Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Revel in nature, set off on an active adventure and explore maritime heritage in the land north of the Mackinac Bridge—the UP. Popular destinations include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

If you like vacation destinations packed with hiking trails and waterfalls but not too many people, our senior editor found just the right place.

The three largest Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan and Superior) lap against the shores of the upper arm of Michigan, where beauty and bounty feel timeless.

Just north of the Straits of Mackinac sits Michigan's lush Upper Peninsula, a woods-and-water wilderness that sprawls over more than 16,350 square miles. Check out our ideas for exploring the Eastern UP, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Blazing trees and Lake Superior lore color the quiet of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Sault Ste. Marie, often called The Soo, celebrates its status as Michigan's oldest city with historic attractions, river excursions and the maritime engineering marvel of the Soo Locks.