10 Things to Do Near Hiawatha Snow'd Inn in Wetmore, MI
Hiawatha Snow'd Inn sits in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and from spring through fall, there's no shortage of ways to fill your days. Whether you're here to get out on the water, explore the trails, or just drive some scenic roads and find a good meal, here are ten things worth putting on your list.
1. Chase the Waterfalls
The UP is loaded with waterfalls and most of them are within easy reach. Miners Falls, Munising Falls and Wagner Falls are all worth the short drive, and they're especially impressive during spring runoff. Pack a lunch and make a half day of it.
2. See Pictured Rocks by Boat, Kayak or Trail
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is about 25 minutes away and worth every minute of the drive. You can see the sandstone cliffs from a boat tour, a guided kayak, or on foot from the lakeshore trails. Each one gives you a completely different experience. We've done all three and have a full breakdown on the blog if you want help deciding.
3. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain
A moderately challenging hike that pays off with panoramic views of Lake Superior. It's great at sunrise or late afternoon when the light is good. Suitable for families with older kids.
4. Rent a UTV and Hit the Trails
Renze's in Wetmore rents UTVs and is open year-round. The forest roads and trails around the property are accessible directly from the house in many spots, so you can head out without loading anything onto a trailer.
5. Visit Kitch-iti-kipi
Michigan's largest freshwater spring is about 37 minutes away and genuinely unlike anything else in the region. You float out on a self-operated raft and peer down into crystal clear water watching giant trout move below the surface. It's quiet, unhurried and free to visit.
6. Drive M-28 in the Fall
If you're here in late September or early October, M-28 is worth driving just for the color. It runs east-west through the UP and turns into a tunnel of reds, oranges and golds during peak fall. No particular destination needed, just roll the windows down.
7. Find a Good Meal
A few places we've been to ourselves and would send guests to without hesitation. Buckhorn is close by and a solid stop after a day on the trails. Bear Trap Inn in Shingleton is worth the short drive. If you're heading toward Manistique, Big Spring Tavern and Jack Pine are both good. All of these are accessible by car or UTV depending on where you're coming from.
8. Fish or Paddle the Corner-Straits Chain
Bass, walleye, pike and perch are all in the lakes. You can fish from the dock or launch a kayak or canoe from shore and explore Skeels, Corner, Straits and Deep Lakes. It's quiet water, no crowds, and the fishing license is easy to pick up at Midway General about a mile up the road.
9. Visit Fayette Historic State Park
A preserved 19th century iron smelting town on the Garden Peninsula, about an hour and a half away. The history is interesting but the setting is what makes it worth the drive, limestone bluffs, a protected harbor and water that's genuinely striking. A good option if you want a change of scenery on a longer day out.
10. Stay Up Late and Look at the Sky
There's no light pollution out here. On a clear night the Milky Way is visible and the UP occasionally delivers northern lights when conditions are right. Bring a blanket, get the fire going and give it an hour after dark.
Hiawatha Snow'd Inn is open spring through fall. Check availability and book direct at hiawathasnowdinn.com.