Michigan's Charming Mountainous Upper Peninsula Community Has Relaxed Vibes And A Pristine Lake

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is known for its Great Lakes shorelines and scenic forests. Travelers can visit gems like this unique and scenic waterfall inside a state park or this lovely coastal city with the state's prettiest fall foliage. In the northwestern part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll find the mountainous community of Bergland, with its supremely relaxed vibes and prime position on beautiful Lake Gogebic, the Upper Peninsula's biggest inland lake.

A tiny town with a population of only a few hundred people, Bergland is located in Michigan's Ontonagon County. It's about a half-hour drive from Ontonagon, a village with a storybook lighthouse, and about a two-hour drive from Marquette, the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. The closest international airports are in Duluth, Minnesota (151 miles away) and Green Bay, Wisconsin (209 miles away). Looking for a cozy place to stay in Bergland? You'll find two lovely resorts on the shores of scenic Lake Gogebic: the rustic AJ's Lodge and Oven (which has its very own wood-fired oven pizzeria) and the Timbers Resort, consisting of several simple lakeside fishing cottages. There's also the Lake Gogebic Motel, which has budget-friendly rooms, along with a smattering of vacation rentals.

Bergland's top attraction is enormous Lake Gogebic, which spans over 13,000 acres. This dazzling lake offers scenic trails and fishing spots. In the summer months, water sports and boating are popular on the sparkling lake, while ice fishing pretty much takes over in the winter. The surrounding area is hilly and forested, with plenty of trails to delight hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. In the fall and winter months, you can sometimes even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights while partaking in these outdoor activities. 

Just north of Bergland, the Trap Hills are part of the Ottawa National Forest. They are known for their scenic viewpoints, wildlife like Eastern timber wolves and peregrine falcons, and rare plants such as fairy bells and Braun's holly fern. While this is a rugged wilderness with some pretty challenging hiking routes, experienced hikers say the fantastic views of waterfalls, cliffs, and old mines made it all worth it. "The views from the trail were worth every bit of struggle it took to get there," writes one Google reviewer. Another reviewer called the area "the best-kept secret in the Upper Peninsula."

Another area to explore is Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, only a 20-minute drive north of Bergland on the shores of Lake Superior. Within the 60,000 acres of Michigan's largest state park, you'll find a majestic old-growth forest, more stunning waterfalls, rivers, summits, and ridgelines, as well as hiking trails galore. 

Despite its tiny size, Bergland has everything you need to feel right at home: a small downtown with churches, a few restaurants, a small store, and a park. On the shores of Lake Gogebic, Bergland Township Park offers camping areas, a playground, and a boat ramp. The park is a popular spot to picnic in the warmer months.

Wondering where you can quench your thirst? Head to the Hoop and Hollar Tavern, where you can enjoy a few drinks and try their popular chicken wings. In the winter months, there's often a bonfire outside to keep snowmobilers warm. 

Bergland's eateries generally serve hearty food in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Bergland Bay Bar is locally famous for its Italian beef sandwiches and juicy burgers, as well as its cheap beer. One TripAdvisor reviewer says it serves the "best Italian beef in the whole U.P."  Trail Side Bar and Grill is another local venue serving stick-to-your-ribs dishes like burgers and cheese curds. Antonio's Restaurant & Pizzeria serves fried fish and pizza alongside classic Michigan pasties (handheld meat pies). Last but not least, AJ's Oven (the restaurant at AJ's Lodge, which was mentioned earlier) serves wood-fired pizzas and hearty sandwiches and boasts a stunning view of Lake Gogebic.