Snowmobiling Adventure in Michigan's Wintery Upper Peninsula
- Nicholas Clark
- Jan 25
- 5 min read
Winter in Michigan's Lower Peninsula can be notoriously unpredictable, often lacking the consistent snowfall we crave. However, the Upper Peninsula paints a different picture, transforming into a winter wonderland most years.
For snowmobilers, the Upper Peninsula is truly a paradise. Imagine miles of meticulously groomed trails snaking through pristine forests, breathtaking scenery unfolding at every turn, and the exhilarating freedom of exploring the vast, snow-covered wilderness. It's an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true.
Stacey and I, eager for adventure, loaded up our snowmobiles and embarked on an eight-hour journey from home. We opted for a small motel in Munising, Michigan, a last-minute decision, but the allure of the Upper Peninsula's winter magic was too strong to resist. The drive itself was a breathtaking experience. Towering pine trees stood draped in snow, glistening frozen lakes mirrored the serene winter sky, and breathtaking vistas unfolded at every bend in the road. Crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge, always a memorable experience, seemed even more majestic against the backdrop of the winter landscape.
After checking into the Superior Motel & Suites https://www.superior-motel.com/index.php?page=Home , we were directed to park our SUV and snowmobile trailer across the street.
Unfamiliar with the area and with fresh snow blanketing the ground, I drove across the street to what I assumed was an empty parking lot. To my dismay, it turned out to be a deceptively disguised retention swamp. Our all-wheel-drive SUV, though fancy, was no match for the snow depths. I tried to reverse, but the tires spun helplessly, sinking deeper with each attempt. Panic began to set in as I realized I was stuck.
First, I tried digging myself out, but the snow was too deep. Next, I attempted to lighten the load by removing the snowmobiles from the trailer, but that didn't help. Finally, I walked to the nearby grocery store, hoping to find someone with a truck who could pull me out.
An older gentleman, after a brief hesitation, agreed to help – for a case of beer, of course! Well worth it, I thought. With the assistance of his powerful diesel truck and a sturdy tow strap, we successfully extricated the SUV. Chastened by the experience, I parked in the designated area with more caution. This is one of those times when it's all done. You wish you had gotten the camera out for future laughs. I didn't so no embarrassing picture, LOL.
Our first day was dedicated to a thrilling snowmobile ride to Tahquamenon Falls, a scenic destination about 80 miles from our motel. The journey itself was a highlight. Leaving Munising, we embarked on Trail UP419, which merged onto UP8, leading us east. This route offered a captivating mix of terrain: we navigated through valleys between rolling hills, crossed picturesque swamps, followed the winding course of rivers, and even enjoyed glimpses of the majestic Lake Superior shoreline. Continuing on UP8, we made a southward turn and arrived just west of the charming town of Paradise. Here, we refueled our snowmobiles and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Berry Patch restaurant.
Back on Trail UP45, we headed west towards Tahquamenon Falls, a sight I'd admired many times during summer and autumn. Witnessing the falls in winter, partially frozen with intricate ice formations cascading down the river, was truly awe-inspiring. We spent some time exploring both the upper and lower falls before continuing our journey.
The southern section of UP45 traversed a flatter landscape, yet it still offered breathtaking views of vast swamps and dense forests. We then transitioned onto Trail UP9, heading northwest, followed by UP431 and UP443. As we entered a more mountainous region, the trails became more challenging, with numerous twists and turns. Finally, we connected to UP88, which eventually led us back to UP8 and finally back to UP419, bringing us full circle.
One of the unique aspects of snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula is the ability to ride directly into many towns. We enjoyed dinner at the Dogpatch, a local favorite, before returning to the motel, exhausted but exhilarated from a long day of riding
On our second day, we ventured to the captivating Eben Ice Caves, also known as the Rock River Canyon Ice Caves. A major perk for snowmobilers - we were able to ride straight to the trailhead! For those arriving by car, be prepared for a longish walk from the parking area through a farmer's field before reaching the official trailhead. The ice caves themselves are just over a half-mile hike in, but trust me, it's worth the trek. I highly recommend having some form of ice cleats or Yaktrax for this adventure, as the trail can get quite icy. The popularity of these caves speaks for itself - the entire path is basically pure ice!
There are multiple ice caves to explore, and a thorough exploration can take several hours. Make sure you allocate enough time to fully appreciate this winter wonderland. This truly ranks as one of the coolest experiences you can have in Michigan during the winter season!
We started our third day with a delightful breakfast at what I consider to be the best bagel shop in the world (though sadly, it has since closed). Fueled up and ready to explore, we headed back onto Trail UP419, then connected to UP8 and finally onto UP422, which leads towards the stunning Pictured Rocks area.
A highlight of this route is the ability to snowmobile directly to the Miner Castle lookout point, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
We then cut across Van Meer Road and rejoined Trail UP8. The southern section of UP8 is undeniably one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trip. We were eager to revisit this beautiful portion of the trail.
Following the winding trails, we made our way towards Manistique. Unfortunately, we didn't realize that the trail passed directly by Kitch-iti-Kipi, a renowned spring, and regretted not stopping to see it.
Continuing our journey, we followed the trails back towards Christmas, Michigan, with the anticipation of a delicious dinner at Fogg's Steakhouse, a popular spot among snowmobilers and conveniently located near the Kewadin Casino. While we're not gamblers, we did enjoy the lively atmosphere of the area.
The ride back to the motel was truly spectacular. As the sun began to set, the sky erupted in a breathtaking display of orange hues, painting the forest in a warm, ethereal glow. Unfortunately, capturing the beauty of this sunset in photos while fully bundled up in snowmobile gear proved to be quite challenging.
Even after nightfall, the ride back was exhilarating. The visibility of oncoming traffic allowed us to increase our speed slightly, adding an extra thrill to the journey.
Day 4 brought the bittersweet end to our snowmobiling adventure. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up the SUV and trailer, preparing for the eight-hour drive back home.
Even though we were leaving, the beauty of the Upper Peninsula continued to captivate us. The eastern side of the U.P. was blanketed in a fresh snowfall, creating a truly magical winter wonderland. Crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge again was an awe-inspiring experience. Every trip to the Upper Peninsula seems to hold a unique magic. Perhaps it's the thrill of escaping our everyday routines and embarking on a fun-filled adventure. Or maybe, as the locals jokingly say, the Mackinac Bridge somehow shields the true beauty of the U.P. from those "Trolls" (a playful term for those from the Lower Peninsula).
Overall, this was an incredible trip filled with breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and about 500 miles of exhilarating snowmobile trails.
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