The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is almost 90 percent forested. With 1,700 miles of shoreline on several of the Great Lakes, there are plentiful opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation to visitors. The U.P. is also known for the number of birds living in the area; many areas are designated Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy.
In addition to the outdoor activities, visitors come to the U.P. to visit the mines, lighthouses, museums and the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. The U. P. is also home a several casinos, which draw thousands of visitors each year.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.P, and perhaps all of Michigan, is Mackinac Island. Almost 80 percent of the island is preserved as part of the Mackinac Island State Park, and visitors are drawn to the island for its history and slower pace of life. Most motorized vehicles are banned from the island, which is located in Lake Huron.
