Things to do and visit in the UP? Family winter trip with no sleds.

wrestleruiu

New member
Short family get away to the UP. Taking no sleds. Looking for ideas on places and things to visit and must see things. I am familiar with most of the hot spots by sled in the UP. But looking for things for the family to do and see by truck. Trip for January 18th thru 21st. Hoping to stay in a central location and make days trips. Food and lodging suggestions are also welcomed.
 

whitedust

Well-known member
If you’re not an outdoor enthusiast snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing just a lot of giant snowbanks to see. You can’t see LOC or Brockway overlooks not sure about Bond Falls CH and Munising boat rides long shut down for winter. Imo go to Chicago lots of sights to see there by truck.
 

wrestleruiu

New member
How about museums that might be open during the winter, or the best waterfalls and light houses to see? Is the pictured rocks or sand dunes, vehicle accessible during the winter?
 
I left the key a few yrs ago and south was getting pounded, so I pulled off at the Bond falls and snowshoed in. It was pretty awesome being back there alone with the ice formations and fresh powder. Id suggest something like Snowshoeing or renting some fat bikes and trying some of those trails out.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
The Yooper tourist trap is good for a half hour or so....Are you able to google chit?

If you aren't a snowmobiler....there is 8 months available to get places by Subaru.

But I think the under ground mine tours are open year round.
 
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Sandylake

New member
Snowshoeing at night can be spectacular. Bring headlamps but don't use them unless necessary. Your eyes will adjust and the darkness won't be so dark anymore with all the snow.
During decent moonlight it's magical.
 

packerlandrider

Active member
How about museums that might be open during the winter, or the best waterfalls and light houses to see? Is the pictured rocks or sand dunes, vehicle accessible during the winter?

Many of the best waterfalls just become giant mounds of ice in the winter (winter is worst time if year for waterfall scenery). Also, due to unplowed roads a large number become inaccessible to anyone without a snowmobile or willing to strap on snowshoes.

Nearly all of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore becomes inaccessible in winter for the same reason - unplowed roads.

I think most of the historical stuff in the Keweenaw closes down in the winter due to lack of visitors, but you'd have to check the individual places to make sure. I think places like the Calumet Visitor Center (highly recommended), Laurium Manor, and Calumet Theatre stay open in winter for tours.

Needless to say, if you aren't able / willing to venture out with some form of snowmobile, snowshoe, ski, snowboard, fat tire bike, etc, the U.P. becomes a much less scenic place in winter...
 
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snobuilder

Well-known member
It seems like many times while snowmobiling up to miners castle we come across folks in cars riding on top of the unplowed snow because the sledders have it packed down so tight....we even have pulled a few out who thought it would be a good idea to spin their tires....
 

wrestleruiu

New member
First of all I do Snowmobile and have seen majority of then UP by snowmobile. The family wants a quick get away and see the winter scenery. Maybe staying around Eagle River and driving up is better.
 

1fujifilm

Well-known member
Short family get away to the UP. Taking no sleds. Looking for ideas on places and things to visit and must see things. I am familiar with most of the hot spots by sled in the UP. But looking for things for the family to do and see by truck. Trip for January 18th thru 21st. Hoping to stay in a central location and make days trips. Food and lodging suggestions are also welcomed.

Sorry to say if you aren't skiing or snowmobiling dont waste the gas, go to Mall of America or somewher the kids will like it. I say this with respect to all.

Bear
 
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snobuilder

Well-known member
First of all I do Snowmobile and have seen majority of then UP by snowmobile. The family wants a quick get away and see the winter scenery. Maybe staying around Eagle River and driving up is better.

I guess you already know what is accessible by car and truck then.

Keep in mind that the Eagle River Derby is Jan. 18,19,20.
 

whitedust

Well-known member
First of all I do Snowmobile and have seen majority of then UP by snowmobile. The family wants a quick get away and see the winter scenery. Maybe staying around Eagle River and driving up is better.

Maybe still running horse drawn sleigh rides at the stables by the HS but have to call for an appointment. Shopping ER , Boulder or Minocqua all towns have lights up. Snowmobile museum in ER. Plenty of snowshoe and xcountry trails if you want to rent equipment. Free ice skating rink in Lando with free skates. Plenty of white scenery to see between towns. Northwoods peeps don’t get excited about looking at snow covered scenery an everyday environment November well into April. Have at it plenty of bars ,hotels and restaurants that would like your business .....Enjoy
 

jime

Active member
superior falls, north of saxon. black river road, north of bessemer has a series of falls to check out all the way to a lakeside park.

is the ottawa visitor open? hwy 2 at bessemer. rent downhill/cross skis at the porupine mountains. houghton mineral museum.
 

eagle1

Well-known member
What about Tahquamenon Falls State Park? Pretty sure that's open year round. Never been there myself in winter.
 

1fujifilm

Well-known member
Short family get away to the UP. Taking no sleds. Looking for ideas on places and things to visit and must see things. I am familiar with most of the hot spots by sled in the UP. But looking for things for the family to do and see by truck. Trip for January 18th thru 21st. Hoping to stay in a central location and make days trips. Food and lodging suggestions are also welcomed.

http://www.publishingbyavanti.com/Flipbooks/2018MunisingVG/mobile/index.html

Bear
 
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