What are the Must-See Attractions In the Western U.P.?
The Jampot
Eagle Harbor | Open mid-May through mid-October
Venture up the Keweenaw Peninsula on M-26 and stop at this unique bakery and preserves shop. Monks from the Society of St. John sell locally sourced jams, baked goods, coffee and other tasty treats. Yes, these are real monks. That’s their monastery across the street.
Insider’s Tip: After grabbing a muffin or two and jam to take home, go the short distance to the Monastic Park trails to see Jacobs Falls.
Adventure Mining Company
Greenland | Mine tours from May to October; hiking trails open all year
When driving through Greenland on M-38, pull off at the Adventure Mining Company. Here is one of the best-preserved historic copper mines in Michigan. It is open seven days a week in the summer and offers three experiential tours ranging from 1.5 to 6 hours.
The Prospector’s Tour, designed for all ages, takes you to the largest rooms in the mine. The Miner’s Tour includes rappelling 80 feet to another part of the mine. The Captain’s Tour takes you through the first two levels and includes an underground pasty lunch — how authentic!
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap Museum & Rock Shop
Ishpeming Township | Open daily
This Yooper-themed museum ranks high for being quirky. Just off U.S. Highway 41 near Marquette, it is hard to miss. Inside, you can see “Big Gus”, da largest working chainsaw in da world. Or marvel at the mysterious Loop Garou in the museum's “Deer Camp.” It doesn’t get more Yooper than that, eh
Want to shop? You and your travel companions will find countless Yooper-themed gag gifts and souvenirs to bring a piece of da U.P. home with you. In the rock shop, see rare local minerals, like "Yoopa-Lights," a syenite that glows orange under UV light. It's so cool! Also, there is the usual rock-store stuff from around the world, including handcrafted stone goblets and clocks.
Jilbert Dairy's Giant Cows
Marquette | Open daily
There are three giant “Jilly” dairy cow statues at this whimsical roadside attraction that scoops up some of the best-tasting ice creams in the U.P. One cow perches on the silo roof, another is in a trailer ready to follow you down the road. The third is in a pen in the dairy’s shady picnic area. This last cow is a great photo opportunity for you and the kids. You can sit on the stool and pretend to milk her.
What Are The Most Unique Attractions In the Eastern U.P.?
Castle Rock
St. Ignace | Open daily from May to October
Clarence Eby opened this renowned landmark to tourists in 1929 and it has been a popular destination ever since. As one of the oldest lookout points near St. Ignace, it rises almost 200 feet and offers breathtaking views for up to 20 miles. Use the summit’s viewing binoculars to bring Mackinac Island, Lake Huron and downtown St. Ignace into focus. Adding to the selfie appeal of this roadside stop are statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe.
U.S. Highway 2 Coastline
Naubinway to St. Ignace
The views along this 60+minute coastal drive are Pure Michigan gorgeous. Go from seeing the mighty Mackinac Bridge to rocky wooded areas, the Cut River valley and sandy beaches with rolling dunes.
Insider’s Tip: Bring your camera and take this drive just before dusk. Park at one of the many pull-offs, set up your tripod and capture a show-stopping Yooper sunset.
