If you’re looking for a Michigan road trip that feels straight out of a fantasy novel, this 3-day Upper Peninsula itinerary delivers. Between cliffside hikes, mossy forest trails, and a glassy spring that seems almost unreal, you'll find yourself wondering if you've stepped into another world. Whether you’re planning your first U.P. adventure or returning for another taste of its wild beauty, this itinerary blends iconic stops with lesser-known gems—and leaves room for spontaneous detours along the way.

🌄 Day 1 – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Painted Cliffs and Sunset Shores

Base: Munising, MI

The trip begins with one of Michigan’s most iconic natural wonders: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Towering sandstone cliffs painted in streaks of red, yellow, and green rise above the turquoise waters of Lake Superior—it’s jaw-dropping in every season.

Morning/Afternoon Activities:

• Hike to Miners Castle or Chapel Rock for sweeping cliffside views. These trails offer relatively easy access with major payoff. If you’re short on time, Miners Castle is the most accessible. For a deeper adventure, Chapel Rock is a must—its isolated tree-topped rock formation is one of the U.P.’s signature sights.
• Don’t skip Sable Falls. Just a short walk from the parking lot, this gorgeous waterfall is tucked into a forested ravine and leads down to a beautiful stretch of beach on Lake Superior.

Afternoon/Evening:

• Boat or Kayak Tour: For the best view of the painted cliffs, you’ll want to get on the water. Book a Pictured Rocks boat cruise or a guided kayak tour—especially in the late afternoon when the sunlight brings out the colors in the rock face. The experience is unforgettable.
• Dinner in Munising: Head back into town for dinner. You have to try a pasty from Muldoon’s—a flaky meat- or veggie-filled pastry brought over by Cornish miners and now a U.P. staple. It’s comfort food done right.
• Sunset at Miners Beach: Cap off the day by watching the sun dip below the horizon at Miners Beach. The golden light on the waves, backed by forest and cliffs, is as peaceful as it gets.
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🪄 Day 2 – Narnia Trail (Bush Bay Trail): A Hidden Gem in Cedarville

Base: Cedarville or Monistic

Today, trade dramatic cliffs for a slower, more magical kind of beauty. The Bush Bay Trail, nicknamed the “Narnia Trail” by those who’ve walked it, is tucked along M-134 near Cedarville.

Morning:

• Drive to the Bush Bay Trailhead, located east of Cedarville. The moment you step into the trail, it feels like something out of a fairytale. Twisted cedar trees, mossy rocks, and lichen-draped branches line your path.
• Look for the Lamppost: About a mile in, you’ll spot a lone lamppost standing mysteriously in the woods—cue all the Narnia vibes. Nearby is a boulder field covered in moss that looks more like something from Iceland than Michigan.

Trail Details:

• This is an easy 4-mile roundtrip hike with very little elevation gain, but the trail can get muddy, so bring sturdy shoes. It’s ideal for families, photographers, and anyone who loves the quiet enchantment of the forest.

Afternoon:

• After your hike, grab coffee or a meal in Cedarville or head toward Manistique if you want to be closer to the next day’s destination. The drive is scenic and peaceful, offering glimpses of the Lake Huron shoreline.

💧 Day 3 – The Big Spring: Lake Kitch-iti-kipi’s

Base: Manistique, MI

Your final day begins at one of the U.P.’s most serene and otherworldly locations: Lake Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as The Big Spring. It’s a place that feels almost too magical to be real.

Morning:

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the spring’s quiet beauty. The park opens at sunrise, and early visitors often get the peaceful, glassy reflections all to themselves.
• Ride the self-operated raft across the spring. The water is so clear and teal-blue that it almost looks fake. Peer down into the 40-foot-deep pool and you’ll see trout swimming among the bubbling sands of the spring floor.
• Take your time. The ride is slow and peaceful—no motors, just the sound of water, wind in the trees, and the occasional “wow” from fellow passengers.

Late Morning:

• Grab breakfast or lunch at Three Seasons Café in nearby Manistique before heading home. If you’re not ready for the trip to end, you can add a quick detour to Tahquamenon Falls—Michigan’s second-largest waterfall and another highlight of the U.P.

✨Final Thoughts: Pure Michigan Magic



In just three days, you’ll have experienced Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at its finest—from towering cliffs and turquoise waters to enchanted forests and sacred springs. This trip is proof that you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re in another world.

Whether you’re exploring solo, with your partner, or adventuring with kids, the U.P. has a way of capturing hearts and slowing time. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your return before the trip is even over.