Catherine - Savvy Family Travel7 Days in Upper Michigan with Kids
Exploring Upper Michigan with kids makes for a leisurely family getaway. The kids will be so enthralled in nature you may actually be able to relax and catch your breath!
In this guide, we’re sharing a memorable 7 day Upper Michigan with Kids itinerary, starting from the west and working your way east.
It also combines nicely with a trip extension to explore the Bayfield Peninsula (Apostle Islands) or Duluth.
Day 1: Bond Falls & Porcupine Mountains State Park
Bond Falls
Starting with Bond Falls State Park works best if you are coming from the south to reach Porcupine Mountains. If you’re approaching from another direction, you could add Bond Falls after Copper Harbor before cutting over to Marquette. It adds about 1 hour drive time.
Cost: A day pass to Michigan State Parks is $11 for out of state plates. If you hit this first thing in the morning and then head to Porcupine Mountains State Park, you can use the same day pass.
Porcupine Mountains State Park
Begin your Porcupine Mountains State Park visit at the Presque Isle River area, with one cascading waterfall after another! The trails here are pretty family-friendly (other than a lot of stairs). Manido Falls is our favorite and one of the four top waterfalls in this Upper Michigan with kids road trip.
Be sure to take the trail all the way to where the river meets Lake Superior for fantastic views and rock skipping.
Next up, drive west to hit the main visitor center to learn about the park’s ecosystem and use the restrooms.
Not far from the visitor center is the Mines Interpretive Trail. Stop here for an educational hike or continue driving toward the trailhead for the Lake of the Clouds. This is a great spot for a lunch picnic too.
The Lake of the Clouds overlook is a stunning viewpoint and is only about .3 miles from the parking lot. Love these low effort high reward hikes when you have littles in tow! (We had 5 on our most recent trip!)
Cost: A day pass to Michigan State Parks is $11 for out of state plates.
Days 2-3: Houghton and Copper Harbor
Houghton and Quincy Mine
On your second day, venture to Houghton, a charming town born during the mining era.
For a really fun kids’ store and coffee shop, start your morning at KC Bonker’s Toys and Coffee. Our kids had a lot of fun on their hopscotch game out front.
To let the kids run off some steam, the Chutes and Ladders playground is nothing short of epic.
Houghton also has one of the visitor centers for Isle Royale National Park and is the embarkation point if you would like to take a (3 hour) boat tour to Isle Royale. In previous years, they’ve offered a Families Ride Free event! So watch for that in August again this year.
Take the family on a guided tour of the Quincy Mine, where you can explore underground tunnels and learn about the region’s mining boom. It’s about 5 minutes north of the city.
Copper Harbor
If you have time, continue on to Copper Harbor for a scenic one hour drive and a visit to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. (A former military outpost.)
End your day on a rock beach enjoying the sunset over Lake Superior. You can opt to take a sunset cruise too!
Day 4: Marquette
Marquette, the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is up next . Start your day with a visit to the Marquette Maritime Museum and Lighthouse.
Around lunch time, stroll the shops and choose a cafe on the charming streets of downtown Marquette.
Nearby, the Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park attracts a lot of visitors for its photogenic Lower Harbor Ore Dock (top right in the picture below) but it also has a play structure for the kids!
Next, visit Black Rocks Beach within Presque Isle Park. It’s serene and a great place for kids to enjoy the calm water and play with rocks.
If you like breweries, like we do, conclude your day at Blackrocks Brewery or Ore Dock Brewing Company.
Day 5: Escanaba and Kitch-iti-kipi
Escanaba
Day four takes you to Escanaba, a quaint town with plenty to offer. Start your day with breakfast at Swedish Pantry. The Swedish Pancakes and Meatballs here are amazing. My son liked the Cuckoo Clocks that plastered the walls.
Then, take a stroll along Ludington Park, a local favorite for its pathways and beautiful views of Little Bay de Noc. There are playgrounds and picnic areas and plenty of room to fly kites.
For Lighthouse lovers, don’t miss Sand Point Lighthouse.
Make sure to grab some handmade chocolates at Sayklly’s as souvenirs and snag the photo op at the Escanaba mural before you leave town.
Kitch-iti-kipi
On the way north, where you’ll spend Day 6, stop to see Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. It’s about a one hour drive from Escanaba.
It’s name translates to “Big Cold Spring” and it’ll amaze you with its crystal-clear waters and huge fish.
Board and operate the installed raft and glide across the spring, allowing your family to view the aquatic life up close.
Day 6: Exploring Pictured Rocks and More
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the highlight of day six.
Begin at at Miners Falls, where a short hike will lead you to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region.
Next, explore the Pictured Rocks themselves. The colorful cliffs and unique formation are best viewed from the water so we highly recommend a boat tour or kayaking along the shoreline.
If your kids enjoy Junior Ranger programs and want to earn their badge, stop by the visitor center or fill out a form online to request the Junior Ranger book to be mailed to you in advance.
Cost: An America the Beautiful pass or daily fee is required for this National Park site.
Day 7: Mackinac Island
Your final day is dedicated to Mackinac Island, a destination worthy of serving as the grand finale of your 7 days in Upper Michigan with kids.
Start with a ferry ride to the island, where no cars are allowed.
When you arrive, the family will enjoy the novelty of exploring by bike or horse-drawn carriage; free from the bustle of modern life.
If you book in advance, you can arrange a lunch at the Grand Hotel while in Upper Michigan with kids. Outside of lunch the hotel is only open to guests staying at the resort.
Spend your afternoon enjoying the island’s famous fudge shops and artisan boutiques. Wander through the quaint streets. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time which is the atmosphere that makes Mackinac Island so special.
More Fun in Upper Michigan with Kids (Add-ons)
If you want to sprinkle more attractions into your Upper Michigan with Kids itinerary, check out these great spots nearby!
Cut River Bridge
Towering above a beautiful ravine, a scenic hike takes you to vantage points to marvel at the beauty of Cut River Bridge.
I wouldn’t detour for this bridge, but if you’re already driving Hwy US-2, its a great spot to stretch your legs in Upper Michigan with kids.
Tahquamenon Falls
Located a little under 2 hours from picture rocks is this stunner of a waterfall! If you can afford to take a detour up to Tahquamenon Falls, you’ll be rewarded with a series of waterfalls, including Michigan’s largest.
Soo Locks
Another hour and 15 minutes beyond Tahquamenon Falls are the fascinating Soo Locks. The sheer scale of the operation is incredible to see, especially if you get to watch as a freighter or boat navigates the locks. There is a visitor center to learn further about their construction and the significance of the locks for commerce.
Ontonagon
In downtown Ontonagon, we enjoyed our time at the Ontonagon County Historical Museum. For $5 we enjoyed browsing the artifacts and displays showcasing the history of the area and technological advancements.
They had a cute scavenger hunt that captivated my 4 and 6 year old’s and they got to pick a prize on completion.
Where to Stay in Upper Michigan with Kids
Porcupine Mountains
Escanaba
Marquette
Mackinac
Save This 7 Day Upper Michigan with Kids Itinerary for Later
I’ll tell you right now, this itinerary will keep you moving! If you want to have more downtime, consider stretching this itinerary to 9-10 days.
We hope this itinerary inspires your trip to Upper Michigan with kids. Be sure to pin it for future trip planning and check out our other favorite Midwest Road Trips!
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
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