We live here. We fish here. We ride here. We eat here. This isn’t a generic travel guide pulled off the internet — this is the list we actually give our friends when they ask where to go in the Western Upper Peninsula. Bookmark it, share it, and come back to it every season because there’s always something new to discover up here. 🌲
🎣 Fishing
The Western UP is a fishing paradise — and we mean that without any exaggeration. Between the rivers, bays, Lake Superior, and the Portage Canal, you can chase something different almost every week of the season. Here are our go-to spots and what you’ll find there.
Chassell Bay
One of the best kept secrets in the Keweenaw. Chassell Bay is calm, accessible, and loaded with Walleye and Crappie — especially for ice fishing in the winter. There’s a boat launch and a boardwalk with multiple fishing points right in town. Our Chassell Adventure Campground is minutes away and has room for boats and trailers.
Sturgeon River
Multiple shore fishing and kayak launch points, and a wild variety of species — Bullhead, Bass, Perch, seasonal Steelhead and Salmon, and if you’re lucky, the dinosaurs of freshwater: actual Lake Sturgeon. This river doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Pilgrim River
Raised boardwalk with multiple fishing platforms, great trout pools, and seasonal runs of Steelhead, Salmon, and Suckers. The sunset views from the boardwalk alone are worth the trip. Access it at Boundary Road Trails or Pilgrim Community Forest.
South Portage Entry Boat Launch
Your gateway to Keweenaw Bay and everything that swims through the Portage Canal. Yellow Perch are common and great eating — but don’t be surprised by Salmon, Steelhead, or a Lake Sturgeon that looks like it swam out of prehistoric times.
Portage Lake & Houghton Waterfront
Right in the heart of Houghton, you can drop a line from the city pier, the waterfront park, or take a boat out. Great for Perch, Bass, and Pike. The Wednesday night concerts on the pier in summer make this one of the most enjoyable fishing spots around.
📋 Michigan DNR 2026 Fishing Regulations: michigan.gov/dnr — Always check before you go. UP walleye and pike possession opens May 15th.
🏍️ Trail Riding & Snowmobiling
The Keweenaw trail system is legendary — and we don’t throw that word around lightly. Whether you’re on a sled in February or an SxS in July, these trails deliver some of the most spectacular riding in the Midwest.
Jake’s Bed & Bar — Right on the Trail! 🏠
Our flagship property in Twin Lakes sits directly on the trail system — ride in, park your sleds or SxS, and walk right in. This is the ultimate basecamp for trail riders in any season. Check availability at Jake’s Bed & Bar.
Bill Nicholls Trail
One of the premier multi-use trails in the UP — open to snowmobiles, ORVs, hikers, and mountain bikers depending on the season. The scenery through the Keweenaw interior is hard to beat. Learn more about the Bill Nicholls Trail.
Copper Country Trail National Byway
Just nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best scenic byways — and anyone who’s driven or ridden it knows exactly why. Old mining towns, Lake Superior shoreline, waterfalls, and forest as far as the eye can see. Spring and fall are the best times to do it before crowds arrive.
Boondock Adventure Company
Need to rent an SxS or snowmobile? Boondock is your people. Local, knowledgeable, and set up specifically for Keweenaw adventures. Check their rental options here.
NARA Nature Trails — Chassell
A 100+ acre nature park with elevated boardwalk sections along the Pilgrim River wetlands, connecting directly to the Pilgrim River and Keweenaw Waterway. Perfect for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing depending on the season — beginner-friendly to moderate.
🌊 Beaches & Waterfront
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world — and the Keweenaw Peninsula has some of its most beautiful shoreline. Here are the spots we keep coming back to.
Agate Beach ⭐ Our Favorite
About 30 minutes south of Houghton on the western shore of the Keweenaw — this is our go-to. Rock hunting for agates, swimming, sunsets, and some of the best Northern Lights viewing in Michigan. It never gets as crowded as the more well-known spots, which is exactly why we love it. Agate Beach info here.
Misery Bay ⭐ Our Favorite
Don’t let the name fool you — Misery Bay is anything but. Sandy shore, sunset exposure, and a shallow extended area that’s perfect for swimming and paddling with kids. Cross the Misery River and you’ve got over a mile of white sand beach almost completely to yourself. There’s also a boat launch for fishing or sunset cruises. Only 8.5 miles south of Agate Beach — hit both in the same day.
Chassell Bay Boardwalk
Right in Chassell — calm waters, a boardwalk with fishing points, a boat launch, and Centennial Park with a swimming area, playground, fish cleaning station, and dog park. Great sunrises AND sunsets. If you’re staying at our Chassell campground this is your backyard.
Houghton Area Beaches
Several options for swimming in the Portage Canal right near town. Warm up faster than Lake Superior and great for families. Full Keweenaw beach guide here.
💧 Waterfalls
The Western UP has more waterfalls per square mile than almost anywhere in the Midwest. Spring runoff makes them absolutely roar — but they’re worth visiting year round. Here’s where to start.
Waterfalls of the Keweenaw
The definitive map and guide for every waterfall in the region. If you want to build a waterfall day trip this is your starting point. waterfallsofthekeweenaw.com
Bond Falls
One of the most photographed waterfalls in Michigan — and for good reason. A wide, tiered cascade that looks like something out of a national park. Worth every mile of the drive. Bond Falls info here.
🌌 Unique Experiences
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park & Northern Lights
The Keweenaw is one of the best places in the continental US to see the Northern Lights — and the Dark Sky Park makes it even better. No light pollution, no crowds, just the sky doing its thing. Agate Beach and Eagle River are also excellent viewing spots on clear nights. Keweenaw Dark Sky Park info.
Copper Harbor — Where the Road Ends
The very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula — and one of those places that genuinely feels like the edge of the world in the best possible way. Mountain biking, kayaking, Fort Wilkins State Park, and one of the most dramatic Lake Superior views you’ll ever see. copperharbor.org
MTU A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
One of the premier mineralogy museums in North America — and it’s right here in Houghton. The copper specimen collection alone is worth the visit. Great for families, history buffs, and anyone who’s ever picked up a cool rock on a beach. museum.mtu.edu
Michigan Technological University
MTU is the heartbeat of Houghton — a world-class engineering and technology university set in one of the most beautiful small towns in America. If you’re visiting for a campus event, graduation, or just exploring, our MTU-friendly apartments are the perfect home base. mtu.edu
🍺 Food & Drink — Our Personal Picks
We eat here. These aren’t paid endorsements — just the places we genuinely send our friends and guests to.
Joey’s Seafood & Grill — Houghton
A Copper Country institution. Famous for fish and chips, fish tacos, Lake Superior Whitefish and Trout, Walleye, scallops, crab, and shrimp — plus steaks, Baby Back ribs, burgers, pasta, homemade jambalaya and clam chowder. Huge gluten-free menu. If you only eat at one restaurant on your trip, make it Joey’s. joeys-grill.com
Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC) — Houghton
This is a Houghton tradition — not just a brewery. High ceilings, a cozy fireplace, an outdoor deck with a colorful mural, and some seriously good craft beer. Grab a pint, bring in food from somewhere nearby, and stay as long as you want. You’re welcome to bring your own food in, which is very KBC. keweenawbrewing.com
The Ambassador — Houghton
Known for thin and crispy pizza, historic gnome murals on the walls, and one of the best views of Portage Lake and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in town. A true local favorite with a personality all its own. If you walk down Shelden Ave and catch a great smell — that’s the Ambassador calling your name.
1902 Tap & Grill — South Range
Right near Trail 3 in South Range — pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Tuesday tacos, Thursday wraps, Friday fish fry, and Saturday ribs. Indoor and outdoor seating. Hand-scooped ice cream too. This is the kind of place that just feels right after a long day on the trails. If you’re staying at our Kaleva or Trailside apartments in South Range, this is essentially your neighborhood spot. More info here.
🗺️ Plan Your Trip
Not sure where to start? These resources are our go-to for trip planning in the Western UP.
- Visit Keweenaw — The official tourism guide for the Keweenaw Peninsula
- UP Travel — Upper Peninsula-wide travel guide
- Fun in the UP — Events, activities, and local happenings
- Michigan DNR — Fishing regulations, hunting seasons, trail maps, and park info
Ready to experience it yourself? We’ve got properties across the Western UP — from lakefront cottages to trail-side apartments to campground cabins. Find the right spot for your crew and let the adventure begin. 🌲