I’m a native troll (from the Lower Peninsula, a.k.a. under the bridge) but vacationed at least once a year in the UP for years, usually in May or October. Some things are closed for the season in those months, but it’s still possible to have a nice time. My all-time favorites:
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Fayette Historic Townsite / State Park (you can buy a Recreation Passport state park pass at a park entrance, which is $11 for a day or $40 for the year for nonresidents)
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Antique stores in Negaunee and Ishpeming: Lowenstein’s Antique Market, Main Street Antique Mall, Pam’s Pickins
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Lots of small waterfalls in the Marquette area
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Lots of lighthouses along the shore; Seul Choix Pointe, Copper Harbor, Crisp Point, Marquette Harbor are favorites
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Marquette has the best restaurant options; most other towns are fairly limited, especially if you have dietary restrictions. If you don’t, definitely try pasties, fudge, and cudighi!
The tourist traps worth doing once to say you’ve done them:
- Mackinac Island
- Pictured Rocks boat cruise
- Castle Rock
Things to avoid:
- Hotels in Mackinaw City owned by the same shady family (technically this is Lower Peninsula but many people stay there to go to Mackinac Island)