Michigan's Upper Peninsula RV Trip

For my wonderful friend Krystle’s 30th Birthday (and surprise proposal!) we planned an epic springtime road trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We found sitters for the pups and rented an RV and a trailer to pull their Jeep for the Memorial Day long weekend. The natural beauty was beyond what we even imagined and our first RV trip was both a fun adventure and definite success. We made the seven hour trip up from Chicago with an epic road trip playlist and stayed our first night pulled over at a surprisingly beautiful truck stop. The next morning we made our way to Jack Pine Lodge and Campground and set up for the rest of a glorious trip.

Waterfalls

@acoupleexplores
#chasingwaterfalls #upperpenninsula #midwesttravel #travelmichigan #waterfallsoftiktok @krystledmarquez
♬ Outdoors – Colin Tierney

The Upper Peninsula reportedly hosts over 300 Waterfalls making it an absolute haven for getting gorgeous views. While they vary in size I am not talking about some little rapids but some truly magnificent cascades of water. Some are very easily accessible, a matter of just pulling off to the side of the road, while others require hiking or a boat tour to view. No matter what your accessibility level you have plenty of options. The now groom-to-be even took advantage of an opportunity to propose in the flow of one. It is a Waterfall Mecca. My personal favorite was when we stopped for a rainstorm waterfall dip. Video below.

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#waterfallchallenge #uppermichigan #midwesttravel #PerfectAsWeAre #michiganvacation @lindseymitch89
♬ Vacation – Dirty Heads

Off Roading

The Upper Peninsula has an abundance of opportunities for going off road with all terrain vehicles. No land ownership or payment is required. There are so many designated public paths for this purpose that we never even realized prior to arrival. We were particularly blessed in that our campsite had paths leading directly on and off of it that we were able to take the jeep out on. There is nothing more magical than going out into the wilderness and staring up at the stars only to see the faint glow of the Northern Lights in the distance. Upper Michigan’s Off Roading Paths made this experience possible for us.

@krystledmarquez
Symbiote the Jeep Exploring the backroads of The Upper Peninsula in Michigan #jeep #jeepwrangler #jeepsaharaunlimited #michigan #adventure
♬ Venom – Ricky Marano

Hiking

Hiking opportunities are many and vary from full day affairs to brief treks. If you are willing and able to put in the miles I recommend in particular the hike to chapel falls and beach. It is a significant hike at 6.5 miles each way but well worth it for the unparalleled views of picture rocks lakeshore. Chapel Beach was also a beautiful and relaxing stopping point before making the trek back. Be sure to pack a lunch and wear the right socks and shoes ( I learned that last part the hard way). If extensive hikes are not your style there are numerous briefer hikes to explore, many including waterfall views such as Miner and Munising Falls.

@acoupleexplores
#picturedrocks #chapelbeach #chapelfalls #midwesttravel #travelfriends #travelcouple #michigantravel @krystledmarquez
♬ Runaway – AURORA

Kitch-iti-kipi Spring

Kitch-Iti-Kipi Spring is and absolute must see. It makes my top ten list of most beautiful natural places I have seen if not the most beautiful. The colors are breathtaking and peering down at the fish as you glide across on the raft is such a unique experience. It is absolutely free and open to the public and was not even that busy despite the fact that we visited during a holiday weekend. I cannot say enough about this location, it’s magical.

@acoupleexplores
@krystledmarquez @lindseymitch89 #PerfectAsWeAre #midwest #uppermichigan #traveltiktok #travelfriends #hikingadventures
♬ Send Me on My Way – Vibe Street

Pictured Rocks Boat Tour

There are several of the waterfalls that are primarily only viewable via the water. Additionally, the best views of the pictured rocks themselves are from the lake. We had hoped to do a kayak tour but it was too early in the year and after how chilly and windy it was on our boat tour we were pretty glad we weren’t that close to the water. The boat tour guide had the usual historical tidbits and lame puns but what it really had to offer were some excellent views of the rocks and waterfalls along the lakeshore. You can also rent more private boating experiences but this worked out great for us and was fairly open and required masks for Covid safety.

@krystledmarquez
Some of the epic views from Pictured Rocks Spray Falls Cruise #picturedrocksmichigan #lakesuperior #vacationspots #midwestbucketlist
♬ Summer – Instrumental – Devinney

The Upper Peninsula in Michigan has so much to offer and we cannot wait to return and see even more of what it has to explore. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts as the location of our best friend’s becoming engaged and they could not have picked a more beautiful place to have that memory.