The Ultimate Family Adventure Road Trip in Northern Wisconsin & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Where to Find Real Adventure, Real Connection, and Real Fun — Your Northwoods and UP Road Trip Itinerary.

If your family is craving an unforgettable adventure that blends thrill, nature, and connection — skip the crowds and head north. The Wildman Adventure Road Trip Loop takes you through one of the best adventure corridors in the Midwest. Start in Door County, head north to Wildman Adventure Resort in northeastern Wisconsin, up to Marquette, and along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — delivering days of whitewater, hiking, beaches, laughs, and adventures that bring people closer together.

It’s the kind of authentically fun trip where everyone, from the little explorers to the adrenaline junkies, gets to push boundaries, connect, and have FUN!

Stop 1: Door County — Peninsulas, Pines, and Perfect Beaches

Kick off your Northwoods road trip by heading to Door County Peninsula, where forested trails meet sandy beaches and old-school charm. This peninsula juts out into Lake Michigan, providing awesome opportunities for hiking, shopping, biking, and exploring natural wonders!

Must-Do Family Adventures:

• Peninsula State Park – Door County’s outdoor gem. Rent bikes and cruise around the park, from beach to bluff. Camp under tall pines or book a cabin for comfort. Check out unbeatable views of Lake Michigan from the top of Eagle Tower.

• Whitefish Dunes State Park – Miles of beach provide the perfect setting for swimming and sandcastle building on Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

• Cave Point County Park – Short hikes along limestone cliffs where waves crash dramatically below. Bring your camera and picnic gear.

Vibe:
Door County blends nature and small-town charm. After a day of biking and exploring, grab cherry pie or ice cream in Fish Creek and enjoy a waterfront sunset.

Stop 2: Wildman Adventure Resort — The Heart of the Trip

Located on the banks of the Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers, Wildman Adventure Resort is your launchpad for everything wild and wonderful. Families love Wildman because it provides a one-stop shop for outdoor adventures, peaceful lodging, and even catered meals.

Why Families Love Wildman Resort:

• 8 authentic adventures that bring groups together… everything from whitewater rafting, ziplining, climbing, kayaking, and paintball.

• Lodging options for every comfort level — from deluxe cabins to glamping to riverside campsites.

• Expert guides who keep you safe while making sure the fun never stops.

• The perfect mix of adventure and comfort — parents have just as much fun as the kids.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We celebrated our boys birthdays here and the staff was amazing with the kids. We had so much fun and they made an amazing experience for each of their birthdays!! Thanks for an unforgettable experience!” — Peter M, Google Review

Pro Tip:
Halfway between Door County and Marquette, Wildman Resort is the perfect basecamp to add some thrill to your road trip! The guides can even help you plan your next legs through northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s U.P.

Leave the planning to us!
Don’t worry about doing it all on your own. Our adventure consultant team is excited to help you plan an amazing trip. We’re here to help you find the right combination of adventures and lodging to create a custom package just for your group. Give us a ring at 715-251-6092 to start planning something unforgettable.

Stop 3: Marquette, Michigan — City Energy Meets UP Soul

Head North from Wildman Resort and cross the border into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Spend a night or two in Marquette, a small city that feels equal parts outdoor hub and creative hideaway.

Why It’s Worth the Drive:

• Hiking Hogsback Mountain – A moderate to challenging family hike with panoramic views over Lake Superior and the surrounding forests.

• Dead River Falls – A short, adventure-packed trail featuring multiple cascading waterfalls (bring water shoes!).

• Lake Superior Waterfront Walk – A scenic, easy stroll from downtown Marquette to Presque Isle Park. Watch the ore boats pass, skip rocks, and enjoy the lake breeze.

• Downtown Marquette – Boutique shops, great local food, and a brewery scene that parents appreciate after a day outdoors.

Stay Here:
Choose a family-friendly downtown hotel or Airbnb. You’ll get hot showers, walkable dining, and the perfect balance between comfort and wilderness.

Or: Lodge at Wildman Adventure Resort, and just head into Marquette for a day trip!

Stop 4: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — The Crown Jewel

Just 45 minutes from Marquette, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising is one of the Midwest’s most breathtaking destinations — a place where rainbow-colored cliffs rise above turquoise waters.

Family Favorites:

• Boat Tours: See the cliffs up close from the water — sunset cruises are unforgettable.

• Kayaking: For older kids and teens, guided kayak trips let you paddle beneath the arches and waterfalls.

• Hiking: Try the short Miners Castle Trail or longer Chapel Loop for jaw-dropping lake views.

• Beaches: Sand Point and Miners Beach are easy to access, great for picnics and cooling off in the refreshingly chilly Lake Superior.

Insider Tip:
Reserve your tour or campground early — this park fills up fast in summer. Bring layers: Lake Superior weather changes quickly!

Your 6-Day Wisconsin to Upper Peninsula Adventure Road Trip Itinerary!

🧭 Plan Your Wild Adventure

Start at Wildman Adventure Resort — the adventure basecamp for your family’s northern Wisconsin road trip.
From there, chart your course through Door County, Marquette, and Pictured Rocks for a journey filled with adrenaline, laughter, and campfire stories that’ll last for years.