Our 2021 Adventure Michigan Bucket List!
From cascading cliffs to turquoise coastlines, Michigan is an amazing place to explore – and this year, we’ll be sharing those explorations with you! Our 2021 Michigan Bucket List contains 10 must-see, must-hike, must-paddle, and must-experience natural wonders. Here’s a sneak peek of the adventures we’ll be sharing with you throughout the year:
The North Country Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail stretches some 4,700 miles across eight states. But Michigan boasts the longest length of the North Country Trail of any other state – nearly 1150 miles in Michigan, with 550 of them in Upper Peninsula alone, to be exact. Diverse landscapes in several regions of the state allow for a wealth of adventure opportunities, from day hikes to backpacking trips. In fact, the NCT crosses nearly the entire Upper Peninsula from East to West.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
This 35-mile stretch of Pure Michigan coastline is a must-visit. Crystal-blue waters and rolling dunes are bound to take your breath away. You’ve got options: make a weekend trip and hike through the maple and beech forest, kayak along the coast, tour lighthouses, bring a blanket for a day at the beach…or best yet, try it all.
Au Sable River
Located in the northern Lower Peninsula and boasting 23 miles of scenic shoreline, the Au Sable is historically and culturally significant, beautiful to look at, and offers abundant cold-water fishing. Cast a line for brown trout, set up camp along one of the many riverside sites, paddle a canoe, or simply take in the scenery: this river is truly a special place.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The Upper Peninsula is home to many of Michigan’s most beautiful and diverse locations. Pictured Rocks is among the most visited destinations, known for its striking sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, ice caves, and more. The North Country Trail, also on our Bucket List, meanders along and around the shoreline, offering 100 miles of trails so you can add day hikes, backpacking, or thru-hiking to sightseeing.
Isle Royale National Park
If you truly want to get away from it all, you can’t get much more wild than Isle Royale, off of the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw Peninsula. At more than 200 square miles, Isle Royal is the fourth-largest lake island in the world, and is without roads or motorized vehicles. You’ll need to take a ferry or seaplane to cross the deep waters of Lake Superior. Once you’re on the island, you can explore the island’s rugged coasts and sweeping forests on foot or by boat. This park is closed during winter months so check to make sure it’s open! It’s a big island, so you’ll want to check out maps and plan your trek carefully.
Porcupine Mountains
Yes, there are mountains in Michigan! Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a small mountain range in the western Upper Peninsula. Rivers, numerous waterfalls, and ravines set against a backdrop of tree-covered hills make for challenging and scenic hikes, and the fall colors will wow you. Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak, and Presque Isle are must-see spots within the park.
Mackinac Island State Park
If you’ve visited Mackinac Island but so far haven’t wandered too far from the fudge shops and gift stores, it’s time for another visit. 80% of the island is home to Mackinac Island State Park, which includes natural wonders like awe-inspiring rock formations, thick forests, and plentiful wildlife. With over 70 miles of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the park and island. Rentals make it easy to take in the park on horseback or bicycle, but much of the island is best seen on foot.
Torch Lake
Known for its crystal clear turquoise waters, Torch Lake has the feel of a Caribbean getaway – but it’s much closer to home. Grab a kayak and paddle across the lake while watching the fish swim in the clear waters below. If you’re planning to camp out for a few days (and you totally should!), make sure to find a site early – this destination is a favorite with Michiganders.
Tahquamenon Falls
Michigan is home to over 200 waterfalls, and Tahquamenon Falls, in the eastern Upper Peninsula, is the largest. The trails are well-groomed and easy to navigate, and there are several beautiful lookouts along the way. Make sure to visit the lower and upper portions of the falls and pick your favorite view!
Kitch-iti-kipi
Meaning “The Big Spring”, Kitch-iti-kipi measures 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, with over 10,000 gallons of water each minute gushing through fissures in the limestone rock beneath. The crystal-clear spring is a consistent chilly 45 degrees, so it never freezes and can be enjoyed all year. A shaded picnic area and updated restroom facilities are a great place to stop for lunch while exploring this magical place.
