Visiting Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan travelers are headed to the dunes and shores at the top of the “mitten”, then across the Mackinac Bridge to the cool forests of the Upper Peninsula. Always festive, St. Ignace, gateway to scenic and historic Mackinac Island, offers authentic Michigan hospitality at a diversity of events - don’t miss the fresh fish at July’s Fish Feast. Surrounded by Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, options for beach getaways abound. Some of Michigan’s most scenic beaches are on the Upper Peninsula and northern regions. Among the best, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore north of Beulah is just one segement of Michigan’s 3,200 miles of beach.

Popular St. Ignace never dissappoints visitors. With scenic Mackinac Island to the east and plenty of activity, a stop at the north end of Mackinac bridge is always fun. Visit on July 21st for the 2012 St. Ignace Fish Feast at the St. Ignace City Marina. A fun family event, kids have a trout pond to fish; to accompany the fish fry there’s  beer, wine and soft drink tents; live entertainment begins at 5pm, followed by fireworks. Have a great day and sample Michigan’s freshest fish in St. Ignace.

Make your summer complete with a getaway to the 2012 Upper Peninsula State Fair. Michigan’s only State Fair, UPSF takes place August 13th through the 19th. Let the kids go and enjoy the Midway Carnival by Skerbeck Brothers Shows. Visit on August 15th for the 3 For All celebration – that’s $3 admission and $3 discount armbands offered at 3pm, on the 3rd day of the fair. Grandstand performers include Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and Tesla – enjoy all the traditional fair exhibitions and great Michigan entertainment.

Ishpeming and Marquette to the north of the Upper Peninsula, sit on the south shore of Lake Superior. The beautiful town of Marquette with Presque Isle Park & Upper Harbor Lighthouse, makes for a nice family getaway. Have a picnic in the park, enjoy the outdoor pool and waterslide and tour the Upper Harbor Lighthouse - keep your eyes out for white-tail and albino deer. Visit over Labor Day for the 2012 Marquette Area Blues Fest. Held September 1st and 2nd at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, 2012 musicians include John Primer, The Jimmy’s and Carolyn Wonderland. Close your summer with some great blues music in Marquette.

Ludington on the lower peninsula’s northwest coast of Lake Michigan is ideal in summer. Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, and Big Sable River offer your pick of water recreation. Fish, kayak or canoe the Pere Marquette River, as it flows to Lake Michigan. Hike and bike trails from the Waterfront Walkway in downtown Ludington, to the 18 miles of trails through the dunes and forests of Ludington State Park. Don’t miss a visit to Stearn’s Park, one of Michigan’s best beaches. For a special treat take the family on a day trip across Lake Michigan on the SS Badger.

Northern Michigan Hotel Map