good public places to go see the stars for a couple hours? Maybe in the Keweenaw but not limited to. Driving up from west michigan in a few weeks!

Debating if bringing road bikes up to the UP is worth it. It looks like there are no paved or gravel trails within an hour of Pictured Rocks (only dirt/mtb). Would it only be worth it if going to Grand Island? Are people used to cyclists on the main roads?

A few years ago I volunteered at the picture rocks national lakeshore as a site host in the early spring. Beautiful and overall amazing place to spend a month. I was lucky to avoid most of the black flies.

But to make a long story short, outside my tent, placed deliberately on the edge of the tent pad I found a headless mouse. I had seen the little guy around my campsite the day before, doing well, not headless. I dug it a little grave and just kinda forgot about it for a while. But thinking back on it now, it was a super strange thing to happen out there in the middle of the woods.

I could see a domesticated cat possibly being the culprit but we were about 20 miles from the nearest town and I never once saw any trace of a cat in my month at the campsite.

Hi,

I'll be visiting the UP for the first time for two days, arriving early on August 3 and departing in probably late afternoon on August 4. I have some ideas for what I want to see and if anyone has any suggestions on what I should focus on, or add, or cut, or any advice at all, I'm all ears.

My basic travel style is what I call the sample platter approach: I'd rather see a little bit of a lot more than a lot of a little. I like to do some hiking, seeing some nature, and also some historical stuff. I am not a camper.

Two things are set: on August 4, I'm doing to Spray Cruise (2 hours) at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Later on that day, I plan to meet up with an old friend who lives in Marquette; maybe get lunch or something.

The rest? Well, on August 3, I have a tentative plan to see the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, then up over the the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum by Paradise. Time permitting, do a little hiking at Tahquamenon Falls State Park before setting down in my AirBnB.

On August 4, do the cruise, meet my friend, and then, if I'm up for it, some hiking at Pocupine Mountains Wilderness.

If anyone has any suggestions of feedback, that would be great. Any specific trails at TFSP or PMW? Or should I try hiking some other places altogether?

ive found quite a few primo campsites along a few of the lakes, but many of them dictate no cars in camping spots and no camping in parking lots. i will be car camping with a hatchback tent and have a dream of waking up lakeside. ill be there during the weekdays so hopefully ill have good luck with some more frequented spots. ideally looking for a spot on the keweenaw peninsula, anywhere near hiawatha forest, but any recs welcome!!

eta - basically every time i post here, my posts and comments are downvoted while i get lovely pleasant and informative answers. what’s the deal?

Anyone up there kindly share if we should be camping in Tahquamenon from 22-24 July

About a year ago I got a job offer in my field with relocation payout to get my family moved up here. I couldn’t convince the wife at the time, but now we want to develop a solid plan as the kids get a little older and make it happen. We have a family of 5, 3 younger kids.

I am in love with all the nature aspects and every other reason why people like the UP.

I’m curious what advice, thoughts, warnings, etc people might have about moving up here. For context I’m targeting mount boho area/houghton (yes i like winter and snow, im very aware of the volumes dumped up here, which is one reason id like to make the move).

I’m relocating from southern WI.

Cheers!

thinking about coming up for a getaway w friends but we’re very concerned about bugs lol. how bad is it this summer? is it cool to visit in the next few weeks or wait until after Labor Day?

My family and I are thinking of taking a trip in mid-October. I could search ChatGPT but figure I’d ask here for some recommendations.

We have two boys, 4 and 2. Love to be outside, easy hikes, love nature. Which town would you recommend for us? Any places we have to see? We’d likely fly into Traverse City and drive up, depending on where we decide to stay (coming from the east coast).

I’ve visited the UP several times now, driving up from Ohio. Never made it west of Whitefish Bay but this time I have a week to wander around as I please so I might make it to Marquette. I’ve read a lot about the Italian communities that formed around mining in the late 19th Century. Are there any places of historical interest worth visiting? Also, the Italians have been known to bring their food with them when they settle - any gems remaining? Thanks!

Any fish hatchery enthusiasts? I want to visit the Marquette or Thompson Fish Hatchery with my family. There is limited information online regarding which one may be more interesting, interactive, or larger than the other. I’d like to make the most out of this side quest on our trip. Thank you!

ill be camping in a few places through the UP from herbster to detroit for 4 nights in the first week of september. i will be car camping with a tent that converts my hatchback into a tent (pretty sick) - how concerned should i be about bears? i dont usually have to store my food in any particular way when im camping and want to make sure i dont accidentally set myself up to have a black bear comin for my beef jerky in the middle of the night. i plan on really only making coffee and having snacks or small meals at my campsites (not cooking full meals with lots of food/smells etc) - any precautions i should take? do i need a bear box? thanks a mill

My wife and I are flying up to Marquette this Sunday to explore the UP. Im getting a bit worried about the air quality and smoke coming from Canada because of the fires. Seeing some pictures of it and it looks pretty bad. I hope I don’t regret this trip. Should I pack some masks I have left over from Covid?

Should I go around the Hiawatha National Forest? North or south of it? What are some other interesting places or routes along the way?

Supposed to head up here to camp at pictured rocks but with the air quality alert my boyfriend is contemplating leaving.

How bad is it up there right now? We’re in Mackinac city and it’s hazy but not terrible. I want to continue this trip!

Please do not make fun of me - this is a legit question/concern.

The SUV I thought I was going to have for an upcoming trip may not be available and I may have to drive an open bed full size Chevy Silverado in its place.

I have never driven the truck over the Mackinac Bridge. I already do not like to drive over the bridge in my SUV, so having to drive a truck is causing me anxiety.

The truck is full size with a cab and a half plus an open bed. Any tips, suggestions?

I'm backpacking Isle Royale next week from the MN side, then driving to Whitefish Point to see the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum with a few waterfall stops along the way then driving across the bridge to the mitten then home to Texas.

I like to try the local delicacies along the way so I gotta have a pasty. Give me your best suggestion.

Please, nothing in the Keweenaw unless far south. Might visit the Adventure Mine, but still thinking about that one.

My daughter just turned 3 and apparently that is when we are supposed to start regular dental visits, who knew. Problem is I have zero idea where to take her up here. I want somewhere that is actually good with little kids and not just a place that tolerates them.

I posted in a Facebook group and a few people brought up smile partners usa, said their kids office visit went smoother than expected and the staff was patient with a nervous toddler. Haven't tried them myself yet but it is reassuring to hear.

If you are in the U.P. and have a go-to spot for kids dental care (bonus points if it is around Marquette, Escanaba, or Houghton), please share. I am especially curious if anyone has a place that handles dental anxiety well because my kid is not exactly chill about new places. Also curious if sealants are something you did early or waited on, feels like every dentist has a different opinion on timing. What worked for your family?

I will be road tripping through the UP next week and I am thinking about hiking the Chapel Loop. I have seen many warnings that Chapel Road is rough and I want to get a feel for how rough. I used to live in the state of Washington and have taken my prius down plenty of fire roads so I have a good idea of what my car can handle. Some warnings make it sounds more like off roading. How bad is Chapel road? Is this a case of hyperbole for the naive tourist that expect pristine conditions or would I run into serious potholes I couldn't maneuver in a prius?

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Hi everyone,

I'm doing some research on transportation in the Upper Peninsula and I'm curious what local residents think.

If there were a modern passenger rail system connecting major U.P. communities (for example: Ironwood, Houghton, Marquette, Escanaba, Munising, Sault Ste. Marie, and connections into Wisconsin), would you use it?

A few questions:

Would you ride it for work, school, medical appointments, or recreation?

How often would you realistically use it?

What destinations would be most important?

What would make you choose rail over driving?

What concerns would you have (cost, routes, reliability, weather, etc.)?

I'm not advocating for or against anything at this point. Just trying to understand whether people think passenger rail would be useful in the U.P. today.

I'd especially like to hear from people who live in smaller towns and rural areas.

Thanks for your thoughts.