10-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula
10-Day Thrilling Family Adventure: The Best of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula
Looking for a family vacation filled with wild beauty, outdoor fun, and unforgettable sights? The Eastern U.P. delivers just that—and more. From hidden trails to stunning waterfalls, black rock cliff jumping to bear sightings, this itinerary packs in some of the region’s best experiences while keeping things laid-back and fun for all ages.
Our goal was avoid non-stop driving and really experience the area, so we opted for this trip’s itinerary focuses solely on Eastern Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but if you've never visited Mackinac Island, consider adding a day trip to the island—it's an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: St. Ignace — Gateway to Adventure
Camp: Straits State Park
What to Do:
Rocky Beach at Straights State Park
Set up camp with views of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.
Climb Castle Rock for sweeping views of Lake Huron.
Hike the Narnia Trail - a whimsical, 2 mile hike packed with imagination—perfect for younger adventurers.
Walk the boardwalk downtown, collect a rocks at the beach, and spot a freighter.
Don’t Miss:
Java Joe’s Café – A funky breakfast stop with crepes and colorful charm.
Driftwood Restaurant & Sports Bar – Great for perch dinners and views of Lake Huron.
Day 2: Brimley & the Soo Locks
Camp: Brimley State Park – A quiet gem with a sandy Lake Superior beach.
What to Do:
Morning play at the beach—perfect for rock skipping and splashing.
Head to Sault Ste. Marie (30 minutes away) to watch massive freighters squeeze through the famous Soo Locks.
Stop at the Tower of History for panoramic views of the river and locks.
Family Favorite Eats:
Oh Crepes & Coffee - charming spot across from the Soo Locks—where you can watch crepes spun fresh while sipping locally roasted Michigan coffee.
Cup of the Day – For smoothies, soup, and a chill café vibe.
Days 3–4: Tahquamenon Falls & Beyond
Tahquamenon Upper Falls
Camp: Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Book early for Rivermouth or Lower Falls Campground.
What to Do:
Visit Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls—wear your swimsuit and splash in the falls.
Hike the River Trail between the falls (moderate-rugged, 4 miles one way, take shuttle back).
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point – Fascinating for all ages, with lighthouse views, videos, and haunting stories of the Edmund Fitzgerald. (Great spot for a rainy day)
Day trip to:
En Route: Oswald’s Bear Ranch – See rescued bears up close.
Family Favorite Eats:
The Inn- Delicious perch & white fish dinners.
Stop by the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub (yes, kid-friendly!).
Days 5–7: Marquette – Thrilling Adventures & Big Rocks
Camp: Tourist Park Campground – Close to town and Lake Superior.
What to Do:
Scenic bike to Presque Isle Park (2 miles) - go before 11 am when there are no cars allowed.
Cliff jump or just marvel at the Black Rocks in Presque Isle Park. ( A family highlight)
Hike Sugarloaf Mountain for one of the best views in the U.P.
Visit the Marquette Maritime Museum and lighthouse, search shoreline for Yooperlites.
Explore Downtown Marquette – bookstores, fudge shops, and outdoor gear galore.
McCarty’s Cove Beach
Sunset Point for incredible sunsets.
Walk the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse set atop a rocky shoreline, where waves crash against stones.
Presque Isle Lighthouse - scrabble over orange-barnacled boulders to reach the Lighthouse.
Family Favorite Eats:
Donckers Downtown Marquette- a historic eatery & old-fashioned candy shop known for its gourmet sandwiches, ice cream. Watch how homemade chocolates are created.
Lagniappe – Southern-style Cajun food
The Crib – coffee shop with hammocks and board games.
Cliff Jump at Black Rocks in Marquette
En Route: Lakeland Sculpture Park - unique outdoor space filled with eclectic sculptures nestled in a wooded setting.
Days 8–9: Munising & Kitch-iti-kipi Magic
Camp: Munising Tourist Park or Bay Furnace Campground (First-come, first-serve near Christmas, MI).
Miner’s Castle
What to Do:
Tour the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Take a boat cruise, highly recommend Riptide Rides for thrills, scenic views, or kayak if kids are older.
Hike Miners Castle and or Miner’s Falls for scenic views.
Hike 1 mile trail from Miners Castle to Miner’s Beach- Sandy Shore with Miner’s Castle as a backdrop. Climb and jump off the cliff.
Day trip to Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest natural spring. The self-operated raft ride across the crystal-clear water is a kid magnet!
Tasty Stops
Falling Rock Café – Books, coffee, sandwiches, and Wi-Fi.
Muldoon’s Pasties – No trip to the U.P. is complete without one!
Eh! Burger – Creative takes on burgers.
Day 10: One More Rock & Head Home
Pack up and enjoy a slow morning on the beach or one last quick hike.
Grab a pasty or snack for the road and start dreaming of your next trip back.
Final Tips for U.P. Family Travel
Weather can shift fast, especially by the lake—pack layers & rain jackets.
Keep swimsuits, rain gear, and hiking shoes handy every day.
Let kids be part of the planning—pick a trail, collect postcards, or start a travel journal.
Whether your family is made up of first-time campers or seasoned explorers, this Eastern U.P. trip offers a magical mix of woods, water, and wonder. You’ll leave with muddy boots, sandy toes, full bellies—and memories that last a lifetime.
Yooperlite Hunting (Best in Munising, Marquette or Whitefish Point)
Looking for glowing treasures after sunset? The U.P. is famous for Yooperlites—glowing, UV-reactive syenite rocks rich in sodalite that light up like fire under a blacklight. It's a magical activity for kids and adults alike.
🪨 Best Spot:
Lake Superior shoreline near Presque Isle Park (Marquette)
Tips for Success:
Bring a longwave UV flashlight (365nm works best)
Wear closed-toe shoes
Start about 30–45 minutes after sunset
Watch your step—glow rocks are best spotted while slowly scanning the ground
Collect responsibly (check park rules—state park beaches do not allow rock removal, but some public access points do)
📍 Other optional locations (if you're up for an evening detour):
Au Train Beach – About 30 minutes east of Marquette-
Whitefish Point Beach – If you're still in Paradise (Day 4), this is another great early option
✨ Tip: Even if you don’t find any, just walking the beach with flashlights under the stars is a memorable experience for the whole family! Maybe even take some glowing pictures with your eyes shut (of course)
Alternate Lodging Options (If You’re Not Camping)
St. Ignace Alternate Stay:
Voyager Inn – Family-friendly with an indoor pool and breakfast. Close to downtown and bridge views.
Cedar Hill Lodge – Spacious rooms and charming grounds for kids to run around.
Brimley & Soo Locks Alternate Stay:
Willabees Motel (Brimley) – Clean, cozy, affordable.
Hampton Inn Sault Ste. Marie – Great for families, with pool and hot breakfast.
Tahquamenon Falls Alternate Stay:
Tahquamenon Suites Lodging (Paradise) – Large, modern suites with full kitchens.
Magnuson Grand Lakefront – Just outside Paradise, with great lake views.
Marquette Alternate Stay:
Superior Stay Hotel – Stylish and close to downtown
Landmark Inn – Historic charm with lake views
Munising Alternate Stay:
Roam Inn – Boutique, modern, family-friendly
Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview – Pool, breakfast, & views of Grand Island
Final Tips for Families
Book lodging early! These small towns fill up fast, especially during summer.
Alternate lodging is especially great if traveling with grandparents or families who prefer a soft bed over a sleeping bag.
A mix of camping and cabins/hotels can give you the best of both worlds!
