Posted on May 1, 2026
If you travel along the north coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula from Sault Ste. Marie at the Canada border to L'Anse, you'll travel about 250 miles. With the extensive collection of sites and sights, the north coast of the U.P. makes for an amazing trip.
This segment of the Lighthouse Road Trip series will take you from Sault Ste. Marie to the northernedge of the upper peninsula, and across the broad lakefront of east Lake Superior towards Munising to conclude in L'Anse, MI. The landscapes and attractive lighthouses across that lakeshore are sure to make for an unforgettable time!
Your U.P. Lighthouse Road Trip starts with the sight of the St. Mary River in Sault Ste. Marie, MI right along the US-Canada Border. Called the "center of the Great Lakes", the long lived town of Sault Ste. Marie appeals to the spirit of adventure! One of the most memorable spots to check out in town at the Soo Locks, one of the oldest navel locks in the United States, and its fair history as a feat of engineering. As the linchpin for freighters traveling between Lakes Superior and Huron, this historic landmark sees visitation from being a binational wonder whether its allure of passing vessels or functioning gates makes for hours of sightseeing! Additionally, when you are staying in town for the evening, the nearby Soo Locks Campground offers 100 sites with wonderful views of the St. Mary's River and Locks as well as providing good access to amenities!
While in the area, check out the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the site of Whitefish Point Light Station a ways north of town! This collection of cultural history admires the maritime world and its tragedies through artifacts, commissioned art, and documents preserved to honor those histories. As our first lighthouse, the Whitefish Point Light Station oversees storied waters along the southeast edge of Lake Superior and is representative of historical site preservation efforts across the Great Lakes.
Once your stomach tells you it's lunchtime, we suggest you head to Clyde's Drive-In down in St. Ignace for a proper drive-in grill experience and a tasty one at that. If you're feeling more for a relaxed sit-down restaurant, the Soo Brewing Company & 1668 Winery is just the place! With local craft brews and plenty of tavern classics, there's more than enough options to enjoy!
When your first evening is winding down, The Ash is fit for a stay at the contemporary heart of Sault Ste. Marie and its many attractions. Situated within the community, The Ash dedicates itself as a contribution to the culture and craft of Michigan as seen with its place in the local art scene. Alternatively, if the weather is pleasant and you want to sleep under the stairs, Brimley State Park along Whitefish Bay is one of the oldest state parks in the UP. Standing out for its lakefront recreation spaces, Brimley makes for a great getaway to close out our first stop regardless of if it's for the night or for a quiet walk about the shore.
Continuing along the northern coast of the upper peninsula, our second day finds us on our way to Marquette from Munising. This stint of the trip moves across the crawling beaches and forests and contains an impressive collection of lighthouses across many miles of stunning coastline.
Among today's sights, the featured Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore makes for a once-in-a-lifetime stop on our trip throughout Michigan. The sculpted cliffs, rolling dunes, and picturesque waters make this a world renowned landscape to indulge in outdoor recreation all-year-round! With countless trails and even more to enjoy in its proximity to the local lighthouses, it is a visitor favorite for the region! And the best way to experience all of Pictured Rocks is through Pictured Rocks Cruises and Kayaking! Whether it is exploring the shoreline up close by paddle or afar from the comfort of a cruiser, there is no better way to coast along the lakeshore! Also, if you're sticking around on-land for the day, you can decide to stay in Pictured Rocks for the evening at one of its many recreational campsites throughout the park! Be sure to book ahead of the trip as these spots are quite popular, especially in summer months.
As for what you would see in your journey across the park, there are many gorgeous lighthouse sites settled along the coast of Pictured Rocks and as far north as the tip of Grand Island, all peering out over the pristine waters of Lake Superior and all easily accessible by Pictured Rock Cruises and Kayaking. Au Sable Light Station sits at the northern edge of the park within range of Grand Marais, MI or accessible by way of Munising. This quiet beacon stirs still with the liveliness of visitors even after its closing in the late 50s. If a cruise is your direction for the day, the two sites of the East Channel Lighthouse and Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Lighthouse make for perfect pictures and memories on your way towards the rocks. Whether it's the Bay Furnace Lights or the rustic appeal of the former guiding lights, all of the choices are equally accessible and worthwhile in taking up.
And after a lengthy day on the water or hiking, you're sure to be looking for a bite to eat! Luckily, the region is not short in its tastes. If you happen to be pushing west earlier on this itinerary and happen to find yourself along the M-28 near Au Train, The Brownstone Inn makes for the perfect dinner experience with plenty of handhelds, plates, soups, and even a full bar service fit for a good evening overlooking the Au Train Bay. Or, if you're lingering around Munising for the night (or even the day) and feel like a nice brew, check out East Channel Brewing Company for their great atmosphere and plentiful spirits to chill out after a long day of lighthouse watching!
For a proper stay in Munising, the one place is the homely Roam Inn! With hotel class accommodations and views overlooking the surrounding U.P., relaxation between adventures is what the establishment seeks to provide alongside casual dining experiences and great amenities for all guests! Once you're up the following morning, feel free to check out some of the inn's iconic hiking trails and bay access before continuing onto our last section of the trip!
Our last step of the trip crosses west towards Marquette, Big Bay, and L'Anse, all three towns offer experiences sure to make an unforgettable close to this itinerary, including one of the most varied selections of lighthouse so far!
When you're in Marquette, the one place to check out is the Marquette Maritime Museum and Lighthouse. As the shining attraction of the town, the museum and lighthouse serve as a look back towards the history of the Great Lakes as a hub of sailing and as a place to tour for understanding the depth of its importance. If what you are looking for is the landscape and its nearby Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse! The serene beauty of the lighthouse and its nearby park is sure to wow any photographer in your group. While the tower is not open, it can be admired from a close distance. As the last lighthouse on this trip, the Huron Island Lighthouse makes for a trek in itself! Settled out on the Huron National Wildlife Refuge, this preserved station sits as a marker that informs the region's history and remains a popular tourist sight for its significance in the former industries of the region.
Between your stops, you may be looking for a good meal. If you're in Marquette, MI, check out the Delft Bistro for great menus and an impressive range of weekly specials, perfect for a sitdown brunch or dinner. For something that feels like more of an unwinding or casual experience, Skipper's in L'Anse, MI with its lakeside scenery alongside hearty Italian and American dishes is perfect no matter what you're feeling.
For the last evening in this itinerary, we find ourselves settling down in the quiet town of Big Bay out along Burns Landing and Lake Independence. For something a tad iconic, the Historic Thunder Bay Inn makes for a pleasant dive into local history with great access to the community and to the wilderness. Or, as a special treat for the night, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse is host to a Bed and Breakfast. With seven personalized guest rooms, all expected amenities, and easy access to either the beach or town, there is everything to like about his cozy cliffside stay! What would be better to close out a lighthouse road trip than to sleep in one?
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