Mackinac Island

It’s an island suspended in a forgotten, more innocent time. Relive the simple pleasures of life. From its fine dining to its historic sites and fun-filled attractions, Mackinac Island has something to offer everyone. Rugged outdoor activities, breathtaking coastal views, carriage tours, and horseback riding are just a few pieces of the puzzle that make Mackinac Island a popular, all-encompassing travel destination. On the island, every day is timeless and every night is precious.

Mackinac Island is home to one of America’s oldest established national parks, Mackinac Island State Park, which consumes more than 80 percent of the island’s land and is open to visitors all year long. If you’re a water buff, Mackinac Island boasts great kayaking, boating, sailing, and fishing options; if you prefer to stay on dry land, you can take in the breathtaking views on foot, by bike, or by horse from Lake Shore Boulevard, which encircles the entire eight-mile perimeter of the island.

Pictured Rocks

Voted #1 Adventure Destination by Good Morning America
Unlike any other place on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks offers the opportunity to explore miles of pristine beaches, hike over 100 miles of trails, and experience the serenity of the northern hardwood forest.

In the spring, a new world appears along trails carpeted with the soft beauty of wildflowers. Summer gives way to warm basking days. Blinking lights of orange, red, and yellow signal the wonder of change in autumn. In the winter, the raw windy beauty of snow frequents the days though periodically the snow blazes forth with sunlight.
Take time to experience and learn about the different worlds of Pictured Rocks, a mosaic of colors, textures, and sights.

Exploring the North

The Tahquamenon Falls are two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. Both sets are located near Lake Superior in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The water is notably brown in color from the tannins leached from the cedar swamps which the river drains.

The upper falls are more than 200 feet across and with a drop of approximately 48 feet During the late spring runoff, the river drains as much as 50,000 US gallons of water per second, making the upper falls the third most voluminous vertical waterfall east of the Mississippi River, after Niagara Falls and Cohoes Falls, both in New York State.

Castle Rock

It is considered to be one of the oldest lookout points near the city of St. Ignace, and was known as “Pontiac’s Lookout” by the Ojibwa Tribe. Clarence Eby opened Castle Rock for tourists in 1929, and it has remained a popular tourist destination ever since. Castle Rock rises an astonishing 195 feet above water level and about 183 feet above I-75.

The summit of Castle Rock offers a scenic and inspiring view for up to 20 miles, featuring Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, and wildlife habitat. The lookout point is equipped with viewing binoculars for a truly spectacular view of the area. This is one attraction that is family friendly, pet safe and, and not be missed.

Mystery Spot in St. Ignace

Voted Michigan’s No.1 unusual attraction by readers of Michigan Living Magazine (AAA). You will experience optical contradictions and physical sensations that are hard to believe. These phenomenal “happenings” can be photographed. It’s a barrel of fun for the entire family. See for yourself why most of our 2 million visitors return year after year. We have ample car and trailer parking, clean restrooms. Besides the guided tours of the world-famous Mystery Spot, we also have 2 great Ziplines, a Human Maze, and a custom designed 18-hole putt putt golf course.

We also have a very unique gift shop offering souvenirs found nowhere else in the world! Don’t forget to check out our brand new Mystery Spot Souvenir Photo Booth just outside the gift shop!

Oswald Bear Ranch

This complex is the largest (bear only) Bear Ranch in the entire United States of America. Since opening to the public in 1997, Oswald’s Bear Ranch as grown tremendously over the years.

We now have 29 bears, 2 huge habitats (1/2 and 1/3 mile perimeter) and 2 smaller habitats (1/4 mile perimeter each). The yearling bears have a wonderful waterfall within their habitat. Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the top ten family friendly Upper Michigan Attractions that is affordable and fun.

Soo Locks

One of the top 5 Michigan Attraction that has been offering exciting tours through the famous Soo Locks since 1934. Over the years we have grown to a fleet of five tour vessels and two dock facilities in historic Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Located only 50 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge, a must-see destination in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Soo Locks offers a wide variety of maritime sightseeing adventures, including popular Soo Locks sightseeing tours, enjoyable Luncheon and Dinner Cruises, and adventurous Lighthouse Cruises. Soo Locks operates Fireworks Cruises and Fireworks Dinner Cruises for Canada Day on July 1 and Independence Day on July 4, plus many other Special Event Cruises.

See all four U.S. Locks, St. Mary’s Rapids, giant hydro-electric plants and Historic Canadian Lock.

Ship Wreck Tours

Take an excursion back in time to the industrial ages of American shipping History. Let us introduce you to Lake Superiors natural underwater museum featuring a rare, fully intact, wooden sailing ship that was built before the Civil War and sits only a few feet from the surface of the lake.

The trip takes about 2 hours, visits two different shipwreck sites, a historic lighthouse, and the exquisite beauty of Grand Island and Munising Bay. Grand Island is an interesting place all on its own with its’ rich history, sandy beaches and colorful sandstone cliffs and caves. North American Bald Eagles are often spotted all throughout the trip as they nest along the shoreline.

Trips are scheduled daily from Memorial weekend until the second week of October.

Garlyn Zoo

Garlyn zoo is home to hundreds of Native North American animals including alligator, fox, wolves, bobcat, white tail deer, cougar, river otter, porcupine, bison, also exotic animals from around the world, Siberian tigers, Patagonian cavy, ring-tailed lemur, camel, reindeer, sika deer, sulcate tortoise, just to name a few.

Garlyn zoo was started in 1994. Built on old sand dunes at the northern most point of Lake Michigan. The zoo blends well with the natural surroundings, towering red and white pine, birch and maple forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Kewadin Casino

Whenever you’re in Michigan’s UP you’re never far from a Kewadin Casino experience. And that means moments you’ll hold on to forever.

From live entertainment to gaming promotions and events, there’s always something going on at Kewadin

Whitefish Point & Whitefish Bay

11 miles north of Paradise on the Southeastern corner of Lake Superior, The unique geographical features of Whitefish Point and Whitefish Bay combine to offer maritime history, shipwreck diving, and bird watching all in one location!