As Valentine's Day approaches, we've made a list of 10 places in Northern Michigan that really stand out as great places to propose. From a vineyard to a grandiose front porch, many places fit the bill for a perfect proposal.
It was a cool March day in the Upper Peninsula when Doug Maves and Ashley West--his girlfriend of four years--headed to the lookout at Mount Marquette. The snow hadn't completely melted from the long winter but the air was beginning to hint at the upcoming spring.
After they got out of his truck and walked up to the lookout, Maves surprised West with pink and yellow roses, got down on one knee and immediately popped the question. She of course, said yes.
The location was perfect for them, Audrey (now Maves) says.
"The spot on Mount Marquette was private, which was good for us," she says.
Privacy is one reason why Mount Marquette made our list. There are many other picturesque places in Marquette with stunning views, but they often draw hikers any given day of the week. Plus, the views from Mount Marquette are some of the best in the area.
"You can see all of Marquette from the top," Maves says. "We've gone back a couple times and in the fall the colors are gorgeous."
One could argue that there is no bad place to propose in Northern Michigan. With beauty around every corner, plentiful waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, there are endless options for places to propose in the area.
We've gathered up a list of our top 10 places to pop the question in Northern Michigan. While this list is by no means meant to be limiting, it may give you a start if you're starting to plan the perfect proposal in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan.
1. Upper Falls of Tahquamenon Falls: Proposing at one of the biggest waterfalls east of the Mississippi is sure to be memorable. Dropping almost 50 feet, you can propose as 50,000 gallons of water per second rush by. The sound of the falls might even cover the sound of your heart racing. Since the falls don't shut down for the winter, this spot can be used any time of the year. Afterward, you can celebrate at the
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub in Newberry.
2. Atop the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse: For a nautical proposal try the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, north of Alpena. Dating back to 1840, guests are welcome to climb to the top which offers stunning views of Lake Huron and the harbor. This location can be used May to October.
3. Mount Marquette in the Fall: While summer and spring work for this location near Marquette, Mount Marquette is at its peak during the fall. Drive up to the overlook or hike up and pop the question overlooking a myriad of colors splashed over the U.P. skyline. From here you can also catch views of other notable area landmarks including Sugarloaf. If you do traverse Mount Marquette during the winter, be sure to bring a pair of snowshoes. At the summit you'll find peace, tranquility, and on most days, privacy as well.
4. Willow Vineyards in Suttons Bay: If you and your partner share a love of wine, Willow Vineyards in Suttons Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for the perfect fairytale proposal. Here you can walk amongst the vineyard while enjoying views of West Traverse Bay. Following your proposal you can pop into their tasting room and toast to your engagement with wine made right on site. With exquisite colors during the fall, this location is also great for spring and summer proposals.
5. Miners Castle at Pictured Rocks: There is a reason why Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is considered one of the most majestic, beautiful and photographed scenes in the area. Hop in the car and head out on Alger County Road H-58 then go five more miles north on Miners Castle Road and you'll find the path you'll need to take. Get down on one knee with a backdrop of the lake and Grand Island--it can't get much more spectacular than that.
6. Presque Isle Lookout Platform: Presque Isle, located in Marquette, boasts some of the most beautiful scenes in the area. Once you head into the park you will find the Lookout Platform which offers views of the lake that will make you think you are looking out over cascading rocky cliffs in California. The deep green and blue water beneath will create a natural melody as it crashes ashore. Beautiful any time of year, you can even snowshoe to this proposal location during the winter.
7. Castle Farms in Charlevoix: As a place that is often the site of fairy tale weddings, you can't go wrong at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. Meander amongst cobblestone courtyards, stroll through lush gardens, and enjoy the beauty of a butterfly lightly landing on a brightly-colored flower with a 1918 castle-like building posing in the background. Something you would expect to see in France, the Castle Farms are open all year, though spring and summer are some of the more gorgeous times of year here.
8. Front Porch of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island: Nostalgia for days of rocking on the front porch with a glass of ice-cold lemonade (as your father might say, when times were simpler) leads us to the landmark front porch of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. You can even prelude your proposal with a carriage ride on the island then pop the question on the charming porch overlooking Lake Huron. Boasting the world's largest front porch, the hotel has plenty of unique rooms you can book including the Hollywood Suite, the Royal Suite, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Suite.
9. South Manitou Island at Sleeping Bear Dunes: Holding the title of the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of the most unique and gorgeous places for a proposal as their formations are a product of the Ice Age. Located west of Leland in Lake Michigan, the island is the site of weathered farm buildings, beautiful lookouts, and a mid-1800's lighthouse. To get to this island you will need to reserve a spot on the Manitou Island Transit ferry. Accompany your proposal with a picnic lunch overlooking the lake.
10. Mt. Franklin on Isle Royale National Park: If you enjoy hiking and want to propose more than 1,000 feet up, then Mt. Franklin on Isle Royale is the place for you. The hike is definitely worth it and ends at a beautiful overlook on the Greenstone Ridge. With astonishing views in the distance including the north shore of the island, allow your partner to take in the views for a few seconds, then pop the question. You'll have to take a ferry from Copper Harbor to get to the park, which is not accessible to visitors during the winter. Plan to stay a few days and either go camping or stay at the
Rock Harbor Lodge to get the best experience on the island.
Do you have a unique proposal location or story in Northern Michigan? Let us know below!
Julia Woehrer is a freelance writer, photographer and assistant marketing manager. She attended the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University where she concentrated in photography and minored in journalism. She volunteers at a local no-kill cat shelter and enjoys spending time with her cats, Bella and Macy.
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