Filmmakers over the years have been attracted to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula because of its diverse landscapes, small towns, and historic locations. This unique driving tour connects five destinations and their cinematic history. From romance to murder, this five-hour driving tour – plus a ferry ride – will help you discover the scenes, settings, and landmarks of Hollywood films. And when you watch the films – Somewhere in Time, Escanaba in the Moonlight, Anatomy of a Murder – you might already recognize a place or two.
Distance: 267 Miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 57 minutes
Stop #1: Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island provides the idyllic backdrop for the time-traveling romance between playwright Richard and stage actress Elise, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The film Somewhere in Time (1980) is etched into cinematic history. Much of the movie is filmed at the Grand Hotel, but there are other locations around the island that can be visited: the tree where the two lovers meet for the first time in 1912 and the gazebo, which is located now near Fort Mackinac and tucked in the woods among the trails. The movie runs almost continuously at the theatre at Mission Point Resort, where other scenes were filmed. There is a plaque commemorating the seat in which Reeves sat for a particularly poignant moment in the film.
So, what is the best way to see them all? Once you reach the island – take the ferry from St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula side as it’s less busy and will help you– turn left and follow the main street out of town. Go past the public school a little ways and you’ll come across the infamous tree. Next, you may need to backtrack a little bit to walk across Woodfill Park to Cadotte Avenue, the road that leads straight past the Grand Hotel. To visit the Grand, there is a small entrance fee. It’s worth walking the longest porch in the world, taking in the view, and also wander around admiring the general grandeur of the parlor. After taking it all in, walk back down the road toward town, walk through town and all the way to Mission Point Resort. Visit the theatre and take in the film if you have time. From the theatre, walk back toward town up Wendell Street, then Truscott Street, then Huron Road, which will take you Anne’s Tablet Trail and the gazebo. Take the stairs back down to Marquette Park, which ends close to the downtown area.
Stop #2: Escanaba
Drive two and a half hours to the next movie destination. Michigan native Jeff Daniels directed and starred in Escanaba in the Moonlight, a comedy about deer camp traditions. It started out as a play he wrote for the Purple Rose Theatre, Chelsea, Michigan (near Ann Arbor). It’s a mix of humor, relationship building with family, and of course, tall tales only hunters know how to tell. It made sense to take production to the Upper Peninsula to the town itself to make the movie. Some of the filming locations worth visiting include Rosy’s Diner on Ludington Street (the perfect spot for breakfast), Dobber’s Pasties on Lincoln Road (stop for lunch or dinner), and the Swallow Inn.
Since you’re in town, it’s also worth visiting one of the beaches, poking your head in the shops, and seeing Sand Point Lighthouse. Then, start driving 90 minutes north to the next location on the list.
Stop #3: Ishpeming
Known as the “birthplace of organized American skiing,” Ishpeming was founded in 1873 thanks to the discovery of iron ore. However, the region was also the homeland of several indigenous peoples, from which Ishpeming, “above” or “on high” in Ojibwe, got its name. Both histories and cultures are honored throughout the town.
Why are we in this UP town? It was one of the filming locations of Anatomy of a Murder (1959), a legal drama starring Jimmy Stewart. Again, the inspiration for the film started with a book, which was written by a man who lived and worked in Ishpeming, Michigan Supreme Court Justics John D. Voelker. The story follows a murder case in which Voelker himself was the defense attorney. He changed names of people and places, but the core of the story is based on facts of the case.
Hollywood made the decision to bring production to the true locations rather than use a soundstage. In Ishpeming, the movie was filmed at the home of Voelker, which was used as the home and office of his character in the film, the Ispheming Public Library on Main Street (the law library) and the Ishpeming Railroad Depot. Downtown, the Butler Theatre was one of the venues for the world premiere of the movie.
Stop #4: Marquette
Not too far away is the bustling city of Marquette. This walking tour of Marquette will take you to all the major sites, but we’re interested in film history. For Anatomy of a Murder, the most utilized and most impressive location that got a lot of screen time is the Marquette County Courthouse on Baraga Avenue. This 1904 building stands three stories, with a central dome (topped by copper). It features beautiful tile work, classic marble, and other classical design features. This is where the case was tried in 1952, then utilized during the filming in 1959. The courthouse was already famous, however, as it was the site of a libel case between President Theodore Roosevelt against the Ishpeming newspaper publisher. The general public is welcome to visit during standard business hours.
Stop #5: Big Bay
Drive 20 miles up to Big Bay to visit Lumberjack Tavern, where the real-life murder took place all those decades ago. It’s still a working establishment and has plenty of movie memorabilia around. It feels like being in a big cabin. But the filming actually took place at Thunder Bay Inn. The restaurant there was built by Hollywood to depict the bar set. Now, it’s popular watering hole.
Historically, Thunder Bay Inn has been around since 1909 and was a company store for logging companies. Henry Ford was so impressed that he bought it and transformed it into an inn during World War II. Take the time to explore this quaint town and the area’s natural beauty. Hikers will enjoy the Thomas Tock Scenic Overlook (ADA-accessible) and the Big Bay Pathway, with various loops. Go down to the Burns Landing Historic Park for a swim in Lake Superior and to see the historic log structure, Burns Cabin – one of the first buildings in the township.
Worth Mentioning: Lower Peninsula Destination
The top destination is certainly the city of Detroit. It’s been used for some major films including Detroit – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 8 Mile, Transformers, and Gran Torino.