The Best Outdoor Adventures in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the premier outdoor destinations in the country, with miles of Lake Superior shoreline, vast wilderness, and some of the most dramatic natural scenery east of the Rocky Mountains. What makes the UP’s adventure scene special is the network of locally owned guide services and outfitters who have spent years learning these waters, trails, and forests and who bring that expertise directly to their guests. Here are some of the best locally rooted outdoor adventure companies operating in the UP.

Northern Waters Adventures

Founded in 1991 and based at 9051 Hwy M-28 in Munising, Northern Waters Adventures is the original guided kayak company at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and their 33-plus years of perfect safety records speak for themselves. Guests paddle under soaring multicolored sandstone cliffs, through sea caves, beneath natural arches, and past historic lighthouses along one of the most visually stunning shorelines in North America. Day trips stretch from Miners Beach to Lover’s Leap along the national lakeshore, no prior experience is required for most tours, and the company maintains a guide-to-guest ratio that keeps every trip personal and well supervised.

Pictured Rocks Kayaking

Also operating out of the Munising area, Pictured Rocks Kayaking is the only outfitter on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that launches guests from an offshore boat, placing paddlers right at the base of the cliffs from the moment they hit the water. The company follows groups with a support vessel throughout the tour, meaning guests always have access to rest facilities and immediate assistance if needed, making it an excellent option for those who want the full Pictured Rocks experience with added logistical support. Their half-day and full-day excursions are popular throughout the summer season and fill quickly.

Keweenaw Adventure Company

Established in 1994 and based in Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Adventure Company is the region’s premier guide and outfitter for Lake Superior sea kayaking and mountain biking on Copper Harbor’s internationally recognized trail system. The company offers guided day trips and multi-day expeditions along the Keweenaw Water Trail and into Isle Royale National Park, with all-inclusive packages covering professional guides, top-of-the-line kayaks, food, camp equipment, tents, ferry transportation, park permits, and lodging in Copper Harbor. For paddlers looking to experience the raw beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale with expert support, this is the outfitter to call.

U.P. Adventure Company

Specializing in private, fully guided Isle Royale expeditions and Lake Superior charters, U.P. Adventure Company operates the vessel HAZY J to take small groups into the remote wilderness of Isle Royale’s 450-island archipelago. Services include multi-day Isle Royale backcountry adventures, Lake Superior fishing charters, Keweenaw sightseeing and lighthouse tours, hiking and camping drop-offs, and night sky photography outings across some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. Their all-inclusive approach means guests arrive with gear and leave with memories, making this one of the most unique expedition options available anywhere in the Upper Peninsula.

MQT Adventures

Based in Marquette County along the Lake Superior shoreline, MQT Adventures combines guided fishing charters, inland fishing trips, and kayak rentals with the kind of personalized service that comes from people who fish and paddle these waters year-round. Lake Superior charters target Whitefish, Coho Salmon, Splake, and Perch in Munising Bay and surrounding waters, while inland trips cover a wide range of species across Marquette County throughout every season. Kayak rentals include fishing kayaks with sonar, sit-on-top models, and traditional touring boats available for half-day, full-day, or multi-night use, with delivery and pickup available. Contact them at 906-362-7916 to build a custom outing.

Keweenaw Charter Fishing Company

Located in Houghton with access to over 250 miles of Lake Superior shoreline within a 50-mile radius, Keweenaw Charter Fishing Company specializes in near-shore and offshore sport fishing excursions on Lake Superior, which supports some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the entire Great Lakes system. The company is run by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and offers guided trips on the Keweenaw Waterway, Lake Superior, and inland waters including Portage and Torch Lakes. For anglers who want to experience world-class freshwater fishing in one of the most beautiful settings in the country, the Keweenaw Peninsula delivers.

Rivers North Guide Service

Based in Marquette and operating throughout the Upper Peninsula, Rivers North Guide Service specializes in guided fly fishing for Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, and Pacific Salmon across the UP’s exceptional cold-water river systems. The guide service brings local river knowledge that cannot be replicated by an out-of-town angler with a map, and their trips are tailored to both beginners learning to cast and experienced fly fishers who want access to productive water they have never waded before. For those who consider the river as much a destination as the fish itself, Rivers North offers the most immersive way to experience the UP’s wild streams.

Michigan Small Business Spotlight loves connecting adventure-seekers with the locally owned guide services and outfitters who make exploring the Upper Peninsula extraordinary. If you run an outdoor adventure business anywhere in the UP and would like a spotlight feature, visit topchoicediscover.com to apply. Features are available free and starting at $50, and we would love to help more Michiganders discover what you offer.