Best Places to Take Mom for a Hike and a Meal in the U.P.!
Moms are the best. This Mother’s Day give mom the gift of time spent with you! Fortunately, we live in an area where a lot of people want to vacation so you can choose a beautiful hike, followed by a wonderful meal to cap off the day. Here are our 3 favorite hikes and 3 favorites restaurants close to our store locations.
Houghton Area - Hike Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy - 6.4 miles round trip
Rising 730 feet above Lake Superior in northern Keweenaw County near Eagle Harbor and Lake Bailey, this hike offers a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Superior and the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula. Mom will certainly work up an appetite and the short drive to Fitzgerald’s in Eagle River will be sure to please. Overlooking Lake Superior, enjoy an excellent meal while you watch ore boats cruise by or the sun set across the big lake. Their specialized menu featuring hand cut steaks, fresh local fish, vegetarian entrees and an extensive wine list is a sure way to make moms special day!
Marquette Area - Wetmore Pond Hike - .8 miles round trip
Take mom on a short adventure as you hike on a trail through old-growth forest and around rugged rock outcroppings to a pristine bog habitat at Wetmore Pond. The pond is located on 480 acres of Mead Paper Company land which borders a 2,500 acre tract of Escanaba River State Forest. The trail is rough and uneven, but the viewing opportunities of Hogback Mountain from the bog observation platform are well worth the effort. Our choice for après dining would be the Delf Bistro. An American Bistro in the heart of downtown Marquette, the Delft pays tribute to its history as a local theater, showing movies on the big screen every day.
Munising Area - Chapel Beach Hike Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - 10.4 miles round trip
If your mom is a crusher and is game for a long day this hike is arguably the best day hike in all of Michigan, try the Chapel Loop in Pictured Rocks National and you will not be disappointed. This loop travels high above Lake Superior offering spectacular views of Pictured Rocks and the turquoise waters below. Stop at Chapel beach or Mosquito beach to cool your feet in the chilly water before heading back to the car at the trailhead. After this long day you will want to treat mom to the 4 star dinning at Tracey’s in Munising. Located inside Roam Inn in Munising, Tracey's is a relaxed, casual dining establishment that focuses on a refined presentation of eclectic fare. 5 star dinning where dirty hiking boots are still welcome. By far our favorite restaurant in the U.P!
