The Ultimate 3-Day Upper Peninsula Michigan Itinerary: A Couple's Budget Adventure Guide
- Lindsay & Justin
- Mar 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Skip the hours of research - we've done the hard work for you. As meticulous planners who've personally tested this itinerary, we'll show you how to experience Michigan's Upper Peninsula as a 3-Day itinerary without breaking the bank. Drawing from our own adventures (and mishaps), we've crafted the perfect 3-day trip that balances must-see attractions with hidden gems. In this guide, you'll get detailed daily itineraries, money-saving tips, and insider knowledge to help you plan a memorable UP getaway.
Table of Contents: Upper Peninsula Michigan 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Tahquamenon Falls & Whitefish Point
We started our Upper Peninsula adventure at the majestic Tahquamenon Falls. The Upper Falls hiking trails offered stunning views of one of Michigan's most impressive waterfalls, with its distinctive amber color caused by natural tannins. The main viewing platform was just a short walk from the parking lot, but we recommend taking the longer riverside trail for multiple viewpoints.
After lunch, we rented boats to explore the Lower Falls, which turned out to be a highlight of our Michigan trip. The five smaller cascades created a more intimate experience, and paddling around the islands gave us a unique perspective.
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As the day wound down, we visited the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. The haunting stories of Lake Superior shipwrecks, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald, really brought home the power of these inland seas. We ended our day setting up camp at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campgrounds, falling asleep to the distant sound of rushing water (we share the ideal campsite numbers you'll want to reserve in our Michigan Pinned Map).
Day 2: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
After breaking camp at Tahquamenon, we embarked on a scenic 2-hour drive to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The route took us west on M-123 to M-28, passing through small towns like Newberry and Grand Marais. We recommend filling up your gas tank in Newberry, as stations become sparse along this stretch. The drive itself was beautiful, winding through dense forests and rewarded with Lake Superior views once we reached our destination.
Arriving in Grand Marais, we started our morning exploration at the eastern entrance of Pictured Rocks. Our first stop was Sable Falls, just a short drive from town. The 168-step staircase led us down to the impressive 75-foot waterfall cascading over multiple sandstone ledges. Most people don’t know this, but if you take the trail just a little bit further past the falls, it comes out at the scenic Sable Beach. From there, we continued to the Log Slide Overlook, a historic site where loggers once sent timber down a wooden chute to waiting ships below. The panoramic views of the Grand Sable Dunes and Lake Superior were absolutely stunning - just be careful near the edge, as the dune face drops 300 feet to the lake!
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The afternoon found us setting up camp at Twelvemile Beach Campground, one of the park's most scenic camping areas. We reserved our spot in advance (essential during peak season) and were rewarded with a site just steps from Lake Superior. The campground offered basic amenities including vault toilets and water pumps, but the real draw was the expansive beach. We spent hours walking along the shoreline, collecting rocks, and watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks over the world's largest freshwater lake.
Day 3: Pictured Rocks from Land & Water
We spent our final morning exploring the Chapel Basin Loop Trail, which turned out to be one of the most scenic hikes in the Upper Peninsula. The 10-mile loop took us past Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, and along the stunning Lake Superior shoreline. We packed plenty of water and snacks since there weren't any facilities along the trail. The views of the multicolored cliffs were absolutely incredible, especially during the golden morning light.
After our hike, we made our way to the iconic Miners Castle overlook. This was the perfect spot to rest our legs while taking in the most photographed formation in Pictured Rocks. The upper viewing platform was easily accessible and offered spectacular views of the turquoise waters below. We spent about an hour here, watching the colors change as clouds passed overhead. All of our favorite places in Pictured Rocks are pinned to our Michigan map for easy planning an navigation.
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For sunset, we splurged on the Pictured Rocks boat cruise from Munising (around $45 per person, but totally worth it). The evening light created stunning reflections on the colorful cliffs, and our guide shared fascinating stories about the area's history and geology. Pro tip: book the sunset cruise in advance during summer months, as it often sells out. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Munising, which offered clean rooms and a decent breakfast included in the rate.
Before heading home the next morning, we couldn't miss Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring. Located in Palms Book State Park, this 40-foot-deep natural spring is crystal clear and maintains a constant 45-degree temperature year-round. The self-operated observation raft gave us amazing views of the ancient tree trunks and huge trout swimming below. Plan to spend about an hour here - it's a perfect final stop that's just off US-2 as you leave the Upper Peninsula.
Budget Travel Tips
Camping was definitely the way to go for our summer Upper Peninsula weekend trip. We saved serious money by staying at state park campgrounds, which typically run $20-30 per night. During peak season (June-August), you'll want to reserve your sites at least 6 months in advance, especially for popular spots like Tahquamenon Falls and Twelvemile Beach. The Michigan Recreation Passport ($11 for non-residents daily, $14 for residents annually) was worth every penny, giving us access to all state parks during our trip.
For dining, we found plenty of affordable local spots throughout the Upper Peninsula. The Driftwood Deli in Munising serves delicious sandwiches and craft beer to pair ($10-15 per meal), and The Inn Gastropub & Smokehouse in Paradise serves famous (and huge) slices of carrot cake. Most restaurants were casual and welcoming to hikers - no need to pack fancy clothes.
Our biggest money-saving tip was packing our own groceries and planning our meals. We brought a cooler stocked with sandwich supplies, snacks, and breakfast items. This not only saved us money but also time, since restaurants can be spread out in the Upper Peninsula. We did treat ourselves to local specialties like pasties and fresh whitefish (our favorite spots pinned in our Michigan map!), but preparing our own meals helped us stick to our budget while exploring Michigan's natural wonders.
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Where to Stay
We found several budget-friendly campgrounds throughout our Upper Peninsula weekend trip. Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth was our favorite, offering spacious sites right along the river for around $25/night. The modern bathhouses were clean, and the camp store had everything we needed. The Rivermouth campground put us right near hiking trails and kayak rentals.
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For those wanting a solid roof, we’d recommend this quaint lakeside cabin in Paradise, perfect for splitting with another couple ($75/couple in 2025), this cozy studio in Munising for under $100/night (2025), or either of these downtown houses that are perfect to share with another adventure couple (option 1 and option 2)
When to Visit & What to Pack
After exploring the Upper Peninsula during different seasons, we found late spring and early fall ideal for budget travel. Summer crowds drove up prices everywhere, but May and September offered perfect hiking weather and better deals. Plus, the black flies hadn't arrived yet in spring, and the fall colors were stunning.
Our essential gear list evolved with each Upper Peninsula trip. We always packed layers - even in summer, Lake Superior created unexpected cool spells. Our must-haves included hiking boots (waterproof ones saved us on muddy trails), a good camera for capturing those Picture Rocks sunsets, and plenty of reusable water bottles. Don't forget bug spray and sunscreen - the UP sun can be surprisingly intense. Check out all of our camping essentials here so you don't miss anything crucial!
Michigan's Upper Peninsula threw some wild weather our way during our weekend adventures. We learned to check the forecast obsessively and plan backup activities. Summer storms rolled in quickly over Lake Superior, but they usually passed just as fast. The temperature could swing 20 degrees in a single day, so we always kept rain jackets and warm layers in our daypack.
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Budget Breakdown
🚗 Gas Costs (once in the UP): $35
🎟️ National & State Park Entry Fees: $41 (non-resident)
🍽️ Food Costs: $130
🏕️ Lodging (camping) + 1 night in Munising: $150
🛳️ Excursions (boat cruise): $92
Total: $448 or $224/person
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best time of year to visit the UP on a budget?
A: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer lower accommodation rates while still providing good weather for outdoor activities.
Q: Do we need a 4x4 vehicle to explore the UP?
A: Most main attractions are accessible with a regular car, though some remote areas might benefit from higher clearance vehicles. You do not need a 4x4 to explore any of the areas outlined in this itinerary, however.
Q: How much should we budget per day?
A: A couple can explore the UP on $70-100 per day, including camping accommodations, food, and activities.
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Q: Are mosquitoes really that bad?
A: Yes, but they're manageable with proper preparation. Pack insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing, especially during dawn and dusk. We'd recommend avoiding July/August due to the biting Stable flies. During this timeframe is when they live on the beaches and make it very unenjoyable to hang out on the sand.
Q: Can we see the Northern Lights in the UP?
A: Yes, the UP is one of the best locations in the lower 48 states to view the Northern Lights, particularly during fall and winter months.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the amber waters of Tahquamenon Falls to the colorful cliffs of Pictured Rocks. Our 3-day itinerary proves you don't need a big budget to experience the best of the UP - just careful planning and a sense of adventure. Whether you're camping under the stars, hiking along Lake Superior's shores, or watching the sunset from a scenic overlook, the memories you'll make here will last a lifetime.
Ready to start planning your own UP adventure? Download our Michigan travel map for more detailed tips and hidden gems. And don't forget to follow us @Noms.Brews.Views on Instagram, where we share daily inspiration and real-time updates from our latest explorations across Michigan and beyond.
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