Jennifer and I are in love with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I say in love because this feeling will never change. We have toured it time and time again in our RV travels and will continue to do so through the years.
We’ve gone every season, watching the leaves change, exploring snow-covered ground, viewing colorful reflections in grand lakes. It’s truly a gorgeous part of the country.
Based on our extensive first-hand experience, we’ve written a complete Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide. It’s a seven-stop itinerary of where to stay, what to see, local tips, and more.
So, when a member of our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group asked our community for advice on their upcoming trip, we were as interested in seeing their responses as she was.
Beth wrote, “We are heading to explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in a few weeks… For those of you that have been there, what were your favorite or must-see stops… We’re starting out in the Porcupine Mountains and will finish up at Drummond Island.”
Dozens of RVers responded with 120 comments and counting. They gave excellent suggestions that, unsurprisingly, are very similar to our guide. As I said, we’ve been there a lot and compiled the best of the best!
But it’s great to hear it from other RVers as well. So, let’s dive into their suggestions!
The Facebook recommendations include specific areas, like lakes and cities, as well as must-see attractions and food destinations.
In this article, I’m going to focus on the main areas because there’s just too much to cover otherwise. I’m going to start the recommendations with Beth’s starting point. However, the remainder is going to be listed in no particular order.
1. Porcupine Mountains
Beth mentioned they are starting their trip here, so it’s no surprise she was encouraged to explore this area.
Forrest said, “I have long loved the Porcupine Mountains. Good hiking, great places!” and Pam shared that “Waterfalls near Porcupine Mountains are super.” We agree with both of them. There are TONS of hiking trails and hundreds of waterfalls, secluded lakes, wild rivers, and streams in these mountains.
That’s why we always recommend visiting the Wilderness Visitor Center first.
2. Lake of the Clouds
Lake of the Clouds is one of the three premier areas in the Porcupine Mountains. The other two are Summit Peak and Presque Isle River.
Lake of the Clouds was mentioned specifically by Bruce, who summed the area up in one word. “Beautiful.” We couldn’t agree more.
In our guide, we tell you about some great overlook alternatives for the Lake of the Clouds and some great hiking trails and viewpoints over at Summit Peak.
Granted, you can’t really go wrong with any of the hiking trails and viewpoints in the area. We just like to share our favorites.
3. Mackinac Island
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According to fellow RVers (including us!), Mackinac Island is a must-see when visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Laurel says, “We love it there, a beautiful day trip!”
You can read about our love affair with Mackinac Island or see why it’s our favorite getaway in the above video.
Philip said, “Mackinac Island for sure and the Grand Hotel plus their “downtown.” He and a few others recommended sitting a spell on the Grand Hotel porch to enjoy the view.
4. Pictured Rocks
It’s no surprise that Pictured Rocks were mentioned several times in the Facebook thread. The word “amazing” was certainly used a few times to describe them.
Pictured Rocks are towering sandstone formations in Munising, Michigan. You can explore the caves and rock formations up close from the water.
Seeing them by boat was highly recommended and we agree. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour that reveals shipwrecks under the surface! But I also recommend a few other boat tour options in our guide.
Whenever someone asks us, “Where is one of your favorite places in the US for RVing?” Our answer is unquestionably, in unison, “The UP of Michigan.” The “UP” means Upper Peninsula, of course.
That’s why we decided to write our first “7 Stop RV Adventure” to help you explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
This ebook is a seven-stop guided exploration of the Michigan UP. We provide a suggested route and itinerary, links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, and the best spots to see along the way. Don’t plan your trip to the Upper Peninsula without it!
5. Kitch-iti-kipi & Indian Lake
Kitch-iti-kipi and Indian Lake were also mentioned several times for good reason. Debbie describes it as “spectacular,” and when Sarah recommended it as a must-see, two others replied “for sure!!!!” and “definitely.”
We agree that the area is definitely spectacular and is for sure a must-see. It’s actually one of our stops in our 7-stop guide.
Kitch-iti-kipi, or “The Big Spring” is Michigan’s largest and most alluring natural attraction. It’s a 40-foot-deep crystal clear spring that’s simply breathtaking.
6. Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie was also recommended several times in the Facebook thread. It’s a great place to camp and watch the freighters go through the Soo Locks.
Paul recommended camping by the locks at Aune Osborn Campground, which is one of the three campgrounds we recommend in our 7-day UP Michigan Guide.
We also recommend watching the boats from the top of the Tower of History.
This four-season town has events year around. So be sure to check their Events Calendar whenever visiting by clicking the Sault Ste. Marie link above.
7. Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Visiting the stunning waterfall is one of our 10 Top Things to Do at Lake Superior.
Like many places in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, commenters described it as beautiful, and Elaine noted that it has great hiking.
There are tons of accessible hiking trails. If you come in the winter, as we have in the past, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails.
More of the Best Michigan UP Destinations
To see even more recommendations from fellow RVers, check out the entire Facebook post. If you haven’t joined our RV Lifestyle Facebook community, I highly recommend you do. It’s full of great advice, encouragement, funny stories, and much more!
Finally! Mike and Jennifer’s Michigan Bundle
(Michigan’s Lower Peninsula AND Michigan’s Upper Peninsula)
This Michigan Bundle contains our ever-popular Guide to the Upper Peninsula PLUS our newest Guide on the LOWER Peninsula! Here’s a little on both ebooks (not a printed book):
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Adventure Guide: This ebook is a seven stop guided exploration of the Michigan UP. We provide a suggested route and itinerary, links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, and the best spots to see along the way. Don’t plan your trip to the Upper Peninsula without it!
Michigan’s Lower Peninsula Adventure Guide: This guide explores the Lower Peninsula, also known as ‘the Mitten.” You can easily spot its mitten shape on the map. Most of this guide follows the coast of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, with a little bit of Lake Erie down near Detroit.
You are in for a HUGE adventure with this ebook bundle of the best of Michigan for RVers!
