Northern Region

Michigan's Northern Region consists of its Upper and Lower peninsulas. Its northern edge is a coastline of Lake Superior, a rock-, dune- and lighthouse-studded magnet for visitors. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the northeastern shore consists of colorful cliffs. Kayaking is a natural sport for viewing rock formations here as well as Rainbow Cave. The Great Sable Dunes to the east are a result of the lake's wave action.

The Au Sable Light Station, dating to 1874, can be reached via the Lakeshore Trail. Copper Harbor, on the Keweenaw peninsula, was once a busy mining port. A lofty bridge is a link between the towns of Houghton and Hancock. Visitors can ride a tram into an old copper mine in Hancock. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness St. Park is Michigan's largest.

The Lower Peninsula is a winter-sports haven, attracting downhill and cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders. Several resort communities, from Petoskey to Traverse City to Manistee, accommodate visitors. To the east, Cadillac is a snowmobiler hub in an area of second-growth pine and hardwood trees. North of Grayling, Hartwick Pines State Park is home to a stand of original growth pines; inviting trails wind through them.

Near Alpena is the 113-foot New Presque Isle Lighthouse, which overlooks Lake Huron. Oscoda, to the south, stages Paul Bunyan Days in September. The Lumberman's Monument lies 15 miles west.