Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Have some fun in the Upper Peninsula this Winter

2009-10-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

More snow means more fun, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gets more than anyplace else around. That makes winter playtime in this 5-Star Wilderness®.

Most Upper Peninsula ski resorts are open by Thanksgiving, with modern snowmaking equipment lending a helping hand to Mother Nature’s abundant supply. Annual snowfall averages from 60 to 200 inches — plenty of snow for your favorite winter sport.

Downhill skiers will find 13 ski resorts with a total of more than 200 runs. The slopes provide vertical drops of over 600 feet with some runs more than a mile long. Resorts are full-service, with ski lessons, NASTAR racing, rental equipment and dining. Some offer cross-country skiing and connect to snowmobile trails. Accommodations at the resorts include chalets, lodges, and condos. Or if you prefer, you can stay at nearby motels or bed and breakfast inns.

Every city, town and community has its cross-country trail groomed and ready. Many are mapped, marked, and graded according to skills. Trails lead through forests, beside lakes and across meadows, many with rest stops along the way.

Snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula is as good as it gets. Maybe even better. Year after year, SnowGoer Magazine rates Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as America’s best overall snowmobiling area.

Snowmobilers will find full-throttle excitement with 3,000 miles of marked and groomed trails stretching like snow highways through magnificent forests and over frozen lakes and streams. Activities include races, derbies, and festivals. Rental machines are available in many areas. It’s also easy to connect to extended trails across bordering states and Ontario.

Snowshoeing can be a leisurely stroll through the forest or a race against time. You can also drop by the factory and watch snowshoes being made.

Fishermen need not give up their sport in winter. Simply drag your shanty across the frozen lakes, dig a hole in the ice, and start fishing. Communities of fish shacks spring up on lakes and harbors, providing a colorful addition to the scenery.

Winter festivals include races in every sport, annual ski jumps, and occasional ski flying competitions.

Some visitors consider the Upper Peninsula's luge run as the ultimate in thrills. Others are happy to sit in a rustic lodge beside a roaring fire.

Whatever your idea of winter fun, you’re sure to find it in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Your vacations dollars go far. But you don’t have to.
For more information, call (800) 562-7134 or visit http://www.uptravel.com/.

New Upper Peninsula Website

2009-09-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's here! Please visit uptravel.com and take a look at our new website. It has easier navigation and a trip planner to help you gather all of the information you need for your next trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Is the Upper Peninsula in your Summer Plans?

2009-07-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

There are so many things to see and do in the Upper Peninsula that cost little or no money, making it a great choice for a getaway. With shoreline on three of the Great Lakes, water recreation is a favorite. If you're not one for getting into the water, it also makes a beautiful backdrop for a drive along the coastline. And lighthouse fans can find more than 40 along the shores.

Please visit our website to learn more about the attractions of the Upper Peninsula. When you are ready to plan your visit, the Upper Peninsula Travel Guide is also online. Prefer to talk directly with someone in the know? Just call the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association at800-562-7134, and they will be happy to help you out.

So Much to Do!

2009-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many things to do in the Upper Peninsula this summer, that I can't possibly include them all here.

You'll have to check it out for yourself.

Photo: Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.

Follow us on Twitter

2009-06-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

You can find us here: http://twitter.com/UPTravel

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a nice weekend to visit the UP. Check the weekend weather reports here: Iron Mt , Keweenaw Peninsula, and St. Ignace.

Be sure to bring your fishing poles. Bass season is open!

There's plenty of fun to be had in the Upper Peninsula

2009-04-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Just click here to learn about the beauty that spring brings to the Upper Peninsula. And if you're looking for some extra fun while you're visiting, our Calendar of Events listings are a good place to start planning.

For everything you might possibly want to know about the Upper Peninsula, take a look at our Travel Planner. It's fully interactive and filled with great vacation ideas.

We hope to see you soon!

Do you snowmobile? Ski? Then come to the Upper Peninsula!

2009-02-09T10:07:00.001-08:00

There may have been some melting over the weekend downstate, but the trails up north are still in great condition, and the slopes have plenty of base. Don't wait! Winter will soon be behind us, so make the most of what we have now. Visit the website of the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association for updates on the latest ski and snowmobile conditions.

Six More Weeks

2009-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

The groundhog saw his shadow today, and you know what that means. Six more weeks of fabulous skiing and snowmobiling! Trails are groomed and in terrific condition. Just check our snow reports for the latest updates.

Become a fan!

2008-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Upper Peninsula now has a Facebook page. Become a fan and see what others have to say about the area, and see some of their stunning photography.

Fall color -- NOW!

2008-09-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Upper Peninsula is turning gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow. Check the website for driving routes and color updates. This would be a perfect weekend to travel up north.

A Slate Full of County Fairs Makes Michigan’s Upper Peninsula an August Vacation Favorite.

2008-07-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Many people consider August the best time of year to visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Warm, sunny days and cool nights make this 5-Star Wilderness all the more inviting.

August is also county fair month in the Upper Peninsula. No matter where you go, chances are there will be a county fair close by with plenty of fun-filled activities for everyone in the family. Best of all, our county fairs are all surrounded by incredible natural beauty and shoreline on three Great Lakes. It adds up to a vacation destination like no other.

Be sure to visit at least one of these American classics while you’re here:

Alger County Fair – August 1-3, 2008 - Chatham

Baraga County Fair – August 8-10, 2008 - Pelkie

Chippewa County Fair – August 24-Sept 1, 2008 - Kinross

Dickinson County Fair – August 27-Sept 1, 2008 - Norway

Gogebic County Fair – August 7-10, 2008 - Ironwood

Houghton County Fair – August 21-24, 2008 - Hancock

Iron County Fair – August 14-16, 2008 - Iron River

Luce West Mackinac County Fair – August 20-24, 2008 - Newberry

Marquette County Fair – August 7-10, 2008 - Marquette

Schoolcraft County Fair – July 31-August 2, 2008 - Manistique

Upper Peninsula State Fair – August 10-17, 2008 - Escanaba

June Is Here And The Fun Is Heating Up In The Upper Peninsula

2008-06-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

The sun is out, the three Great Lakes that surround the U.P. are sparkling blue, and there are more things going on than you can shake a fish finger at.

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival takes place from June 6-15. It started more than 50 years ago as a way to bring people to the island to enjoy a horse-drawn parade and the fragrance of the lilacs. Since then it’s blossomed into a 10-day festival featuring everything from wine tasting to sunset cruises; from nature walks to concerts; from parades to comedy shows. Well, you get the idea. This is one terrific time to hop a ferry and come on over.

One of my all-time favorites kicks off on June 12 and winds down on June 14. That’s the Seafood Fest in Houghton. At this mouthwatering festival held on Houghton's waterfront, you’ll find an array of seafood delights including clam chowder, mussels, fish and chips, snow crab clusters, Atlantic salmon and even whole lobster.

In the Upper Peninsula., it’s one good thing after another. So the day after Seafood Fest starts, Bridgefest begins. Or to say it another way, Bridgefest goes from June 13-15. Bridgefest was organized to celebrate the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which provides a vital link between Houghton and Hancock, as well as the Keweenaw Peninsula. The celebration includes shows, concerts, contests, boat tours, sporting events, and the annual Bridgefest parade and fireworks display.

St. Ignace is the place to be for the Antiques on the Bay Vintage and Antique Car Show on June 20 and 21. The show features all original vehicles, with 1983 models being the newest ones shown. Convertibles will be highlighted this year in an "Endless Summer” theme.

Great fun really takes wing on June 20-22 during the 8th Annual Splash-in on Grand Marais Bay. Sea planes from all over the US and Canada are invited to attend with arrivals on Friday, activities and competitions throughout the day on Saturday and departures on Sunday morning. Here’s your chance to get a close-up look at sea planes, talk with pilots, and enjoy a beautiful day on the beach. Bring lots of suntan lotion and plan to spend Saturday with us.

St. Ignace shifts into gear again from June 26-28 for the St. Ignace Car Show. In each of the past few years, there have been around 2,500 collector vehicles on display with 100,000 spectators observing. The single main street in St. Ignace doesn’t have a traffic signal and to be there on “Car Show Weekend” is a sight to behold.

You’ll feel on top of the world at the International Bridge Walk from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on June 28. Without a doubt, this is one of the most picturesque 2.8-mile walks anywhere with its incredible vistas of the Soo Locks canals. The event begins at the Lake Superior State University where you’ll be treated to musical performances. As you enter Ontario, you’ll be greeted with more singing, as well as a certificate of completion.

For more info on all the summer activities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, visit UPtravel.com.

Upper Peninsula wins trio of awards

2008-04-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has always rated #1 with us as a vacation destination. Now, it’s nice to know that others are heaping on the praise, too. Disney Family.com, Coastal Living magazine and Outdoor Life magazine have all given the Upper Peninsula special recognition for its stunning natural beauty and quality of life.

Disney Family.com recently named the Upper Peninsula as one of its 50 Best Family Vacations on Disney Family Travel (www.family.com/travel). It’s an exciting new site designed for families with kids of all ages. We’re honored to be selected as one of its best destinations.

Coastal Living magazine calls the Upper Peninsula’s Stonington Peninsula one of the Top 10 Coastal Wildlife Hotspots. The Stonington Peninsula is located west of the Mackinac Bridge and extends out into Lake Michigan. Every year thousands of monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico stop at Stonington’s Peninsula Point. You can climb the 40-foot lighthouse to catch a view of their path across Lake Michigan. Of course, along with coast on Lake Michigan, the Upper Peninsula also has shoreline on Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Outdoor Life magazine ranks the Upper Peninsula city of Marquette number seven of the 20 Best Places to Live for hunters and anglers. Marquette is known for having more than 100 lakes within a half-hour of the city limits and easy access to public land for fishing and hunting. Once you’ve visited Marquette, we think you’ll find it a special place to live even if you don’t fish or hunt.

Snowmobiling Extended to April 6!

2008-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here’s great news for snowmobiliers! We have another week to ride the trails in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The deadline has been pushed back to April 6.

Halston Herrera, a Detroit Free Press Staff Writer, reports that because of an abundance of snow this season, the DNR has decided to extend grants to maintain the state-managed snowmobile trail system.

His article also quotes Steve Kubisiak, DNR recreation and trails coordinator, as saying,
“The U.P. has been blessed with late snowfall and continuing cold weather, so the trails have remained in great shape over most of the region.”

“Another reason the trails can remain open longer this spring is the result of the high-quality grooming performed by our trail sponsors. It is that level of care that goes into maintaining the trails all season long that allows us to keep them open another week.”

Every day counts. Let’s hit the trails!

Upcoming Events

2008-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

The snow cover is fantastic for any snow sport of your choice -- snowmobiling, downhill skiing, boarding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. And that's just a start! Any way you can think of to have a great time in the winter can be done here. When you aren't busy making your own fun, you can check out these coming events.

FEBRUARY
22-24: Mardi Gras De Snow, Paradise, 906/492-3219
22-24: 2nd Annual UP Pond Hockey Championship, Moran Bay, St Ignace, 800/338-6660 or www.stignace.com/-up-pond-hockey-championship-415/
23-24: Suicide Bowl Ski Jumps, Ishpeming, 906/228-7749
26-3/1: US Junior Olympics Ski Jumping & Cross Country Skiing Nordic Combined, Ishpeming, 906/228-7749

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

2008 is here, and with it -- lots of snow. Be sure to visit our website for the latest ski and snowmobile conditions.

Snow is Here!

2007-12-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

The snow is falling fast, so get those skis and snowmobiles ready. Check UPtravel.com for the current status of slopes and trails throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Our Color will Awaken your Senses

2007-09-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Many people feel that fall is the best time of the year to visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The explosion of red, orange and gold over 7 million acres of forests is truly awe-inspiring. Tingling night breezes mix with warm Indian Summer Days for ideal conditions to enjoy the outdoors.

Just visit the Fall Color Routes & Reports area of our site for trips sure to take your breath away — and for regular updates on where the color is shining brightest.

How was your visit?

2007-08-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Have taken a trip to the UP yet? If you have, please add your comment to the blog. We'd love to hear from you, and share your experience with others.

Thank you!

Summer Fun

2007-07-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of the Upper Peninsula's beautiful mild summertime by attending some of the many festivals and events scheduled throughout the season. We have everything from concerts and art fairs to foot races and war reenactments. Even a toga party! Visit our website for a complete list.

Mackinac Bridge Celebration

2007-07-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

In 2007, the Mackinac Bridge will have joined Michigan's two beautiful peninsulas for 50 years. To celebrate this milestone in Michigan's history, many exciting events will take place in the Straits area. The Mackinac Bridge 50th Celebration will take place on July 27 - 28, 2007. Visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority for event listings and more information.

Upper Peninsula Gets Top 10 World Ranking

2007-05-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been rated as one of the world’s Top 10 Summer Destinations by ShermansTravel -- a leading publisher of travel destination information.

The Upper Peninsula joins such noteworthy destinations as Capri, the Greek Islands and Scandinavia on the Top 10 list. Other American destinations are The Hamptons, New England and National Parks.

In its rating, ShermansTravel said,

“If city-living gets too hot, pack up some marshmallows, hot dogs, and camping gear and head to the refreshing Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where majestic wildlife, unspoiled rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests abound. Blessed with some 1700 miles of shoreline along three of the Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan and Huron – it should come as no surprise that fishing, canoeing, and camping are prime activities here, with moose, bears, and beavers as common companions. The region’s strong Native American and French Canadian heritage are experienced everywhere as well; enclaves with names like Sault Ste-Marie and bridges like the Mackinac hearken back to the days of the earliest settlers. You’ll probably feel like one of North America’s earliest explorers yourself as you paddle the waterways here and set up camp in the woods.”

We are very honored by this recognition and look forward to having travelers see first-hand the natural beauty and unique attractions that makes this such an exceptional choice for a summer vacation.

Take the first step toward planning your vacation by visiting www.UPtravel.com or calling us at 800-562-7134.