You're gonna love it here!
LAND O' LAKES
WISCONSIN
DAY TRIPS
LAND O' LAKES
Because sometimes we need a vacation, from our vacation.
From the Executive Director
I’ve called Northern Wisconsin home for nearly eight years now, and I absolutely love it here. I’ve traveled to nearly every corner of the United States, yet I’ve never found a place quite like Northern Wisconsin. Still, every now and then, the urge to explore kicks in—and that’s when a good day trip comes into play.
The Upper Peninsula is my go-to destination. It’s full of hidden gems, rugged beauty, and a kind of peace you don’t find just anywhere.
Below are some of my favorite day trips. If you have any questions or need suggestions, I’d be happy to help!
-Aron Houdini
#1 Night Sky Viewing
As an astrophotographer, I couldn’t be more fortunate to call the Northwoods of Wisconsin home. The skies here are nearly perfect—dark, clear, and ideal for both night photography and simply soaking in the stars.
These photos were captured in Land O’ Lakes, a place where the night sky truly comes alive.
No matter what time of year you’re visiting Land O’ Lakes, I encourage you to step outside and look up—especially toward the northern sky. The northern lights are often visible here, dancing quietly above the trees.
Even if you don’t see them with the naked eye, try pointing your phone toward the clear northern sky and hold it very still. Sometimes, your camera can pick up light your eyes can’t—so you might just capture a bit of the aurora magic.
While winter offers longer nights and more chances to spot the aurora, don’t count out the summer months—they can surprise you, too.
Try downloading the Aurora App. It can alert you when the Northern Lights are probable.
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#2 Yooperlite Hunting
Yooperlites are unique rocks found primarily along the shores of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly near Lake Superior. Discovered in 2017 by Erik Rintamaki, these rocks are syenite stones rich in fluorescent sodalite, which causes them to emit a vibrant glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. In daylight, Yooperlites appear similar to ordinary gray rocks, but when exposed to UV light, they GLOW in bright orange and yellow hues.
HOW TO FIND YOOPERLITES.
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1. You will need a UV light. These UV Lights can be bought at some locations locally and in the Upper Peninsula. These are filtered UV lights, NOT the lights you purchase in a hardware store.
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2. Plan your trip for night. The Upper Peninsula falls into the Easter Time Zone. In the summer months it often does not get dark enought to hunt the Yooperlites until after 10:30pm ET. So plan for a late night.
3. Oddly enough, there are locations along the coast of Lake Superior that Yooperlites cannot be found. So you need to do your research on where to look. Often they are found with the currents.
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4. Take Bug Spray. Everyone can find Yooperlites if you have the correct UV light, and plan your trip. It is warned that the U.P.'s mosquitoes are vicious close to sunset. So bring bug spray, bug nets and plan accordingly.
My perfect Yooperlite Adventure! Leave Land O' Lakes at approximately 2PM. Central Time. Travel to Ontonagon, MI and visit the Gitche Gumee Rock Shop. (45min drive) This rock shop has some really cool things to see, including the UV lights you need to find Yooperlites. :)
Drive North on HWY 26 to Houghton and have dinner at a nice restaurant. You'll need energy for the walk.
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After dinner, drive back south on HWY 26 to the small, almost non-existent town of Toivola, MI, population 400. I really think it's more like population 20. At this point you want to look for Agate Beach, (Stanton Park) along the north west coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Prepare for the most gorgeous sunset you have ever seen.
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By the time you arrive to Agate Beach Park, it should be nearing 7PM ET. Be sure to bring water, snacks, backpacks, radios (cellphones hardly work), BUG SPRAY, UV lights, and good shoes you don't mind getting wet. You will need to get wet at some point, but just your feet. If you walk south on the beach, for approximately and hour you will be far enough. The farther you walk, the better your chances of finding large stones. Get ready for that sunset. Often we see Northern Lights after dark. Get your lights out and start walking back towards where you parked. Pointing your lights at the ground you're sure to find some Yooperlites. Just BEWARE, pay attention to your surroundings. This is the Upper Peninsula and wildlife is everywhere. We have seen snakes, sturgeon, moose, bear, wolves, coyotes, otter, and even a mountain lion. Stay in groups and work together, you, your friends and your family will not forget this trip.
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When you're finished, usually it's around 1AM ET, and on average we are back home by 2AM CT. When you head back to Land O' Lakes, be sure to collect all your Yooperlites and bring them to me so I can see them. I have a large collection you can see at the Chambers office in Land O' Lakes. I also have UV lights and things you can see so you know what to buy. If you have any questions feel free to call or text me. Or stop by the Chamber of Commerce. We are located directly across from BP in Land O' Lakes, at 4184 US-45, Land O' Lakes, WI. My cell is 715-617-4274. Call or Text, but texting is usually the fastest. ****For an added bonus, on your way back you can stop and see the Paulding Light. The littles will never forget that memory. :)
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – fondly known as "the Porkies" – features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails, and ridges, the park’s incomparable vistas make Michigan’s largest state park a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and more.
You can drive right up the mountain overlooking Lake Superior, drive to the parking lot, and then it's just a short 5-minute walk to the viewing area. There are plenty of souvenir shops along the coast on the way.
When at the top of the porcupine mountain, there is a short boardwalk with plenty of viewing areas. You will love this view!!
#4 Lake Superior
Sometimes, all I need is a simple trip to Lake Superior. I find peace in capturing its beauty through my lens and watching the night sky unfold above it. The Ontonagon area, in particular, offers some of the darkest, clearest skies I’ve ever experienced—perfect for stargazing.
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Lake Superior itself feels healing. In many Native American traditions, especially among the Ojibwe people, it’s considered sacred. They call it Ojibwe Gichigami, meaning “The Great Sea.”
No matter the season, Lake Superior holds an energy you have to experience for yourself to truly understand. I encourage you to go—feel it, see it, and let it move you.
#5 Waterfall Tour
Although it’s number five on my list, it’s certainly not least. Northern Wisconsin is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls on the planet. We’re also incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful neighbor to the north—the Upper Peninsula—where the waterfalls never disappoint.
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Be sure to check out the waterfall section on our website for a curated list of nearby falls. You can also stop by the Chamber of Commerce and pick up a waterfall guide—it’s perfect for planning multiple day trips. The waterfalls in this region feel endless, and they’re so breathtaking, you’ll find it hard to leave once you arrive.
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If you’re lucky enough to visit during peak fall colors, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Bring your camera—you’ll quickly understand why photographers from around the world flock to Northern Wisconsin in autumn
