Full Bloom Blog

As a born and raised Michigander, I spent many family vacations “going up north” (as we “trolls” like to say). When I was little, our family owned a pop up camper and we visited places all over the state, particularly anything north and nature-y. Now as an adult and with a family of my own, I love being able to explore our state north of the bridge and allow my kiddos to get a taste of some more nature oriented vacations. I am a born and raised camper and though I still have many of those skills and knowledge, it is generally not my first choice in vacation style. Still, I think it’s important to get in touch with it once in a while and teach my kids some of those same things. And extra bonus for them, when my dad retired, he moved to the Upper Peninsula (he has always been a bit of a mountain man) so now when we go up there they get to visit “camp Grandpa” and we have our very own local mountain man tour guide. One of my favorite things about our UP adventures with my dad every summer is that he knows all of the great little places to visit that maybe haven’t blown up on Instagram or Pinterest yet. There are many iconic places to visit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but those are not generally the places that we go to on our adventures. Not to say they’re not worth visiting, but there certainly is SO much more to do up there than just the handful of places frequently shown. Here is just a (generous) handful of places that we have been and happen to top our list of UP travels.

Konteka Black Bear Resort

This place is a hidden gem of the UP located in White Pine. I had heard about other Michigan native animal reservations before, but my dad suggested it as a pit stop one of our first years up there visiting as a family and we’ve been hooked ever since. Stop in to enjoy lunch or dinner and observe black bears coming in for a meal as well. Fair warning, the food is standard bar type food, deep fried whatever, but have always been pleased with our meals. There is not an enclosure so all bears that you see are wild and just come in for the snacks they know the restaurant provides. Some will just wander through, some will lay down and enjoy a lazy meal. Bears are not guaranteed because they are wild, but in the several times we have visited, we have always seen at least one.

Pro Tip: Call ahead and make a reservation for a table right next to the windows and try the fried fish nuggets!

If you visit: You can also check out nearby Green Park on Lake Superior for some swimming, Lake of the Clouds (short hike with a beautiful outlook), or the Porcupine Mountains!

Copper Peak

I love the uniqueness of this place! It is the only ski flying hill outside of Europe! It’s located in Wakefield and requires a little bit of drive off main roads. Although it is no longer open for ski flying, visitors can climb the stairs (or ride the elevator) to the top and take in the incredible views. The level that the elevators stop at is fully enclosed with a fence which helped my kiddos feel safe. Even from there, the views were phenomenal. My dad and husband, of course walked the addition flights of stairs to the very peak of the jump. It gets pretty windy up there and while there is no danger of it breaking, you will feel parts of the structure sway with the wind. The kids and I took the elevator down and my dad and husband walked the length of the jump down using the stairs alongside. Be prepared for a quad work out if you choose this option! Even all around the structure there are beautiful views to take in so take your time and enjoy it all!

Pro Tip: If you’re not big into heights, you may want to skip this one! If you check it out, be prepared for cool winds up top!

If you visit: Also check out Iron Wood, the town nearby!

Bond Falls Flowage

This has got to be the single most underrated waterfall in all of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Located in Trout Creek, it’s in the middle of no where but certainly worth the drive! One of my favorite things about these falls is that you get to walk along the river (flowage) and see as it picks up pace and starts little white water before the big falls. It’s like you get the full picture of the falls and enjoy the beauty of it the entire length of your hike to see the big pay off. The vast majority of the walk down is very pedestrian friendly and does not require any great skill level in hiking. Around the base of the falls, there are lovely board walks so you really can get an almost 180 degree view of the falls. There are even openings in the walk way that allow you to go and dip your toes in the pools at the bottom.

Pro Tip: Bring your swim suit and take a dip in the lake on the other side of the dam. There are beaches, picnic tables, and restroom facilities (albeit, quite rustic, still better than a lot of places in the UP which have NO facilities). And pack some food!

If You Visit: You can spend an entire day here! Visiting the falls, swimming in the lake, grilling some dinner at the park!

L’Anse

This cutie little town is located at the southern tip of the Keweenaw Bay. My family’s favorite is the beachside park. You can swim at the beach, play on the playground, splash in the splash pad, and picnic in the pavilion. This place also happens to be one of my favorites because they have very nice public restrooms at the park and changing facilities. Ha. I have simple standards. Some times a kid’s favorite vacation activity is just getting a chance to run and play freely. Add in some waterfront views for parental enjoyment and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon on your family vacation.

Pro Tip: bring your kayaks and enjoy puttering around the bay!

If you Visit: A must do while you’re in town is to drive along the bay to Baraga and dine at the Baraga Drive-In. It’s just a couple minute drive along the waterfront and you’ll be able to enjoy the fun (and tasty) throw back diner with views of the Keweenaw Bay. Try the root beer in a frosty mug and a burger and you’ll thank me!

Point Abbaye

If you plan your day correctly, you can add this into a day trip with L’Anse! Be prepared for a long drive down a narrow and rustic road out on the peninsula, but once you reach your destination you’ll be so glad you took the drive! Point Abbaye is at the tip of the Abbaye peninsula which creates the Keweenaw Bay. The hike starts out wooded and then suddenly spits you out onto Lake Superior with cool rocks to walk and amazing views. We adventured all along the waterfront and found lots of cool little places that the kiddos enjoyed stopping and playing at. Little pools, coves, and ledges make up most of the walk and create lots of interest as you go.

Pro Tip: Consider wearing some water friendly shoes as it’s all water front and the little pools always beckon…especially little hikers. Bring snacks and take your time!

If you Visit: You’ll probably be hungry at the end of your adventures, if you have already checked out the Baraga Drive-In, consider stopping by The Finns in Skanee on you way down the peninsula. They have outdoor games like bean bags to keep you entertained and be sure to try their house made barbecue chicken pizza and wings!

O Kun-de-Kun Falls

Definitely stop by and check out the Upper Falls on your way down the path, but the best part of these falls are the lowers! This waterfall is located in Bruce’s Crossing and offers a mild path hike of about 1.5 miles one way to the falls. Part of the trail is on the North Country Trail so you may see some legit hikers on your journey. You may want to consider wearing or bringing water shoes in the least. At best bring swim wear and take a dip in the pool of the lower falls. there are so many places to explore and enjoy all around the water fall!

Pro Tip: Try climbing under the falls! If you enter from the path on the side of the pool, you can walk along (slippery) rocks and actually make your way under the water fall! You will get to see the **back side of water!** (any Disney nerds out there get my joke?!) Even my five year old was able to make this journey so no high skill level is needed but be prepared for a little spray and slippery rocks!

If You Visit: These falls are only a short drive away from Bond Flowage! Depending on how long you spend at either one, both are totally do-able in a day! And both are very conducive to swimming so plan accordingly! Also, as a side note, if you visit and take a dip, or even just wade in the water be sure to check thoroughly for leeches afterwards. One of my kiddos came out with one on her thigh and unfortunately, we didn’t notice until much later in the day.

Au Train

This option is another that I love that offers multiple activities! Au Train is located near Lake Superior just west of Munising. My family plus my dad, my sister, and her kiddos all rented canoes and kayaks (from Northwoods Resort) a little further inland and traveled the river that connects Au Train Lake to Lake Superior. It was an easy trip and everyone enjoyed the ride! Once we dropped off our rentals at the lake front, we headed straight for the water and everyone took a swim in the much milder waters of the channel before it’s totally dumped into the lake. Erik and Annabelle even jumped off the road bridge (along with many other brave souls that day) into the water. It was such a fun afternoon!

Pro Tip: Be prepared for swimming and as I always say, bring snacks! Also consider bringing a water proof or airtight bag for your essentials not to mention maybe something to keep your swim gear and towels ready to go! Ooooh, and sunscreen. Don’t forget the suncreen. The river is wide open which lends to fantastic views, lots of wild life sightings, and sun burns.

If You Visit: And haven’t already checked it out, hop over to Christmas and/or Munising. Munising has no shortage of beautiful views and things to do!

Have you visited Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?! What are your favorite areas to visit with your family? I’ll be sure to add more parts to this post as there are so many amazing places to travel to in Michigan’s UP and I am excited to share with you all of the inside info from my yooper dad and the adventures he takes us on!