Upper Peninsula of Michigan Travel 2023: 4 Tips
Are you Traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
Out of everywhere I’ve been in the US, my road trip through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of my top travels.
Below are four tips for your Upper Peninsula Michigan travel adventure. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with planning your UP road trip, remember, I’m Sarah Nicole and I’m here to help!
1. Watch the Weather
If you are driving to the UP by crossing the Mackinac Bridge, pay close attention to the weather. If the winds are high, the bridge can sway up to 30ft; and sometimes they even shut it down. This is because the bridge is 200ft above the water level and 5 miles long. It sounds intimidating, but it’s actually a surreal experience going over it. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet underneath it. You can look at the current bridge conditions and see live bridge cam pictures by going to the bridges website.
If you fly into the UP, you will want to rent a car. Typically, the UP is more of a road trip destination. There is a lot to do, but it is mostly spaced out. The biggest airport is Sawyer International Airport (MQT) near Marquette. Most of the major car rental services are at this airport, so getting your rental once you land shouldn’t be an issue. But, make sure you book before you land or you won’t be guaranteed a vehicle.
2. Cell Reception is Bad
Once you cross the Mackinac Bridge, cell service is extremely spotty. Make sure you have car chargers and power banks with you for your phone(s) because the spotty service will run your battery down quickly. If you’re like me and want to take a lot of pictures and videos, have those cords ready… haha!
Keep this in mind if you’re using the GPS on your cell. In many places it won’t load at all because there isn’t enough service. You will have service in most of the bigger towns, but that is it. Try to load the GPS while at your hotel, a restaurant, anywhere with Wi-Fi or service before you set out for the day.
Another option would be to bring paper directions. Make a plan before your trip, map out the places you want to go, print those directions, and bring them with you. I know most people don’t have printers at home, but there are places that will print things for you. CVS, Office Depo, Staples, and Office Max are some examples. If you wait until you are in the UP and you’re staying in a hotel, there is a good chance they will print them for you at the front desk.
3. Fill up your Tank at each Gas Station
Gas stations are few and far in between in the Upper Peninsula. So, stop at every gas station you see and fill your tank up. Even if you have 3/4 of a tank when you pass a station and think you don’t need to stop. Stop and finish filling that tank up anyways.
The front desk of our hotel told us this and it’s the best advice we received during this road trip.
4. The Beaches are Different along the UP
On the northern coast of the peninsula the beaches are mostly rocky, and on the southern coast of the peninsula they are mostly sandy. The type of activities you plan to do will determine the type of beach you want to go to. Because they’re not all the same, do some research on the beaches before you go to the UP to decide which one(s) to go too. Many people (myself included) like to go rock hunting along the beaches. You can find all kinds of stones, including yooperlites.
It doesn’t mater which beach you’re at, the water will be cold. Haha! I was there in the middle of July and could barely stick my feet in. But, people still get in it. So, get in if you dare… Haha!
For those that are from and live in this area, I’m sure the cold water doesn’t bother them at all. Haha.
It will also be beautiful, no matter the beach you’re at! Lake Superior looks just like the Caribbean. The water is blue/green, clear, and gorgeous. But, you won’t find many seashells. Instead, you will find beautiful rocks.
