The gem of the outdoors in the Upper Peninsula is the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This park was created in 1945 with 46,000 acres of Michigan’s last virgin hardwoods forest. Today, 60 years later, the now 60,000-acre park still features the very reason it was saved in the beginning: the virgin forest.

Lake of the Clouds

Highlights of the park are many. Stop in the Visitors Center to acquaint yourself with the area; the slide show is a must-see. Lake of the Clouds is arguably the most scenic place in Michigan. Summit Peak Observation Tower offers an expansive view of the virgin forest and Lake Superior. The Presque Isle River cascades over intricate shale formations with one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Miles of sandy beach may be found in Union Bay, great for swimming and rockhounding. A self-guided historical trail is featured at Union Mine Scenic Trail.

(Information from Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association)

Visit the Porcupine Mountains Ontonagon Area Convention and Visitor Bureau site