I was born and raised in Lower Michigan. I knew the U.P. existed, but I’d never had a desire to go there. We moved away and lived in a couple different areas of the country before my husband got a job here in the Upper Peninsula. I tell people, “If I would’ve realized exactly what was here, I would never have left Michigan.”
- No matter where you go the view is amazing.
- Do you like water? We have plenty. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, rivers, inland lakes and streams.
- Maybe you prefer the woods. We have plenty of those as well.
- Cedar River is here. Okay, it’s not exactly where my book says it is, but there is a Cedar River, MI. I just conveniently moved it north to the shores of Lake Superior. The actual Cedar River is along Lake Michigan’s shores. But if you stop in, maybe you will catch a glimpse of the Golden boys or some of their friends.
- Outdoor activities for everyone! Hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, hunting, shopping, rock collecting…well, you get the picture.
- Have you ever met a real-life Yooper? These are the people who live North of Big Mac (the Mackinac Bridge). They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
- It’s like a different world here. It’s a slower way of life. No one is (generally) in a hurry to get anywhere. I think more people should experience this change of pace every now and again.
- Oh goodness…the pasties! These are huge scoops of meat and veggies wrapped in a golden flaky crust! They are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
- The Soo Locks in Sault St. Marie. If you have never seen the way the locks work, I would highly recommend it. It is an incredible sight.
- The Great Lake Shipwreck Museum- Whether you realize it or not, there have been a few shipwrecks in Lake Superior. This museum is located at Whitefish Point and remembers the sailors who died on these ships.
- The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising- One of the more awe-inspiring sites.
- The Ghost Light in Paulding. It’s enough of a mystery that Syfy’s Fact or Faked came up to check it out. They never did find an explanation for it.
- We have 4 seasons here- Winter, pre-winter, post-winter and mosquito/black fly *grin* (I wish were joking on that last one.)
You can find more Upper Peninsula fun on Gemma K. Murray's website or Facebook Fan Page.
Love the UP! As a Troll (living in the Lower mitten under the bridge 😉 I've only been there a couple of times and it is gorgeous, rugged and serene at the same time. and yes, lots of blood-thirsty things a-wing in the summer. Enjoyed it enough to set two books there.
I can’t imagine living anywhere else, Nancy. I LOVE that you know what a Troll is. My niece was highly offended when a shop owner called her a “Troll”. We had to explain to her that a troll is simply someone who lives under Big Mac. Now, I get e-mails from her signed, “The Troll”. LOL I hadn’t ever visited when I began Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart. I moved here in the middle of writing it. Now, I’ve got 4 more (plus) that I’m working on… all set here in Yooper country:)
I, too, was born and raised in the Lower but I visit the UP often. Next schedualed visit April26-27.
Doesn’t Jimmy live up this way? Sorry, Jim:) I hope you have a fantastic visit. My love to all!
I, too, am a Michigander from the lower peninsula-near Flint originally but living in Central Michigan now. When I was a kid we would take weekend trips to the UP. Every now and again we would haul our travel trailer around and camp for 3 weeks at a time,visiting Copper Harbor, Iron Mountain, and every freaking lighthouse and waterfall imaginable. 🙂
Saph