The incredible sights in northern Michigan — from crystal clear natural springs to amazing cliff faces — rival the coasts.
The Great Lakes have created a unique place for families to explore and unwind. And for families who enjoy a quirky detour, northern Michigan is the place for that, too.
Take little ones on a walk through an enchanted fairy garden. If your kids are older, try the winding trail that ends in icy caverns. Interested in art? Stop by Lakenenland in Marquette for an outdoor art experience unlike any other.
Northern Michigan (and no, we aren’t only talking about the Upper Peninsula here) is the perfect place for families in Ann Arbor and metro Detroit/Chicagoland to explore. Find some of our favorite options here.
Eben Ice Caves and Canyon Falls
- Address: Eben Ice Caves Trailhead, Frey Road, Deerton
- Cost: Free
The Hiawatha National Forest is always worth a trip, but in colder months, breathtaking ice formations take center stage. The trail to the caves can be tricky, so this excursion is better suited to teens and adults.
Fairy Trails at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
- Address: 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City
- Cost: Free
The fairy houses in this Traverse City park are delightful works of art sure to surprise kids and adults alike.
Forge A Memory
- Address: 7528 Carriage Road, Mackinac Island
- Cost: $25-plus
Visitors can forge their own metal knife (blunted for kids, of course). The shop also sells metal pieces made from salvaged bits from the Mackinac Bridge.
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours
- Address: 1204 Commercial St., Munising
- Cost: $36/adults, $32/seniors and military, $12/kids 12 and under, $1/kids 5 and under
While the view of intact shipwrecks through the glass-bottom boats on this boat tour draw a crowd, the surrounding Grand Islands cliffs are just as impressive.
Kitch-iti-kipi Spring
- Address: 8970W County Road 442, Manistique
- Cost: Free, but park entry requires a Michigan Recreation Passport
Michigan’s largest freshwater spring gives visitors a stunningly clear look at the animals and plants typically hidden in the bed.
Lakenenland
- Address: 2800 M-28 East, Marquette
- Cost: Free
This slightly bizarre sculpture park is an incredible feat. Created by one artist, the over-the-top sculptures are whimsical and ingenious uses of scrap metal.
Mackinac Island
- Address: 7274 Main St., Mackinac Island
- Cost: No entry fee, but will need to pay for a ferry ride
If no cars, historic hotels and world-class fudge on every corner sounds good to you, Mackinac Island might be the perfect vacation spot.
Pictured Rocks
- Address: 1505 Sand Point Road, Munising
- Cost: Free
There’s a reason Pictured Rocks is one of the most well-known spots in the Upper Peninsula — the stunning 15 miles of cliffs along Lake Superior feature interesting rock formations, waterfalls and dunes. Be sure to explore the forest trails, too.
Presque Isle Park
- Address: Peter White Drive, Marquette
- Cost: Free
The untouched beauty of the island (although it is technically a peninsula) offers visitors excellent spots for swimming, hiking, biking and more.
Shale Beach
- Address: Along the shore in Drummond
- Cost: Free, but you will need to pay for a ferry ride
Shale Beach is among the eastern-most points in the Upper Peninsula. The picturesque shoreline is dotted with smooth shale stone and is best traversed by ATV (which requires State of Michigan ORV license).
Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Address: 6748 S Dune Highway, Glen Arbor
- Cost: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycles, $15/visitors that enter the park by foot or bicycle
Many Michiganders have fond childhood memories of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Dune Climb, with facilities and picnic tables, are a good starting point for families.
Soo Locks
- Address: Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie
- Cost: Free
Visit and see the engineering marvel of freighters lifted and lowered to the 21-foot difference between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Tahquamenon Falls
- Address: 41382 W M-123, Paradise
- Cost: Free with a Michigan Recreation Passport
These iconic waterfalls stained brown by tannins found in the cedar swamp in the surrounding forest are the largest falls in Michigan.
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