Exploring Nature in the UP

Porcupine Mountains

Site: LS-7

Hike In: Took just over an hour and a half. Beautiful hike with a mixture between dense woods and waterfront/creek views.

Wildlife: Didn’t see any – can’t speak for everyone but we didn’t have any issues with bears, rodents, etc.

Campsite: Backcountry, firepit, places to sit (log benches), firewood, and a bear pole. Right on the lake so we obtained water from there (via filtration of course)

Thoughts: This was my favorite campsite of the trip. We were literally feet from the edge of superior and falling asleep to the sound of waves was incredible. We had the perfect view for sunset. The campsite had a few logs to sit on and a nice firepit, so we were able to relax around the campfire before heading to bed. Highly recommend Porcupine Mountains and this campsite.

We then drove from Porcupine Mountains up to Copper Harbor. We chose Copper Harbor because it was the tippy top of the UP. GET GAS BEFORE HEADING UP. There is no cell signal. (Fort Wilkins State Park has wifi though)

Copper Harbor Overview

• A VERY small town. So small that the owner of the brewery is also the first responder for the town, so if there is an emergency the brewery is closed. Some beautiful hiking and biking available. This is NOT a place for nightlife or dining out. This is strictly a nature town. These people are on island time so don’t rely on hours open/closed.

Favorite Food:

• Fish Truck. Seriously, the best fish I have ever had. Their fish tacos were out of this world.

Activity Recommendation:

• Hike the loop at Fort Wilkins State Park. Maybe will take you 1 hour max, but a beautiful little hike around Superior and Lake Fannie Hooe.
• Brockway Mountain Lookout: Incredible Views of the town! Our favorite view of the town
• Hike Hunter’s Point Park. Again a very short trail but it takes you right out on the water. There are some rocks that you can sit on and just relax. Maybe a 30 min walk.

Campsite: Fort Wilkins State Park – East

• A very cozy campsite with the trail right behind the campsites. A typical family style campground so not much privacy, but it is a very quiet campsite. There is a general store with coffee/icecream/essentials. There is firewood.

Day 1: We went to the general store in the city center. It is loaded with camping essentials and local beer. We hiked the fort wilkins loop and made dinner. There are porches over Lake Fannie Hooe to stargaze.

Day 2: We biked all around the city. We biked up to Brockway lookout, Hunter’s Point (where we hiked), and up and down the highway. There are bike paths that are parallel to the highway which was nice. I have a roadbike and it was fine. We were able to get snacks and drinks at a few places.

Harbor Haus: It says it is upscale – it is not. We worse sweatshirts and were overdressed. They have an outdoor patio that overlooks the lake. The food was fine, it was the only place open and serving food.

The Mariner North Restaurant: We only got a drinks, it was fine. Again, the only place open for drinks.

Day 3: Hiked the fort wilkins trail again and the had breakfast at Tamarack Inn which was fine. We then got gas at the Copper Harbor Fuel stop – talk about old fashioned. Seriously the only gas station until you get back down to Houghton area. We then headed Marquette

Marquette Overview

 - A college town, lots of restaurants and bars, nature and hikes, places open late.

Favorite Food: The Vierling, a historic restaurant with great fish and views of the Ore Dock

Favorite Local Drinks:  Ore Dock Brewing, Blackrocks Brewing

Lodging: Airbnb Downtown

They own Blackrocks Brewing and offer you free drinks.

Activities: There is a lot to explore as it is a college town, so walking around town is nice in itself.

Presque Island is incredible. Hike, bike, or walk around the isle. There is a breakwall that you can climb out to the lighthouse – NOT suitable for children. You must be athletic and willing to boulder the rocks, but it is a lot of fun. You can also visit the blackrocks as well as a few beaches. It is also next to an active ore dock. This was one of our favorite bike rides/hikes during the trip. There is also a sunset lookout point.

We were here just one night and walked around the city and sampled the local brews. The Airbnb was in a perfect location and the hosts were great. The next morning we biked to Presque Island and had a wonderful time. We ate breakfast at Donkers which was fun and delicious! Beautiful city with a lot to do. There is some nightlife as it is a college town.

Pictured Rocks Overview

• The most incredible views, great camping, can’t believe you’re still in the Midwest.

Favorite Food: Bear Trap Inn (the only food available in the town, but also really good)

Activities: Hike Pictured Rocks (11 mile loop, Mosquito Falls Starting Point) Very much worth it

Camping: Benchmark Campground, on a sandy bluff above the lake, beautiful and quiet. Very close to carpark (15 min walk) and lots of great hiking

After leaving Marquette we headed up to Pictured Rocks Park and camped. There are miles and miles of hiking trails through the park, but the most notable hiking starts at Mosquito Falls. I would recommend hiking Mosquito Falls early and then camping at benchmark (we did it backwards). The campground has a beautiful beach that you can walk along.

The hike around pictured rocks itself was incredible. It took us 4 hours to hike 11 miles. It was a very easy hike. There are lots of steep cliffs and drop offs, so be cautious with kids. The hiking map is available at the park. My recommendation is to skip the extra leg at the beginning that passes mosquito falls. Mosquito falls itself wasn’t worth the extra 30-45 minutes of hiking. However do NOT skip the lakeside hike as this is the most beautiful. I do not believe there is an easy hike back so once you get on the trail you are on it for the whole time. Come prepared with water and snacks. There are restrooms along the way.