Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains are the Midwest’s ultimate vacation destination. Located on Lake Superior and surrounded by some of America’s oldest forests, the Porcupine Mountains are a wilderness paradise. Here are five unique activities you must experience on your trip to the Porcupine Mountains.

1 – See the Waterfalls

The Porcupine Mountains are the best place in the Midwest to see waterfalls. There are hundreds of waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains area.

East Entrance

The park’s first “whoa” moment comes in about 10 minutes, the time it takes to drive from the visitors center to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook. Hundreds of feet below, a lake and a scribble of river slice through a forest that seems impossibly vast. As Michigan’s largest state park, the Porkies span 60,000 acres, a wilderness accessed by 90 miles of trails. The South Boundary Road links the park at either end, 26 miles apart.

Heart of the Park

From the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, the 4-mile Escarpment Trail skims along the high ridge, a rugged out-and-back day hike. Other hikes delve into the park’s roadless interior. The North Mirror Lake Trail descends to inland lakes fringed with centuries-old hemlocks. The Lake Superior Trail skirts secluded beaches, where deer and black bear prints may outnumber human ones. 

West Entrance

Near the lakefront, the East and West River trails follow the turbulent Presque Isle River 1 mile upstream and back down its opposite bank as it churns through rock walls before pouring into Lake Superior. A suspension bridge completes the loop. 

2 – Go Beachcombing

If you’re dreaming of a walk on the beach, head to the Porcupine Mountains. Young and old alike will love beachcombing for the area’s abundant agates, interesting stones and beautiful driftwood.

3 – Tour a Mine

Many of the communities in the Porcupine Mountains started as mining towns. Copper, silver and iron are all found in the area. Take an underground trip back in time on a historic mine tour.

4 – See Lake of the Clouds

Lake of the Clouds is breathtaking from every angle. One of the best places to view the lake is from the easily accessible boardwalk just off 107th Engineers Memorial Highway.

5 – Take in a Lake Superior Sunset

There’s nothing like seeing the sun go down over Lake Superior. After taking in the sunset, enjoy a bonfire on the beach. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights.