Upper Peninsula

Copyright: National Park Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The almost one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest are located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It extends from the south shore of Lake Superior down to Wisconsin and the Nicolet National Forest. The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities; topography in the northern portion is the most dramatic with breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and spectacular waterfalls.

Attractions - The Upper Peninsula, despite its harsh winter weather, is a four-season destination. With over 160 miles of trails, bird watchers and nature lovers can be found in fields and forests during the spring season. The Upper Peninsula boasts 200 bird species, 20 orchid species and the delicious morel mushroom. Porcupine Mountains and Seney National Wildlife Refuge are two premier locations. Visitor centers and self-guided tours and trails enhance the park visit. Summer recreations are centered on water-oriented sports that include world-class fishing, warm inland lake swimming, Great Lake sailing, private and public lakeside camping, remote fly fishing and much more. Other warm weather favorites include touring lighthouses, visiting a maritime museum, or plunging to an underwater preserve. For three seasons historic preservation can be absorbed at Fort Wilkins, a site erected in 1844 and today hosts costumed interpreters that serve as a link to the past. Another amazing sport in the Upper Peninsula that crosses seasonal boundaries is rappelling where 200-foot-high rock cliffs and frozen waterfalls are conquered. Enjoyed throughout the year are the many northern festivals that showcase their bounties of maple syrup, cheese, fudge, berries, fish from Lake Superior, and the famous Michigan pasty. The list of activities in the Upper Peninsula would not be complete without mentioning the copper ghost town tours of Keweenaw Peninsula. It was along this shore from 1843 to the 1920s where pure, workable native copper was found in commercial quantities. It became known as the only place on earth that copper could be extracted out of the ground so free of adulterants that it could be formed into pots and pans without refining or processing. Another favorite notable is F. J. McLain State Park, a beautiful site found along Lake Superior boasting superb lingering sunsets.

Recreation - This large travel region offers a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the most popular activities include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, canoeing, picnicking, waterskiing, sailing, hunting, bird watching, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Climate - The Upper Peninsula normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures near 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). Winter temperatures average 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C). Rain and snowmelt in the region can reach up to 200 inches annually. Travelers should be aware that significant amounts of snow could fall within a relatively short period of time resulting in hazardous road conditions.

Location - This region, referred to as "Superior Country," encompasses the northwestern landmass between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Bordered by Wisconsin on the west and Ontario on the north, it's major cities include Ironwood, Kingsford, Marquette, and Escanaba. Primary roads include State Routes 77, 28, 35, 94, 69, 38, and 26, as well as U.S. Highways 2, 41, and 45.