10 small towns in the UP that are magical in the winter

From French-named islands to frozen lighthouses, rustic snow-covered trails, or lively downtown restaurants, find your Michigan magic in these small Upper Peninsula towns. 

I have a confession to make: I have lived in Michigan the entirety of my 39 years, and yet, somehow, I had never actually visited the Upper Peninsula until a few months ago. My family and I finally crossed the bridge, and may I just say—wow. The raw beauty of the UP, endless rows of Michigan pines, and the small towns sprinkled along the coast were breathtaking.

I felt a peace as I had never experienced before in the UP, and it’s only made me eager to visit as much as possible for my next 39 years. Certainly, the UP is teeming with fun and adventure in the warm weather months, but in the winter, it can be downright magical. We were lucky enough to visit when it was cold, but not snowy, and we learned that the UP without bugs is definitely part of the appeal. The point being, don’t be afraid to visit the UP in the cold.

From outdoor adventures to natural beauty to community fun from people who know how to get through the cold, here are the small towns in the UP that are downright magical to visit in the winter.

1. Ironwood

With an annual snowfall average of 200 inches, Ironwood is known for being one of the snowiest places in Michigan. As a snow haven near Lake Superior, the area attracts plenty of winter sports enthusiasts, but even if hitting the slopes isn’t your idea of fun, the area holds plenty of wintery charm.

For instance, the historic Downtown Ironwood is home to the Historic Ironwood Theatre, built in 1928, where you can take tours or catch a live theater event. The Downtown Art Place is a collaborative center where artists come together and sell their creations, so it can be a magical place to visit, get inspired, or pick up a new piece of art. Step back in time at the Ironwood Carnegie Library, built in 1901, making it the oldest continually operating Carnegie Library in the state of Michigan. The library is still open and serving patrons as a vital and vibrant part of the community.

Once you pick up a new book, you can stop into one of the many cozy cafes or coffee shops downtown. Outdoor types can check out all of the beautiful scenery the UP is known for (because who doesn’t want to see a waterfall in the winter?). We also highly recommend booking a stay at Ironwood’s Big Powderhorn Resort to try your hand (feet?) at skiing, or just to cozy up in the beautiful and spacious rooms to enjoy a roaring fire and on-site dining.

2. Munising

Magical all year long, Pictured Rocks in Munising, Mich., may be even more awe-inspiring during the winter, thanks to stunning ice formations, ice cliffs, ice caves, and my personal favorite, frozen waterfalls. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park is open all year round, although some parts of the park, including some trails, are closed seasonally as they are impacted by snow and other seasonal changes, so you’ll want to check ahead before you visit.

The park explains that ice viewing is one of the most popular winter activities, as visitors flock to see the water that seeps out of the sandstone cliffs, due to their porosity, and freezes into columns and curtains that can range from blue to green to yellow-hued in the light. Other outdoor options include the Hiawatha National Forest and the Grand Island National Recreation Area for more winter hiking and natural ice sculptures (there’s no ferry service in the winter, so the only way to access the island is to travel at your own risk over the ice). When you’re ready to warm up, head into town to visit cozy cafes like the Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore and Gallery Coffee Co.

3. Marquette

I feel like I missed the memo big time, but apparently, Marquette might just be every Michigander’s favorite town in the UP. My family and I visited, and I have to say that I finally understand the hype. The downtown area is magical, with views of the water everywhere you look, historical buildings, and plenty of small-town charm.

To take in nature, plan a visit to Presque Isle Park, open all year round, although it’s open to non-motorized vehicles only. It’s ideal for hiking, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, and perhaps catching a glimpse of the native bird and deer populations. Overall, Marquette has everything you need for a magical winter experience, from cozy downtown cafes to snowbiking around the water to catching a glimpse of the northern lights at night. I’m also still dreaming about the delicious glass of Michigan wine I indulged in at the historic Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery, so be sure to add that to your itinerary.

4. Houghton

Nip on over to Nara Nature Park, which, along with 50 miles of snowshoeing and skiing trails, features a warming chalet at the trailhead, complete with a fireplace, showers, and concessions. Sounds like a palace fit for a queen!

Houghton is also home to Michigan Technological University, which has groomed trails so impeccable they’re used for ski championships and lively winter events like the Winter Carnival and live performances (they even have unique events like aerial acrobatics) at the Rozsa Center for Performing Arts. The campus is also home to the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, which lets visitors get up close and personal with an international collection of 40,000 mineral specimens, some more precious than jewels!

Downtown Houghton is equally charming and reminiscent of Marquette, with a sweeping view of the water and historic brick buildings. We recommend stopping in at Bonfire Restaurant for delicious eats and a cozy atmosphere. (Don’t you feel warmed up just from the name alone?)

5. Christmas

With a name like that, you just know the small UP town of Christmas, Mich., will be magical. The town is popular with snowmobilers and offers other outdoor activities like snowshoeing, ice climbing, and cross-country skiing. Outdoor adventures aside, you can also stop and snap a selfie with the many giant Santas stationed outside the workshop and do some shopping at the (naturally) holiday-themed gift shop.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can stop into Casino Santa in the Christmas town for your own version of holiday magic at the slots. And while you won’t find much in the way of traditional dining and lodging in Christmas, you will find some beautiful views of Lake Superior!

6. Copper Harbor

I didn’t even know such a place existed, but Copper Harbor is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn’t have its own local governance. Its lack of local governance tracks with its free and wild spirit, especially during the winter, when snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, and winter hiking can be enjoyed to their full extent.

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is both a beautiful and fascinating place to stay and visit near Copper Harbor, as it’s a Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) building erected during the Great Depression. The lodge focuses on the basic principles of rustic and outdoor living, encouraging limited guests, a focus on nature, and rustic foods and amenities.

That doesn’t mean there’s any lack of magical activities to enjoy at the Lodge, however. For instance, guests can get cozy next to en-suite fireplaces or head out to the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park for stargazing in the snow.

7. Hancock

If you’ve ever wanted to travel to the tippity-top of Michigan, you’ll need to plan a visit to Hancock, as it stands as the state’s most northern city. Hancock’s downtown is famed for its charming feel and design, making it ideal for a winter visit. And because the town boasts a Finnish background, it of course welcomes all things winter.

Hancock was even named a 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, the first distinction of its kind in the United States, which is a magical title indeed. The town’s Finnish heritage is reflected through establishments like the Hancock’s Finnish American Heritage Center, the Finnish American Folk School, and The Finnish American Reporter newspaper, and the culture will be further celebrated through traditions and events in 2026.

8. Laurium

You know you’re a magical UP town when Pure Michigan describes you as “charming.” Laurium, Mich., is full of that famous charm, with Victorian architecture and buildings, plenty of history lining its streets that were built specifically for the town’s “bigwigs,” the former mine owners and captains, and status as the official hometown of Notre Dame’s “The Gipper.”

The town is well-known for Laurium Manor Inn, said to have been the “most opulent” of miner mansions built in Michigan during the heyday of the state’s mining history for Thomas Hoatson, owner of Calumet & Arizona Mining Co. The 45-room mansion, built in 1908, cost over $85,000 to build and furnish; in comparison, miners only made 25 cents per hour. The cost might have been worth it, however, as Newsweek named it the #1 historical bed and breakfast in America in 2025.

9. Eagle Harbor

This picturesque town on the harbor is known for its charm and maritime history, made famous by the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. Unfortunately, however, the lighthouse is not open during the winter months. Still, that doesn’t deter visitors from coming to Eagle Harbor to catch a glimpse of the lighthouse during the winter, when waves and snow can make it appear “frozen” in time.

The outside grounds of the lighthouse are open for “self-viewing,” so you can visit to try and snap a picture of the magical wintery scene for yourself.

10. Les Cheneaux Islands

I once again find myself floored by the state I have lived in my entire life, because what do you mean there is a chain of 36 magical islands dotting the southeastern coast of the UP? And what do you mean they have the most charming French name I’ve ever heard? (Even if it only translates to the very practical descriptor “The Channels.”)

While the islands are very popular in the summer and boating seasons for obvious reasons, they are also a magical place to visit in the winter. Two of the 36 islands are accessible by car, so you can still visit and enjoy the boundless beauty, nature, and of course, skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. Plus, there are magical wintery events, like Snowsfest and the famed vintage snowmobile show and ride.