In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, seclusion isn’t a trend—it’s a terrain. Here, the land leads and the people follow, carving out quiet lives along pine-shadowed lakes, glacial ridgelines, and winding, under-traveled roads. You don’t stumble into places like Champion Township or L’Anse. You choose them. You take the long way and breathe a little deeper when you get there.
Tucked between the Great Lakes and dotted with towns that count their populations in the dozens, the Upper Peninsula is as much an idea as a region—an outpost of self-sufficiency, weathered beauty, and deliberate slowness. The name? It’s simple geography: the Upper Peninsula sits north of the Lower Peninsula and shares more topography with Canada than it does with Detroit. But don’t confuse remote for empty—life here pulses with quiet resolve. Communities like Ontonagon and Copper Harbor don’t need fanfare; their pull is in the wind off the lake and the stillness between pines.
These 10 secluded neighborhoods aren’t on the way to anywhere—they are the destination. Perfect for those craving solitude with a side of snowpack, or summer sunsets that last too long to interrupt.
10. Big Traverse
Big Traverse is a quiet, secluded neighborhood located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. With only a few dozen residents in the immediate area, the population remains minimal, ensuring complete privacy. This neighborhood is ideal for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking along the rugged shoreline.
The primary industries are seasonal tourism and outdoor recreation, with few local businesses catering mainly to residents and visitors.
What makes Big Traverse particularly secluded is its placement away from larger towns, surrounded by dense forests and the vast expanse of water, offering unparalleled tranquility. The community is only accessible via narrow, winding roads that add to its remoteness.
Where is Big Traverse?
Big Traverse is situated in the southern part of the Upper Peninsula, near the town of Manistique in Schoolcraft County. The neighborhood is isolated, with the only direct access being through a small network of country roads. It sits along Lake Michigan, surrounded by forests and water, making it a true hidden gem.
Travelers can reach Big Traverse by taking U.S. Highway 2 west from Manistique and then veering off on local roads to reach this peaceful enclave.
9. Ontonagon, Michigan
Ontonagon is a quiet, secluded village located on the western shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Surrounded by dense pine forests and close to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon offers an exclusive and serene environment for those seeking seclusion.
The village has a small, year-round population, but this number increases during the summer months when seasonal residents and tourists arrive.
Ontonagon offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby wilderness areas. The main industries are tourism, outdoor recreation, and real estate, with many homes being private, vacation properties.
The seclusion of Ontonagon is due to its remote location and proximity to the wilderness, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The village’s limited commercial development and its natural surroundings contribute to its serene environment.
Where is Ontonagon?
Ontonagon is located on the western shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The village is accessible by local roads, making it a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The community is secluded because of its remote location and limited accessibility, which preserves its tranquility and charm. Visitors can reach Ontonagon by driving through the scenic landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, enjoying the journey to this serene lakeside village.
8. L’Anse’s Lakefront Getaways
The town of L’Anse, with a population of approximately 2,000 residents, is a peaceful location near the western shores of Lake Superior. This small town is known for its serene lakefront views and secluded cottages.
Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and snowmobiling are common here, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The primary industries in the area include tourism and small-scale farming, with a focus on sustainable, rural living.
The surrounding land is full of dense forests and untouched shorelines, offering a sense of privacy and quiet away from the larger urban areas. Residents enjoy both the beauty of the lake and the tranquility of a relatively isolated setting.
Where is L’Anse?
L’Anse is located in Baraga County, along the western edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the shore of Lake Superior. The town itself is easily accessed by traveling along US-41, but the surrounding neighborhoods are hidden within forests and along the lake’s quieter parts.
The remote location of L’Anse means that most of the area is peaceful, with few developments and limited road access to more private residences. Traveling to this area requires winding through rural roads and scenic paths, ensuring an intimate connection with nature.
7. Champion Township’s Backwoods Retreats
Champion Township, located in the heart of Marquette County, is home to around 600 people who enjoy life far removed from busy cities. This township offers vast forests, rolling hills, and peaceful creeks, providing ideal conditions for those looking for a retreat in the woods.
Activities like hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing are common in the area, making it a prime location for those who love the outdoors. The township’s economy is largely based on small local businesses, agriculture, and recreation, though the seclusion of the area is what truly sets it apart.
There are very few paved roads and even fewer commercial developments, ensuring an intimate and secluded lifestyle. The tranquility of Champion Township is enhanced by its lack of major infrastructure and the dense woodlands surrounding every home.
Where is Champion Township?
Champion Township is located centrally in the Upper Peninsula, just southwest of the city of Marquette. Access to the area is possible via M-95, though most of the secluded properties are nestled within the forests and can only be reached by winding rural roads.
Its remote setting means that residents experience a quiet, almost untouched atmosphere, with few disturbances from outside visitors. Champion Township is perfect for anyone looking to escape into the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
6. Cedarville’s Hidden Coastal Haven
Cedarville, a small village with a population of about 1,000, is situated on the eastern edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is known for its peaceful surroundings and proximity to the Les Cheneaux Islands, a series of small islands in Lake Huron.
While the area draws visitors during the summer months for boating, fishing, and exploring the islands, it remains quiet and secluded for the rest of the year. Cedarville’s economy is primarily based on tourism, but its small size and hidden location give it an isolated charm.
Residents enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by the beauty of the Great Lakes and dense forests. The village offers a serene environment with a focus on outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.
Where is Cedarville’s Hidden Coastal Haven?
Cedarville is located in Mackinac County, on the eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula, near the St. Ignace area. It’s easily accessible via M-134, which leads travelers along the shoreline to the village and beyond to the islands.
However, the properties near Cedarville are tucked away on quieter, less-traveled roads, offering privacy and peace. These secluded properties are nestled among the forests and along the coast, ensuring that visitors experience a tranquil escape from the more tourist-heavy areas.
5. Bark River’s Tranquil Vistas
Bark River, with a population of just under 2,000, is a rural community located in the central part of the Upper Peninsula. It is known for its quiet countryside, expansive farmland, and natural beauty, offering a relaxed pace of life for its residents. The area is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling in winter.
With an economy focused on agriculture and tourism, Bark River is a quiet haven for those seeking a rural lifestyle. The landscape is dotted with hidden valleys, peaceful rivers, and dense forests, making it the perfect location for those wanting seclusion without isolation.
The absence of large-scale developments or commercial traffic makes it an ideal place for those who crave privacy.
Where is Bark River?
Bark River is located in Delta County, about 15 miles north of Escanaba, and is accessible via US-2 and M-35. Despite being a short distance from urban centers, it is nestled in the hills and woodlands, providing a sense of seclusion.
To get to the more remote homes, travelers must navigate smaller, less-traveled roads, ensuring privacy and peace. The area’s isolation and beauty make it a serene choice for those seeking refuge from busy city life.
4. Shelter Bay’s Coastal Seclusion
Shelter Bay offers secluded homes along the scenic shoreline of Lake Superior, characterized by large properties and minimal development. The area is perfect for those who appreciate coastal living without the crowds. With a small population, residents enjoy peaceful surroundings and stunning lake views.
Activities include beachcombing, kayaking, and watching the northern lights on clear nights. Shelter Bay’s coastal seclusion provides a serene retreat for those seeking privacy by the water.
Where is Shelter Bay?
Shelter Bay is located in Alger County, along the southern shore of Lake Superior. It’s accessible via M-28, just east of Deerton and west of Munising. The area is known for its rugged coastline and proximity to the Hiawatha National Forest.
To reach Shelter Bay, travelers follow M-28 to Shelter Bay Road, which leads toward the lake. The absence of major commercial development and its natural barriers contribute to the area’s tranquil and secluded nature.
3. Lake Gogebic’s Remote Retreats
Lake Gogebic, situated in the western part of the Upper Peninsula, is Michigan’s largest inland lake and offers an ideal location for secluded living. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with just under 1,000 residents in nearby towns.
Known for its fishing, boating, and snowmobiling in the winter, this area offers year-round outdoor activities. The economy is centered around tourism and recreation, but the quiet, expansive wilderness surrounding the lake ensures that it remains an ideal retreat.
With large, private properties and little commercial development, it is perfect for those seeking privacy on the water. The beauty of the lake and its quiet shoreline make it a hidden gem for those who want to escape.
Where is Lake Gogebic’s Remote Retreats?
Lake Gogebic is located in Gogebic County, along the western edge of the Upper Peninsula. It is accessible via US-2 or M-64, which leads to smaller, more remote communities.
The area around the lake is rugged and sparsely developed, offering a secluded retreat far from the bustling towns of the region. Traveling to the area typically involves following scenic roads through forests, ensuring an uninterrupted journey to complete isolation.
2. Watersmeet, Michigan
Watersmeet is a secluded, picturesque community located in the heart of the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Known for its abundant lakes and streams, Watersmeet offers an exclusive and serene environment for those seeking seclusion. The town has a small, year-round population, but this number increases during the summer months when seasonal residents and tourists arrive.
Watersmeet offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking, with scenic views of the forested landscape. The main industries are tourism, outdoor recreation, and real estate, with many homes being private, vacation properties.
The seclusion of Watersmeet is due to its remote location within the national forest, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The town’s limited commercial development and its natural surroundings contribute to its serene environment.
Where is Watersmeet?
Watersmeet is located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The town is accessible by local roads, making it a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The community is secluded because of its forested location and limited accessibility, which preserves its tranquility and charm. Visitors can reach Watersmeet by driving through the scenic landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, enjoying the journey to this serene forest town.
1. Copper Harbor’s Hidden Haven
Copper Harbor, located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, is a small community with a population of just under 100 residents. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and snowshoeing in the winter.
The area’s economy is primarily tourism-based, with visitors flocking to the stunning views of Lake Superior and the picturesque surroundings. Despite its popularity in the summer months, Copper Harbor remains one of the most secluded towns in the region, largely untouched by large-scale development.
Thick forests, rugged cliffs, and the vast waters of Lake Superior provide a perfect backdrop for those seeking privacy and tranquility. The remoteness of the area, coupled with its scenic beauty, makes it an ideal place to disconnect from the world.
Where is Copper Harbor’s Hidden Haven?
Copper Harbor is located at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, accessible via M-26 from the south. The town is separated from larger urban areas by dense forests and miles of rugged, undeveloped shoreline. Its location on the edge of the peninsula, coupled with limited access roads, ensures its isolation.
Visitors seeking to enjoy Copper Harbor’s peaceful retreat must travel along winding, rural routes that lead them deep into the wilderness, where the serenity and seclusion are unmatched.
