There’s one question we hear all the time from guests visiting Island Resort & Casino.
Right after, “Which machine is lucky today?” comes, “What else is there to do around here?”
The answer? A whole lot.
Sure, you can fill a getaway with gaming, dining, live entertainment, Drift Spa, golf and a comfortable room right here at the Island. But step outside the resort doors and you’ll find even more reasons to stay, explore and make the trip your own. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is not just a summer stop or a winter escape. It is a four-season playground packed with trails, waterfalls, color tours, championship golf, fishing, fairs, concerts and those only-in-the-U.P. moments that turn a quick trip into a real memory.
So whether you’re coming to Harris for a concert, a golf weekend, a couple’s getaway, a girls’ trip, a convention, a tournament or a “just because” escape, leave a little extra room in the itinerary. The Island makes a perfect home base for your getaway from your getaway.
Start With What’s Happening at the Island
Before you look too far down the road, check what’s happening right here.
The Island calendar is always changing with concerts, comedy, Club Four One entertainment, poker events, promotions and special weekends. In 2026, guests can look forward to big reasons to plan a stay, including the Great Lakes Summer Showdown from July 31 through August 2, REZ CON 2026 on October 23 and 24, and Bret Michaels live in the Island Showroom on November 13 and 14.
That’s the beauty of staying at the Island. You can spend the day exploring Upper Michigan, then come back for dinner, gaming, a show, a nightcap or a good night’s sleep before doing it all again.
Fall in the U.P.: Color, Crisp Air and One More Reason to Stay
Fall in Upper Michigan does not tiptoe in. It shows off.
Peak fall color typically arrives from mid-September into mid-October, when the woods around the U.P. light up in red, orange and gold. It’s the perfect time to take a scenic drive, walk a quiet trail, squeeze in a late-season round of golf or turn a simple overnight stay into a full fall color getaway.
For hunters, fall also brings some of Michigan’s most anticipated outdoor seasons. The areas surrounding the Island offer access to classic U.P. hunting country, but guests should always check the latest Michigan Department of Natural Resources license requirements, dates and regulations before heading out.
And when the day winds down? Head back to the Island for dinner, drinks, gaming and a warm room waiting for you.
Winter: Snow Trails by Day, Island Fun by Night
When the snow starts falling, the U.P. becomes a different kind of playground.
Snowmobilers have long loved Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for its extensive groomed trail system, scenic routes and winter-ready communities. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can also find peaceful trail options nearby, including Days River Pathway, where all nine miles are groomed for cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Winter days here can be big, bold and cold in the best way. But you don’t have to rough it when the ride is over. After the trails, return to the Island for hot food, your favorite games, live entertainment, a spa visit or just a comfortable place to kick off the boots and relax.
That is how you do winter in Upper Michigan.
Spring: Waterfalls, Fresh Air and a Quieter Kind of Getaway
Spring in the U.P. comes with a little extra roar.
As the snow melts, waterfalls across Upper Michigan come back to life. The Upper Peninsula is home to more than 300 waterfalls, and spring is one of the best times to see them running strong. Some are easy to visit, while others require a hike, so check conditions before you go and plan for changing weather.
Spring is also a great time for travelers who like a quieter pace. You can explore the outdoors during the day, then enjoy the comfort of the resort at night. Book a spa appointment. Try a new restaurant. Catch an event. Play a little. Rest a lot.
Sometimes the best getaway is the one that lets you do exactly what you feel like doing.
Summer: Golf, Fishing, Fair Week and Big U.P. Energy
Summer is when Upper Michigan really opens up.
At the Island, golf is one of the biggest reasons guests plan a stay. Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Club give players two award-winning championship golf experiences, and Sweetgrass is also home to the Island Resort Championship, which brings rising professional women’s golf talent to Harris each year.
Fishing is another U.P. favorite, especially on the Bays de Noc, where anglers can find wide-open freshwater and a variety of sport fishing opportunities. Whether you’re heading out on the water, relaxing near the shore or planning a full fishing weekend, the Island puts you close to some of the region’s best outdoor traditions.
Late summer also brings one of the area’s biggest annual events: the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. In 2026, the fair runs August 17 through 23, giving visitors another great reason to plan a summer stay at the Island. Spend the day enjoying fair food, rides, animals, grandstand entertainment and U.P. tradition, then come back to Harris for the rest of your night.
Build Your Own Island Getaway
The best part about an Upper Peninsula getaway is that no two trips have to look the same.
You can make it a golf trip. A spa weekend. A concert getaway. A snowmobile stop. A fall color tour. A fishing trip. A food-and-fun weekend. A casino escape with a little outdoor adventure mixed in. Or all of the above.
Start with a room at Island Resort & Casino, then build the trip around what sounds good to you. Check the entertainment calendar, explore golf packages, make dining plans, book time at Drift Spa and see what’s happening across Upper Michigan while you’re here.
Because around here, the fun does not stop at the casino floor.
It starts at the Island and stretches across the U.P.
FAQ
What is there to do near Island Resort & Casino besides the casino?
Guests can enjoy championship golf, live entertainment, dining, spa services, nearby fishing, fall color routes, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, waterfalls, local events and seasonal Upper Peninsula attractions.
Is Island Resort & Casino a good home base for exploring the Upper Peninsula?
Yes. Island Resort & Casino is located in Harris, Michigan, making it a convenient home base for guests who want resort amenities while also exploring nearby Upper Peninsula outdoor recreation, events and attractions.
What is the best season to visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
Every season offers something different. Fall is popular for color tours, winter for snowmobiling and skiing, spring for waterfalls, and summer for golf, fishing, fairs and outdoor adventures.
Where can I find current events at Island Resort & Casino?
The best place to find current concerts, comedy shows, gaming events, poker tournaments, promotions and special events is the Island Resort & Casino events calendar.
Stay up to date with special promotions and events.