Exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula: A Week of Adventure and Discovery
A Unique Stay at Bay Mills
Our journey to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan began with a stay at Bay Mills, a small casino with an RV park just across the road. While the campground itself was a simple field with dirt roads and full hookup spots, the amenities like onsite propane refills made it convenient for us.
One delightful surprise was the Thursday farmers market just across the street. It was bustling with locals, including members of Native American tribes showcasing their crafts, Amish vendors arriving by horse and buggy, and a variety of sellers offering fresh vegetables, homemade jams, honey, baked goods, and more. We left with a bounty of fresh produce and unique finds that added a special touch to our meals that week.
A Day Trip to Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie, just a 45-minute drive from our campsite, proved to be a magical border town with much to explore. Situated right on the Canadian border (passport required to cross!), the town is famous for the Soo Locks.
Fun Facts About the Soo Locks
The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, allowing ships to bypass the 21-foot difference in water levels between the lakes.
Poe Lock, the largest of the locks, can accommodate ships up to 1,200 feet long—the length of four football fields!
The Soo Locks handle more than 7,000 ships annually, making them one of the busiest locks in the world.
The locks were originally built in 1855, and over time, they have undergone several expansions and upgrades to handle modern vessels.
Annual shipping traffic includes iron ore, coal, and limestone, with freighters carrying goods vital to industries across North America.
The Soo Locks Visitor Center offers free tours, interactive exhibits, and viewing platforms, where visitors can watch massive freighters pass through.
We were lucky to witness a ship passing through, watching the locks fill and drain with water. The boys were fascinated, and the visitor center’s interactive exhibits brought the history and purpose of the locks to life.
Local Eats and Unique Finds
After our lock adventure, we strolled along the charming main street. A standout stop was Oh Crepe, a delicious crepe café offering both gluten-free and dairy-free options. The food was so good we made the drive back a second time during our stay! Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, their menu has it all.
Other highlights included the quirky Bigfoot statues scattered along the street and a visit to Island Books and Crafts, an adorable bookstore where we found quality books at unbeatable prices. We stocked up on kids’ books and admired the handcrafted toys.
Another memorable spot was Dancing Crane Coffee House, a cozy log cabin café owned by a local Native American tribe member. Adorned with native art and statues, it was the perfect spot for a coffee break before heading to the Wheels of History Museum in Brimley. Even though the train museum was closed, the kids loved playing on the Amish-built wooden train outside.
Adventures in Munising and Pictured Rocks
Our final stop in the UP was Munising, where we stayed at the tree-covered KOA campground. Its proximity to the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore made it an ideal base for exploration.
We began with a visit to Munising Falls, a short, kid-friendly hike that led to breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall. From there, we ventured to the upper overlook for a stunning perspective of the Pictured Rocks shoreline.
Fun Facts About Pictured Rocks
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches for 15 miles along Lake Superior, offering stunning views of cliffs, caves, and waterfalls.
The rocks get their unique colors from minerals like iron, manganese, and copper, which seep into the porous sandstone, creating vivid hues of red, green, and blue.
The area is home to over 200 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, which nests on the cliffs.
The Pictured Rocks shoreline was carved by glacial forces over thousands of years, resulting in towering cliffs that rise up to 200 feet above the lake.
The rock formations include iconic features such as Chapel Rock, Miners Castle, and the Grand Portal Arch.
Shipwrecks in the area have become famous, with several well-preserved wrecks visible from the glass-bottom boat tours.
Shipwreck Tours and a Family Moment to Remember
While there are two main ways to experience the Pictured Rocks up close—via sunset cruise or glass-bottom boat tour—we chose the latter for its kid-friendly appeal. The tour included views of shipwrecks and shoreline highlights, all narrated by knowledgeable guides who were school teachers on summer break and thus were excellent with the kids!
The kids were thrilled by the glass-bottom boat, which offered clear views of well-preserved shipwrecks, including one with its mast and even a toilet still intact! A memorable moment occurred when our youngest, Cooper, dropped his pacifier onto the glass. The crew quickly retrieved it just as his lower lip started to quiver, much to his delight and everyone’s cheers.
The tour concluded with a close approach to the Pictured Rocks, where the vibrant colors and intricate formations left us in awe. We hope to return someday for the sunset cruise or even a kayak adventure into the coves when the boys are older.
Reflections on Our Upper Peninsula Adventure
Our time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was filled with natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and family bonding moments. From farmers markets to waterfalls, historic locks to colorful cliffs, the UP offered something for everyone. This trip reminded us of the joy in exploring at our own pace and savoring the simple pleasures of nature, history, and community.
