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michigan upper peninsula - great waters

The Shipwreck Coast in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of the "Drives of a Lifetime" -- National Geographic

Welcome to The Great Waters of Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula (UP). The Great Waters region of Michigan's UP offers endless opportunities to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty, unique history and off-the-beaten-track culture. Here you will find relaxation among the Upper Peninsula's serene landscapes, hidden lakes, quiet forests, tall timbers, rugged shores and coursing waterfalls. Here you will rediscover the amazement and awe of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the gift of wonder that is Pure Michigan's Great Waters region.

Maps

Great Waters MapCurtisMunisingNewberrySt. IgnaceDrummond IslandLes CheneauxSault Ste MarieParadiseGrand Marais
Great Waters
Pure Michigan Dream Vacation

The Great Waters Radio Ad – "Wonderful"

The Great Waters Radio Ad – "Wonderful"
Email this Audio 
Click above to play: Experience Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula, a magical place where the mighty Huron, Superior and Lake Michigan meet. Head north to The Great Waters and discover the wonder that is Pure Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Midwest Living (Photographer Per Breiehagen)

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Munising, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Munising, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is home to over 15 miles of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and a Michigan masterpiece found nowhere else in the world. Take a Pictured Rocks boat cruise along Michigan's Lake Superior majestic shoreline.

Photo courtesy of Pictured Rocks Cruises

Museum of Ojibwa Culture - St. Ignace, Michigan

Museum of Ojibwa Culture - St. Ignace, Michigan
St. Ignace has a rich history and was once the bustling hub of 17th century fur trade. The Mackinac Straits are alive and vivid with Michigan's Native American culture and history! Visit St. Ignace, the "Gateway to the Upper Peninsula."
Photo courtesy of St. Ignace CVB

Mouth of the Two Hearted River

Mouth of the Two Hearted River
The Mouth of the Two Hearted River is an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast and was a favorite of Ernest Hemmingway. Canoe through forests toward the dunes of Lake Superior and experience picturesque camping and miles of beach front.

Photo courtesy of Great Waters

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - Paradise, Michigan

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - Paradise, Michigan
The Whitefish Point Lighthouse on Michigan's Lake Superior is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, with artifacts and exhibits honoring the mariners who traveled the Great Lakes. The Paradise area offers attractions year round.

Photo courtesy of Paradise Area Tourism Council

Michigan's Famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie

Michigan\'s Famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie
Marvel at the famous Soo Locks, a unique experience that cannot be seen anywhere else in the United States. Michigan's Soo Locks have been referred to as one of the world's great wonders and is the largest waterway traffic system on earth.
Photo courtesy of Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau

Seney National Wildlife Refuge - Seney, Michigan

Seney National Wildlife Refuge - Seney, Michigan
Enjoy a panoramic view of birds, swans, turtles, ducks, deer and more at Seney National Wildlife Refuge located in Michigan's Manistique Lakes Area. The refuge covers an amazing 95,212 acres to hike, mountain bike, canoe or kayak. 

Photo courtesy of Kerry G. Hill

Oswald's Bear Ranch – Newberry, Michigan

Oswald\'s Bear Ranch – Newberry, Michigan
Get up close with mother nature at work at  Oswald's Bear Ranch. At the Ranch bears roam freely within well maintained natural habitats. Learn the incredible story behind this rescue ranch and even get a chance to hold a baby bear cub.

Photo courtesy of Oswald's Bear Ranch

Les Cheneaux Islands - Cedarville & Hessel, Michigan

Les Cheneaux Islands - Cedarville & Hessel, Michigan
Michigan's Les Cheneaux Islands welcome you to a quiet and peaceful place. Cruise along the water to see the area's many boathouses. In the fall, when the crowds and heat are gone, experience stillness and sites ablaze with Michigan color.

Photo courtesy of Les Cheneaux Tourist Association

Tahquamenon Falls Near Newberry, Michigan

Tahquamenon Falls Near Newberry, Michigan
Michigan's Tahquamenon Falls will amaze you! The Upper Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Surrounded by rivers, inland lakes and camping facilities, you'll find plenty of Newberry area attractions.

Photo courtesy of Travel Michigan

Portage River - Antiques at the Boathouse - Curtis, Michigan

Portage River - Antiques at the Boathouse - Curtis, Michigan
Curtis is a waterfront village bordered by the Manistique lakes and centrally located in the heart of The Great Waters. Explore nearby Seney Wildlife Refuge, Tahquamenon Falls, and the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Photo courtesy of Curtis Chamber of Commerce

Mountain Biking on Grand Island, Michigan

Mountain Biking on Grand Island, Michigan
Scenic sea cliffs, caves, Lake Superior shoreline, quiet forest, ancient burial grounds, and a weathered lighthouse are just part of Grand Island. Ride a 3 minute ferry service to and from the island. Camping is permitted in designated areas.

Photo courtesey of Grand Island National Recreation Area
    

Upper Peninsula Great Waters

Explore Great Waters Trails 
Discover the splendor of Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula (UP) on our trail network. This area is particularly rich in culture and history, and each trail highlights the attractions and destinations of the region.  Take a quest through deep forests to the mighty Tahquamenon Falls, see the quiet majesty of bald eagles and trumpeter swans at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, play on a Lake Huron beach or waterfront pleasures of the Les Cheneaux Islands and lose yourself in the turn-of-the century charm and history that is Mackinac Island.  Wonder awaits on the Great Waters Trails.  

Travel Packages
Spend the night in the 1923 Coast Guard Lifeboat Station Crews Quarters at Whitefish Point, enjoy your own private boat and cabin on Manistique Lake in Curtis, and paddle to the inner bays and remote islands of Les Cheneaux. Our travel packages are designed to make your Michigan Great Waters vacation enjoyable, affordable and easy to plan. 

Camping
Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula (UP) is home to some of the best natural amenities and camping is perhaps the best way to enjoy them. Find great camping choices and plan your next Michigan vacation getaway to the Great Waters. 

Lodging 
Sleep well after your day's adventure in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula (UP). From rustic to luxury accommodations, lodging in the Great Waters is warm, friendly, stylish and authentic.

Itineraries 
Discover sheltered bays, ancient paths, extraordinary geology and waterfalls. Explore Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hike the Hiawatha National Forest sand dunes and witness the earth's largest waterway traffic system, the Soo Locks, in action. These itineraries make it easy to plan your Michigan Great Waters escape. 

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© 2012 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48913