Bond Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Located near Paulding in Ontonagon County, the falls spread across a wide rocky section of the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, creating multiple cascades, powerful flow, and changing views from one overlook to the next.
Upper Michigan
Explore Upper Michigan through waterfalls, forest trails, scenic drives, small towns, and rugged natural beauty.
This section features travel guides, field notes, and photography from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including quiet roadside stops, river overlooks, wildlife areas, and places worth slowing down for.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for peaceful Northwoods scenery, these posts highlight some of the most memorable places to visit in the U.P.
Palms Brook State Park Kitch-iti-kipi
Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Spring, is one of the most unusual natural attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located in Palms Book State Park near Manistique, this large freshwater spring is known for its clear blue-green water, drifting trout, and self-operated observation raft that lets visitors glide out over the spring.
Lakenenland Sculpture Park
Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Marquette County, Michigan
Lakenenland Sculpture Park is one of the most unexpected and entertaining stops in Upper Michigan. Located about 15 miles east of Marquette, this outdoor art park features more than 100 welded scrap-metal sculptures spread across 37.5 acres of wooded property.
It is the kind of place that feels part roadside attraction, part art park, and part Upper Peninsula oddity in the best possible way. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Lakenenland is a fun stop for photography, wandering, and seeing something completely different from the usual waterfalls and overlooks.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette Michigan
Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most popular scenic overlooks near Marquette, Michigan. The short hike leads to a series of wooden observation platforms with sweeping views over Lake Superior, the city of Marquette, Presque Isle Park, and the surrounding forest.
It is one of those places where the hike is short, but the reward at the top is unforgettable. Visitors can reach the summit in about 15 to 20 minutes, making it one of the easiest ways to experience a dramatic Upper Michigan landscape.
Millie Mine Bat Viewing Site and Trail
The Millie Mine Bat Viewing Site and trail system is an easy and interesting stop in Iron Mountain, Michigan. It combines local mining history, a short walking trail, scenic views, and the unusual chance to watch bats emerge from an old mine at dusk during the right time of year.
If you are looking for a place to stretch your legs on an Upper Michigan road trip or want something a little different from the usual scenic stop, Millie Mine is worth knowing about.
Lower Ore Dock Marquette Michigan
Lower Ore Dock in Marquette, Michigan
The Lower Ore Dock in Marquette, Michigan, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Along the Lake Superior shoreline, this massive industrial structure blends harbor history, open lake views, and the distinct character of Marquette’s working waterfront.
Even if you are not especially interested in mining history, the ore dock is worth seeing. It gives this stretch of shoreline a different feel than a typical beach or harbor walk, and it is one of the best places in Marquette to photograph the meeting of industry, water, and evening light.
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, Michigan. Traveling is a way to experience new places and locations. If you can grab a few laughs along the way … that is where memories are made. Nobody can ever take away your experiences. Everything else can be stripped away in a heartbeat. Your memories and experiences cannot be taken from you. Unless you suffer from dementia – and then you have picture proof 🙂