If you have never been to Michigan's northern reaches, you are missing out on breathtaking scenery and a whole variety of maritime fun and history. It takes a little bit of travel, but it's worth going north past the 45th parallel to the very top of the state. As you get to the Straits of Mackinac, you will cross from the Lower Peninsula and head into the Upper Peninsula (known as the "U P").

Michigan's UP is surrounded by the waters of three Great Lakes and shares an international border with Canada (accessed only via water or 4 land border bridges). This area is very popular as summer destination for RVers who are seeking to get away from the high temperatures in the southern US, so make your plans early. Here are some tips for visiting this outdoor paradise where you can see beautiful parks, waterfalls, shipwrecks, lighthouses, wildlife and so much more.

Guest Post by Robin Buck

See Natural Beauty from your RV

One of the top attractions is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where 15 miles of sandstone cliffs stretch along the coastline. The cliffs have stunning colorful streaks which formed from groundwater reacting with minerals in the rocks. One of only four national lakeshores in the country, Pictured Rocks offers miles of beaches, trails, and boating opportunities.

We also loved Tahquamenon Falls State Park with it 13 inland lakes, 35 miles of hiking trails, and its namesake river. After walking the stairs and boardwalk to the two beautiful waterfalls, it's easy to understand why the park draws large crowds. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River and has an interesting brownish/orange color. Nicknamed the Root Beer Falls, the color is due to the tannins that leach into the water from cedar tree roots along the river's path.

RVers Dream: Escape to an Island

Mackinac Island is another popular spot in the UP. Passengers can take a ferry over to this island that doesn't have any bridges or allow any cars. Visitors will enjoy exploring two historic forts and various museums to learn about the area or might choose to spend the day biking or playing golf. Don't miss beautiful Arch Rock for a great photo op and make sure to visit one of the many fudge shops for a sweet treat.

Isle Royale National Park is Michigan's only national park and is also an island located in Lake Superior. This wilderness area can only be reached by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Once on land, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and park ranger programs. There is also the chance to fish, kayak, or scuba dive in the waters around the pristine island.

Learn About Ships

We found the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum a very interesting place to see artifacts and learn about all of the shipwrecks that happened on the Great Lakes. Most famously, the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald ship is here. The location is also home to the Whitefish Point Light Station which offers tours of the restored keeper's quarters and the lighthouse.

The Museum Ship Valley Camp is located along the shore in the town of Sault Ste. Marie. This fun stop is an actual Great Lakes freighter ship that you can tour to see how sailors lived and worked aboard it. The massive 20,000 square foot cargo hold is now a museum full of maritime exhibits, including two lifeboats from the Edmund Fitzgerald. In addition, 4 very large aquariums house many species of fish from the Great Lakes region.

Another one of our favorite adventures in Michigan's Upper Peninsula was taking the Soo Lock Boat Tour. We enjoyed hearing about the history of the area and the Soo Locks themselves. The boat ride takes you through the actual locks, both up-bound and down-bound so you can see how ships travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. It was fun to see some large freighters and glimpses of Canada along our journey.

Take an RV Trip to Michigan

An RV trip to the UP in Michigan offers so much to see and do. These are just a few ideas we enjoyed of the many, many opportunities in this amazing area. You can get all of the outdoor experiences you can stand with hiking trails, bike paths, or boating trips. The boating history and small-town charm of the area will definitely keep you entertained as well. No doubt, you will be happy that you made the drive to this fun and scenic place.

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Robin and her husband, Mike, are Air Force veterans and empty nesters who travel full-time in their Entegra Anthem motorhome. Always ready to explore, they love nature and wildlife, meeting new friends, and discovering America's many hidden gems. Robin chronicles their adventures and experiences on her travel blog RVing with Robin