eastern up tourism

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10+ best things to do in Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan (views!) ⚓ Michigan travel blog

There are so many beautiful views in the eastern Upper Peninsula!

There are beaches, waterfalls, campgrounds, lighthouses, and more in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

If you are driving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from the Lower Peninsula, then the eastern part of the UP will be your welcome to the Upper Peninsula right after you drive across the Mackinac Bridge!

This means that the Eastern Upper Peninsula is the easiest part of the UP to visit if you’re coming from the Lower Peninsula.

And so… what can you do in this part of the UP?!

This list below will give you ideas for scenic drives, Lake Superior beaches, waterfalls, campgrounds, lighthouses, and then some!

These are places I went to in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula during my 2-week UP road trip!

1. Straits State Park

St Ignace MI

On the shores of Lake Huron on the UP side of the bridge is Straits State Park. From here, you can see the Mackinac Bridge.

You can also see the Mackinac Bridge from higher ground, where there’s also a picnic spot. You can drive here, or if you’re on lower ground you can also take the trail up.

At the shoreline there’s also a spot to sit and rest, and there’s also a small beach here so you can go swimming with Mackinac Bridge views.

Camping in Eastern Upper Peninsula

There’s also the Straits State Park campground , and it’s possible to get a lakefront campsite with views of the Mackinac Bridge! 

2. Father Marquette National Memorial

St. Ignace MI

This is actually a part of Straits State Park, but it’s located in a different area from the main shoreline area of the park.

The Father Marquette National Memorial is a national memorial as designated by the National Park Service.

Marquette was from France, and he is known for traveling large distance of waterways by canoe in the 1600s, including a great length of the Mississippi River from north to south.

You can read more about the history of Michigan and the Great Lakes area by visiting the memorial, and you can read about the history here too.

Nearby the memorial, you’ll also find some more walking paths, including one that leads to an overlook with Mackinac Bridge views where you can also sit and relax!

3. Bridge View Park

This is another spot where you can get views of the Mackinac Bridge! This is on the opposite side of the bridge compared to the Straits State Park shoreline. This means that you get to see Mackinac Bridge from the shores of Lake Michigan.

Here you’ll also find a tribute to those who lost their lives in building the Mackinac Bridge, said to be one of longest suspension bridges in the world .

• Sevierville: Serenity, A Rustic Log Cabin Retreat or Berry Springs Lodge
• Pigeon Forge: Twin Mountain Inn and Suites
• Pigeon Forge on a budget: Travelodge by Wyndham Pigeon Forge Dollywood Lane
• Gatlinburg on a budget: Marshall's Creek Rest Motel or River Edge Inn or Gatlinburg Mountain Inn
• Gatlinburg resort: Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
• More in Gatlinburg: Greystone Lodge on the River
• Asheville: Princess Anne Boutique Hotel

4. Huron boardwalk

If going for a nice stroll alongside the lake sounds good to you, you can do so by walking the Huron boardwalk! You can find picnic tables along the way too.

You can also make it a self-guided historic St Ignace walking tour .

5. Wawatam Lighthouse

The Huron boardwalk can also take you to Chief Wawatam Park. You’ll find the Wawatam Lighthouse at the end of the boardwalk on this end.

At Chief Wawatam Park, you’ll also find some benches to sit with lake views, and there’s also a fountain with water spraying from the ground that kids can have fun running through in the summer.

It’s possible to get a ferry to Mackinac Island from both the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula. In the Upper Peninsula, there is a ferry to Mackinac Island from St Ignace that you can get from right next to Chief Wawatam Park.

See more about Wawatam Lighthouse .

6. Castle Rock

You can climb up a bunch of stairs to hike up to the Castle Rock overlook so you can get a grand view of Lake Huron from above. In 2020, the cost to go up was $1.

See more Castle Rock .

7. Lake Michigan scenic highway (US-2)

If you’re driving up north from St Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge, add a slight detour to your route! You can drive with views of Lake Michigan! You can also stop and get out to walk along the shoreline too. 

For reference on google maps, drive along US-2 from the Mackinac Bridge to around Brevort before you make your way up north. See the map. Alternatively, be sure to drive along this road on your way back down south!

8. Soo Locks

Sault St Marie MI

Sault St Marie is located at the US – Canada border, and this is where the Soo Locks are located.

The Soo Locks are considered a great engineering feat, called the “ lynchpin of the Great Lakes ,” connecting the Great Lakes of Lake Huron and Lake Superior. This allows for big ships to pass through the narrow waterway.

In 2020, the observation deck which allows you to see the Soo Locks from higher up was not open due to health safety reasons, but it was possible to visit from ground level.

9. Brimley State Park

Brimley State Park has a beach that allows for swimming in Lake Superior.

There is also the Brimley State Park campground , and it’ll be a short walk to the beach. You can also catch the sunset on Lake Superior a short walk from your campsite!

10. Point Iroquois Lighthouse

If you’re looking for a nice stroll alongside a lake, the Point Iroquois Lighthouse on Lake Superior is another place to consider visiting!

In 2020, it wasn’t possible to go inside the lighthouse, but you can still walk around the lighthouse grounds. There’s a boardwalk that leads to some benches where you can sit with great views of the lake.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse is a part of the Hiawatha National Forest and Whitefish Bay scenic byway .

See more about Point Iroquois Lighthouse .

11. Andrus Lake

This can be a quiet stop on an inland lake. There is a small day use picnic area, and there is also a small beach for swimming here.

There’s also the Andrus Lake State Forest campground , and it’s possible to get a lakefront campsite! This is a rustic campground.

12. Whitefish Point

You can make a visit to Whitefish Point on Lake Superior a quick stop to go and check out the Lake Superior beach here, or you can easily spend several hours here.

This area has also been called the “Graveyard of Lake Superior” or the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.” It’s said that there have been over 500 shipwrecks in this area. 

The day I went to Whitefish Point, it sure seemed to give the mood of this! It was a gloomy day with choppy water, and you could imagine how the waters of Lake Superior may not be so kind.

So, what is there to do at Whitefish Point?

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is here, which you could take your time going through and spend 1-2 hours. On the same grounds is also the Whitefish Point Lighthouse which you can also walk through. And then you can spend as little or as much time going for a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Superior. You’ll see a lot of driftwood on the beach. You can walk for 15 minutes, or you could go for a 1 hour beach walk! This is also known as a beach to search for agate stones and you will likely see people looking closely at rocks. This means you can find many colorful rocks here.

In 2020, both the museum and lighthouse were open to visitation for the cost of $13 per person. See current prices. No cost for parking or to visit the beach!

See more about Whitefish Point Lighthouse .

13. Vermilion Point

You may consider visiting Vermilion Point for a quieter experience. This is also on the shores of Lake Superior and you can get a somewhat similar experience as the Lake Superior shoreline at Whitefish Point, but there will be far less people here. 

At the Vermilion Point beach you’ll also find driftwood and colorful rocks, and you can seemingly walk for miles.

This was also the location of a US lifesaving station, which was the equivalent of the US coast guard, also looking out onto the waters of Lake Superior.

This Vermilion Point lifesaving station is now in a state of disrepair, but the building is still standing.

This is a part of the Vermilion Point Nature Preserve .

There are smaller sand dunes to be seen here.

It’s a dirt road to get back to the shores of Vermilion Point.

See more about Vermilion Point .

14. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

The most popular waterfalls in Michigan are located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park .

There are a few different ways you can experience the waterfalls here. There are 2 separate areas of the park, to view the Lower Falls and Upper Falls of the Tahquamenon River.

You can walk to the viewing areas, and you can also row a boat across the river to an island in the river to see waterfalls from a different viewpoint.

See more about Tahquamenon Falls State Park .

There are campgrounds at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You can choose to camp closer to the waterfalls at the Lower Falls campground, or you can choose to camp closer to Lake Superior at the Rivermouth campground.

15. Crisp Point Lighthouse

And for another lighthouse to visit when you’re in the eastern UP, there is the Crisp Point Lighthouse !

Here you will get more scenic views of Lake Superior, beaches on both sides of the lighthouse, and another chance to search for colorful rocks. You’ll also take a dirt road to get here.

See more about Crisp Point Lighthouse .

And those are some ideas of things to do in the Upper Peninsula!

See more about how to spend your time in the eastern UP:

• Straits State Park campground
• Andrus Lake State Forest campground
• How to spend your time in Tahquamenon Falls State Park

More things to do in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula

Now, depending on what you consider to be the eastern part of Upper Peninsula, you may also consider adding these things to your Eastern UP road trip too!

• Grand Marais
• Driving from Grand Marais to Pictured Rocks
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Driving from Munising to Marquette
• Kitch-iti-kipi (the bubbling big spring)

And then also see things to do in the western UP !

HAPPY VISIT TO EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN!

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Upper Peninsula Michigan
• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

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Home > Exploring Northern Michigan > Exploring Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula

Exploring Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem, filled with natural beauty and unique experiences. As you drive across the breathtaking Mackinac Bridge , you will feel the anticipation building for the adventures that await.

Nestled between the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and the tranquility of the St. Mary’s River, Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula whispers enchanting stories to those who listen. Imagine a place where the sunrise over the Great Lakes paints the sky in hues of gold, and each forest trail leads to a secret waiting to be unveiled. The lesser explored Eastern UP, a realm of natural wonders and hidden treasures that elude the ordinary traveler.

Three Great Lakes in one day

Just over the bridge you can visit Castle Rock. Rising almost 200 feet above the area offering spectacular views. The rock looks like an ancient castle offers views of Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reveals that this region boasts miles of pristine shoreline along the Great Lakes. These picturesque shores, often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations, offer solitude and breathtaking views for those seeking a quiet escape.

As we delve into the wilderness, the Hiawatha National Forest , a vast expanse covering over 880,000 acres, stands as a testament to the Upper Peninsula’s natural splendor. According to the U.S. Forest Service, this forest is home to diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for countless species of wildlife. Have you ever imagined wandering through a forest so untouched that every step echoes with the whispers of nature’s secrets?

Off the Beaten Path

The Eastern UP invites explorers to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and discover its hidden gems. Begin your journey at Tahquamenon Falls , where the amber-colored water cascades over rugged rocks, creating a scene that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Tahquamenon Falls are the second largest falls east of the Mississippi. Niagara Falls is number one.

As you explore the surrounding trails, keep an eye out for the lesser-known Lower Falls, a serene oasis away from the crowds, where the river meanders through a lush forest. The region offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Further north at Whitefish Point you can visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the area’s maritime history and see the Edmund Fitzgerald’s bell.

The Islands

Drummond Island

For a truly unique experience, head to the Drummond Island , accessible only by ferry. This hidden paradise boasts towering limestone cliffs, ancient fossils, and miles of pristine shoreline. As you kayak along the island’s secluded bays, you will understand why Drummond remains a well-kept secret.

Les Cheneaux Islands

The Les Cheneaux Islands , translated as “The Channels” in French, constitute an archipelago comprising 36 small islands, some of which are inhabited. They span 12 miles along the Lake Huron shoreline on the southeastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the United States. The name, derived from French, emphasizes the numerous channels weaving through the group of islands. Positioned approximately 30 miles northeast of Mackinac Island and 35 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie, these islands have become a popular destination for resorts, boating, and kayaking.

Neebish Island

Looking for a lesser-known island with unspoiled landscapes? Visit Neebish Island , know as the Little Gem of the St. Mary’s River. Known for over 200 species of birds and other wildlife, Neebish Island is a must for nature enthusiasts.

Head up to the Locks

As we traverse the Eastern UP, the charming town of Sault Ste. Marie welcomes us with its historic charm. Skip the conventional attractions and explore Rotary Park near the Soo Locks , where the International Bridge provides a breathtaking panorama of the connecting waterways.

Do not forget the pasties!

Make sure to stop and sample some delectable pasties, a local specialty brought over by Cornish miners. This iconic meal from the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is the savory meat pie known as a pasty. Nowadays, you can find them freshly baked and steaming hot, offering a diverse range of fillings such as chicken pot pie, spicy jalapeno, bacon, cheeseburger, and options catering to gluten-free and vegetarian preferences. Local shops throughout the peninsula proudly serve these delicious pasties. Although there’s widespread appreciation for pasties, there is a noticeable division when it comes to the preferred dipping sauce. The eternal debate persists: Ketchup or gravy? To settle the matter, why not give both a try and discover your personal preference!

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan , Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North .

• Jul 27, 2021

Top 5 Things to Do in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula

Updated: Feb 19, 2022

From the largest freshwater lake in the world to endless backcountry campsites, Michigan's Eastern UP is an underrated gem and treasure trove of untouched beauty, adventure, and fun. In addition to spending a week or two in the UP each year, our families have been traveling to the Eastern UP to deer hunt since the early 1900s. Here are the top 5 things we love to see and do in Michigan's Eastern UP.

1. Camping Wherever Your Heart Desires

Call us introverts, but if you can see the neighbor's tent and hear a generator, you're not camping. From the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, AND countless inland lakes, campground options abound in the eastern UP. Even better, in Michigan, you can pitch a tent for free in a state forest anywhere you please as long as it's more than one mile from a state forest campground. Backpack to a secluded spot or car camp and bring all the tasty food, drinks, and gear your heart desires. We're partial to campgrounds found near Lake Superior in Alger and Luce Counties, including Hurricane River Campground , Lake Superior State Forest Campground , and Bodi Lake State Forest Campground . Spend a day reading by the campfire or do some exploring. Hike the North Country Trail , enjoy the 200 miles of ATV/ORV trails, canoe the Two-Hearted River, or walk Lake Superior's secluded beaches. Wildlife is abundant in the area and includes deer, moose, black bear, wolves, bald eagles, otters, coyotes, and foxes, to name a few. Be prepared to hear wolves howling at night if you're camping in Luce County.

Don't miss a stop at the mouth of the Two-Hearted River where it empties into Lake Superior. Visit in the evening to enjoy a sunset over the Lake and possibly catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. You may recognize the Two-Hearted if you're a fan of Bells Brewery or Ernest Hemingway, but don't be fooled. Hemingway may have written about the Two-Hearted River in his Nick Adam Stories , but his fishing escapades actually took place on the nearby Fox River. Just as Hemingway sought to keep his favorite fishing spot a secret, we'll never tell which backcountry campsites truly top our list...

2. Stroll the Beaches or Kayak the Waters of Lake Superior

Lake Michigan fans will now skim the remaining Top 5 and cause a fuss because frigid Lake Superior is highlighted in place of the "warm enough you can actually swim in it" Lake Michigan. While Lake Michigan would ABSOLUTELY fall into our Top 5 Lower Peninsula list, you can't beat the largest freshwater lake in the world. Yes, Lake Superior's water temperature barely tops 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, but the unique shoreline and crystal clear waters are truly breathtaking. We'd know, we've accidentally dropped a camera while kayaking and watched it slowly settle on the lakebed 30 feet down. Pro tip: Don't dive down to retrieve your camera on Lake Superior's bottom, it's colder and further down than you think. Be sure to take a walk along the sugar sand beaches, keep your eye out for agates , visit the lighthouses (our favorite is the Crisp Point Lighthouse pictured above), and if you're brave enough, take a dip in the refreshing and clear waters of this immense Lake.

Did you know that 90% of the United States' iron ore is transported over the Great Lakes and moves through the Soo Locks? Ship and boating enthusiasts of all ages can't miss a stop at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Mari e. Here Great Lakes freighters and pleasure crafts can bypass a 21-foot drop in the St. Marys river connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron. I've watched a grown man clap with glee as he watched a freighter, known as a Laker, slowly lock through this engineering marvel. You can call the Soo Locks Visitor Center hotline at 906-253-9290 for the current schedule and to learn which ships are within three hours of the Soo or download the Marine Traffic app to see the location of ships and yachts around the globe in real-time.

Ok, all you Lake Michigan trolls still simmering, please note that US-2, which runs the southern length of the UP and all the way through the state of Washington, is perhaps our favorite road in Michigan for its amazing views and countless beach stops along Lake Michigan. If you're reaching the UP via the Mighty Mac, be sure to take scenic US-2 before you head north at 117 to reach Newberry or 94 to reach Munising...on your way to Lake Superior.

3. Experience Tahquamenon Falls State Park & Whitefish Point

The jewel of the eastern UP is Tahquamenon Fall State Park , the second largest of Michigan's state parks. The park features both the Tahquamenon River's Upper Falls, which span 200 feet across and tumble 50 feet down, as well as the Lower Falls, a series of 5 falls surrounding an island. If you're short on time, enjoy the leisurely 1.5-mile loop trail to the Upper Falls and its many scenic overlooks. If you have more time and energy, consider hiking from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls and back along the North Country Trail for a total of 9.6 miles. Once you've marveled at the falls and enjoyed an invigorating hike, enjoy a hot meal and purchase a growler of tasty brew at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub located off the main Upper Falls parking lot. Kids and adults will enjoy identifying the real and fake stuffed critters which line the walls.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point is a must-see if you're in the Paradise and Tahquamenon Fall State Park area. Exceptional exhibits provide information about the history of various shipwrecks and their preservation. The most famous artifact on display is the bell of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald , the freighter which sank in 1975 with all hands on deck and memorialized in Gordon Lightfoot's famous song " The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald ." The adjacent Whitefish Point Light Station is beautifully well-maintained and one to mark off your Lake Superior lighthouse bucket list. It's also been a beacon of hope for many sailors as it shines over the most dangerous section of Lake Superior where more vessels have been lost than any other due to a bottleneck of ship traffic entering and exiting Whitefish Bay and the violent waves caused by the build-up of northwest winds across 160 miles of open water.

4. Take in the Log Slide and Enjoy a Craft Brew in Grand Marais

Are you bringing children on your trip? If so, make sure you visit the Log Slide Scenic Overlook outside of Grand Marais and challenge them to run down and back up the 300-foot dune as fast as they can. It may take 5 minutes to get down, but 45+ minutes to get back up. Loggers once pitched logs down a chute here into Lake Superior before shipping them across the United States. It now serves as the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and offers arguably the most scenic view of Lake Superior in the UP. If you're driving through Grand Marais to reach Munising via H-58, a stop at the Log Slide is a must.

Now that you've enjoyed some beach time and watched your children climb up the Log Slide for an hour, head into Grand Marais to get a frosty brew at The Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Company . The brew selection is not always consistent, but if you've stumbled in when they have Sandstone Pale Ale on tap, it's going to be a good day. We highly recommend the Garlic & Parmesan Popcorn, Mozzarella Bread Sticks, and pizza, too. Grand Marais also features lovely beaches, a walkable pier with a light station, and a bay.

5. Drive The Mackinac Bridge (aka The Mighty Mac) or Sail Underneath It

This 5-mile suspension bridge connects Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas and spans the Straits of Mackinac, which divides Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east. Stunning views abound, including Mackinac and Bois Blanc Islands. When crossing the bridge, look for the long white blur on Mackinac Island to the east, which is the historic front porch of Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel . Tune your radio to AM 530 when approaching the bridge to hear the latest conditions and tips for crossing.

Anyone with $4 can pay the toll to cross the bridge, but if you want to feel like royalty, then you've got to travel underneath it. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II of England and her husband Prince Philip did just that in the royal yacht Britannia. Their Great Lakes cruise took place following the grand opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which finally allowed ships to pass from the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes. If you're in the Straits area without your own royal yacht, then be sure to check the Shepler's and Star Line ferry schedules as a handful of departure times from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island include a free scenic detour underneath the bridge. For more Mackinac Island ideas see our Top 5 Michigan's Mackinac Island post coming soon!

Now, we've heard through the UP grapevine that Mackinac Island might be great, but the best Yooper islands are actually the Les Cheneaux Islands or Drummond Island . Both have been on our bucket list for years. We hope to visit them soon to see if they can claim a spot on our Top 5!

Check out Michigan.org for even more great things to do in the Eastern UP. What are your favorites?

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The ULTIMATE Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it’s filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls , ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip.

Before you get started though, there’s one thing to warn you about: the UP is big. Like, really big. Like, a road trip across the whole thing to hit every sight you absolutely need to see could eat up a serious chunk of your vacation days.

So we suggest taking this guide and picking a segment or two to take at a time, then stitching them together throughout the summer. Trust us — you won’t want to miss any of these incredible destinations, or the beautiful journeys between them, during your summer Upper Peninsula road trip !

St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie

After making your own way north through the lower mitten, your journey starts by crossing the Mackinac Bridge into  St. Ignace . Right off the bridge is a classic road trip tourist stop — Castle Rock, a large rock formation where you can get your exercise in for the day by climbing to the top for a great view of the straights.

This is also where you’ll find Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox statues and an old-school gift shop perfect for adults and kids alike.

If you’re still feeling touristy, take a stop at the Mystery Spot where you can — well, you’ll have to stop to find out for yourself! A quick hour up I-75 will take you to Sault Ste. Marie , one of the oldest settlements in the midwest.

Home to Lake Superior State University , there are plenty of restaurants and shops to quell your hunger (for food and gifts) before the catching a Soo Locks Boat Tour .

Though there are plenty of cruises to choose from, the main attraction is the operation of the Soo Locks, where you actually go through the world’s largest locking system and cruise alongside giant lake and ocean ships.

Sault Ste Marie to Paradise and Whitefish Point

Leaving “The Soo,” you’ll take Lakeshore Drive for a scenic trip to Paradise (adorable, we know) where you can get some memorabilia and classic midwest fare. Then it’s just a short drive into Tahquamenon Falls State Park , the most iconic waterfalls in Michigan.

There are two sets of waterfalls, so make sure you plan enough time for both the upper and lower region of the river. If you only want to stop quickly for a few pictures, the upper falls are very accessible and can let you get on your way.

But if you want to stay longer, the park has a campground and gorgeous hiking trails that can easily extend your stay to a day or two.

Once you decide to hit the road, Whitefish Point is just half an hour north. The point features one of the oldest operating lighthouses on Lake Superior, surrounded by beautiful, wide-open vistas of the water.

If you’re into Michigan or maritime history at all, the facility also features the coolest shipwreck museum around. The admission fee for the museum isn’t too bad, especially if you bundle as a family, and for just a bit extra you can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for some truly incredible views.

Whitefish Point to Grand Marais

A two-hour drive is all it takes to get from Whitefish Point to the cutest, friendliest town you’ll find in all of Michigan — maybe the world. Grand Marais, the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , is home to only 500 people year-round, but it is the perfect stopping point (or week-long destination — there’s plenty of lodging and campsites!) for your road trip.

Eccentric restaurants like West Bay Diner and the Dune Saloon keep you fed, while kitschy stops like the Pickle Barrel (where the teeny-weenies live) and the  Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum and store provide plenty of entertainment.

When it’s time to venture out, take in the pristine bay beach, soak up the sun, and test your meddle by swimming in Lake Superior — it really is cold though. If you want something more rocky and adventurous, you can head out to Agate Beach and watch the waves roll in.

Grand Marais to Munising

The next stretch of road is its own part of the journey, and you’ll take H-58 from Grand Marais to Munising for the 198 twists and turns along Lake Superior. On this route, you can top by the breathtaking Sable Falls , Lake, Dunes, and other Pictured Rocks waterfalls .

If you’re really in a hurry, or really don’t want to enjoy the scenery, you can instead chose to take M-28 for the Seney Stretch — rumored to be the most boring road in Michigan. Either route will drop you off in Munising, and it’s certainly not hard to decide what to do there, as it’s home to the Pictured Rocks and all of the great ways to experience the landscape.

If you’re wondering if Pictured Rocks are all that they’re cracked up to be, they are. You have to get away from land, or at least on the very edge, to see the formations, and you can choose from a boat tour, kayaking out with a guide , or hiking to Chapel Rock to view it from land. Stop by Chapel Falls, just east of the Chapel Rock hike, for another incredible waterfall display.

Munising  is full of lodging and dining options, though we suggest at least one stop at  Muldoon’s for a pasty , in case you haven’t had one yet. But if you want to get your show on the road, M-28 takes you right along Lake Superior for a little less than an hour and drops you off at the hippest town in the UP.

Munising to Marquette

Marquette is just the coolest. Home to Northern Michigan University and the Superior Dome, the largest wooden dome in the world, it’s the perfect combination of up-north charm and college town.

Though this is definitely the place to take your time and eat at one (or many) or Marquette’s fabulous restaurants , make sure to also swing by  Lagniappes for live zydeco music, heaps of atmosphere, and authentic New Orleans cajun grub.

There are some very cool bars around downtown as well, including Blackrocks Brewery , literally a bar in a house with incredible an amount of charm.

For your outdoor activities, the hiking is outstanding at  Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain . The tourist state park is exactly what it sounds like, great for a relaxed drive or walk through the forest with the lake in the background.

Marquette to Houghton

From one college town to another, travel up to the Keweenaw to Houghton , home of  Michigan Technological University .

Between these two cities is Michigan’s highest point of elevation at Mount Arvon . The detour can add about two hours, plus however long it takes you to hike up the 1,300 feet above Lake Superior.

It is definitely a must for avid hikers and climbers, but if that’s not your thing, you can keep the road trip moving along to your next destination.

Houghton has a large number of neat museums and shops for you to explore, such as the Mineral Museum , which displays and sells rocks, stones, and gems from around the world.

If you stay the night in Houghton, breakfast at  Suomi Cafe on your way out is perfect for inexpensive and delicious classic American breakfast food.

Houghton to Copper Harbor

An hour farther up the Keweenaw Peninsula gets you to the historic Copper Harbor , a town that used to be the heart of the huge copper industry in the UP. Nowadays, Copper Harbor is bursting with outdoor adventures for dedicated Michiganders to get out and do (though you can still spot green and metallic copper in the water).

If you’re looking for a hike,  Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary  offers a mix of easy, boardwalk trails with steep rocky pathways.

You can of course kayak in the waters around the town to glimpse some of the leftover copper of the past, or hit up Fort Wilkins State Park to glimpse the people of Copper Harbor’s history and walk among the buildings of the preserved fort to see what it was like to live at a frontier fort in the 19th century.

Before the sun sets, the 9-mile ride through Brockway Mountain Drive will give you what might be the best view in all the UP , so have your cameras and your “oohs and ahs” ready.

We recommend staying the night at a hotel or campground in Copper Harbor, because the next leg of your road trip is fairly long and will leave you in the heart of the UP wilderness.

Copper Harbor to Ontonagon (Porcupine Mountains)

Driving back down Keweenaw, you’ll want to stock up on gas and snacks in  Ontonagon before heading into the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park . I’m sure many of you have been waiting for this stop on your road trip because the Porkies are home to some of Michigan’s most iconic topographical features.

You can’t say you’ve truly seen what the UP has to offer until you’ve seen  Lake of the Clouds in the Porkies. Drive right up to the viewing area, or hike around to see this recognizable sight, as it really is breathtaking.

There’s also plenty to explore around the rest of the park, such as  Bond Falls ,  Presque Isle River , and the many hiking trails looping throughout the park’s gorgeous backcountry.

Ontonagon to Manistique

Strap in for your longest leg of the road trip, as heading back east from the Porkies to Manistique  takes about three and half hours.

Not only will you want stop in Manistique to stretch your legs and refuel, but it’s also home to  Kitch-iti-Kipi  (or “The Big Spring”) and we’re guessing you’ve seen this one on Facebook.

You’ll get to see the marvels of this genuinely stunning active spring from a raft that floats you out right over the crystal clear blue water. There’s a park store and gift shop, so you can brag to your Facebook friends about seeing to this remarkable oddity in our home state.

This cute town also offers the perfect setting for boardwalk trekking and dining, or you can venture over to  Mackinaw Trail Winery for some tasting and relaxing after all your outdoor exercising.

Manistique to St. Ignace

The last leg of your journey winds along US-2, on the edge of Lake Michigan’s northern shore. It’s another one of the prettiest drives you can get in Michigan, with the lake on one side and beautiful UP forest on the other.

A quick stop at Cut River Bridge  provides an incredible look at a 150-foot gorge dug out by the Cut River leading out to Lake Michigan. It makes for only a 10 to 15-minute stop, but it is great for some pictures and the opportunity to stretch your legs.

Other eccentric little towns on your way back to St. Ignace, like Brevort or the  Garlyn Zoo  in Naubinway, provide even more chances to sightsee while refilling the snack cooler and gas tank.

Coming up on St. Ignace along US-2 will give you a view of the Bridge, signaling the end of your UP road trip adventure. Hopefully, by this time you’ll look back fondly on the UP’s striking features, its rich history, and its friendly faces.

More Upper Peninsula Summer Road Trip Inspiration

We obviously couldn’t capture everything great in our northern peninsula in just one road trip — did we miss one of your favorite places to visit in the Upper Peninsula during the summer months ? Let us know in the comments!

And for more inspiration, check out a few of the Upper Peninsula road trips our team took in the summer of 2021:

• 12 Days + 1,946 Miles + 4 Campgrounds + 6 People + 1 Dog = Our 2021 Upper Peninsula Summer Adventure
• Just 4 Days to Explore the Upper Peninsula this Summer? Here’s What We Did. #MittenTrip

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Samantha Ward for writing this article in 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy.

The Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide Story

I'm a Spartan, a tree climber, an ice cream connoisseur and a passionate Michigander who wants to tell the stories of our state and those in it. I will correct you if you say soda instead of pop.

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Family Adventure

There’s endless fun for anyone road tripping with kids along M-123. Outdoor adventure, a trolley ride, and baby black bears await.

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Lighthouses of Lake Superior

Discover three of Lake Superior’s very special lighthouses. The view from their towers will leave you breathless.

Winter Recreation

Winter arrives in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula and the forests, rivers, and lakeshore take on an unparalleled beauty. Come and see for yourself!

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Travel info.

Sensational Summer

Fayette historic state park.

Snail Shell Harbor in Lake Michigan, Garden Peninsula

The U.S.A.’s Best Fall Colors Are HERE

Marvel at our seven million acres of autumn brilliance.

Wondrous Winter

Grand island ice cave.

Thousands of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, dozens of ski resorts and hundreds of miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails in the U.P.

Sensuous Spring

Lilacs in bloom on mackinac island, get lost, get found in the upper peninsula – we’ll give you a hand.

When you ask someone from Michigan where they live, they’re likely to show you their hands. The palms will be up, the right hand aligned south to north, the left hand positioned above and perpendicular, east to west. It’s a simple gesture, with practical purposes, but also a warm invitation to explore our homeland, hand in hand.

This is the story of the upper hand, our beloved Upper Peninsula, or as we call it, the U.P. It’s a land carved by the forces of the Great Lakes and warmed by our independent and hardy people, affectionately known as “Yoopers.” Come lose yourself in our pristine woods, water and way of life. But don’t worry, everyone you meet has a map.

Spring is slow to arrive and quick to leave in the U.P., so you’ll treasure…

Summer is the most popular time to visit the U.P. The weather is warm enough to enjoy…

When USA Today asked its readers to choose their favorite destination for fall color…

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the best place for a winter vacation…

Regions of the U.P.

Western UP IMMERSION INTO NATURAL BEAUTY

Copper peak world’s largest ski structure, lake of the clouds porcupine mountains, lake gogebic spans two time zones, national black river scenic byway, timber, iron ore & copper mines, bond falls scenic site.

Apr 25 Houghton Indoor Farmers Market 305 Portage Street Houghton, MI 49931

Apr 26 Djangophonique at Crystal Theatre 304 Superior Ave Crystal Falls, MI 49920

Apr 26 Michigan Tech University Graduate Commencement 1400 Townsend Dr Houghton, MI 49931

Apr 27 Michigan Tech University Undergraduate Commencement Sharon Ave Houghton, MI 49931

May 4 Marqueetown at Crystal Theatre 304 Superior Ave Crystal Falls, MI 49920

Central UP Gorgeous Shorelines, Intriguing History

Kitch-iti-kipi the “big spring”, fayette historic state park & townsite, piersgorge whitewater rafting, pictured rocks national lakeshore, seul choix point lighthouse, glass bottom shipwreck tours.

Apr 22 MRHC Special Exhibit: Consumer Co-operatives in the Central Upper Peninsula: A Middle Way 145 W. Spring St. Marquette, MI 49855

Apr 27 Escanaba Winter Farmers Market 225 N 21st St Escanaba, MI 49829

Apr 27 Pine Grove Country Club 2-Person Scramble 1520 W Hughitt St Iron Mountain, MI 49801

Apr 27 Sucker River Mud Bath Grand Marais Grand Marais, MI 49839

Apr 27 Terrace Bluff Golf Club Spring Classic 3-Man Scramble 7527 Lake Bluff Gladstone, MI 49837

Eastern UP Let the adventures begin

The mighty mac st.ignace gateway, the soo locks an engineering marvel, tahquamenon falls state park - paradise, mackinac island state park - no cars allowed, drummond island gem of the huron, great lakes shipwreck museum.

Apr 28 Les Cheneaux Farmers & Artisans Market 3206 West Cedar Road Hessel, MI 49745

May 4 Lake Superior State University Commencement 650 W Easterday Ave Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

May 8 Sault Ste Marie Farmers Market 215 Ashmun Street Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

May 10 Jeep the Mac to Drummond Island Drummond Island Drummond, MI 49726

May 10 Jeep the Yoop! St Ignace St. Ignace, MI 49781

Pull into one of our sleepy little towns and ask somebody for directions. Maybe you’ll see your route traced on the work-hardened palm of an iron miner or lumberman. Deep, calloused creases lead to a favorite fishing spot along a cedar-shaded trout stream.

From there, hike the highlands and top out on ancient peaks for panoramic views across the rolling spines of a Midwest mountain range. Soak up the sun on a warm slab of bedrock where glaciers met their match eons ago. Plunge back into the deep woods on a mountain bike, following miles of trails ranging from single track to city pathways.

Maybe you’ll get directions from the blueberry stained fingers of a giddy suntanned child whose family is picking berries along a quiet backroad. Many such paths wind through our pinestudded plains where the rich, acidic soil sprouts sweet fern and the tangy azure wild fruit that has sustained our residents for generations.

Take a left at the next two-track road, and follow it to a secret, sandy beach on a silent spring-fed pond. Shed your stress, slip into the refreshing depths, and follow the cleansing waters downstream, over riffles and cascades to one of the three Great Lakes that caress the U.P. coasts.

Savor water so clean it’s as if you were the first to witness its power and purity. Hang around until dusk and watch the waves quench even the sun’s fiery thirst, as it sinks in a deepening afterglow, and you’re left with the promise of another perfect U.P. tomorrow.

Grab a booth at a local diner and inquire about where to, and you may get directions on hands as smooth as the marble countertops where homemade candies cool. Or they could be soft and dusted with flour from decades of rolling out the pastry crusts of our most famous food, the  pasty —a hearty meat pie with a history dating back to Cornish mining families.

Whatever hands greet you at meal time, they’re sure to point the way to a variety of tidy  lodging options , from converted lighthouses and  historic B&Bs  to affordable sportsman’s cabins, family  resorts  and convenient national franchises.

Though our untamed landscape is irresistible, look closer and you’ll find manmade paradises too, like our excellent golf courses and ski resorts hewn from the land, but in harmony with their surroundings.

Looking for a good museum, or a little shopping? Dessert and an outdoor concert, perhaps? Then continue down this fairway, dogleg right, past the headwall and through the terrain park to one of our upscale downtowns for a night out. Satisfy yourself with old-fashioned comfort cuisine, healthy locally grown produce at a farmers market or just grab some thimbleberry jam, maple syrup and fudge for a feast back home.

You’ll have to excuse us if we just hold up our mittens in winter. The crisp air and bountiful snow have taught us to keep them on, even while showing folks around. Trace a line along the seam of a deer-skin glove and imagine the endless ice fishing lakes, skating rinks, ski trails and snowmobile routes. Winter isn’t a time of rest in the U.P., and you’re just as likely to be out having fun in a lake-effect snowstorm as kicking back on a beach in summer.

Snowshoe to a remote cabin, sip cocoa by a blazing fire and give thanks for the snow that covers your tracks. Tomorrow you’ll make new ones through a silent, shrouded woods to a frozen waterfall where you can get your first chance at the sport of ice climbing. Hop aboard a dogsled and hold on tight for a midnight tour under a full moon. Feel your adrenaline spike as ski jumpers sail through the air at an international tournament.

Wherever you go in the Upper Peninsula, and whatever season, you can be sure there’ll be hands to guide you and open arms to greet you. Welcome Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

New data details impact of tourism in western UP

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC)—New data is shedding light on the tourism industry’s importance in the western U.P.

A year-long economic impact study was presented Wednesday morning to local businesses and leaders. A survey led by the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute detailed what the western U.P. sees tourism-wise in a typical year.

Some of the key findings were that most tourism occurs between June and September, and the median stay is four days on average. Economic Growth Institute Director of Research Sarah Crane said these findings were discovered by self-reported data during the year.

“In our report, we highlight a couple of different things. One is a really comprehensive overview of tourism patterns in the area. So this is the first time this type of data collection has ever been done in this area. The second thing that we do is look at the economic impact of this tourism spending in the region,” Crane said.

In the span of the year, the survey discovered that around $350 million went towards tourism in the regions of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties. Through state and federal grants, the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region was able to fund the project.

Regional planner Lisa McKenzie said this kind of specific data is vital to the region.

“We felt that it was important to have this study completed so that we could look at our infrastructure. Perhaps do some granting agencies and look at ways to improve the experience within the Keweenaw and the entire Western U.P.,” McKenzie said.

Crane said the findings were unique because the majority of the tourism went towards the natural aspects of the region like skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer.

“This data can really inform local leaders in a unique way because it’s so localized and this has never been done before. So with that local data, it can help inform how investments are made, what the role of tourism is in the area, and what the potential future can be,” Crane said.

Crane said she hopes this data helps locals better understand how to cater to tourists and allow for more growth in the area.

Travel | April 17, 2024

Entertainment and consumer culture

Some of these museums lead, surprisingly, with humor—the kind of dark humor that is likely familiar to anyone who spent time behind the Iron Curtain.

For instance, visitors to the Budapest Retro Museum , which opened in 2021, can pick up the receiver of an old pay phone and dial a number to hear a typical communist-era joke, in which infamous Soviet leader Joseph Stalin visits a potato farm.

“Comrade Stalin, we have so many potatoes that, piled one on top of the other, they would reach all the way to God,” the farmer begins. “But God does not exist,” Stalin replies.

“Exactly,” the farmer says. “Neither do the potatoes.”

Cue the laugh track.

“We didn’t want to make it frightening, because the target of the museum is not to talk about history, but the life of people,” explains Andrea Kiss, the director of the museum. “We had a normal life—just the politics and the era were different.”

Kiss says the founder of the Budapest Retro Museum, Ákos Horváth, a graphic artist and businessman, created the project because no other museums in Budapest covered day-to-day life during communism.

The 8,600-square-foot space includes a café selling Hungarian sausage with bread and mustard and retro-inspired soft drinks, interactive displays and even an event room. Visitors enter through a turnstile to find themselves surrounded by miniature replicas of communist-style apartment buildings with windows that open to reveal communist-era objects ranging from egg cartons and bath soaps to pocket-sized books about communist ideology and a coffee grinder with an embossing of Stalin. Suspended from the ceiling is a 39-foot-long Soviet rocket that a retired soldier donated to the museum, apparently after having kept it in his garden for some time.

Kiss, who was 9 years old when Hungary declared a transition from communism in 1989, says that, in her opinion, many people in the West have a distorted view of life behind the Iron Curtain, thinking it was constantly frightening and politically charged. But in reality, she says, the lack of choice made some aspects of life easier.

“We didn’t miss, for example, having 12 types of bread,” she says. “We had one and we got used to it. And we didn’t miss, I don’t know, clothes from the West, because we didn’t know that it was possible to buy them.”

But for others, longing for consumer goods that were beyond one’s reach was one of the defining characteristics of life behind the Iron Curtain, according to Tibor Valuch , a social historian at the Hungarian Research Network Center for Social Sciences in Budapest. Some Hungarians, for instance, would travel to Vienna to buy brand-name toiletries and beer they could not find at home, then proudly display them when friends came to visit.

Valuch, whose 2022 book Everyday Life Under Communism and After analyzes the transformation of people’s lifestyles and consumer habits behind the Iron Curtain, says that one phenomenon that emerged during the communist years was a well-organized black market.

“People knew very well what kind of goods are lacking, for example, in Poland, that they could buy in Hungary,” Valuch says. “It was a very interesting situation.”

Parsing memory

For his 2017 book What Remains: Everyday Encounters With the Socialist Past in Germany , Jonathan Bach , a global studies expert at the New School in New York City, researched two dozen museums of everyday life in East Germany beginning in the 1990s. He says that the people he spoke with felt that, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the narrative shifted in such a way that it “seemed to devalue their life experiences.” People in East Germany had arranged their entire lives around the idea that they were working toward building a socialist state, Bach explains, but the unification with West Germany, which happened on West Germany’s terms, called their experience into question. The museums, which ranged from the 10,700-square-foot DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) Museum in Berlin to more informal collections of items in garages and basements, offered a means to process this transition.

“Part of the whole idea of socialism is to break down the barriers between the personal and the political, so that you give a political edge to pretty much everything you do,” says Bach. As the state exerted control over everyday activities, from jobs to participation in civic organizations to where people spent their vacations, it “shaped how life was organized.” But this left people with the dilemma of how to frame common life experiences that had nothing to do with politics—for instance, going on dates or celebrating birthdays—to say nothing of the more complicated experiences, like having participated in (and enjoyed) activities organized by state-sponsored communist youth organizations.

“What did it mean to have lived under a regime that is considered negative now?” Bach says. “Where is the line between complicity and innocence?”

Selling emotion

When Anastasija Knežević decided to open a museum celebrating the 1980s in the former Yugoslavia, she wanted to name it “Yugoslavian Beauty,” in part a nod to the 1999 film American Beauty . But knowing how controversial the name “Yugoslavia” has become in Croatia, she says, her ex-husband convinced her to adopt a more neutral name: the Zagreb ’80s Museum .

Compared to other countries in the region, present-day Croatia enjoyed a relatively tolerant form of socialism as part of the former Yugoslavia led by President Josip Broz Tito . But the violent conflicts that followed the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991 left deep divisions that persist to this day. They have also given rise to a form of nostalgia so widespread it has its own name: Yugonostalgia.

Knežević, a marketing professional, says the Zagreb ’80s Museum has nothing to do with the politics of the era; it is simply meant to recreate the aesthetic of what she describes as the most prosperous decade in the former Yugoslavia. With its floral wallpaper and olive-green velvet couch facing a large cabinet filled with books, porcelain and glassware, a piano and a couple of mismatched ottomans, the museum’s main room is cozy and eclectic, and it feels oddly familiar—down to the earthy smell of old furniture. Visitors, including a couple of university students in their early 20s, say it reminds them of their grandmother’s house.

The first iteration of the museum, established in 2017, was so successful that Knežević sold it to an individual in Shanghai, where it now functions as a pop-up museum. The current museum in Zagreb, a replica of the original, opened in 2019. Visitors can flip through an old photo album, squeeze into the driver’s seat of an original Zastava automobile or try their hand at an Atari computer game.

“I want a reaction,” Knežević says, adding that the museum is often cathartic for people, as it brings up memories. “We sell emotion.”

Teaching tools

Cātālina Andrieș, who opened the Museum of Communism in Bucharest in 2023 along with her husband, Gabriel Boga, says the project was inspired in part by the couple’s other business: a company that offers guided tours of Bucharest. Tourists wanted to learn about the history of communism, but the city did not have much to offer aside from tours of the Palace of Parliament , a sprawling complex commissioned by former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and constructed in the 1980s and ’90s.

While Andrieș and Boga initially planned to mainly target foreign tourists, they decided to also develop a strong educational component aimed at Romania’s younger generation.

“This part of history, it’s not very studied in school,” says Andrieș, who has spent most of her career as a teacher of geography, travel and tourism. “It’s a very short chapter in the history books that students have in the 12th grade.”

Instead, Andrieș says many young people learn about the communist era from their parents and grandparents, potentially missing key parts of the story.

The museum’s history section is straightforward, taking visitors through a chronology of events beginning with the early days of the communist regime in the 1940s and ending with the revolution that overthrew Ceaușescu’s dictatorship in 1989.

Next, visitors step into the immersive sections of the museum, decorated to resemble a living room and kitchen from the ’70s or ’80s. They can flip through historical newspapers, try on an authentic Romanian fur hat, or relax on the couch and listen to an old record. Andrieș says the interactive aspect of the museum is particularly attractive for young people, who typically have little patience for traditional exhibitions with a lot of reading material.

A few evenings each month, the “living room” part of the museum turns into an event space for mini-conferences, documentary screenings and other events that unpack aspects of communism in real time.

“Our most recent event was one with two former political prisoners and dissidents from communist times,” Andrieș says, describing a March discussion with Niculina Moica, a former political prisoner and current president of Romania’s Association of Former Political Prisoners, and Gabriel Andreescu, a former anti-communist dissident who is now a university professor in Romania. “They came here and told their stories, and people listened, and they had the occasion to interact and ask questions.”

Pāiușan, the researcher at the National History Museum of Romania in Bucharest, says demand is clearly growing for museums about communism, as evidenced by the popularity of independent museums on the subject. Several publicly funded history museums are also broaching the topic; for instance, the Museum of National History and Archaeology in Constanta, the main port city on Romania’s Black Sea coast, has a permanent exhibition about communism in the region. Meanwhile, the Bucharest history museum is also planning a future permanent exhibition about Romania’s communist era.

“This is recent history that today’s parents and grandparents lived through,” Pāiușan says. “There is a lot of interest in it, mostly related to nostalgia—nostalgia for a time when you were young and your life was planned out from the moment you finished school until retirement.”

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Alice Popovici | READ MORE

Alice Popovici is a freelance journalist with experience covering a wide range of topics for publications including Reuters, NPR, CBS, History.com and Architectural Digest Pro. She currently divides her time between Bucharest and New York City. 

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Elektrostal

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

Middle East latest: Rockets fired towards US military base in Syria

At least five rockets have been launched from the Iraqi town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria, security sources tell Reuters. The attack against American forces is the first since February, when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped targeting US troops.

Monday 22 April 2024 15:10, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Rockets 'fired from Iraq towards US military base in Syria'
• Israeli intelligence head resigns over 7 October failings
• The big picture :  What you need to know about the conflict in the Middle East right now
• Analysis:  Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now
• Live reporting by Narbeh Minassian

A wave of Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gazan city of Rafah compounded a devastating weekend for residents, say Palestinians.

Among the victims were 17 children, all part of the same extended family.

One woman said: "These children were sleeping, what did they do? What was their fault?"

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the military will "increase the political and military pressure on Hamas in the coming days".

Our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn reports...

Israel is yet to provide supporting evidence for its claim a significant number of UNRWA staff were members of terrorist organisations, according to a new UN report.

A review of the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), led by French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, has found the group has robust frameworks to ensure compliance with humanitarian neutrality principles, though issues persist.

This review was launched after Israel alleged 12 UNRWA staff had taken part in the Hamas attacks on 7 October on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.

A UN oversight body is looking into those allegations in a separate investigation.

Reuters news agency reports it has reviewed a copy of the final report, which is set to be released later today.

Israel had made public claims based on an UNRWA staff list provided to it in March that "a significant number" of the group's staff were "members of terrorist organisations", the report states.

"However, Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence of this," it adds.

Several countries, including the UK, froze donations to the group following Israel's allegations.

In-person classes have been cancelled at a prestigious university in the US, as school officials hope to de-escalate tensions after pro-Palestinian protests led to mass arrests last week.

More than 100 protesters were arrested on Thursday at Columbia University in New York City when its president, Nemat Minouche Shafik, authorised police to clear an encampment set up by students demonstrating against Israel's offensive in Gaza.

In a statement today, Ms Shafik said: "These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas."

She added: "We need a rest."

According to local media, Elie Buechler, an Orthodox rabbi at the university, told students campus and city police cannot guarantee the safety of Jewish students.

"It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved," he said in a WhatsApp message sent to hundreds over the weekend.

Tensions have risen at universities across the US since the war in Gaza began and the protests at Columbia, reminiscent of the demonstrations there against the Vietnam War more than 50 years ago, are the latest in a series of protests disrupting campuses, bridges and airports.

We reported earlier the head of Israeli military intelligence has resigned over failures around the 7 October attack (see our 8.21am post).

Major General Aharon Haliva became the first senior figure to step down over Hamas's attack, which broke through Israel's vaunted defences and killed 1,200 people, with more than 200 taken back to Gaza as hostages.

Speaking at the Reichman University in Israel in May last year, he spoke of the importance of never falling victim to a "surprise" again - just five months the Hamas attack.

"This year it's the 50th anniversary of the '73 war and you know in historic terms it happened yesterday," he said, referring to the war between Israel and a coalition of Arab states in 1973.

"We should all bear in mind the main lesson from that war in how important it is to listen to other people's opinions, to be open to different thoughts and ultimately to do whatever we can to make sure that the '73 Yom Kippur War and the surprise that we experienced there will never be repeated because it's extremely important for the future of the state of Israel."

At the same event, he told an audience Hamas knows the IDF's strength "very well" and it is "not something they should test".

"In order to leave them with that thought we need to continue to maintain regional alliances, to express military might," he added.

Mr Haliva, a 38-year veteran of the military, was one of a number of senior Israeli commanders who said they had failed to foresee and prevent the deadliest attack in Israel's history.

"The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I have carried that black day with me ever since," he said in a resignation letter released by the military.

He will remain in post until a successor is named. 

According to Israeli tallies, 133 people remain as hostages.

Doctors have told the Sky News team in Gaza how they saved the life of an unborn baby even as her mother was dying from head injuries inflicted during devastating Israeli airstrikes in Rafah.

The baby's mother Sabreen, her father Shoukri and three-year-old sister Malak all died in an Israeli airstrike over the weekend.

Her uncle says he will care for her now.

Watch the short report here...

Gideon Falter, the campaigner at the centre of an antisemitism row with the Met Police, has slammed comments by a former senior officer - who said he may have arrested him for assault.

It comes after Mr Falter was threatened with arrest yards away from a pro-Palestine protest, where an officer described him as "openly Jewish" and said his presence was "antagonising demonstrators".

The force apologised but then had to apologise for their apology after suggesting opponents of pro-Palestinian marches "must know that their presence is provocative".

But former Met Chief Superintendent Dal Babu said the full 13-minute video of the incident shows a "different encounter" to the one Mr Falter had described.

Mr Babu said if he had been policing the march he would have considered arresting the antisemitism campaigner for "assault on a police officer and a breach of the peace".

Gideon Falter speaks to Sky News

Mr Falter responded: "I did not assault a police officer. How on Earth can anybody say that? I'm quite clearly in the video trying to continue to walk where I was going."

He added: "I think it's a pretty outrageous thing to say, I think it's a pretty outrageous thing to be giving any credence to.

"I was Jewish. I was crossing the street."

Mr Babu later reaffirmed his view of the encounter and said the video shows Mr Falter pushing policing officers "out of the way", which amounts to "common assault".

We understand Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley is meeting the home secretary today and policing minister this week to discuss antisemitism.

Mr Falter has called for Sir Mark to step down.

Read more here...

The Palestinian civil defence claims it has uncovered 210 bodies from a temporary burial ground inside a hospital previously besieged and raided by Israeli forces in Gaza.

After Israel's military withdrew from the southern city of Khan Younis earlier this month, residents have been returning to the site at Nasser hospital looking for the bodies of their loved ones.

A burial area was built in the hospital when Israeli forces were besieging the facility last month, with people unable to bury the dead in a cemetery at the time, the defence group says.

At the time, people were not able to bury the dead in a cemetery and dug graves in the hospital yard.

In a statement, the department said a total of 210 bodies have been recovered from the hospital yard since Friday.

Some of those bodies were of people killed during the hospital siege, while others were killed when Israeli forces raided the hospital last month, the civil defence claims.

Relatives are looking to rebury the bodies in permanent graves elsewhere.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has given 1,500 body bags and protective gear to the civil defence to help dig up the site and move the bodies, it said.

Israeli troops advanced into Khan Younis in December, as part of its brutal ground offensive in response to Hamas's 7 October attacks in southern Israel.

At least 34,151 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive on Gaza since 7 October, the enclave's Hamas-run health ministry claims.

The ministry also reports 77,084 have been wounded.

It also claims 54 people have been killed over the past 24 hours, with hospitals receiving another 104 injured.

The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its reports, but says most of those killed are women and children.

Iran's foreign ministry says nuclear weapons have "no place" in the country's "doctrine".

A Revolutionary Guards commander had warned Tehran might change its nuclear policy if pressured by Israeli threats, but ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani appeared to row back on the remarks today.

"Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear programme only serves peaceful purposes," he said.

"Nuclear weapons have no place in our nuclear doctrine."

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last say on Tehran's nuclear programme, banned the development of nuclear weapons in a fatwa, or religious decree, in the early 2000s.

Iraqi armed faction Kata'ib Hezbollah has denied saying it had resumed attacks on US forces.

The group's denial comes hours after another statement was circulated on Telegram channels thought to be affiliated with them.

That statement declared attacks had resumed three months after they were suspended - but the group now says that is "fabricated news".

Earlier, sources had told the Reuters news agency at least five rockets were launched from the Iraqi town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, referred to it as a "failed rocket attack".

Two security sources and a senior army officer in Iraq said a small truck with a rocket launcher fixed on the back had been parked in Zummar, which is on the border with Syria. 

Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iraq-based militant group, is thought to have ties to Iran.

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