🍁 Northern Michigan is Breathtaking at Peak Foliage!

I took advantage of UMich’s fall break and went on a trip to Northern Michigan with friends! Even though we ran into cloudy skies and heavy rain ☔, nothing could hide the stunning beauty of the Upper Peninsula 🍂. We set off from Ann Arbor and traveled clockwise around the Upper Peninsula of Northern Michigan. Over four days, we drove a total of 1,500 miles—so the driving time is quite long 🚗. It’s highly recommended to rent a comfortable car in advance for a smoother ride. But trust me, the scenery you’ll see along the way is totally worth every mile driven 😍! Recommended Check-In Spots 📍 Quincy Mine: No admission fee required! Just find a parking spot, walk along the railroad tracks for about 3 minutes, and you’ll get a great view of the Houghton Bridge 🌉—simple but charming! Sugarloaf Mountain Observation Decks: A more niche spot 🌟. It takes around 15 minutes of hiking to reach the top 🥾, but once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views! One side faces the lake 🌊, and the other overlooks the mountains—its sense of space totally outshines Porcupine Mountains 😲! The Most Scenic Driving Routes 🛣️ Highway 41 (Copper Harbor to Houghton): Every mile here is like a moving autumn postcard 📸—golden and red leaves line the road, and glimpses of the lake peek through the trees. Highway 123 (Near Tahquamenon Falls): Driving here feels like wandering into a forest wonderland 🌲—the road winds through dense foliage, and the air smells like crisp autumn. Restaurant Recommendations 🍽️ Everyday Authentic Chinese Cuisine (Lansing): A hidden gem for Cantonese food and dim sum 🥟! Perfect for satisfying your craving for savory dumplings or fluffy har gow after a long drive. Izakaya Sanpei Restaurant (Near Ann Arbor): Cozy Japanese izakaya serving delicious duck hot pot 🦆! Warm and hearty—ideal for chilly autumn evenings. Steinhaus (Marquette): A popular German restaurant, but with average value for money 💸. The menu is a bit limited, so manage your expectations. Ambassador Restaurant (Houghton): A budget-friendly pizza spot 🍕! Their signature pizza is really tasty, and they stay open late—super convenient for hungry travelers arriving in the evening. Homestay Recommendation 🏡 If you plan to stay overnight in Houghton, consider the homestays near Lake Lindon! They have plenty of space and great value for money 🛏️—you’ll have a comfortable rest after a day of exploring. #NorthernMichigan #Autumn #AnnArbor #WhereToGoInAutumn #LifeInNorthAmerica #TravelGuide