

What Makes It Special:

• Tranquil, shallow waters perfect for a peaceful paddle or a picnic.

• Short, flat trail leads through woods to a calm lakeshore.

• Beautiful fall foliage and birdwatching in season.

This is the place to catch your breath. Though not as dramatic as the cliffs or waterfalls, Sullivan’s Landing gives you an intimate experience with the U.P.'s quieter side.

4. Miners Falls – A Roaring Curtain of Water

Location: Off Miners Castle Road, west of Munising Hike Distance: 1.2 miles (round trip)🕰️Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour

The trail to Miners Falls is a favorite for its balance of ease and reward. The path is well-maintained and gently rolling, taking you through a lush, hardwood forest.

Trail Features:

• Gravel trail with about 77 steps at the end to reach the viewing platform.

• A 50-foot waterfall cascading through a sandstone canyon.

• Wildflowers and mosses along the path in spring and summer.

Photographers and families alike love this stop. The falls are especially vibrant after rain, and the thunder of water fills the forest air with energy.

5. Upper Overlook by Miners Falls – Elevated Perspectives

📍 Location: Above Miners Falls Trail (accessible from same parking area) Hike Distance: ~0.2 miles (round trip from the main trail) Time Needed: 15–20 minutes

Not far from the main Miners Falls viewpoint is a lesser-known Upper Overlook that gives you a different perspective of the falls and the surrounding gorge.

Quick Details:

• Short spur trail branches off the main Miners Falls path.

• Offers a higher, wider-angle view of the falls and valley.

• Less crowded, great for photos and solitude.

If you're not in a hurry, it’s worth taking this detour for a second, elevated look at Miners Falls from a quieter vantage point.

Kayaking Tour Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore This is a stunning way to explore Lake Superior’s colorful cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. The top-rated outfitter, Pictured Rocks Kayaking, offers a unique experience by launching paddlers from a boat directly into the best scenery. Their Ultimate Kayak Tour ($168/adult) runs 4–5 hours with about 2 hours of paddling past landmarks like Lovers Leap and Chapel Rock, available late May through October. A shorter Miners Castle Tour ($99/person) includes about 1 hour of kayaking and runs from late June to early September. Tours use tandem kayaks, are guide-led, and include safety support—perfect for beginners and families. Advance booking is highly recommended at picturedrockskayaking.com. OR

Sunset Cruise

In the afternoon, embark on a Sunset Classic Cruise with Pictured Rocks Cruises. The 2-hour and 40-minute cruise offers views of landmarks like East Channel Lighthouse, Miners Castle, Lovers’ Leap, Indian Head, Grand Portal, and Chapel Rock. Prices are $46 for adults, $19 for children ages 4-12, and $1 for children under 4. Pictured Rocks Cruises

Evening: Dinner in Munising

After the cruise, enjoy dinner at The Stonehouse or another local restaurant in Munising. The area offers various dining options to suit different tastes. Eater Detroit

Day 3: Chapel Loop Hike – 10.5 Miles of Beauty (Picture above)

Early Morning: Chapel Loop Hike

Prepare for a full day of hiking with snacks and a packed lunch. The Chapel Loop is a 10.5-mile trail that includes highlights like

Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, Chapel Beach, and Mosquito Falls. The trail offers stunning views of the Pictured Rocks cliffs and Lake Superior. Although long, this hike is not to strenuous at any part.

When you are done- you will have seen, what what we believe, is some of the BEST VIEWS IN THE WORLD!

If 10.5 miles feels too ambitious, consider the shorter 3-mile roundtrip hike to Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock. This portion of the trail is easier and still offers breathtaking scenery.

Evening: Dinner & Relaxation

After completing the hike, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at The Stonehouse or Boarder Grill Mexican Restaurant: We love fish but maybe change it up with this fun place to eat and relax with some Mexican food!

If your accommodation includes amenities like a pool or hot tub, take some time to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 4: Kitch-iti-kipi – Michigan’s Crystal-Clear Wonder

Morning: Visit Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring)

Before heading south, take a scenic detour to Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as The Big Spring, located in Palms Book State Park near Manistique, MI. This natural wonder is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, measuring 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. The spring releases over 10,000 gallons of water per minute at a constant 45°F, creating a mesmerizing display of crystal-clear, emerald-green water.

To experience the spring, board a self-guided, ADA-accessible raft that is propelled across the spring by turning a large crank wheel. From the raft, you can peer through a glass-bottom opening to view ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches, and large lake trout swimming below. The surrounding forested area adds to the serene beauty of the location.

Important Details:

• Location: Palms Book State Park, 7 miles northwest of Indian Lake State Park, Manistique, MIMichigan.gov

• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk

• Admission: Requires a Michigan Recreation Passport ($11/day for out-of-state vehicles; $18/year for Michigan residents) Free in the off season!

• Access: A short, paved, wheelchair/stroller-accessible path leads from the parking lot to the observation deck and dock.

  
  

Morning Coffee & Breakfast

After your visit to Kitch-iti-kipi, head to a local café in Manistique for a relaxing breakfast. Consider visiting The Wheelhouse Café, known for its hearty breakfasts and cozy atmosphere. They offer a variety of options to fuel you for the day ahead. You need more of a lunch and end to your adventures? Check out Mackinaw Trail Winery !

Scenic Drive South

Following breakfast, continue your journey south back home. The drive offers picturesque views of the Upper Peninsula's landscapes.

 If you have more time, consider exploring South - Mackinac Island or North to Porcupine Mountain State Park. All our Michigan Travel Tips and Tricks HERE

Location ideas of where to stay in the Upper Peninsula HERE!