N Lakeshore Blvd
Marquette, MI

Picnicking and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula go together like peanut butter and thimbleberry jam. Our state and community parks, Great Lakes beaches and roadside lookouts offer easy places to throw a cloth over a table or a blanket on the ground. We picked our 16 favorite picnic places across the U.P., and added a few suggestions of picnic food ideas and where to find them.

County Hwy W
Ironwood, MI

Go waterfalling before picnicking at Black River Harbor. Arguably, driving along the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway, County Road 513, is one of the most beautiful routes in the Midwest. Plan to stop and hike to five gorgeous waterfalls along the way — the ​​Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi Falls, Gorge Falls, Sandstone Falls and Rainbow Falls.

41382 W M-123
Paradise, MI

Choose a table near two of Michigan’s most famous waterfalls. There are picnic areas by both the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The breathtaking Upper Falls are over 200 feet across and drop up to 50,000 gallons of water per second over its 48-foot drop. It is the third-largest vertical waterfall east of the Mississippi River.The Lower Falls, made up of five smaller falls, is a natural water park. You can rent a rowboat or take a pedestrian bridge across the river to the falls and play in the tumbling, swirling water.

Alger County, MI

Relax at Pictured Rocks only beach with picnic tables. This is a family favorite! The water is shallow, less wavy and often warmer than other beaches along this national geologic treasure.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States

Watch massive freighters as you eat along the St. Marys River. This picnic spot along the St. Marys River is a tranquil place to watch the domestic and international freighters make their way to and from the Soo Locks. Walk through the flower gardens during the day or come during the evening to see the lighted fountain’s water dance in-time with music. Before or after your picnic, observe the nearby Soo Locks in action from the visitor center or the boat tours.

U.S. Rte 2
Naubinway, MI

Swipe up to learn more picnicking spots in the Upper Peninsula!