Top Attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Miles of shore mean access to a wealth of beauty.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore The area encompasses sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes and forest, not to mention 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline (pictured). Before exploring, get a map at the visitors center at the park's western gateway in Munsing (906/387-3700; nps.gov/piro).

Northern Waters Adventures This outfitter (based in Munising) leads kayak trips along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Grand Island Recreational Area. Paddle through sea caves, under arches, over shipwrecks or past a lighthouse (906/387-2323; northernwaters.com).

Seney National Wildlife Refuge This 150-square-mile mosaic of wetlands, bogs and forest draws 200 bird species. Explore by car, canoe, foot or bike (906/586-9851; fws.gov/midwest/seney).

Menominee River North of Iron Mountain, tributaries spill across the forest and into deep, clear reservoirs including Michigamme Reservoir and Peavey Pond. These waterways provide idyllic boating, fishing and primitive camping. The Wilderness Shores recreation area includes several boat launches and rustic campgrounds (dnr.state.mi.us).

Sylvania Wilderness Area Some 34 crystalline lakes hide behind a forest of century-old trees southwest of Watersmeet. Previously a private estate and now a federal wilderness area in the Ottawa National Forest, Sylvania has barely changed in more than 100 years. Fifteen miles of hiking trails and portages link the lakes (906/932-1330; fs.usda.gov).

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Northern Waters Adventures

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Menominee River

Sylvania Wilderness Area