So, I’ve been to the U.P. before but I’ve never really experienced it, if you know what I mean. Our wedding cake came from the U.P., we’ve stopped at The Mystery Spot before going to Mackinac Island, but we never really explored or experienced the beauty of what “The True Northern Michigan” has to offer. After a jam packed summer of baseball, I decided we needed to unplug and just drop our bags in one place for awhile. I found the cutest airbnb right on the shore of Lake Michigan on the south side of the upper peninsula in Garden. It’s the most beautiful drive to Garden all along the lake shore where you dead end into the most peaceful property.

This eclectic property was everything I imagined it would be and more. You felt completely secluded with views for days and the most breathtaking sunsets. The water is so shallow you can walk out 100 yards and the water is only waist high, not only is this amazing for kids to play, but it also makes for super warm water temps which is typically unheard of up north. Click here for the airbnb link to our charmed life cottage https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/729004464352080127?check_in=2023-05-23&check_out=2023-05-28&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=ad1096bf-484a-4287-bdb4-2b15b5b58726

If you’ve talked to friends who have been to the u.p. you’ll find out real quickly that everything requires a bit of driving. I was ok with doing a little extra driving every day knowing we were in a central location to all the main sites we wanted to see. My bucket list consisted of the following; Tahquanmenon Falls, Kitch – iti- Kipi, “The Bears”, Black Rocks in Marquette, & Pictured Rocks. All of these spots were about 45 minutes to an hour drive from our airbnb but having a home base proved to be really nice after a long day of sight seeing. It also helped save on cost since we had breakfast at the cottage every morning and a couple dinners too. It also allowed for some family game nights in the awesome 4 seasons room.

Our first stop, was Kitch -iti-Kipi, say that three times fast. Located in Manistique, this was the closest drive out of the bunch, taking only 25 minutes or so. This is a main attraction in the u.p. so I would highly recommend getting there right when they open in the morning or near the end of the day when they close to avoid long lines. The observation dock is open from 8am – dusk. If there is a long line, you can pass the time taking turns getting ice-cream & shopping in the souvenier shop.

This natural spring has the most clear blue water where you can see big fish and down to the bottom from the floating dock. The kids thought it was cool they could help make the dock move by cranking the rope. Outside of cranking the rope, this is mostly a look with your eyes kind of an activity. You are not allowed to fish, boat, or even touch the water in order to conserve this natural beauty.

When we got back from Kith-it-kipi we had a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Mr. Mitten and the boys took the canoe out for a spin while little mitten took a nap. Then we ventured over to Escanaba for some mini golf & dinner on the water. The boys LOVED Uputt Family Fun Center in Escanaba. This would be a great rainy day activity as well since its an indoor glow in the dark course.

Afterwards, we stopped at Freshwater Tavern for dinner. It is technically in Gladstone, Michigan just north of Escanaba right on Little Bay De Noc. The food was amazing and the kids approved, however this is a little bit on the nicer end. The boys actually decided this was going to be our one night to get a little dressed up so it worked out perfect but its definitely more of a date night/special occasion restaurant. I would highly recommend stopping here for lunch or dinner if you’re in the area.

Day three was our BIG day where we packed a lot in and did a little more driving. We started our day at Oswalds Bear Ranch in Newberry, Michigan. Side note, make sure you screenshot all your map quest directions because you lose wifi on most of roads you are taking to these various destinations. Admission to the bear ranch is $25 per vehicle. The ranch consists of 40 rescued black bears in their natural habitat where you can walk around and view the cubs & bears.

The cubs were definitely my favorite! They were so playful and legit played just like little kids. You can even get a photo with a real live cub. I was a little nervous to say the least, but I’m glad we did it. I would say we spent about an hour and a half total roaming the ranch and walking through the gift shop. If you like zoos & animals, you will definitely want to add this stop to your list of things to do.

Our next stop, was Tahquamenon Falls. By the time we got there it was closer to lunch time, so we wandered around the food & gift shop area near the path to the upper falls. It’s super cute, kind of an open air market feel with vendors selling everything from sweatshirts to souvenirs, live music being played, panic areas, & eateries. We decided to check out the brewery for lunch since Mr. Mitten is a sit down kind of guy. The food was typical of a brewery and the beer was actually pretty descent, just what we needed to get fueled up for our hikes.

The trail down to view the upper falls is a really nice paved path surrounded by trees. I feel like it was a little under a mile maybe to get to the first viewing area. This is definitely doable for older folks and wheelchair accessible. The kids ran the majority of the way chasing & racing each other. From the first viewing area, you need to take the stairs shown above , to get down to the main viewing area which is spectacular. 94 stairs to be exact lead you to this incredible view below. Major WOW factor!

I highly recommend making your way down to the main viewing area pictured above. It’s absolutely incredible! Locals refer to the Upper Falls as Root Beer Falls due to the brown color of the water. This is due to the tannins that originate in the cedar swamp at the start of the falls. There will be lots people like you see above but still lots of opportunities for photos. The upper falls is more of a look with your eyes and take photos kind of a thing but absolutely stunning and worth the the 2 mile round trip hike.

After the upper falls we actually debated going to the lower falls but I am so glad we did. The lower Falls are by far way more interactive and fun for the kids and even more beautiful in my opinion. We chose to drive to a different park entrance for the lower falls since it said it was quite a hike for little mitten, but if I remember correctly you can get there from the upper falls. The hike from the lower falls parking lot to the falls was maybe a little over a mile this time. We also saw people kayaking the lower falls which I think would be really cool.

The boys LOVED the lower falls and so did I. I love that you can walk around, get in the water, immerse yourself under the waterfalls, it’s like natures waterpark. Water shoes would probably be helpful, I’m not gonna lie, but you can get by with out. We explored and played in the water for at least an hour. It’s so peaceful back here and all the trails are super dog friendly. I bet 75% of the people we saw had dogs with them. If you your schedule only allows for one activity I would definitely recommend choosing the lower falls over the upper falls, just because of how interactive it is, especially with kids. Plus the views are absolutely breathtaking!

Like I said, this was our longest, most jam packed day but it was totally worth it. We drove back to the cottage in Garden, grabbed some frozen pizzas from the local dollar general on the corner and called it a night. The next day, was our last full day to explore and we were really torn between heading to Marquette or Pictured Rocks National Park. We decided to try both and I am so glad we did! We got an early start around 9am and headed North to Marquette.

Immediately, I was really smitten with Marquette! It is thee most adorable town you have ever seen right on Lake Superior. Plus I have to admit, the city girl in me got excited when I heard there was Starbucks near by after driving with zero wifi for over an hour. If you’re more of a city person and you want to explore the upper Peninsula but you also want a little night life, I would hands down recommend staying in Marquette. Jumping off of Black Rocks wound up being everyones favorite & most memorable activity of the whole trip! It’s one of those moments I will remember forever.

The famous “Black Rocks” for cliff jumping in Marquette is located in Preque Isle Park. Once you pull into the park there is a scenic drive which loops around the whole park. Take Peter white drive for about a half mile til you see a small parking area off to the right. That is where you’ll park to walk back to the cliffs. Make sure to bring towels with you…the water in Lake Superior is super cold and whatever your idea of super cold is times that by ten. I thought I had prepared myself and then when I hit the water I was shocked at the temperature. I was treading water waiting for middle mitten to jump and I finally had to get out because it was just way too cold.

Black Rocks Stands about 20-30 feet high off of Lake Superior and is a pretty popular destination so plan on seeing other visitors there. Honestly, the connection and comrodery between complete strangers was one of the coolest parts of the experience. People you’ve never met are pumping you up, giving advice, and cheering each other on. I just love moments like that, when you become completely invested in someone else’s happiness as they face their fears. Once you jump, you swim towards the shore and climb up on the rocks which lead you back to the top. There are also some great rocks along the shore of Lake Superior. We were hoping for a little beach time afterwards but the weather didn’t cooperate so we started to make our way towards Pictured Rocks.

First of all, the drive along Lake Superior is really beautiful. We made a pit stop in Christmas Michigan, because in my head I pictured a scene out of a Hallmark movie. Not so Much! A friend highly recommended Miners Falls though and I’m so glad we stopped! Its right by Pictured Rocks and it’s absolutely gorgeous and exactly what you picture in your head when you hear the word waterfall. Again, this is an easy hike back on a nice path. Other people had hopped over the viewing area deck and made their way to the bottom of the falls so we followed suit. It does get a little sketchy in a couple ares BUT we made it. Proceed with caution!

I would say in total we spent about an hour exploring Miners Falls before we drove down the road to Pictured Rocks. If we had more time, we definitely would have done “the fast” boat tour. I would also highly recommend kayaking Pictured Rocks if you have the time. This would be the best way to get up close & personal. However if you’re short on time like we were or if the weather is not conducive to a boat tour, you can check it out from the viewing are like we did. We looked around for about a half hour. There was also a really cute beach nearby that I would have loved to check out.

After a full day of exploring we were all ready to re-fuel and get out of the car. We stopped downtown Munising for dinner at eh!Burger. After some really good craft beers, & some decent food, the boys were really hopeful for one more round of putt-putt golf. We all LOVED Miners Falls Mini Golf! If you’re traveling with kids, I’ve found they are happier when they have a say in the game plan. Our kids always want to play mini golf and they always say it’s one of their favorite memories. Trying to include everyone in the planning, typically keeps everyone happy if you know what I mean.

Again, we packed a lot of activities and sight seeing into one day but I wouldn’t change it for the world. We had the BEST time in the U.P. and the only thing I would change is maybe adding one more day to explore Lake Superior a little more or have one more chill day at our secluded beach at the cottage. I hope this play by play tour of the Upper Peninsula is helpful in your planning process. We have now spent time in the U.P. during the summer and winter and while I’m not sure I could live there year round it definitely holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to go back for more.

For more Mom the Mitten fun, follow along on Instagram @mom_in_the_mitten. I also have a FB group Mom in the Mitten where I share all things Michigan, travel, & fashion because that’s what I love!